Asian Queer Festival

Meeting someone who instils confidence in my subjectivity and identity feels like magic. This person becomes both an idol of admiration and a trusted family member who energetically encourages me to affirm myself. It’s more than just a family; in these relationships, we help shape each other. We are there for one another and become a response to each other’s grateful presence.

Tank Fairy
Director: Erich Rettstadt
10 minutes

The program A World Unfolded by You kicks off with the powerful energy of Tank Fairy. This short film follows the story of 10-year-old Jojo, who dances voguing and dreams of drag. It showcases the spectacular performance of the Tank Fairy, a character who magically appears in Jojo’s eyes. Director Erich Rettstadt, who moved to Taiwan, celebrates everyday life in Taiwan while simultaneously challenging outdated gender concepts through the character of Tank fairy. It’s a work that passionately expresses the art of drag in a dynamic and brilliant manner. At the beginning of his director’s notes, Erich writes:

“To the initiated, drag is an act of defiance against confining social structures and an opportunity to actualize a higher self. TANK FAIRY celebrates the power of fearless existence and unvarnished self-expression.”

Everything Belongs to You
Director: Hien Nguyen, Mani Pham Bui
13 minutes

The short film Alles gehört zu dir (Everthing belongs to you) was created with the intention of enhancing the visibility of German-Vietnamese life stories, thereby inspiring young individuals of German-Vietnamese migrant backgrounds to share their own narratives as part of a project by called “ Dreh’s Um – Vietnamese Perspectives.“ It is a profoundly impactful work, where the protagonist, Yen Nguyen, opens her heart to share her inner story of her family and herself. We cannot help but empathize with her and it brings us closer together, holding hands tightly.

Lotus Sports Club
Director: Vanna Hem, Tommaso Colognese
60 minutes

Lotus Sports Club is a documentary film that was shot over a span of five years. It tells the story of Leak and Amas, two teenage trans men who have been part of Kampong Chhnang’s under-21 women’s soccer team since 2015. Pa Vann, who is both their coach and a godfather for LGBTQ+ players, welcomed them as members of Family. During their soccer journey, they experience self-actualization and express absolute gratitude for Pa Vann who offers them a secure zone. After spending several years playing soccer across the country, Leak and Amas are faced with a heart-wrenching decision. Due to their age and the financial pressures on their biological family, they make the difficult decision to relocate to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. We will be moved and inspired by their stories for a long time, witnessing their growth, struggles, and the meaningful relationships they have built along the way.