A Queer Review of the Austin Film Festival (2023)
Highlighting the many ways in which AFF 2023 illustrated that the queer experience is not a monolithic one.

Falco in 1993 on the Danube Island in Vienna in front of 100,000 fans—an impressive concert has found its way onto DVD. Viewers can quickly understand why the "Falcon" became Austria's number one pop legend. With minimal effort and subtle theatrical gestures, he captivates the audience -- not only with his hits "Der Kommissar," "Jeanny," "Vienna Calling," and "Sound of Music." The atmosphere is perfect — despite, or perhaps because of, the thunderstorm that rolled in during the famous concert. The fact that lightning struck right next to the stage during "Nachtflug" and temporarily knocked out the sound system is, so to speak, a sign of the energetic atmosphere of that evening.
Highlighting the many ways in which AFF 2023 illustrated that the queer experience is not a monolithic one.
Another story focuses on the bond between a young man and a shelter dog in this Netflix drama film.
I understand that this would have been consistent with the language used by that generation, due to its role in the medical profession, however as someone who has family members with Down Syndrome I took it very personally.
The more biting satire is reserved for those on top of the power structure, such as the police, while those occupying lower levels are given more nuance and likability, even if they operate on the wrong side of the law. This principle gives Deep Cover its heart.
Deborah (Jean Smart) and Ava (Hannah Einbinder) are a delight to watch evolve, sometimes devolve, then evolve again.
Anna May Wong was a talented actress and a fashion icon and still had to fight for everything she had due to hatred and racism.