Transition showcases the diversity of minorities within the LGBTIQ spectrum. Every November in Vienna, Austria, we use film as a way to confront, break stereotypes and engage our audience using discussions, workshops and lectures. We aim to increase visibility and initiate dialogue on migration, women*, people of colour, refugees, dis/ability, trans*, religion and more. Being minorities within a minority – our struggles, stories and histories are often erased or are portrayed simplistically in one-dimensional narratives laden with stereotypes.
Unable to find ourselves in mainstream queer cinema, Transition was born in 2012 to provide a positive space for story telling and use film as a tool to inform, educate and entertain. Previously known as the “Internationale Queere Migrantische Filmtage” (International Queer Migrant Film Days), what began as a three-day event has evolved into a nine-days festival with industry guests, filmmakers and critics, making it an integral part of the Austrian film scene. With a program consisting of classic and contemporary films including shorts, documentaries and feature-length films; old faces and industry newcomers; local and international guests come together to celebrate the diverse nature of being Queer.
In addition to the festival, we organise the “Transition Queer Film Nights” and hold regular film events in Graz, Innsbruck, Linz & Salzburg. We are also in the process of establishing Macedonia’s first Queer Film Festival, which will be held in April 2017.
Organisation & Community Outreach
Every year, a team consisting of film experts, media professionals and activists as well as many student volunteers contribute to the success of the festival.
An integral philosophy of the festival is ensuring that we effectively co-operate and work together with the community. Every year, we curate our events in tandem with numerous local and international NGOs, cultural institutions, as well as diplomatic missions and universities. This has led Transition to become an engaged community event, one that is not simply about showcasing films, but also about reaching out to people.
Transition is organised by Cinema Arts in cooperation with MiGaY - Austria’s first platform for Queer immigrants.
