Queer City Cinema began in Regina in 1996, and has grown to be the largest and oldest lesbian and gay film and video festival in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Queer City Cinema gives independent queer artists the opportunity to come together in the preservation of queer culture, and present a broad range of voices and expressions through film. The films that are presented address many issues including, but not limited to community, sexuality, race and gender. Not only does Queer City Cinema provide queer artists an opportunity to present their work, Queer City Cinema extends into the community by providing an educational and awareness building opportunity for the larger community. Discussion panels and material are provided along with the films to create a dialogue in which the community can discuss film content, ideas, themes, and the relationship between the films and the broader community. Community and cultural sustainability is fostered through the creation of an outlet for queer artistic expression, but also for the entire community viewing the films in the creation of a dialogue on queer culture and experience.