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DAY SPONSOR
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OFFICIAL MUSIC PARTNER MEDIA PARTNERS
Co-President
Bil Bertini
Co-President
Nii-Quartelai Quartey
Vice President
Ana Mendy
Treasurer
Jordan Barillas
Secretary
Zackery Alexzander Stephens
Yemi Adegbonmire
Lucas Bailey
Ranard Caldwell
Zackary Drucker
Alexis Fish
Brehon Humphrey
Tim Kittleson
Alan Koenigsberg
Executive Director
Damien S. Navarro
Associate Director, Corporate Relations
Meghan Adamovic
Volunteer Coordinator
Nichole Alvarez
Director of Operations
Brianne Baird
Shorts Programmer
Parisa Barani
Shorts Programmer
Advik Beni
Development Manager, Individual Giving and Membership
Tymothie-James Bergendahl
Production Manager
Krystin Braverman
Operations Coordinator
Cenizo Bravo
Marketing Manager
Hansen Bursic
Platinum Graphic Designer
Deborah Caiola
Features Programmer
Ivonne Cotorruelo
Senior Programmer
Daniel Crooke
Director of Programming
Mike Dougherty
Graphic Designer
Wilmer Gonzalez
Development Coordinator
Alex Gootter
Sr. Programming Coordinator & TNBI Summit Co-Programmer
Gabi Grossman
Materials Coordinator
Max Holm-Sahiouni
Community Partner Coordinator
Mijoe Holm-Sahiouni
Legacy Project Manager
Gillian Horvat
Sr. Programmer, Features
Ash Hoyle
Hospitality Manager
Denise Khumalo
Neil Landau
AJ Lee
Sonia Mehta
Garrett Morgan
Mike Mosallam
B. Pagels Minor
Giselle Phelps
Michael G. Rose
Angelica Ross
Kyle Schmitz
David Sigurani
Brian Michael Smith
Valerie Stadler
Keisha Zollar
Operations Manager
Kahea Kiwaha
Box Office Coordinator
Winnie Lee
Theater Ops Manager
Suzanne Lozzi
Director of Artist Development
Martine McDonald
Box Office Manager
Erin McInnis
Film Traffic Manager
Miles Marsico
Artist Development Manager & TNBI Summit Co-Programmer
Kieran Medina
Industry Coordinator
Jorge Molina
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Brian Morataya
Sr. Programmer, Platinum
Tiffany Naiman
Graphic Designer
Aspyn Oakes
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Jennifer Romero
Chief of Staff
Patrick Ryan
Sr. Programming Manager
Sheryl Santacruz
Features Programmer
Jourdain Searles
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Bowie Starr
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Lynny Van Trieste
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Magali Virula
Director of Development
Tarik Yetken
Shorts Programmer
Alamin Yohannes
Welcome to Outfest 41! We’re thrilled to have you join us as we embark on an incredible new chapter of our journey. Last year, we celebrated four decades of Outfest, and now we’re ready to expand our horizons and meet the needs of today’s storytellers while tackling the challenges facing our community.
At Outfest, our vision is to create a vibrant global arts and media system that celebrates Queer, Trans, and intersectional storytellers. We’re on a mission to drive cultural change, ensuring universal acceptance and equity for all marginalized communities. Together, let’s champion and uplift diverse voices and stories that deserve to be celebrated!
Since 1982, Outfest has been a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of LGBTQIA+ artists and industry professionals. We provide essential career resources, investment opportunities, distribution channels, exhibition platforms, media support, training programs, and incredible networking opportunities. Our events bring together millions of people from different generations, cultures, and nations through monthly special events, year-round industry and community activations, an ad-free streaming platform, a globally streamed awards show, and three epic entertainment festivals with over 150,000 attendees each year.
And let us tell you, Outfest LA 2023 is going to be unforgettable!
We’ve got some major highlights in store for you. Picture this: our opening and closing films are both directed by incredibly talented filmmakers who are proud graduates of our artist development programs. Outset The Young Filmmakers Project and the Outfest Screenwriting Lab have nurtured these rising stars, and we can’t wait to witness their brilliance on the big screen.
But that’s not all! In 2023, we’re diving headfirst into exploring the fascinating ways that technology and media intersect. We’re putting the spotlight on four key areas:
First up, we’re all about public and community arts engagement. Through our programs, we’ve seen firsthand the incredible power of art to impact human rights, politics, and socio-economic issues. In 2023, we’re breaking new ground to find innovative ways for the queer and trans community to connect with the public through art, fostering unity and understanding.
