Boston’s annual LGBTQ+ festival gets underway Friday. Among the festival’s lineup are the powerful documentary ‘Avant-Drag!’ and the comedy ‘BAM!,’ plus 45 other titles showing across seven venues.

By Dana Barbuto/Boston Movie News

Indie film director Jordan Tragash, raised in Massachusetts and Connecticut, returns to New England this weekend for the world premiere of his comedy “BAM!” A small-budget charmer with a big heart, the film is anchored by a standout performance from nonbinary actor and comedian Tuxford Turner.

The screening is part of the 40th Wicked Queer Film Festival, running from April 5 to April 14 across various venues in Boston, Brookline, and Cambridge. Tragash, a graduate of Wesleyan University, will host a question-and-answer after “BAM!” debuts at 4 p.m. April 6 at the ArtsEmerson Paramount Center.

“It feels appropriate that like myself, our film is beginning its emergence to the world in New England,” Tragash said in an email. 

“BAM!” unfolds as a queer ensemble comedy, weaving together the lives of a group of young adults navigating the challenges of Chicago’s gig economy. Turner shines as a bike messenger handling sex toy deliveries, while sisters, played by Tip Sayarath and Kiyumi Daniel, deliver art for their mother. Meanwhile, two roommates (Noah Lash and Kalil Sims) find themselves entangled in their friend’s (Brandon Wright) “freelance pharmacy” (read: drug enterprise) as he pursues a music career dedicated to his beloved cat.

The Wicked Queer Film Festival, conceived by film programmer George Mansour in 1984, stands as a platform for LGBTQ+ narratives from across the globe. Screenings will take place at the Brattle Theater, the Museum of Fine Arts, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Emerson College, Boston University, the Institute of Contemporary Art, and the Coolidge Corner Theater. 

Among the festival’s lineup is the U.S. premiere of the powerful documentary “Avant-Drag!” directed by Fil Ieropoulos, which sheds light on the lives of 10 drag artists courageously protesting in the streets of Athens wearing wigs, heels, and makeup against the discrimination and violence faced by their community. Profound political statements lay beneath the glitter and gold lamé boots. The documentary delves into the poignant story of Zak Kostopoulos, also known as Zackie Oh, a fearless LGBTQ+ activist tragically murdered in what many deem a homophobic hate crime. In the end, “Avant-Drag!” captures the spirit of queer resilience and creativity, offering a beacon of hope in an increasingly hostile world, said the film’s writer Foivos Dousos via email.

“Our film showcases how queer communities can fight back, create supportive networks, and manage to have a good time in the process,” he said.

“Avant-Drag!” will screen at 4 p.m. on April 6 at The Brattle. In total, the festival boasts two world premieres (“Throuple” is the other) and four additional U.S. premieres: “Lesvia,” “I Will Be There Every Single Night,” “Elda and the Monsters,” and “Blue Sunshine.”

For the full Wicked Queer Film Festival lineup, go to wickedqueer.org.