From the humble beginnings of a roundtable meeting at a coffee shop, the group of seven that mulled over the possibility of hosting a queer film night in Lethbridge launched the first, and only, festival of its kind south of Calgary: the Rhino in the Room (RITR) International Queer Film Festival.

This year marks the second annual screening of the eclectic film fest that aims to give our often marginalized community a voice in a popular, and creative, media – movies and visual art.

“We have films from all over the place really, and they’re all so good,” says enthusiastic festival director, Britt Elder. “It was absolutely unbelievable watching them all. We added a matinee because nothing could be cut.”

Rhino in the Room opens Wednesday, September 15th with a panel discussion on queer representation in the media at the University of Lethbridge. It concludes with a wrap-up party Saturday, September 18th, with entertainment by the Brazen Hussies and Calgary’s Fake Mustache brigade.

Between these bookends, the festival will be screening 17 films at the Sterndale Bennett Theatre and at the U of L, from film producers spanning the globe.

“Filmmakers got a lot of positive feedback last year as [did the festival], and we’re excited to contribute again,” says Elder.

The origin of films screening this year come from as far away as Australia and New Zealand, France, and Germany; closer to home, California, and even the festival’s hometown, Lethbridge. Film budgets range just as vastly; from amateur works of love to pro reels.  Rhino aims to encompass it all.

Tickets went on sale September 1st and, if you purchase in advance, the Pink Package is available at an affordable $25, granting you access to all of the films and associated events.

The Rhino is already taking submissions for next year’s festival. If you have a film, video, or other visual contribution that you feel would be of interest to the LGBTTQ community, visit their website for details. The deadline for submissions is May 1st, 2011, so you still have plenty of time to  put forward your own film, or to invite a filmmaker from abroad to contribute.

In the meantime, for your enjoyment, you can attend this year’s festival in the windy city.