Next, let’s talk artist education and career advancement. We will be focusing on tackling the challenges that LGBTQIA+ filmmakers face head-on. We’re here to provide them with the training, resources, and assistance they need to thrive. This year, we’re laserfocused on helping mid-career artists sustain their momentum, and connecting them with future investment opportunities.
Last but not least, we’re all about media and entertainment industry accountability. It’s time to support queer and marginalized professionals at every stage of their careers. We’re fostering meaningful employment relationships, bridging connections with
the industry, and providing networking spaces for queer staff, talent, artists, and leaders. Together, we’re breaking barriers and celebrating the power of diversity.
Join us on this incredible journey as we shape the future of Outfest and the world of queer storytelling. Together, we can create a lasting impact, driving cultural change, promoting universal acceptance, and building an equitable and inclusive world that celebrates all identities. Thank you for being part of the Outfest community. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
DAMIEN S. NAVARRO Executive Director
Whenever the Outfest programming team is crafting our film lineup for our summer festival, I always return to the same mantra: Outfest Los Angeles should primarily be a festival of discovery. We intentionally feature dozens of short films, features from all corners of the world, and independent labors of love so that filmmakers attempting to break through the noise of the industry have a world-class platform to be seen yes, seen by those who could help advance their careers to the next level, but also seen by you, the audience. We want you to discover your new favorite queer film, or an artist who speaks to you in an uber-specific way that you’ve never quite seen onscreen before. Personally, during the course of this year, I’ve seen and programmed what I think may be one of my all-time favorite comedies ever, I’ve seen a small indie family drama whose craft gave me a Proustian flashback to those ‘90s arthouse hits that first got me irreversibly hooked on cinema as a teenager, and my eyes became open to queer and trans experiences in the Philippines, Nigeria, South Korea.
Sure, there will be films on our roster incredible films that have famous faces, major festival pedigrees, and studio backing. And you should see them! But my eternal wish whenever presenting a festival so chock full of amazing work is that our audience will take the opportunity to explore outside of their comfort zone. Though I’m loath to ever allow the horrid assault on queer and trans rights in our country to be a guiding factor in how this festival should be experienced, I can’t help but think that one substantial way to combat such ignorance is to broaden our own horizons. Step into the shoes of a character who doesn’t resemble you, stay after and hear the filmmaker speak about what brought the story to life. There is no greater rush at a festival than discovery and then being able to talk about that discovery with your Outfest family!
MIKE DOUGHERTY Director of Programming
ONLINE: OUTFESTLA.ORG
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
VIRTUAL PASS (Access to all virtual screenings) $150
*Virtual Programs will be released the following weekday of their in-person screening. For more information on virtual screenings visit OutfestLA.org/faq
REEL QUEER CINEMA PACKAGE
Enjoy Outfest Los Angeles with our Reel Queer Cinema Package! This provides you with (1) ticket to every Centerpiece Screening, (12) individual regular screening tickets, and (1) Platinum Party ticket. In addition, get 15% off additional tickets and merch!
*Opening and Closing Night Gala tickets are sold separately
OPENING NIGHT GALA
$350
IN PERSON AT THE OUTFEST BOX OFFICE @ THE DGA
JULY 14
JULY 15
JULY 20–21
JULY 22
For any screenings not located at the DGA, the Box Office will open (1) hour prior to the first screening, and close (15) minutes after the last screening
Premium Orchestra Seating + After Party $135
General Admission + After Party $85
General Admission (Film Only) $40
CLOSING NIGHT GALA
General Admission $40
EQUITY PASS - FREE & SUBSIDIZED FESTIVAL PASSES
To help break down financial barriers in attending our festivals, we are proud to offer free or pay-what-you-can tickets and virtual passes for LGBTQ+ folks every year. Visit OutfestLA.org/equity-pass to apply for this pass.
Outfest is dedicated to continually expanding our accessibility policies and practices in an effort to accommodate a variety of needs for attendees and guests.
IN-PERSON SCREENINGS
• All festival venues are wheelchair accessible, including accessible entries, exits, and restrooms. Full details on venue accessibility are available at OutfestLA.org/ accessibility
• Early access for patrons with accessibility or mobility needs is available — please see a Theater Manager or venue staff for accommodation.
