My first documentary of this year’s TIFF was the joyous celebration that is Summer Qamp. The film crew led by director Jennifer Markowitz heads to Camp fYrefly located in, of all places, Alberta.

A week-long summer camp for queer, non-binary and trans teens, fYrefly is a safe space for everyone who goes there and allows a number of its campers to finally be themselves, and find acceptance, not just within themselves, but socially, and that is beautiful to behold.

These young people share stories of growing up in rural areas, not having anyone to answer their questions, being the trailblazers at their high school, wanting to be happy, to be loved. Here they can find themselves in a supportive space, they learn that they aren’t going through everything on their own, that they aren’t alone.

Over the course of the week, they learn to be true to themselves and to openly celebrate who that person is.

Through interviews with a number of the campers we learn their stories, their moments of discovery, coming out, moments of self-harm, and growth, and that they can have, and deserve acceptance and joy.

While there are plenty of emotional moments, the film is such a celebration of life, such a celebration of young people moving forward, and being true to themselves, that it’s hard not to get swept up in things. And why wouldn’t you want that? You delight in their successes and triumphs, you feel their pain and heartache, and you realize how beautiful each and every soul is.

Honest, and open, the film brushes aside politics and religious opinions and simply focuses on the hearts and lives of young people searching, like all of us, to find their way and to be true to themselves.

This one had me smiling throughout, cheering for the moments each of them won, and hoping and wishing that each one finds the joy and acceptance they so richly deserve. These are all amazing kids, and counsellors, who are determined to own their own narrative.

A sunny and hopeful documentary that lifts you up.

Summer Qamp screens Saturday 9 September and Sunday 10 September at Scotiabank Theatre. Find tickets, schedules and other events here.