RADIANCE: Queer Joy Screening & Performances

To experience unapologetic joy in the face of constant adversity is powerful. Coming together as a community, when others tell you that you don’t belong, can be life-changing.
Queer joy is important.
EMMEDIA Gallery & Production Society is thrilled to present Radiance: Queer Joy Screening and Performances on Friday, September 4, as part of Calgary Culture Days.
The first event kicks off at the Heather Edwards Theatre at Contemporary Calgary. We will present a selection of 4 short films created in Alberta, curated by Justin Larioza, highlighting the creativity and resilience of our queer communities. See yourself represented on the big screen in narratives about celebration, optimism and diverse queer experiences.
Event Schedule 

6:30PM: Event Start and Land Acknowledgement
6:35PM: Screening of 4 Short Films 
7:15PM: Intermission
7:30PM: 3 Performances
8PM: End

About the Artists
Justin Larioza
Justin is a Calgary-based filmmaker and dancer whose creative path began in 2017. Evolving from Breakdancing and Waacking, to Vogue Femme, he discovered his artistic home in Ballroom culture. By 2020 his path expanded into film school, where he found his love for directing, writing, and producing. As one of the co-founding members of The Kiki House of Galore (Est. 2022), and an active leader with VogueYYC, he plays a key role in developing the city’s growing ballroom scene. His short films and independent projects have been featured across local venues, and he aims to continue developing as a writer, director, dancer and a community leader.
Mara Liao Esnard
Mara, born in Cuba, is a dancer, educator, and choreographer passionate about sharing the art of movement. A graduate of the National Ballet School of Havana, she began her career teaching and performing with Sol Dance Company. Since 2015, she has built a vibrant path in Calgary’s arts community, collaborating in festivals, performances, and collective projects. Since 2020, Mara has been part of Decidedly Jazz Danceworks,