• Service animals trained to specifically assist people with disabilities are welcome at all official festival theater venues.
• American Sign Language (ASL), live transcription (CART), and film
Visit
Find all the tools you need to plan for the best 11 days of Queer cinema and events in person or online with this year’s official 2023 Outfest LA Film Festival app.
Use this app to access your festival tickets, view the film schedule and program, and so much more. If you’re attending the festival in person, conveniently pull up your digital tickets for scanning at each venue and vote for your favorite films.
To plan your schedule in advance, utilize the app’s search feature and browse the festival program. Download the app, register or log in with your festival account, and plan your best Outfest LA!
captioning will be offered at select events and panels. For more info visit individual event pages.
• Assistive listening devices, hearing looping, and apps providing audio amplification are available at select venues. Full details on venue accessibility are available at OutfestLA.org/accessibility
• A sensory relief area will be available at select venues.
VIRTUAL SCREENINGS
• Outfest aims to offer accessibility assets for as many films as possible. Select virtual film screenings will include closed captions or subtitles in English, and audio description. Virtual panels and workshops will include automated closed captioning. For more info visit individual event pages for full accessibility details. For any additional questions, requests or suggestions, please contact accessibility@outfest.org
Are you interested in volunteering with Outfest? Our volunteers are vital to the success of the organization and create a memorable experience for all patrons. We have a variety of roles available across the festival, including box office, event staff, ushers,
photographers, videographers and more. Outfest Volunteers also get a variety of benefits, including free tickets to festival screenings, an Outfest year-round membership, volunteer appreciation days and more. Visit OutfestLA.org/volunteer for more information and to sign up.
See something, say something –email safety@outfest.org to notify staff of any incident.
*Outfest reserves the right to remove an attendee immediately for the violation of our Code of Conduct policy. Individuals removed will not receive reimbursement for any badge, ticket or benefit purchased. They may also be permanently banned or lose membership, the ability to purchase future tickets, passes, and other related privileges without prior notification or reimbursement. #OUTFESTLA
Outfest is committed to providing every attendee* – audience, storyteller, volunteer, and staff member – with an enjoyable, engaging, healthy, polite, and harassment-free experience that embraces the inclusiveness and individuality of all. Harmful verbal or non-verbal language, disruptive behavior, harassment or disrespect of personal space, gender identity/ expression, and violation of any current health or safety protocols are not acceptable and will be dealt with immediately.
Fans of Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s YA novel sensation and newcomers to the story alike will delight in this big screen adaptation of a truly dreamy comingof-age romance. Aristotle and Dante (Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales), two Mexican-American teenagers living in El Paso, Texas meet by chance one summer at the community pool, and quickly click into a close-knit friendship. Dante, the product of a free-spirited artistic household, opens Ari’s eyes to a world of new possibilities, but in order to fully embrace this fresh perspective, Ari must confront the secrets he’s been keeping hidden. That includes grappling with some long-suppressed family history, and dealing with emotions
that bubble to the surface when Dante temporarily moves out of state.
With a dynamite cast that includes Eva Longoria, Eugenio Derbez, Kevin Alejandro, Veronica Falcón, and Isabella Gomez, directed by Outfest Screenwriting Lab alum Aitch Alberto, and produced by an all-star team that includes none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda, the film radiates with a passion the elevates the all-too-painfully familiar pangs of adolescent desire into the cosmos. When combined with an ensemble that creates an intricate portrait of familial bonds brimming with warmth, you have a recipe for one of the finest queer films of the year.
DIR. SAV RODGERS | USA | 95 MIN.
SUNDAY | JULY 23 | 6:30PM | THE MONTALBÁN THEATRE
As a young queer person struggling with his gender identity, director Sav Rodgers latched on to an unlikely source: Kevin Smith’s 1997 rom-com Chasing Amy. The film has been controversial with the queer community since the time of its release because of its relationship to bisexuality, lesbianism, and those communities. It has a complicated legacy, to put it mildly. With a mix of earnestness and hyper-verbal indie quirk, Chasing Amy made the world take Smith seriously as a filmmaker after the failure of his sophomore feature Mallrats, but it arguably did so at the expense of queer filmmakers. While Rodgers’s film begins as a celebration of the place Chasing Amy held for him as a young man, it evolves into something far more complex
that grapples with the underlying heartbreak of Chasing Amy’s development, its influence on Rodgers’s gender transition, and his changing relationship to the film and Kevin Smith. Equal parts love letter and critique, this unique documentary is a must-watch.
