Summer Qamp

Buried within the woods of Alberta, Canada sits camp fYrefly, a haven for LGBTQIA2S+ teens, far away from the fierce political battle currently being waged against queer expression and gender identity. Summer Qamp invites audiences into the innocence and joy of a summer away with friends, while never losing sight of the bravery of these young protagonists whose very existence is challenged in their normal lives.

This warm and effervescent film by Jen Markowitz lets the kids do the talking. They invite a chorus of young people, mostly trans and non-binary youths, to reflect upon a week in the company of fellow queer people. For audiences a few years older than the teens at Camp fYrefly, Summer Qamp may prove emotional when only recently “gay camp” meant a place where one could be anything but one’s true self. The film offers a window into the positive mindset that empowers the next generation […] With an upbeat tone and a warm eye as cinematographer Lulu Wei harnesses the summer light, Summer Qamp is a positive portrait of queer youth experiences at a time when the rights of LGBTQ+ youths are under renewed scrutiny. Anyone with opinions about schools telling parents about a kid’s preferred pronouns should probably see this film.

Pat Mullen, POV magazime

Heartwarming… a tonic for those who are exhausted by the homophobia and transphobia still present in the 21st century.

Devon Banfield, Now Toronto