The Verzió Documentary Film Festival is launching its inaugural #LGBTQ+ competition section under the theme «We Are Here.» Featured films delve into intimate narratives, from Poland’s queer performers to Cameroon’s LGBTQ+ community facing #homophobia. The festival, set to take place in Budapest, also includes special events like a voguing and ballroom-inspired party.

Among the standout films, I’m Not Everything I Want to Be by Klára Tasovská uses only the photo archive of Libuše Jarcovjáková, a Czech photographer who documented Prague’s underground communities during the ’70s and ’80s. Other notable titles include Queendom, which follows Gena, a Russian queer artist using performance to challenge state oppression, and Such Feeling, an intimate portrayal of Polish queer artists celebrating their identities amid government opposition. Grand Prize dives into Croatia’s Zagreb ballroom culture, offering a rare glimpse into this vibrant, underground community.

Beyond the LGBTQ+ program, Verzió’s Vektor VR section presents a curated selection of VR films. This year’s thematic focus, «Misunderstood Bodies,» explores the impact of digital environments on human perception and body awareness. These immersive works engage viewers in rethinking social taboos and reframing concepts of normality, creating a space for empathetic understanding.

The festival amplifies its message through social media campaigns and collaborations with LGBTQ+ advocates, including figures like Kristóf Steiner and Kata Oltai. Detailed programming and tickets are available on the festival’s website.