2023 Outfest Fusion Film Festival Program Guide

FROM THE FEST

When reflecting on her iconic film THE WATERMELON WOMAN , Cheryl Dunye said "Sometimes you have to create your own history."

For the 20 th Anniversary celebration of Outfest Fusion, we're reclaiming the symbolic hills of Los Angeles as our own, recognizing the abundance of Hollywood history created by innovative and iconic QTBIPOC storytellers.

Outfest Fusion is the bright glimpse of an Egyptian musical. It's blazing trails for Black trans femme performance and cheering Indigenous climate activists. It's dancing to the rhythms of music royalty like Little Richard on a journey toward love and connection. Fusion stories center thriving leaders, bold questions, creative risks, and the warm glow and intimacy of community collaboration.

We recognize that storytellers shape culture, pave the way for empowering social policies and amplify the brilliance of communities of color toward thriving futures. As champions of their own stories, artists reclaim their history with love and truth.

Help us make history by amplifying the creative wonder of Fusion filmmakers and their films to find their audience. As you bask in the plentiful offerings of this year's program, allow yourself to be transformed and inspired by our vibrant QTBIPOC communities.

Discover new queer cultural threads—yours and beloved community members—with films that open doors to new experiences. Craft your own story with authenticity and pride through one of our free creative workshops, explore artist wellness practices, and take the next step in your career by cultivating new professional skills and relationships with confidence in one of our industryfacing conversations.

Welcome to Outfest Fusion! Create history. Shine with pride. With gratitude,

Martine McDonald Director of Artist Development

Sheryl Santacruz Senior Programming Manager

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Damien S. Navarro

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, CORPORATE RELATIONS

Meghan Adamovic

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Brianne Baird

MARKETING MANAGER

Hansen Bursic

INDIVIDUAL GIVING AND MEMBERSHIP MANAGER

Tymothie-James Bergendahl

SENIOR PROGRAMMER

Daniel Crooke

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING

Mike Dougherty

DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Ryan Giffen

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Wilmer Gonzalez

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT

Alex Gootter

SENIOR PROGRAMMING COORDINATOR

Gabi Grossman

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Kahea Kiwaha

DIRECTOR OF ARTIST DEVELOPMENT

Martine Joelle McDonald

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Kieran Medina

PLATINUM PROGRAMMER

Tiffany Naiman

SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER AND EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Patrick Ryan

SENIOR PROGRAMMING MANAGER

Sheryl Santacruz

COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Bowie Starr

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Magali Virula

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Tarik Yetken

OUTFEST FUSION IDENTITY & DESIGN

Kendrick Daye

PROGRAM GUIDE DESIGNER

Aspyn Oakes

EXPERIENCE THE FESTIVAL

TICKET PRICES

ABOUT OUTFEST FUSION

FREE & SUBSIDIZED TICKETS

To help break down financial barriers in attending our festivals, we are proud to offer free or pay-whatyou-can tickets and virtual passes for QTBIPOC folks every year.

Visit OutfestFusion.com/Financial-Aid

SCAN ME!

Outfest Fusion amplifies the voices of QTBIPOC creators and uniquely curates our programming to the needs of the QTBIPOC community. Our programming exists to remove barriers of access and challenge systemic access gaps for LGBTQIA+ Black, Indigenous, people of color in the arts and entertainment industry.

Scan the QR code to visit outfestfusion.com and get access to the full program and schedule when it becomes available. You'll also find the most up-to-date information about the festival including ticket and pass purchasing, venues, FAQs, accessibility, special events, and more!

OPENING NIGHT GALA

Experience the excitement of Outfest Fusion right from the start at our spectacular Opening Night Gala. The festivities begin with the presentation of our achievement awards, followed by a screening of powerful and inspiring short films that celebrate the QTBIPOC community. After the screening, join us for a lively after party filled with music, delicious food, and drinks. It's the perfect way to kick off the festival and celebrate the power of QTBIPOC storytelling.

FEATURES AND SHORTS

Outfest Fusion showcases an incredible lineup of QTBIPOC feature and short films that explore a wide range of topics and genres. From heartwarming romances to gripping dramas, the festival presents an outstanding selection of works by established and emerging filmmakers. Get ready to be entertained, moved, and inspired by the power of cinema to elevate and celebrate QTBIPOC voices.

