Series

Q+

Q+ explores the past, present, and future of queer film. Thinking and screening across genres, styles, time periods, aesthetics, and forms, the films in Q+ represent the long and evolving history of queerness and film. From underground films to cult classics, from indies to blockbusters, Q+ leaves no cinematic stone unturned.

Fall 2025 | Gay for Pay

Queer film has long been subject to an enduring debate: must queer stories be told by queer creatives? From writers to directors to actors, creatives who dare to tell queer stories have had their personal, private lives scrutinized in the hopes of “proving” they can tell queer stories. This semester’s Q+ theme embraces this tension both in name—“gay for pay” is industry shorthand for seemingly non-queer creatives who embody queer stories and actions on screen—and in curation to challenge our audiences to consider the thorny questions of on-screen representation, creative vision, industry equity, and the cinematic impact of queerness in film. 

Screenings include:

Sept. 11, 7pm: The Birdcage | Robin Williams and Nathan Lane shine in Mike Nichols’ witty, warm, and modern twist on a classical farce.

Sept. 18, 7pm: Velvet Goldmine | Inspired by David Bowie and Iggy Pop, Todd Haynes’ dreamscape of glitter, decadence, and glam rock explodes off the screen in glorious 35mm.

Sept. 25, 7pm: Y tu mamá también | Oscar-nominated? Yup. Global smash hit? Check. One of the 21st century's best films? You know it. Some of Mexico's best film talent in Alfonso Cuarón, Gael Garcia Bernal, Emmanuel "Chivo" Lubezki, Maribel Verdú, and Diego Luna? Undoubtedly. Making its IU Cinema debut? Finally!