Fresh with new perspective and buoyant humanity, Sweetheart marks the feature writing and directing debut of Marley Morrison. In the tradition of such queer teen classics as Edge of Seventeen and Beautiful Thing, the film delivers a heartwarming queer coming-of-age story for a whole new generation.

Aspiring actor Russell, aka drag persona Fishy Falters, is a fish out of water. After a disastrous non-debut at a Toronto drag club, Russell leaves his boyfriend and takes shelter with his grandmother Margaret in the Canadian wine country. Margaret, played by the inimitable Academy Award winner Cloris Leachman in one of her final starring roles, is a woman coming to terms with her mortality while determined to hang on to her independence.

A Two-Spirit teenager, Sherente has the love and unconditional support of family, yet when s/he begins dancing in the Fancy Shawl “girls” category at Powwows, the broader tribal community responds with quiet, insidious exclusion. Acutely aware of the tribal community’s lack of support, s/he nonetheless draws strength from the preservation and continuation of the language and traditions of the Narragansett tribe.

In one of the queer standouts at this year's Berlin International Film Festival, a veteran sex worker Sascha (Katharina Behrens) embarks on a passionate affair with the new girl at her brothel, Maria (Adam Hoya). Anchored by two riveting central performances, Henrika Kull's sensual sophomore feature explores the women's hard-edged world and finds a fresh and surprising intimacy.