‘Just Be Gemma’ among N.L. films at Atlantic film festival

The story of LGBTQ advocate Gemma Hickey is coming to the big screen at the Atlantic International Film Festival in Halifax.

Produced by Nine Island Communications, “Just Be Gemma” documents two years of Hickey’s gender transformation.

“This documentary focuses on Gemma’s personal story,” Peter Walsh, writer director, and producer of the documentary said in a release.

“Gemma is very open about their life. We were able to capture a story of their courage and sensitivity. In the end, we hope people who watch the film have a better understanding of gender transformation and maybe even more compassion for what people go through as they become their true self.”

The showing will take place on Monday, Sept. 21 at the Cineplex Park Lane at 4:30 p.m.

The FIN Atlantic International Film Festival will open on Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Rebecca Cohn Theatre in Halifax.

Deanne Foley’s “An Audience of Chairs” will also get a showing, along with “Hopeless Romantic,” a collaboration between several female directors, including Foley, Ruth Lawrence, and Latonia Hartery.

Other films with Newfoundland and Labrador connections to be shown include Steve Cochrane’s “Some Saturdays” and Tama Segura’s “C Sharp and D Suspended.”

Tickets are available at finfestival.ca.

FILE PHOTO Gemma Hickey (centre) smiles following the private premiere last fall at The Room’s in St. John’s of “Just Be Gemma,” a documentary produced by Peter (left) and Ronalda Walsh of Nine Island Productions that chronicles Hickey’s transition from female to non-binary.