Sometimes it’s okay when the lines are a little blurred, and that’s what the 17th annual Fairy Tales Film Festival is focusing on this year; integration. This year is a year of firsts, which will lead people wanting seconds and thirds, according to Fairy Tales Executive Director James Demers.

"This year we are bringing films out onto the street, bringing drag queens into brunch, and bringing dance into the movie theatre," he says. "The integration of our films with the issues, challenges and triumphs felt by our community makes us a strong place to connect, enjoy a good party and watch some great films. Fairy Tales strives to present movies for everyone across the full LGBTAI spectrum, addressing all aspects of our community wherever possible."

This year’s special theme is summed up by two delightful words: Movie Moments.

"The Queer community has often been defined by imperfect but impactful media representations. A queer film festival creates a place where the community can come together and experience stories for us, about our existence, in a supportive environment," Demers explains. "Those moments where, in a dark theatre, you identify with a character. A situation or a circumstance that speaks to your identity is rare and special. That feeling that connects you to that piece of work and the character is powerful, and it’s a feeling that Fairy Tales has been proudly striving to present for 17 years."

Of course it’s not an easy thing to have a successful festival grow from a one-day event in 1999 to what is now a week-long festival boasting five galas and over 30 films, but it’s been a successful transition that has become more of a cultural experience than a single event, says Demers.

"Fairy Tales has expanded its events during the festival to create a community-centered experience, which takes audiences beyond the films, creates space for conversation and for participation," he says, adding that there will also be opportunity for audience feedback.

And there’s the community partnerships and initiatives, including the Youth Queer Media Program and the year-round OutReels Diversity Education Program, which have become an integral part of the festival.

The Youth Queer Media Program is a film creation and production program which support between four to six youth filmmakers each year to make their first film. The OutReels Diversity Education program brings issue-based films to the community based on requests for the content, and then facilitates discussions around that content.

"Both programs are free and accessible and unique in content across Alberta."

These types of programs can continue to flourish, much to the ongoing support of sponsors, who are also a key component to the festival’s success.

"Our sponsors, especially the Kensington BRZ (and all its associated businesses), RBC and our government funders, have been wonderful to work with and created opportunities for us to expand our programs and events," Demers says.

Back to the integration of it all, this year Fairy Tales is taking film to the streets of Kensington, presenting queer classics and heartbreaking documentaries for everyone.

The exciting Opening Gala on May 22nd features two sexy films and the first-ever special event out door screening at 11 p.m at the Oak tree Tavern.

"There is so much to do this year that I recommend people check out the new website in advance and plan their week, because there’s definitely a lot of things to see and do," Demers says, adding there are still volunteer opportunities available too.