Bristol Pride 2024

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Bath Spa University sponsors Bristol Pride Queer Vision Film Festival 2024

Bath Spa University has partnered with Bristol Pride to sponsor the Queer Vision Film Festival from 28 June - 12 July, for the second year running. 

Now in its 12th year, Queer Vision Film Festival presented by Bristol Pride delivers a diverse programme of UK and international LGBTQIA+ films, including independently-produced features, animations and award-winning shorts. Queer Vision aims to increase the visibility and accessibility of Queer media, creating a safe space to explore themes, and discuss representations, while embracing the power of film for social change. 

Daryn Carter MBE, Director of Programming and Partnerships at Bristol Pride, said: 

"We are so excited to launch our 2024 Queer Vision Film Festival screenings, which this year will see an incredible 14 films and events take place as part of the Bristol Pride Festival. There will be joy and heartbreak, conversations started and empowerment as we aim to increase the visibility for our community and accessibility of LGBTQIA+ cinema." 

He continued: 

“With the support from Bath Spa University we are able to promote emerging and early career LGBTQIA+ film makers in the South West, as well as develop and expand our own film offer, from collaboration like our Welcome to Neverland short film programme in partnership with Queer East, representing East and Southeast Asia and its diaspora communities, to our very special 30th Anniversary screening of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at the former IMAX, which I cannot wait for." 

Staff and students working on the project will be able to hone their skills while providing hands-on support. The sponsorship will also provide BSU students a chance to gain first-hand experience of running question and answer sessions with producers and directors at film screenings; having live client briefs to use as part of their course; networking opportunities with industry professionals; and screenings and guest lectures across campuses.  

Rebecca Feasey, Subject Leader in Media at Bath Spa University said: 

“At BSU, we are committed to ensuring not just diversity but an authentic demonstration of inclusion in our learning, teaching, research and industry opportunities for our students and as such we are delighted to be partnering once again with Queer Vision. It is ambitious, inspiring and persuasive filmmaking at its very best." 

Bath Spa University was named The Sunday Times University of the Year for Social Inclusion 2024. The Bristol Pride partnership aims to create opportunities that further foster a sense of belonging and allyship to the LGBTQIA+ community at BSU, and beyond. 

Luanne Thornton, Co-Chair of BSU’s LGBTQIA+ Network, said:  

"I am proud that Bath Spa University will once again be partnering with Bristol Pride's Queer Vision.  Sponsoring this event underscores our commitment to inclusivity and LGBTQIA+ representation and shows that we are continually looking to support LGBTQIA+ platforms. As a University our LGBTQIA+ staff network has recently expanded to place people and communities at the heart of everything we do, and we will continue to support platforms that share LGBTQIA+ events." 

BSU Equalities Project Officer, Ayesha Chawdhry-Manek, said: 

“I am so proud that we are a sponsor for Pride. As a university and a community, it’s very important that we promote and celebrate the visibility of our LGBTQIA+ students and staff on campus and beyond. I’m very privileged and humbled to be able to participate in my first ever Pride - the significance of it is not lost on me.” 

Meg Robertson, Co-Chair of the BSU LGBTQIA+ Network, added: 

“Pride encompasses and celebrates so many elements: identity, love, expression, and community. As Co-Chair of Bath Spa+, I am so proud that Bath Spa University is sponsoring Queer Vision and Bristol Pride. BSU is a community that prides itself on inclusivity as well as creativity, and Bristol Pride is the perfect place to celebrate this.” 

Bath Spa University will also be joining in Bristol’s annual Pride Parade March on 13 July, and staff, students and alumni are all invited to take part. Those wishing to express their interest can fill in this form.