Welcome Letter

On behalf of everyone at NewFest we are thrilled to welcome you to the 33rd Annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival -- our first-ever hybrid edition!

This year's festival is all about connection. The LGBTQ+ community thrives on connecting to one another, and having spent most of the past 18 months apart, we are hungry for experiences that remind us we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. We believe queer film provides an opportunity to connect in a unique and celebratory way. This year‘s program highlights that everyone in our community has a story to tell, and shows just how meaningful it is when we really listen to, learn from, and spend time with each other.

Throughout the pandemic NewFest has stayed true to its founding mission of providing a safe space where queer stories can be told and shared. Going virtual this past year and a half has given us an incredible opportunity to make sure these stories could be viewed from anywhere in the United States. We are delighted to maintain that accessibility, while reconnecting with our audiences and filmmakers here in NYC. After all, there is nothing like a room full of queer folks and allies!

Get ready, because we are coming to you with more than 130 films that will be available to watch at the theater or at home. We'll also have conversations with some of your favorite LGBTQ artists and filmmakers; topical panels on issues such as Indigenous LGBTQ+ stories and queer women and nonbinary cinematographers; celebratory Opening and Closing Night parties; the much anticipated return of Women’s Night Out; and much more.

The LGBTQ+ community here in NYC and throughout the world is incredibly diverse, and we want to feature as many voices as we possibly can. We are particularly excited to amplify feature-length films that center intersex, Two-spirit indigenous, and non-binary protagonists, as these are members of the queer community whose stories are not frequently heard. We are also pleased to continue our Black Filmmakers Initiative, which provides financial support to Black LGBTQ+ filmmakers to ensure their films are getting made and seen.

Thank you to our Signature Sponsors Hyundai, WarnerMedia 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.

Wherever you are in the country, and however you choose to experience the Festival, we are so glad you’ve joined us, and can’t wait to hear what you think of the films.

Enjoy!

All the best,

David Hatkoff (Executive Director) Bill Berman and Sandy Markman (Board Co-Chairs)