Featuring illuminating, candid interviews with Amy alumni Smith, Joey Lauren Adams, Jason Lee, and one of the unexpected inspirations behind the film – Lesbian cinema icon Guinevere Turner it’s fascinating to watch Rodgers’ film shift and expand into a more complex treatise on queerness, fandom, and the Hollywood system than even Rodgers may have expected at the start. Like some of the best documentaries of years past, the filmmaker’s journey
is altered significantly by the messiness of real life. Perhaps not everyone in Chasing Amy can give us a warm remembrance of it, but Rodgers nimbly adapts the story and his own life at every turn to craft a portrait of an artist coming into his own over several ultimately rewarding years.
One of the best films to emerge from this year’s Sundance Film Festival—where it took home the NEXT section’s Audience and Innovator Awards—D. Smith’s feature debut is a vibrant look at the lives of four Black transgender sex workers, told by the subjects themselves in all their boisterous, unapologetic glory. New York’s Daniella Carter and Dominique Silver, along with Atlanta’s Koko Da Doll and Liyah Mitchell speak candidly about their experiences, perfectly matched in spirit by Smith’s kinetic filmmaking style marked by expressive black-and-white photography and edited with an expert musicality that speaks to the director’s previous career as a Grammy-nominated producer. The film is alive, celebratory, and a direct rebuke to the notion that trans stories must focus on tragedy to be successful.
And yet, following the film’s premiere and its multi-award-winning festival run, tragedy struck as Koko Da Doll was found murdered in Atlanta this past April. Smith said it best following the news: “I created Kokomo City because I wanted to show the fun, humanized, natural side of Black trans women. I wanted to create images that didn’t show the trauma or the statistics...I wanted to create something fresh and inspiring...We did that! As a team we are more encouraged now than ever to inspire the world with [Koko’s] story. To show how beautiful and full of life she was. She will inspire generations to come and will never be forgotten.” Nor will the film that contains her story, an immediate addition to the canon of LGBTQIA+ cinema.
DIR. ERICA TREMBLAY | USA | 90 MIN. SATURDAY | JULY 15 | 7:15PM | DGA 1
With her first narrative feature, director Erica Tremblay crafts a moving family drama about community, sisterhood, and Native identity. Lily Gladstone gives a standout performance as Jax, a queer Native woman scraping by as best she can while struggling to keep her family together. When Jax’s troubled sister disappears and law enforcement responds by threatening to remove Jax’s teenage niece Roki (impressive newcomer Isabel Deroy-Olson) from her home—quietly highlighting the oppressiveness of institutions like the FBI that prioritize the safety of white citizens over the Indigenous people who were the first to live on the land—Jax hits the road with Roki to find answers. As their journey deepens and complicates their bond, these two remarkable women provide a sense of warmth that makes Fancy Dance linger in the heart long after the credits roll.
DIR. RIGHTOR DOYLE | USA | 90 MIN.
SATURDAY | JULY 15 | 9:45PM | DGA 1
With a pitch black sense of humor and rapid-fire dialogue, Rightor Doyle’s feature directorial debut is a gay comedy unafraid to push the envelope. The film boasts a talented cast that includes Zachary Quinto as Gary, a generally sad divorcé recently out of the closet, and Lukas Gage as Cameron, the boundary-free masseur he hires for a happy ending. When Cameron learns just how inexperienced Gary is at gay life, his enthusiastic agenda of Grindr hookups and more quickly causes the day to take several dark, out-of-control turns.
Supported by an extremely game cast that includes Simon Rex, Audra McDonald, and even Judith Light, wringing every laugh out of a small, kooky role, the wild narrative is perfectly led at every beat by Gage (who also co-wrote the script) in a performance bursting with manic comic energy. Doyle gives us twist after R-rated twist, barely allowing the audience to take a breath before the next troubling revelation. But what really makes Down Low special is its casual relationship with queerness and sexuality, never over explaining any one term or sex act, firmly positioning the film as a story by and for queer audiences. Its refusal to anticipate a straight audience makes Down Low feel fresh and daring. We need more films like it.
DIR. IRA SACHS | FRANCE | 91 MIN.