WORKSHOPS FAMILY PROGRAMMING

Our FREE community workshops provide Fusion attendees from all backgrounds and experiences with opportunities to learn from industry professionals and engage in discussions, panels, and hands-on workshops covering a range of topics such as filmmaking, screenwriting, artist craft development, and more. These workshops aim to empower and inspire attendees to use their voices and creativity to foster professional and personal growth. Join us in this exciting opportunity for skill-building and community connection!

Fusion youth programming offers the young at heart the opportunity to celebrate LGBTQ+ cinematic childhood. Families will also be invited to enjoy Drag Queen Storytime, queer puppetry, interactive activities and more. The short film program is intended for children aged 10 + and their families.

ONE MINUTE MOVIE CONTEST AND FUSION FINALE PARTY

Experience the joy of filmmaking in a whole new way with the One Minute Movie Contest. This exciting competition invites aspiring and established filmmakers of all levels to use their cell phones or cameras to shoot one-minute short films that showcase their unique perspectives and creative vision. Winners will receive cash prizes and the opportunity to screen their films at the Outfest Los Angeles Film Festival in July. It's an amazing opportunity to showcase your talents and connect with creators in the QTBIPOC community. All entries will be screened and winners selected at the Fusion Finale Party as the perfect way to close out the festival with music, food, drinks, and unforgettable moments you don't want to miss!

FINDING HER BEAT

LITTLE RICHARD: I AM EVERYTHING RONA

CLOSE UP - ODES AND

TAKING THE LEDE: NAVIGATING A CAREER AS A QUEER JOURNALIST 5:00

DO NOT WAIT YOUR TURN

I WANT TO BE ADORED

TICKLED PINK

SERIES: INCENSE AND INTENTIONS

RICHARD: I AM EVERYTHING

As a member of Outfest, you'll have access to a wide range of exclusive events and programs that showcase the best of Queer and Trans cinema. You'll also have the chance to connect with fellow members who share your interests and values and to support the important work that Outfest does in promoting visibility and representation in the media.

Making a donation to Outfest is a powerful way to support LGBTQ+ representation and visibility in the media. Your contribution helps to fund the organization's yearround programs and initiatives, from artist labs to film screenings and workshops to youth filmmaking and community events.

Becoming a sponsor of Outfest is a powerful way to get your company in front of thousands of highly engaged LGBTQ+ individuals, allies and supporters. As a sponsor, your brand will be featured prominently across Outfest's events, programs, and marketing materials.

Volunteering is a great way to support Outfest while gaining valuable experience, making connections, and having fun while doing it.

REFRAMING HISTORY FOR A QUEERER FUTURE

The first LGBTQ+ arts and media virtual museum of its kind

AVAILABLE FREE TO THE PUBLIC

THEOUTMUSEUM.ORG

STREAMING NOW

OUTFEST.ORG

LOS ANGELES

The preeminent LGBTQIA+ film festival in the world and the oldest in LA, returns this summer with world-class films, panels & events!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

PREMIERE SPONSORS

MEDIA SPONSORS

DAY SPONSORS

THE AS TER

FILM GUIDE SPONSOR

PROGRAM SPONSORS

OFFICIAL DESTINATION PARTNER

EXCLUSIVE BROADCAST PARTNER

GRANT FUNDERS

OUTFEST FUSION IS SUPPORTED IN PART BY THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS & BY THE CALIFORNIA ARTS COUNCIL, A STATE AGENCY. LEARN MORE AT ARTS.GOV & ARTS.CA.GOV

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bil Bertini

CO-PRESIDENT

Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey CO-PRESIDENT

Ana Mendy

VICE PRESIDENT

Jordan Barillas

TREASURER

Brehon Humphrey SECRETARY

Yemi Adegbonmire

Lucas Bailey

Ranard Caldwell

Zackary Drucker

Alexis Fish

Tim Kittleson

Alan Koenigsberg

AJ Lee

Sonia Mehta

Garrett Morgan

Mike Mosallam

B. Pagels Minor

Giselle Phelps

Mike Rose

Angelica Ross

Kyle Schmitz

David Sigurani

Brian Michael Smith

Valerie Stadler

Zackery Alexzander Stephens

Keisha Zollar