Listen to this articleCelebrating its 20th year, Damn These Heels Queer Film Festival begins tonight at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W Broadway, Salt Lake City.
Organizers explained “How to Fest”:
WHERE AND WHEN
The 2023 Damn These Heels Film Festival will take place from October 12–15 at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center in Salt Lake City (138 W Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101).
Online screenings will be available to watch virtually from October 15–22.
TICKETS AND PASSES
Tickets and passes can be purchased in advance at the Festival website or in person at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center during the Festival.
Please note that we ask all pass holders and reserved ticket holders to arrive 15 minutes before the advertised start time to ensure admittance and allow the Festival to sell waitlist tickets. In-person films are on a first-come, first-served basis.
To purchase tickets or passes, use your computer, tablet or mobile device to visit the Festival website and select the film or event you are interested in attending. You’ll be taken to our ticketing platform (Eventive) where you can purchase tickets.
Tickets for films and events are on a sliding scale; please choose what to pay based on your financial circumstances. If you can afford more, it helps support the Festival and our ability to offer free or inexpensive tickets for those who otherwise could not afford to attend. Your financial support also helps us support queer filmmakers by providing a platform for their work.
Learn more about our Pay-What-You-Can-Afford model and see suggested pricing.
HOW PASSHOLDERS GET TICKETS ⭐
For In-Person Films at the Festival
At the festival, pass holders can pick up their physical pass during the Festival before any screening. Pass holders can get access to films by coming to the theatre and getting their pass scanned for admittance. However, we encourage pass holders to reserve tickets online. Simply click on the film you would like to watch and it will offer you a free ticket. Please make sure you are signed in with the email that you bought your pass with!
For Online Films Streaming October 15-22
Your pass includes access to watch all online film screenings. On the Festival website, click on the film you would like to watch and it will offer you a free ticket. Please make sure you are signed in with the email that you bought your pass with.
ONLINE SCREENINGS ⭐
To watch films online from October 15-22, go to the Festival website and click on the film you would like to watch. You can pre-order online films before the Festival begins or purchase during the Festival’s run dates. If you order before the Festival begins, you will receive an email when the film or event becomes available.
Viewing On Your Computer Or Mobile Device
You can watch content on PCs running Windows 7+, and Intel or Apple Silicon based Macs running macOS 10.12+. You can also watch films on Android tablets and phones using Chrome, and on iPhones and iPads using Safari.
Viewing On Your TV
If you have an Apple TV, Chromecast (3rd gen or later), or a smart TV enabled with AirPlay or Chromecast, set your computer, mobile device or browser to “AirPlay” or “cast” to the TV device. Unlock the program on Eventive Virtual, then set your player window to full-screen using the icon at the lower right. Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku users can also download the Eventive TV app.
OPENING NIGHT IS TONIGHT
Join us at 7pm at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center to kick off the festival. Opening Night Film, A Run For More, follows Frankie Gonzales-Wolfe’s unique journey to win an election as an openly elected transgender official. Featuring a post-film Q&A.
Join us for the Twentieth Anniversary Opening Night Party hosted at Pierpoint Place. Come celebrate two decades of queer icons leading the way in pop culture, fashion, and the arts!
CATCH MISS COCO TOMORROW
With 33 years in the business as a working drag queen, Coco Peru offers an evening of inspired storytelling and song followed by a moderated discussion with audience engagement tomorrow at 7pm.
Featuring an in-person Q&A between Festival Programming Director Jade Velasquez, and Miss Coco Peru after the performance. Local Queen, Sequoia, is the opening act.
HAPPENING SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Workshops
Calling all queer content creators and future filmmakers! Damn These Heels workshops give folx the tools to tell great stories and up their filmmaking game.
Defending Drag
Drag is under attack. This discussion aims to provide empowering, informational, and inspiring ideas to help you safely and successfully host an event. Free tickets at damntheseheels.org/event/defending-drag-discussion/
Queering the Filmmaking Process
Local queer filmmakers Jack Hessler, Marissa Lila, and Amanda Madden speak about the importance of not just telling queer stories but queering the filmmaking process itself. Free tickets at damntheseheels.org/event/queering-the-filmmaking-process/
Banned Book Reading and Book Swap
Join Under the Umbrella Bookstore and Damn These Heels for a Banned Books Reading & Book Swap. RSVP For Free
Utah Black Artist Collective Showcase
Utah Black Artist Collective is hosting a free event at this year’s Festival to highlight rising voices in the Black and Queer community. Join us for live poetry and musical performances. Free tickets at damntheseheels.org/event/utah-black-artist-collective-showcase/
CLUBHOUSE
Damn These Heels is hosting FREE Festival Clubhouse events for public engagement this year! Join us for spoken word performances, book swaps, and local organizations offering services in our community. See The Schedule