THURSDAY | JULY 20 | 7:15PM | DGA 1
If love is strange in the latest feature film from Ira Sachs (Keep the Lights On, Outfest Los Angeles ’12 Grand Jury Prize)—further cementing his status as one of contemporary queer cinema’s foremost chroniclers of emotional entanglement—then it is also a battlefield.
Set against the sumptuous yet suffocating world of Parisian nightlife, erratic filmmaker Tomas (Franz Rogowski, Great Freedom) throws caution and his fifteen-year marriage to Martin (Ben Whishaw, Women Talking) to the wind when he embarks upon a surprising affair with grade school teacher Agathe (Adèle Exarchopoulos, Blue Is the Warmest Color) after meeting her on the dance floor at the wrap party for his most recent project. Matching self-absorption with selfdestruction, Tomas hurtles both partners into a maelstrom of lust, power, and control made and sustained by his own fragile ego. As Martin and Agathe struggle to secure the shifting foundations of their unique attachments to Tomas, Sachs bottles the messy passion among the love triangle and shakes it to the breaking point of erotic annihilation.
With support from the California Arts Council, Outfest has created an inaugural Artist Residency to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Outfest Fusion QTBIPOC Film Festival, extending the impact of the Fusion QTBIPOC Film Festival to feature extended collaborations with local artists representing the under-served LGBTQ+ community
of color. A spotlight of curated festival programming will reflect each artist's unique identity, to center local artists and cultural expression, laying the foundation for Outfest’s first-ever Fusion Artists-in-Residence initiative for QTBIPOC emerging and established visual and/or multidisciplinary artists.
Star Amerasu started her performance career in San Francisco in the queer arts and theatre scene. Early on, she was tasked with creating the soundtrack to the Outfest LA ‘16 Audience Award-winning documentary MAJOR! which explores the life and campaigns of Miss Major GriffinGracy, a formerly incarcerated Black transgender elder and activist. Shortly after she created her indie music project Ah-Mer-Ah-Su.
After a string of critically acclaimed EPs, her debut full length album Star was voted as one of the Top 20 LGBT albums of 2018 by Billboard. Her music collaborations have been used in commercials, dance, film, theater, and social media. She continues to record and release new music, and views herself as a storyteller first and foremost. Currently, she is working on more narrative forms of expression and returning to her roots as an actor. Simultaneous to these many talents, she also is a world renowned DJ, walked seasons at NY and LA Fashion Weeks, and is a modern tastemaker.
A powerhouse storyteller, Dalila Ali Rajah is a wonderful mixture of sandalwood, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Whether she is lighting up the stage with her critically acclaimed acting skills or her mesmerizing dance moves, she is a joy to watch. She is a dynamic multi-hyphenate griot, actress, writer, producer, and founder of the Black Queer Joy movement. A well-known, lauded activist and content creator, she was selected as one of The Advocate’s Entertainers of the Year, and OUT’s OUT100. She cocreated the talk show Cherry Bomb!, which ran fine seasons on Canada’s OutTV, and her award-winning short film Secrets and Toys, which she wrote, produced, and stars in, has garnered over 4.7 million views on YouTube.
She’s toured the Tony Award-winning productions of The Trip to Bountiful with Cecily Tyson, Blair Underwood, and Vanessa Williams, and has appeared in such shows as 9-11, Grey’s Anatomy, and Criminal Minds Her storytelling is the Black AF queer AF witchy faerie love child of Under the Tuscan Sun, Practical Magic, and Lost Girl, raised by Scandal. Ali Rajah’s current projects shine a light on the places where her different labels intersect, as a Black, queer, bisexual, ambifidelitous, neurodivergent, witch, faerie, and mother of a trans child.
Ali Rajah holds a BA in Theatre from Spelman College and an MFA in Acting from California Institute of the Arts.
DIR. BABATUNDE APALOWO | USA | 93 MIN.
SATURDAY | JULY 15 | 7:00PM | DGA 2
Two men in Lagos, Nigeria are drawn into a powerful attraction that sends shockwaves through the disapproving society that surrounds them.
DIR. JUAN SEBASTIAN TORALES
ARGENTINA, FRANCE, ITALY | 95 MIN.
SUNDAY | JULY 16 | 11:30AM | DGA 2
In the seemingly-tranquil countryside of Argentina, a world infused with religious fervor and deep-rooted superstitions, a young boy seeks refuge from homophobia in a mysterious forest, where reality blurs and secrets lurk.
DIR. SEÁN DEVLIN | PHILIPPINES | 102 MIN.
