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Summer Qamp follows a group of LGBTQ+ youth as they attend a camp like no other: a judgment-free zone where they explore their authentic selves while building community, finding joy, and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Synopsis

In the forests of Alberta, Canada, sits Camp fYrefly, a haven for LGBTQ+ teens far away from the fierce political battle being waged against them. Uplifting, funny, and moving, Summer Qamp joins the campers as they make friends, explore crushes, and share experiences around transitioning and intersectionality, while never losing sight of the bravery of these young protagonists whose identities are challenged by society outside of the camp boundaries.

“The film captures such a range of conversations, everything from coming out to your parents, to working through self-harm, to how an alien looking at earth through a telescope would perceive it.”
- Bill Van Esveld, associate director, Children’s Rights Division, Human Rights Watch
 

Learn more about HRW's work on LGBT rights
July 1, 2024
As Governments Demonize LGBTQ+ Rights, Children Lose the Most
May 22, 2024
An Urgent Call to Protect Gender-Affirming Care

Credits

Jen Markowitz

Director
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Jen Markowitz (they/them) is a multi-award-winning television director, producer, and writer specializing in themes of queer normalcy, existence, and constancy. Throughout their career, Jen has built a reputation on prioritizing authenticity in their storytelling and pursuing narratives with a balance of tenacity and tenderness. Jen brings their passion for celebrating, protecting, and properly portraying queer and trans communities into their work with deep respect and relentless devotion. Summer Qamp is their first feature film.

Tanya Blake

Producer
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With her focus on developing and producing lifestyle content for the US and Canadian markets in both English and French, Tanya (she/her) oversees series producers and production crews while managing close relationships with broadcasters and streamers. Her executive producer credits include the third season of HGTV Canada’s hit series Rock Solid Builds and Summer Qamp, a feature documentary chronicling the stories of LGBTQIA2S+ campers and counselors for Super Channel and Quebecor Content.

Presented in partnership with:

  • HotDocs logo, Outspoken. Outstanding.