Enjoy the full film program with access to all Screenings.

In partnership with Ottawa Dance Directive. People Dancing Together is an open-level movement session for artists, performers and any and all people who want to dance together. Led by Mary Catherine Jack and Jocelyn Todd, the session will include guided movement research and structured improvisation, interspersed with time for free writing. Inspiration and direction will be offered in the form of prompts, discussion and live music. Featuring music by Yolande Laroche. No previous dance experience is required.

Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 11 am - 12:30 pm | Arts Court – ODD Box

More info including artist bios: https://www.chromaqueer.ca/pdt

Whether you write poetry all the time or haven’t touched it for many years – if you want to explore and create poetry in a safe and productive space, you will find this workshop led by Ottawa author and poet, Ben Ladouceur, invaluable. Ben will guide participants through writing prompts inspired by some of the best contemporary queer and ally poets.

As a special ChromaQueer bonus, Ben will feature some of his favourite short films by Scottish-Canadian experimental filmmaker and pioneering animation gay icon Norman McLaren.

Expect to walk away with three or four new poems in your notebook, to continue working on at your own pace.

More information + Artist Bio: https://www.chromaqueer.ca/blinkity

Meat Joy: America's Entertainment Nightmare - Screening Saturday, Nov 7, 3 pm at Arts Court Theatre

The untold history of the 80's punk band, Meat Joy, set in the context of the post-punk scene of Austin, Texas. Narrated by the band themselves, we get access to never before seen footage, photos, flyers, original artwork, and songs that show how the group paved the way for Austin's music scene alongside contemporaries such as the Dicks, Butthole Surfers and Scratch Acid. The band reminisces on their formation, recording sessions, tour, unique performance approach, breakup, and reunion forty years later. Featuring Gretchen Phillips. Director: Lauren Yap, 2026 | 45 mins | Documentary, English

More info + Artist bio: https://www.chromaqueer.ca/meatjoy

In the Closet - Presented in partnership with the NFB, Screening Sunday, November 8, 2026 | 1:00 PM at Arts Court Theatre | 85 minutes

Figuring out who you are is messy—especially when the world is telling you you’re “not non-binary enough.” In this equally hilarious and heartwarming docu-series, comedian and host Ajahnis Charley raids their enby besties’ closets looking to affirm both their identity and their hotness.

Ajahnis is joined by iconic comedian Bren D’Souza and enables their use of psychedelics—psychedelic prints, that is. Actor Amanda Cordner challenges Ajahnis to a dance-off, and improviser to the stars D.J. Mausner breaks down their upscale-playful-masculine-sleazy style. Creator Meg MacKay brings dress-up back, and Drag Queen extraordinaire Chelazon Leroux explores the deeper meaning behind their iconic red dress.

Clothing will be swapped, laughs will be had and tears will be shed. That’s tears, not tears—no clothing was harmed in the making of this show!

Directed by Ajahnis Charley 2026 | 6 x 11 min Documentary series, English.

More info + Artist bios: https://www.chromaqueer.ca/inthecloset

Jim Queen Screening - Presented by MAX Ottawa

Sunday, November 8, 2026 | 3:00 PM Arts Court Theatre | 85 minutes

Directors: Marco Nguyen, Nicolas Athané - France | 2026 | French with English subtitles

Jim is a sexy gay icon on the Parisian scene whose world crumbles when he contracts Heterosis, a virus that transforms gay men into heterosexuals. Everyone stops following him except Lucien, a closeted twink. Together, they must travel to every corner of Paris in search of a mysterious cure that can heal Jim, but above all, prevent the extinction of homosexuality.

More info + Artist Bios: https://www.chromaqueer.ca/jimqueen

FILTH! A Camp Celebration of John Waters Presented by Edith Puthie x ChromaQueer

Hosted and produced by Edith Puthie with Mx.Tique, Mizrabelle, Portia Zumzum, Caligula, and Austin Paradise Sunday, November 8, 2026 | 8:30-10:30 PM at FONO 613 | 473 Bronson Ave

FILTH! A Camp Celebration of John Waters brings Edith Puthie’s drag-and-film series outside of its usual home for a special ChromaQueer edition celebrating the wonderfully strange, campy and transgressive world of John Waters.

For decades, John Waters has been an influential figure in queer and underground cinema, building a body of work that embraces camp, comedy, horror, shock, music, rebellion and characters who proudly exist outside social expectations.

His films have challenged ideas of respectability, beauty, gender, sexuality and good taste, making his work a natural fit for a night celebrating queer performance and alternative art. Come celebrate John Waters and local Ottawa drag.

More info + Artist Bios: https://www.chromaqueer.ca/filth