SUNDAY | JULY 16 | 2:00PM | DGA 2
All roads lead to the Ms. Gay Sicogan pageant as Rey, a nonbinary comedian, journeys through a province struggling to rebuild after a typhoon.
DIR. COREY SHERMAN | USA | 90 MIN.
SATURDAY | JULY 22 | 11:00AM | DGA 1
In this charming coming-of-age comedy, a teenage boy experiences a sexual awakening when he falls for his cousin’s boyfriend on a camping trip.
DIR. FABIAN STUMM | GERMANY | 104 MIN.
THURSDAY | JULY 20 | 9:45PM | DGA 1
Long-time couple Boris and Jonathan test the boundaries of their all-too-routine relationship as they each embark on peculiar new creative pursuits.
DIR. EMMA SELIGMAN | USA | 92 MIN.
FRIDAY | JULY 21 | 7:30PM | DGA 1
This refreshingly outspoken raunchy comedy follows two unpopular girls in their senior year who start a fight club to try to impress and hook up with cheerleaders.
DIR. MERLE GRIMME | GERMANY | 73 MIN.
FRIDAY | JULY 21 | 7:30PM | DGA 2
When a group of queer and BIPOC women are assembled by a white feminist organization in a half-baked gesture towards diversifying their upcoming conference, rebellion is in the air!
Preceded by Agents of Change, Project: Polymer (dir. Jett Garrison) 15 Min.
DIR. HANNAH PEARL UTT | USA | 92 MIN.
SUNDAY | JULY 16 | 4:15PM | DGA 1
Self-centered Cora (Megan Stalter) embarks upon a scorchedearth mission to save her long-distance relationship after suspecting her girlfriend may have found a new partner, to deeply messy results.
Preceded by Gold and Mud (dir. Conor Dooley) 6 Min.
DIR. SARAH KAMBE HOLLAND | USA | 87 MIN.
FRIDAY | JULY 21 | 5:00PM | DGA 2
With weeks to go before their first semesters at separate colleges, aspiring animator Twinkie enlists her best friend Egghead to steal her parents’ car and drive cross-country to finally meet her online crush IRL.
Preceded by They Call Me Suki (dir. M.G. Evangelista) 5 Min.
DIR. ROBERTA TORRE | ITALY | 75 MIN.
SUNDAY | JULY 16 | 9:45PM | DGA 2
In this intoxicating hybrid of documentary and fantasy, a group of middle-aged trans women discover a letter from their friend who’s been dead twenty years and buried under her dead name, and return to the house they once shared to hold a séance and fulfill her last wish.
DIR. ANDY VALLENTINE | USA | 99 MIN.
SATURDAY | JULY 22 | 1:30PM | DGA 1
Thomas and Oscar are a couple very much in love, but after their first foster child returns to his birth mother, they find they have different ideas about what it means to make a family.
DIR. VUK LUNGULOV-KLOTZ | USA | 87 MIN.
FRIDAY | JULY 14 | 7:00PM | DGA 1
Over the course of one hectic day in New York City, a young trans guy named Feña navigates relationships of past, present, and future. This extraordinary feature debut marks a talent to watch in both director Lungulov-Klotz and star Lio Mehiel, who won the Special Jury Prize at Sundance for their performance.
DIR. MILAD ALAMI | SWEDEN | 118 MIN.
SATURDAY | JULY 22 | 9:45PM | DGA 2
After fleeing their Tehran home due to a mysterious violent incident, a closeted professional wrestler seeks asylum in northern Sweden with his wife and children but struggles to outrun the ghosts of his past.
DIR. BYUN SUNG-BIN | KOREA | 115 MIN.
SATURDAY | JULY 22 | 11:00AM | DGA 2
A Korean trans woman working as a dancer in Seoul returns to her family home, where she must grapple with her father’s death and the pressure to participate in a traditional, gendered memorial dance.
DIR. MANUEL ABRAMOVICH
ARGENTINA, FRANCE, BRAZIL, MEXICO | 98 MIN.
SUNDAY | JULY 16 | 9:30PM | DGA 1
Beyond the scintillating shots and carefully staged scenes, Lalo, a porn actor on the rise, balances online fame with his constant sense of melancholy.
DIR. SEBASTIÁN SILVA | MEXICO | 109 MIN.
