Gearing up for both the Pride Parade on Sunday (August 3)? And the Vancouver Queer Film Festival (August 14 to 24)?

Before all the partying begins, why not take a moment to check out the Pride Movie Night on Thursday, July 31 at the Vancouver International Film Centre (1181 Seymour)?

Three documentaries, presented by the Vancouver Pride Society, will examine issues addressed by LGBT communities locally and internationally.

The rise of gay-rights movements and Pride parades in Eastern Europe have met violent opposition and antigay demonstrations. The short documentary “Prides in Conflict” captures in graphic detail the harsh resistance and struggles faced by LGBT communities in countries such as Croatia and Russia.

Tying in with the theme of this year’s Vancouver Pride Parade—the rainbow flag—the film “Rainbow Pride: A Story of the Rainbow Flag” will tell the history of how the flag came to be the symbol of LGBT movements. Gilbert Baker, who created the flag in 1978, will be in attendance and participate in a postscreening discussion.

Bringing the focus even closer to home, the 1984 documentary Hookers on Davie, directed by Janis Cole and Holly Dale, will present a slice of the West End’s history.

Sleek restaurants and coffee shops may line Davie Street now, but not so long ago up to 150 prostitutes—straight, gay, male, female, transgender, transsexual—stood on the street corners and alleys of the Davie Village. These marginalized street workers, however, formed a supportive, organized community that met weekly to maintain a pimp-free working environment, to discuss health and safety issues, and to alert each other of “bad tricks”. Issues such as sex workers’ rights and family are raised within the socio-political climate of 1980s Vancouver.

The films will run from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door or at Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium (1238 Davie Street).