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.

From Hollywood's world-famous Magic Castle to the casinos of Las Vegas and even into Alcatraz, join Paul and Lee as they discover the magic and magicians of America's West coast. Along the way, you'll learn magic from some of the biggest names in the business: Alain Nu vanishes a silk without the use of prosthetics The Buck Twins tip two of their signature routines Alan Ackerman fries another victim Earl Nelson teaches a classic production from "Variations" David Regal makes a baffling prediction Dean Dill matrixes with anything you like Ashford Kneitel finds four ladies with his "card compass" Steve Beam spirals and slices and Nathan Kranzo makes coins vanish and appear without getting burned! PLUS six excellent effects from Paul Wilson and Lee Asher A selection rises out of any deck-then finds its three mates! A deck of cards ribbon spreads in mid-air!
Highlighting the many ways in which AFF 2023 illustrated that the queer experience is not a monolithic one.
A gentle coming of age story, Water Lilies takes its time in exploring what it’s like to be a young girl trying to make sense of her sexuality in a heteronormative world.
Here's what Disney got wrong with "Aladdin" and how it can avoid those pitfalls with "Hercules."
Eventually, “Hobbs and Shaw” introduces us to a Samoan community. Clearly, Johnson’s Samoan roots are on display. Quite frankly, I found this section of the film very intriguing. The “Fast and Furious” franchise has a solid track record in the diversity department
The 'Shaft' remake fails to capture Blaxpoitation's rebellious spirit.
Having Sersi be the central force in Eternals is unprecedented in its viewpoint and focus, from demonstrating a gentle type of leadership, to being overlooked in a group setting but succeeding in the goal at hand anyways, to having romantic options, to strength and integrity, and majority screen time - for a group that's given less screentime than aliens.