FRIDAY | JULY 14 | 9:30PM | DGA 1
In this self-reflexive dark comedy, director Sebastián Silva and influencer Jordan Firstman play fictionalized versions of themselves whose stories collide in a mystery marked by missing persons, graphic gay sex, and potent existentialism.
DIR. SACHA POLAK
NETHERLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM | 102 MIN.
FRIDAY | JULY 21 | 9:45PM | DGA 2
Twenty-three-year-old nurse Franky finds first love in her working class East London borough, but emotional scars from a traumatic past and unexpected relationship woes make healing a tricky prospect.
DIR. LUIS DE FILIPPIS | CANADA, SWITZERLAND | 96 MIN.
SATURDAY | JULY 22 | 4:45PM | DGA 2
Struggling to make ends meet on her own, a twentysomething trans girl heads on vacation to a small beach town with her warm if abrasive Canadian-Italian family intent on making the most of their time together.
Preceded by Pool Party (dir. Megan Chumbley) 5 Min.
DIR. V.T. NAYANI | CANADA | 87 MIN.
FRIDAY | JULY 14 | 7:15PM | DGA 2
Though still emotionally tied to the Mohawk community where her mother raised her, Kawenniióhstha (Reservation Dogs’ Devery Jacobs) pursues her dreams of being a poet by moving to Toronto: the city where her estranged Iranian father happens to live, a city where she can begin to explore the other side of who she is.
Malai (newcomer Priya Guns) is also estranged from her father, but now that he's battling terminal cancer, she begins repairing her relationship with him, her one remaining link to her Tamil roots. But when the two young women lock eyes in a laundromat, inexplicable sparks fly.
DIR. SHARON “ROCKY” ROGGIO | USA | 92 MIN.
SATURDAY | JULY 22 | 4:15PM | DGA 1
Uncover the shocking truth behind a mistranslation that ignited homophobia in the conservative church in 1946. Roggio sheds light on the complexities of language, culture, and love, while challenging traditional narratives that have caused so much harm.
DIR. DANIEL GONÇALVES | BRAZIL | 86 MIN.
SUNDAY | JULY 16 | 7:15PM | DGA 2
WORLD PREMIERE
Located at the intersection of disability and queerness, Daniel Gonçalves’ film crafts an embodied, sharply critical exploration of the fullness of its participants’ sexual lives.
DIR. JANE M. WAGNER | USA | 73 MIN.
SATURDAY | JULY 15 | 4:45PM | DGA 2
Narcissa Wright livestreams every moment of her quest to be the world’s fastest Legend of Zelda player, but will she be able to choose love and adventure in the real world?
DIR. SANDRA ITÄINEN | USA | 75 MIN.
SATURDAY | JULY 22 | 7:30PM | DGA 2
A queer Muslim woman grapples with the decision to come out to her devout, psychiatrist mother and ends up marrying her male partner to evade her mother’s silent disapproval.
DIR. MICHÈLE STEPHENSON, JOE BREWSTER USA | 102 MIN.
SATURDAY | JULY 15 | 12:00PM | DGA 2
A rich, complicated, aptly Afro-futuristic exploration of the work, life, and legacy of titanous poet Nikki Giovanni, whose conception of and contributions to Black liberation are urgent, honest, and beautiful.
DIR. SAM SHAHID | USA | 96 MIN.
SUNDAY | JULY 16 | 1:45PM | DGA 1
Discover the groundbreaking work of photographer George Platt Lynes, whose wildly successful early 20th century fashion portraiture of some of the era’s most famous personalities paved the way for his true passion: the male nude.
DIR. ALEXANDRIA BOMBACH | USA | 124 MIN.
SATURDAY | JULY 15 | 1:30PM | DGA 1
Music, activism, and unfiltered stories: Bombach skillfully blends intimate audio recordings, camcorder footage, interviews, and precious archival visuals to capture the essence of the Indigo Girls' and explore their enduring legacy.
DIR. AGNIIA GALDANOVA, MARIA CLARA SAREM USA, FRANCE | 98 MIN.
THURSDAY | JULY 20 | 7:30PM | DGA 2
Gena, a queer artist from a small town in Russia, stages radical performances in public that become a new form of art and activism — and put her life in danger.
DIR. NNEKA ONUORAH | USA | 85 MIN.
THURSDAY | JULY 20 | 5:00PM | DGA 1
WORLD PREMIERE
Equal parts healing journey and incisive examination and featuring talking head interviews from the likes of Billy Porter, Cedric the Entertainer and frequent Tyler Perry collaborators David and Tamala Mann, Onuorah explores the Black church and its complicated relationship between Black queer Christians and their faith.
