Though the weather has been frightful—rainy to be exact—lately, Looseleaf has got you covered for awesome events happening this June across the city! Some of them are even indoors! Fingers crossed for good weather, and see you there!

 

Till 4 June: Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival 

              The Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival, presented by TIFF, returns with ground-breaking, proactive, and important queer cinema. We’re especially intrigued by director Tracy Choi’s Sisterhood, a movie about heartbreak, nostalgia, and the fine line between friendship and romantic love.

Till 28 June: Toronto Japanese Film Festival

Are you a Japanese cinema buff or a casual fan? If so, be sure to check out the Toronto Japanese Film Festival, now back for its 6th year, which will screen some of the best critically acclaimed Japanese films.

Till 13 August: Syrian Symphony: New Composition in Sight and Sound

The Aga Khan Museum presents Syrian Symphony, an event showcasing some of Syria’s leading artists and musicians in a night full of painting, original music, and interactive installations. The exhibition, which runs until August 13, examines the role of art and artists in times of social and political conflict, the fight to preserve cultural heritage, and the hope to rebuild what has been destroyed.

 

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1 June: Kampai Festival of Sake

              Guess what? Kampai Toronto Festival of Sake is back for 2017 ala Sake Institute of Ontario! It’s happening at The Fermenting Cellar in the historic Distillery District and this year there’s over 150 different Sakes to try and fall in love with! Remember to save some room for exciting culinary delights from Japan and more brought to you by amazing Toronto chefs and restaurants that will be vending at the event.

3 June: desiFest

The South Asian festival returns for another round, bringing you desi music, art, and food! Partake in this not-for-profit event that fosters and supports the South Asian arts community in Toronto and across Canada, giving South Asian artists a platform to deliver their craft to loving audiences. Mark your calendars, friends!

3 June: Word On The Street Pop-Up

If you’re at the Dundas West Fest, check out this special pop-up event featuring reading, panels, and performances by local publishers and authors. Check out amazing emerging  literary talent Nicole Chin, whose digital short “Shooting the Bitch” received the Mcllquham Foundation Prize for best original story, and Moez Surani whose writing has been featured in Best Canadian Poetry, The Walrus, The Globe and Mail, Harper’s Magazine, and more.  Popping up at the Dundas St. Clarens Parkette just east of Lansdowne. See you there!

8 June: Anime! At The Revue! AKIRA on the big screen!

Akira is back on the big screen on June 8th! Whether you’re a returning fan or newcomer who has somehow missed this landmark in Japanese animation, this cult film and cyberpunk classic is sure to amaze with its sophisticated story-telling, stunning visuals, and memorable refrains. Tetsuo! Kaneda!

 

9 June: Revisit, Revise, Revolutionize: a Two-Part Harmony

What does contemporary feminism look like and what can it accomplish in the future? Join the Feminist Caucus at the League of Canadian Poets’ annual conference for the Revisit, Revise, Revolutionize: A Two-Part Harmony panel. Panelist alert: Janice Jo Lee!!

 

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14 – 17 June: Toronto Queer Film Festival

The Toronto Queer Film Festival is screening contemporary innovative, queer, and trans films and video art. Be sure to check out Crossing Bridges by Rama Luksiarto, Occidental Paradise by Bo Luengsuraswat, and Two Snakes by Kristin Li.

15 – 18 June: 2nd Annual Toronto Art Book Fair

In its second iteration, the Annual Toronto Art Book Fair is back at Artscape Youngplace with curated exhibitions, 80 Canadian and international exhibitors, and community programming. This year’s theme: Archives and Alternative Narratives.

18 June: Lights Dance Festival

The first annual Lights Dance Festival, situated at the Drake Hotel on 1150 Queen West, will showcase original dance films, live performances, and workshops in an effort to strengthen the Canadian art community. Join for a night devoted to dance and dance cinema.

 

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22 June: Toronto Lit Up: The Unpublished City

IFOA and Bookthug are launching The Unpublished City, a collection of writings by emerging literary talent in Toronto, and you’re invited! The release is a part of the Toronto Lit Up book launch series. The event will feature some amazing local writers: Nicole Chin, Laboni Islam, Doyali Islam, Rudrapriya Rathore, Sanchari Sur, and Phoebe Wang.

22—25 June: Will You Be My Friend, by Janice Jo Lee

A musical comedy by Janice Jo Lee and presented by Green Lights Arts, Will You Be My Friend explores the auteur’s journey as a person of colour trying to craft a place for themselves in their community. Performances at Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts.

24 June: Pinoy Fiesta & Trade Show sa Toronto

Metro Toronto Convention is going to be packed for the annual Filipino indoor event! Expect live entertainment by local talent, food, and shopping! Celebrate Filipino culture in this day-long event with headlining act KAPUSO STARS/S from GMA PinoyTV! Are you as excited as we are?

24 June: Yugpurush - Mahatma ke Mahatma (Hindi-language play about Gandhi & Shrimad Rajchandraji)

Yugpurush – Mahatma ke Mahatma is an award-winning Hindi-language play about the friendship and mentorship between Mahatma Gandhi and Shrimad Rajchandraji, two famous icons of Indian history. One day only, the performance will be held in two separate showings at Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

 

This list was compiled by Aliya Ghare.
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