The 28th annual Toronto Jewish Film Festival begins October 22, 2020, and like most other festivals, it’s going virtual this year. The Festival will stream a curated program of 50+ films showcasing the best in Jewish-content film from Canada and around the world.  

theBUZZ recommends the following three films, each depicting LGBT representation.

Sublet, dir. Eytan Fox, Israel/United States *Opening Night Film

When a middle-aged writer travels to Tel Aviv and sublets an apartment from a 20-something gay film student he finds new life in the unexpected connection and the energy of the city. Stars Tony Award-winning actor, John Benjamin Hickey.

Army of Lovers in the Holy Land, dir. Asaf Galay, Israel *Centrepiece Film

For everyone who loved pop music in the 90s! Thirty years after their debut and rise to popularity in the 90s, Army of Lovers’ flamboyant front man Jean-Pierre Barda feels the pull of his Jewish heritage and uproots his life to live in Israel.

Minyan, dir. Eric Steel, United States

Based on Canadian author David Bezmozgis’ short story, a coming-of-age tale set in 1980s Brooklyn, about 17-year-old David who struggles with religious tradition, familial expectations, and his own sexual identity.

Also of note is the the Closing Night film will be Shared Legacies: The African-American Jewish Civil Rights Alliance, a timely documentary that revisits the crucial lessons of Black-Jewish cooperation that serves as an urgent call for renewed solidarity in times of rising intolerance. 

Click here for a full listing of all films streaming.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.