Narrative Features

Dir. Nathan Hale Williams, USA, 2021, 75 mins

In a poetic visual reading of George Matthew Johnson’s intimate memoir, Dyllon Burnside (FX’s POSE), Bernard David Jones, and Thomas Hobson play Johnson at pivotal stages of their life to recount their experiences growing up Black, queer, and non-binary.

Writer: George M. Johnson Cast: Dyllon Burnside, Bernard David Jones, Thomas Hobson, and Jenifer Lewis

Preceded by shorts:

BLACK BOY JOY

Dir. Avery Archie & Joshua Walker, USA, 1 min

Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film SMOKE, LILIES, AND JADE

Dir. Deondray and Quincy LeNear Gossfield, USA, 28 mins

Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

Presented in Partnership with

BLISS

Dir. Henrika Kull, Germany, 2021, 90 mins

Two sex workers bond while working at a Berlin brothel in director Henrika Kull’s perceptive character study. Wielding vastly different temperaments, Sascha and new-hire Maria navigate the economic pressures of the job and their growing affection for one another.

Brimming with refreshing candor, BLISS offers a sober depiction of sex work to unravel a drama of unparalleled intensity.

Writer: Henrika Kull Cast: Katharina Behrens, Adam Hoya

Presented in Partnership with

Dir. Daniel Sánchez López, Germany, 2020, 70 mins

NewFest Pride Encore!

Harry has been partying for 48 hours when he meets Johannes on the dance floor of a club in Berlin. With 15 hours left until Harry’s flight back to London, Johannes offers to help him print his boarding pass, a mundane task that leads to a day wandering the city together. The contrasts in their lives and values force them to confront their own truths in this naturalistic romance. Calling to mind a queer BEFORE SUNRISE, this tender feature debut from Daniel Sánchez López tracks the journey of a brief encounter and the mark left by fleeting moments of joy.

Writer: Hannah Renton, Daniel Sánchez López Cast: Alexandros Koutsoulis, Matthew James Morrison

Presented in Partnership with

and behind closed doors.

CELTS

Dir. Milica Tomović, Serbia, 2021, 106 mins

In 1990s Belgrade, a group of friends and couples gather to celebrate a child’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-themed birthday and play out their own frayed relationships. With the Yugoslav Wars taking place in the background, the adults air their grievances and indulge in hidden passions in the kitchen

Serbian filmmaker Milica Tomović’s evocative directorial debut dissects this volatile time in history and its effects on the people living through it with wry frankness and sharp humor.

Writer: Milica Tomović, Tanja Šljivar Cast: Dubravka Duda Kovjanić, Stefan Trifunović, Katarina Dimić, Anja Đorđević, Olga Odanović, Konstantin Ilin, Jelica Sretenović, Milica Grujičić, Slaven Došlo

Dir. Marc Ferrer, Spain, 2021, 79 mins

Marcos is a struggling director desperate to produce his lowbudget queer take on Italian Giallo thrillers. But when the cast and crew begin to die gruesome deaths, he becomes both a prime suspect for investigators and the killer’s potential next target. Marc Ferrer’s vibrant horror-comedy melds mystery and unabashed pastiche with an early Almodóvarian sense of humor. Featuring Spanish icons including Samantha Hudson and La Prohibida, CUT! is a rollicking meta slasher showcasing the weird, wonderful world of queer artists in Spain and Catalonia.

Writer: Marc Ferrer Cast: La Prohibida, Marc Ferrer, Marga Sardà, Maria Sola, Saya Solana, Alvaro Lucas Estada, Gregorio Sanz, Paco Serrano, Samantha Hudson

toward introspection, acceptance, and love.

DEATH AND BOWLING

Dir. Lyle Kash, USA, 2021, 64 mins

Struggling actor X’s lesbian bowling league Lavender League Bowling Club is the only thing keeping his head in the right lane as he faces the daily struggles of demanding auditions, demeaning roles, and shady characters. But when the team’s matriarch and captain unexpectedly passes away and an intriguing stranger arrives, X finds himself on a new journey

Made by a predominantly trans cast and crew, Lyle Kash’s confident directorial debut announces the arrival of an authentic, idiosyncratic new voice in contemporary LGBTQ+ cinema. DEATH AND BOWLING shows off Kash’s thoughtful and boundary-breaking approach to storytelling — a real game-changer.

Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

Writer: Lyle Kash Cast: Will Krisanda, Tracy Kowalski, Denise Turkan, Leontine White Foster, Faith Eileen Bryan, D'Lo

Preceded by shorts:

THE YOUNG KING

Dir. Larin Sullivan, USA, 6 mins Presented in Partnership with

Dir. Peeter Rebane, Estonia, 2021, 107 mins

FIREBIRD is based on the true story of two Soviet Air Force recruits who fall in love at the height of the Cold War. Sergey, a sensitive young private, and Roman, a high-ranking fighter pilot with a promising military career, risk their lives and livelihoods to be intimate on and off the base before Roman’s wife comes between them, evoking a toiling tale of love and betrayal. Spanning several decades, FIREBIRD is a forbidden romance both sumptuous and heart-rending.

Writer: Peeter Rebane, Tom Prior Cast: Tom Prior, Oleg Zagordnii, Diana Pozharskaya

Narrative Features

FIRSTNESS

Dir. Brielle Brilliant, USA, 2021, 78 mins

A maladjusted father, his non-binary child Tavi, and a stranger out on parole are all seeking connection in director Brielle Brilliant’s feature debut. When Tavi and the older man begin to form a sweet yet unconventional friendship, they raise concern and suspicion from everyone around them. Winner of the U.S. Narrative Jury Award at Outfest LA, FIRSTNESS delivers a singular, fantastical world with a dreamy rhythm that is not to be missed.

Writer: Brielle Brilliant Cast: Tim Kinsella, Spencer Jording, Caleb Cabrera

Preceded by shorts: JOYCHILD

Dir. Aurora Brachman, USA, 6 mins Presented in Partnership with

Dir. Joseph Sackett, USA, 2021, 75 mins

Melanie’s last afternoon babysitting 9-year-old genderquestioning Johnny takes an inexplicable, unpredictable, and absolutely hilarious turn -- her body is inhabited by Johnny’s spirit. Now, Johnny gets to live as Melanie for a day, which seems fun at first but soon becomes a rollercoaster of emotions as Johnny navigates the NYC subway system, prospective boyfriends, and delivering a baby. Featuring indelible comic performances by Colby Minifie (THE BOYS) and newcomer Tre Ryder, as well as a laugh-out-loud script, HOMEBODY subverts the playful structures of FREAKY FRIDAY and BIG, crafting something entirely new and affirming in the process.

Writer: Joseph Sackett Cast: Colby Minifie, Tre Ryder, Maria Dizzia, Whitmer Thomas, Jasmin Walker, Purva Bedi, Julian Cihi, Zoe Chao

Presented in Partnership with

JUMP, DARLING

Dir. Phil Connell, Canada, 2021, 90 mins

Featuring one of the final screen performances from the late, great, Oscar-winning icon Cloris Leachman, JUMP, DARLING tells the story of aspiring performer Fishy Falters (Thomas Duplessie), who is trying to eke out a career at a small-town bar while crashing with his ailing yet still feisty grandmother (Leachman). Leachman’s singular combination of impeccable comic timing and grounded pathos is used to great effect in writer/director Phil Connell’s intimate, genuine story, which features show-stopping musical numbers and profound truths about family dynamics.

Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

Writer: Phil Connell Cast: Cloris Leachman, Thomas Duplessie, Linda Kash, Andrew Bushell, Sheldon McIntosh (Tynomi Banks), Mark Caven

Dir. Ruth Caudeli, Colombia, 2021, 84 mins

Lies, lust, drugs, and debauchery — and that’s all before dessert! In this sexy new feature from NewFest alum Ruth Caudeli (EVA + CANDELA, SECOND STAR ON THE RIGHT), five friends come together for a night of gossip that takes a disastrous turn when long-held secrets bubble to the surface. A point-of-view-shifting snapshot of women navigating guilt in their intimate friendships, the explosive ensemble of LEADING LADIES reels the audience further and further into their tangled web.

Writer: Ruth Caudeli Cast: Ana María Otálora, Silvia Varón, Marcela Robledo, Diana Wiswell, Ana María Cuéllar

Presented in Partnership with

LOVE, SPELLS AND ALL THAT

Dir. Ümit Ünal, Turkey, 2019, 96 mins

After two decades of radio silence, Eren reappears out of thin air to profess her devotion to her teenage sweetheart. But could this sudden reunion simply be the workings of a love spell cast 20 years ago? In writer/director Ümit Ünal’s golden-hour romantic drama, the Turkish island of Büyükada and its many secrets serve as a backdrop for the would-be couple’s quest to break such a spell (if one even exists). Winner of the Audience Award at Inside Out Toronto and Screenplay Award at Outfest, LOVE, SPELLS, AND ALL THAT takes audiences on an enchanting journey down memory lane.

