Welcome Letter On behalf of everyone at NewFest we are thrilled to welcome you to the 32nd Annual, and first-ever virtual, New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival. NewFest was founded more than 30 years ago in direct response to the AIDS crisis. With fires raging as a result of climate change and our country battling a pandemic, reckoning with racial injustice, and dealing with an economic downturn ahead of a hugely consequential election for LGBTQ+ lives and rights, maintaining a safe space where queer stories are told and shared has never been more important. Going virtual has given us an incredible opportunity to make sure these stories can be viewed from anywhere in the United States. Get ready, because we are coming at you with more than 120 films that will be available to watch on-demand from anywhere in the country. We'll also have conversations with some of your favorite LGBTQ+ artists and filmmakers; topical panels with community leaders on issues such as global advocacy and queer journalism; virtual social events, including the much anticipated return of My Girl Friday; and much more. And we've got drive-ins! We'll be opening the Festival with Francis Lee's stunning AMMONITE, starring Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan, and will have Kate on hand to present Francis with the inaugural World Queer Visionary Award before the Opening Night drive-in screening! We've also recorded introductions to the films in front of historic LGBTQ+ sites, so that we can capture the singular energy of New York City and the incredible queer legacy that exists here. We want to acknowledge and celebrate our community's history, as well as shine a spotlight on queer gathering spaces, community organizations, and LGBTQ-owned businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Warner Media, and our Signature Sponsors Hyundai and Ogilvy, as well as the NewFest Board of Trustees and the tireless Festival and year-round teams, for making this year's event possible. We are very aware that the Festival is taking place in the weeks leading up to the Presidential election, and encourage you to do all that you can to get out the vote. We aim to capture through film, conversation and celebration the spirit of pride and protest that inspired the founding of NewFest more than 30 years ago. The poster design for this year's Festival, seen on the cover of this program, was illustrated by queer NYC artist Marcos Chin and reflects this sentiment -- that queer stories will not be silenced.
Enjoy the Festival!
All the best, David Hatkoff Executive Director
Bill Berman and Sandy Markman Board Co-Chairs
Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 9
