2019 Hot Docs presents Take Me to Prom

The short-lived, endearing documentary Take Me to Prom (2019) displays intimate interviews with individuals who identify as part of the LGBT community and their experiences with the often romanticized, heteronormative, and western celebration of adulthood that many of you may know as Prom. The Canadian take on this coming of age transition even goes as far as to exemplify a historical moment that was monumental for LGBT rights and what it has become today in Canada.

Andrew Moir does an exceptional job of enticing a creative and nostalgic feeling for viewers with short clips of home videos and pictures, providing a captivating connection towards every individual and their experience. Although interviews ages range from 88 to 17, the 70-year generational gap does not dismiss the common struggles and pressures faced within the LGBT community by society and their own internal battles with self-acceptance.

What is known as a celebratory and eventful night for most is not as pleasant for these queer individuals who were constrained by societal and hegemonic standards. Without fail, this documentary provides a better understanding of what it means to identify as a queer individual; these personal interviews portray the contrasting experiences along the spectrum of queer identity and how it varies from person to person.

Although these stories invite viewers in for an experience of difficulty, there is a hopeful future for acceptance of the LGBT community as individuals in the current age range tell more pleasant and positive experiences. Short and sweet, this Canadian documentary resonates with the multitude of realities that are faced every day, and how we are working together to accept a community for who they are, rather than who they love.

Take Me to Prom will be playing at TIFF Bell Lightbox:
TIFF Bell Lightbox 3 on May 1 @ 7:00 p.m.
TIFF Bell Lightbox 3 on May 4 @ 10:00 a.m.

Tickets for Hot Docs can be purchased here!

[Review by Rina Moon]