What to see and do at the 2016 Inside Out Film Festival

Inside Out, Toronto's LGBT film festival, is always one of the city's best fests for giving viewers a hefty mix of world premieres, local features and good parties. The 2016 edition, which runs Thursday May 26 to June 5, is set to top all past festivals with an impressive lineup of films and fiestas.

Here's a can't-miss list for the 2016 Inside Out Film Festival.

PREMIERES

Paris 05:59: Theo & Hugo (May 27)
The Canadian premiere of French directors Olivier Ducastel and Jacques Martineau's latest film is getting a lot of buzz thanks to the 18-minute opening hardcore sex scene inside a sex club. It's a date movie for a new generation.

Hurricane Bianca (June 3)
Rupaul's Drag Race queen, clown and comedian Bianca Del Rio has been touring the planet since she won Season 7 of the hit drag competition show. This documentary film follows that crazy period. She'll be in attendance at the premiere and the after party.

Two soft things, two hard things (June 3)
A world premiere and fascinating look at the preparations for Nunavut's LGBTQ Pride celebration from local filmmakers Mark Kenneth Woods and Michael Yerxa.

FREE EVENTS

Every year Inside Out lets young folks 24 and under, and seniors 65 and older, watch any matinee film screenings before 6 p.m. for free. This year there are a bunch of cool off-site screenings as well, and a many of them are free and at the AGO. Be sure to check out the New Visions screenings , and a tribute to the films of Melissa Levin.

There's also the Bravo Fact pitch competition, where five teams of two pitch for their lives... and also $50,000 to make a film. There's a panel of judges and it's moderated by Richard Kraus. It's live and it's always super fun.

SHORTS PROGRAM (various dates)

Scared Fabulous (May 30) is a mixed shorts evening of thrillers and killers. OK, mostly serial killers. One from Australia, one from Spain and another with a Russian twist. Do not miss local Blake Mawson's PYOTR495 - it's getting lots of buzz.

Local Heroes (June 3) is always my favourite night of the whole festival. Nine short films from local filmmakers on the giant TIFF screen. This one usually sells out, so get tickets early. The who's who of gay Toronto is usually in attendance and the screening itself is a party.

PARTIES

These are the three parties I wouldn't miss. They go above and beyond a regular film festival after party.

• Opening Night (May 26)
• Local Heroes First Thursday takeover (May 30)
• Transplanetarium after party (June 4)

Still from 05:59: Théo et Hugo

by Phil Villeneuve via blogTO