Brayden Shayne Queer Film Night brought Milwaukee audiences together for a vibrant evening of contemporary queer cinema at the Jazz Gallery Center of the Arts on February 27, 2025. The program opened with a public viewing of "Lavender & Green Carnation", an exhibition exploring the history and resilience of queer symbols in times of political and social unrest, setting a thoughtful tone for the night’s screenings.

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The film program featured a bold, international selection of short works from the United States, Spain, France, and Australia. Spanning genres and styles—from experimental animation and drag noir to coming-of-age romance and deeply personal stories of survival and self-discovery—the lineup reflected the diversity and complexity of contemporary queer life. Highlights included a high-energy drag detective story, tender explorations of love and second chances, and visually rich films using dance, music, and memory as storytelling tools.

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Curated by the Brayden Shayne Collective, the event emphasized films that speak to the current moment in queer culture and expand how LGBTQ+ stories are told. The screening created an intimate, welcoming environment where viewers could engage with challenging, playful, and emotionally resonant work.

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More than a film night, the event functioned as a gathering space for Milwaukee’s LGBTQ+ community and allies—a place to connect, reflect, and celebrate queer creativity. By bringing international queer cinema to a local audience, Brayden Shayne Queer Film Night contributed to a growing cultural dialogue and affirmed the importance of shared queer storytelling on screen.

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Project Team: 
Seth Ter Haar, Nik Klessig, Jorge Ariel Escobar, Ric Kasini Kadour, Robbie Morgan

 

About Brayden Shayne

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Urban Milwaukee