Writer: Ümit Ünal Cast: Selen Uçer, Ece Dizdar, Aysenil Samlioglu, Damla Ersan, Murat Toprak

Dir. JE Tiglao, Philippines, 2019, 83 mins

Despite being born with an intersex body, teenager Adam has lived all of their young life as a boy. After they start menstruating, Adam has to confront new reactions from their conservative family and judgemental schoolmates, leading to a new exploration of their authentic identity. Sensitively charting Adam’s journey of new friendship and self-discovery, Filipino director JE Tiglao’s METAMORPHOSIS offers an empathetic view of budding adolescent desire and intergenerational relationships.

Writer: JE Tiglao, Boo Dabu Cast: Gold Azeron, Ricky Davao, Iana Bernardez, Yayo Aguila

MY BEST PART

Dir. Nicolas Maury, France, 2020, 102 mins

French superstar Nicolas Maury (KNIFE + HEART, Netflix’s CALL MY AGENT) directs himself as Jérémie, an actor fleeing to his mother’s countryside home after a break-up with the adoring Albert (Arnaud Valois). Now that the relationship has gone awry, Jérémie scopes out potential new companions while sparring with his ever-patient mother (French screen icon Natalie Baye). Maury gives a tour-de-force comedic performance of quirky narcissism, owning the screen and ultimately the audience’s devotion in this Cannes Official Selection.

Writer: Nicolas Maury, Sophie Fillières, Maud Ameline Cast: Nicolas Maury, Nathalie Baye, Arnaud Valois

Dir. Dee Rees, USA, 2011, 86 mins

A decade since its release, this powerful portrait of a young lesbian coming into her own continues to be celebrated as a monumental influence by critics and filmmakers alike. The debut feature from Academy Award nominee Dee Rees (MUDBOUND) remains an enduring exploration of the inner and outer lives of 17-year-old Alike (Adepero Oduye, in a breakthrough performance) as she navigates her burgeoning sexuality, familial frustrations, and talents as a poet in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene. PARIAH occupies an essential place in queer and Black film canon, and is undeniably one of the 21st century’s greatest films.

Writers: Dee Rees Cast: Adepero Oduye, Kim Wayans, Aasha Davis Presented in Partnership with

POPPY FIELD

Dir. Eugen Jebeleanu, Romania, 2020, 81 mins

While enjoying a visit from his long-distance boyfriend, a closeted Romanian policeman is called to diffuse a heated situation at a local movie theater. Turns out a conservative group is protesting a queer film screening and, to make matters worse, an old flame threatens to out him in front of his homophobic colleagues. Based on true events, POPPY FIELD creates a poignant portrait of a man reconciling his professional and private identities. Director Eugen Jebeleanu builds a pressure cooker of emotions and subverts the conventional thriller format to arrive at deeper truths.

Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

Writer: Ioana Moraru Cast: Conrad Mericoffer, Alexandru Potocean, Radouan Leflahi

Dir. Mari Walker, USA, 2021, 75 mins

NewFest Pride Encore!

Kris, a trans computer programmer, and Naomi, an AsianAmerican performance artist, used to date in college. A decade after abruptly breaking up, they meet for dinner to catch up on their complicated lives, relationships, and Kris’ transition. Over the course of a one-night encounter, the exes engage in a series of increasingly intimate and revealing conversations, before a disclosure sends everything spiraling out of control. Writer-director Mari Walker’s SEE YOU THEN focuses on the universal truth that no matter how much you change, a part of you will always stay the same.

Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

Writer: Kristen Uno, Mari Walker Cast: Pooya Mohseni, Lynn Chen

Rebellious and angsty teenager AJ sets out on her family vacation with exceedingly low expectations, but what starts out as the trip from hell turns out to be a summer of awakening when she unexpectedly meets her first crush. Writer/director Marley Morrison’s debut feature is full of characters with intricate internal lives. At once hilarious and poignant, with a brilliant ensemble anchored by a lead performance from newcomer Nell Barlow, SWEETHEART transcends the coming-of-age narrative with refreshing specificity and earned emotion.

SWEETHEART

Dir. Marley Morrison, United Kingdom, 2021, 115 mins

Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

Writer: Marley Morrison Cast: Nell Barlow, Ella-Rae Smith, Jo Hartley, Sophia Di Martino, Samuel Anderson, Tabitha Byron, Steffan Cennydd, William Andrews, Anna Antoniades, Spike Fearn

Dir. Cristiane Oliveira, Brazil/France, 2021, 91 mins

Joana, 13, is faced with life’s harsh realities after the sudden death of her beloved great aunt. During long, hot summer days in southern Brazil, she begins to investigate why her aunt never dated anyone and uncovers secrets about her family in the process. As she navigates feelings for her best friend Carolina, Joana realizes she too may be keeping something hidden. Taking audiences on Joana’s exhilarating journey of revelation, director Cristiane Oliveira captures that elusive moment of clarity we are all searching for.

Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

Writer: Cristiane Oliveira Cast: Letícia Kacperski, Isabela Bressane, Joana Vieira, Lisa Gertum Becker, Emílio Speck, Pedro Nambuco, Rosa Campos Velho, Graciale Caputti

Presented in Partnership with

THE NOVICE

Dir. Lauren Hadaway, USA, 2021, 94 mins

With few friends, mediocre grades, and nothing to lose, queer college freshman Alex Dall (Isabelle Fuhrman) signs up for the rowing team. What begins as an exciting new hobby quickly turns into an unhealthy obsession as she climbs the ranks and gets pushed to her limits. Winner of the U.S. Narrative Feature prize at the Tribeca Film Festival, Lauren Hadaway’s feature directorial debut THE NOVICE wraps a character study inside a heart-pounding, BLACK SWAN-esque thriller that will keep you gripped until the very end.

Writer: Lauren Hadaway Cast: Isabelle Fuhrman, Amy Forsyth, Dilone, Jonathan Cherry, Kate Drummond

Presented in Partnership with

Dir. Dasha Nekrasova, USA, 2021, 82 mins

A cheap Upper East Side apartment seems like a dream for roommates Addie (Betsey Brown) and Noelle (Madeline Quinn), but when the apartment’s odd history indicates it all might be too good to be true, the pair begin unraveling the dark secrets of their new home and its notorious former owner. Addressing the #MeToo movement and contemporary conspiracy theories with satire, wit, and thrills, Dasha Nekrasova’s directorial debut is a biting genre-bender that brings EYES WIDE SHUT into the QAnon age.

Writer: Dasha Nekrasova, Madeline Quinn Cast: Betsey Brown, Madeline Quinn, Dasha Nekrasova, Stephen Gurewitz, Mark Rapaport, Anna Khachiyan

Presented in Partnership with

THE SIXTH REEL

Dir. Carl Andress & Charles Busch, USA, 2020, 99 mins

A zany romp and a whodunnit all in one, Charles Busch’s THE SIXTH REEL is an outrageous homage to 1930s madcap comedies. Legendary New York theater icon Busch cowrites, co-directs and stars in the film as Jimmy, a movieobsessed New Yorker who stumbles upon a long-lost film from Hollywood’s Golden Age. When a host of eccentric classic film collectors learn of the discovery, a comedic adventure ensues. Featuring a bevy of local NYC stars of stage including Julie Halston, Margaret Cho, André De Shields, and Tim Daly.

Writer: Carl Andress, Charles Busch Cast: Charles Busch, Julie Halston, Doug Plaut, Tim Daly, Margaret Cho, Patrick Page, Cady Huffman

Dir. Ang Lee, Taiwan/USA, 1993, 105 mins

Join us for our first-ever Film Feast and enjoy a contemporary 1993 classic along with a multicourse meal!

Gay landlord Wai-Tung Gao agrees to marry his tenant WeiWei, a struggling artist, to help her obtain a green card and appease his conservative parents back in Taiwan. It’s a winwin until his family announces a trip to visit them in New York and the faux couple have to orchestrate a fullblown wedding extravaganza, hiding their secret marriage of convenience and Wai-Tung’s inconvenient live-in boyfriend Simon. This touching, riotously funny Academy Award-nominated comedy marks the second of many fruitful collaborations between director Ang Lee and writer/producer James Schamus.

Writer: Ang Lee, Neil Peng, James Schamus Cast: Ah-Leh Gua, Sihung Lung, May Chin, Winston Chao, Mitchell Lichtenstein

UNDER MY SKIN

Dir. David O'Donnell, Australia/USA, 2020, 97 mins

Despite their obvious differences, Denny and Ryan — an eccentric musician and a straight-laced lawyer — are drawn to each other like magnets. But when Denny begins to question their gender, sexuality, and relationship with Ryan, the two discover opposites might no longer attract. An incomparable and wholly new vision for non-binary representation onscreen, David O'Donnell’s breaktrough feature debut casts four non-binary actors (Liv Hewson, Lex Ryan, and local NYC talents Chloe Freeman and Bobbi Salvör Menuez) in the role of Denny, demonstrating the many layers and multitudes we can hold within ourselves at one time.

Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

Writer: David O'Donnell Cast: Liv Hewson, Alex Russell, Bobbi Salvör Menuez, Alexis Denisof, Chloe Freeman, Lex Ryan Presented in Partnership with