THE FLOATING MAN

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Q&A with Director, Writer and Subject Michael V. Smith to follow screening.

* Director’s Choice Award, Cinema Diverse Film Festival 2023 *

In this intimate self-portrait, Michael V. Smith’s The Floating Man sources his art practice to examine a lifetime of untrue stories about his body. Beginning with interviews in his hometown, and moving forward through mentors (such as queer filmmaker John Greyson) and then students of his own, Smith explores the kaleidoscope of a body’s relationship with gender.

Running parallel in a second through-line is footage from a disastrous art project Smith attempted in 2005: dressed as Peanut the Dancing Clown, Smith hitch-hiked from Vancouver to the Sunshine Coast over the Canada Day long weekend, in search of celebrated artist Joni Mitchell.

Bringing together Smith’s photography, performance, and film practice, The Floating Man unpacks Smith’s gender journey, with his signature vision of iconic imagery.

FILM KINDLY SPONSORED BY CHRISTOPHER HEALY. SUPPORTING SPONSORS TONY CORAY,  JEFFREY BALE AND ED WOLF.

Content warning: discussion of transphobic violence