FRIDAY
Plenty of us have spent hours scrolling through streaming services, looking for our next favorite show to watch, and there can never be enough series with an unapologetically queer flavor. In this collection of four episodic works, witness the early chapters of stories that will hopefully lead to a season’s worth of unmissable episodes. From a bitchy Eat, Pray, Love with a gay Asian perspective, to a nanny rocked by temptation in her new gig, to the hallowed halls of Brooklyn sex parties, these new series will introduce you to the queer characters you’ll be eager to revisit week after week.
Dir. Yen Tan 12 Min.
A gay, Asian writer (Kevin Yee) passes out in a gay bar bathroom, wakes up in the hospital, and realizes he is detached from society. Terrified of dying alone, he decides to change his life for the better and chronicles his journey in a book.
Dir. Stevie Wain, Auri Jackson 30 Min.
An aspiring LA comedian secretly falls in love with the mom she nannies for, as she desperately tries to pay rent to her exboyfriend-turned-best friend after coming out as gay.
Dir. Micah Stuart 27 Min.
A man falls in love with his mother’s hospice nurse while struggling to reconcile with his elderly father...who’s secretly a porn director.
Dir. Michael Leibenluft 18 Min.
A GUIDE TO NOT DYING COMPLETELY ALONE DAY JOBS FOR YEARS TO COME
SATURDAY | JULY 15 | 11:00AM | REDCAT
This block of animated short films showcases queer narratives and talented LGBTQ+ animators from Croatia, Finland, France, Italy, and here at home. Stories bound by love, trust, epic adventure, and fantasy; these are the stories of love amidst colonial violence, firsttime trips to buy makeup, a superhero, an imaginative nonbinary teen named Frog, and a rumination on the memory of a former relationship. Representing a range of queer narratives, animation styles, and techniques not only through words, but through race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality.
ASpotforFrog (Dir. Evan Bode) 16 Min. Aikāne (Dir Daniel Sousa, Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson) 14 Min. Blush-An Extraordinary Voyage (Dir. Iiti Yli-Harja) 15 Min. Christopher at Sea (Dir. Tom C J Brown) 12 Min. Hospes (Dir. Stephanie J Williams) 12 Min. Pentola (Dir. Leo Černic) 5 Min. Route 70+ (Dir. Nerina Penzhorn) 2 Min. Strange Acts Of Love (Dir. Masashi Yamamoto) 6 Min. The A Bun Dance (Dir. Erial Tompkins) 1 Min. Y (Dir. Matea Kovac) 7 Min.
THURSDAY | JULY 20 | 5:00PM | DGA 2
Discovering your authentic queer and/or trans self often requires plenty of solitude and soul-searching, but externalizing your thoughts and feelings through performance can unlock the power of your identity and gender expression with catharsis and pride. Whether throwing yourself biceps first into the beauty and brawn of body-building, pushing your skills to the limit within the skateboarding community, melding activism with art, or even using cinematic tools as a means to bend documentary and narrative form towards personal and collective histories, the filmmakers within this expansive collection of short films boldly turn their characters and themselves inside-out to reveal expressive shades of personal revelation.
Compton’s ‘22 (Dir. Drew de Pinto) 17 Min. Flores del Otro Patio (Dir. Jorge Cadena) 16 Min. Les Sports X-trem (Dir. Gio Ventura) 19 Min. Merman (Dir. Sterling “Master Sterling” Hampton IV) 11 Min. Rumpelstiltskin (Dir. Ethan Fuirst) 8 Min. The 25th Filial Exemplar (Dir. Leon Cheo) 15 Min. Transenders (Dir. Diane Russo Cheng) 10 Min.
Femmes, butches, and enbies—oh my! She’s gotta have these vivid, unforgettable short films that celebrate and all aspects of queer femininity. Spanning the grief cycle of a breakup, forbidden desires, passion, music, the powerful fluidity of femme desire, longing, intersectional identity, and ancestral power, this talented group of filmmakers take us on a journey from ancestral power in the South Side of Chicago to long-lost South Asian lovers. These films about lesbian love celebrate femininity in its diversity of expressions, experiences, and identities. Tonight, we embrace our queerness and femininity!
100% USDA Certified Organic Homemade Tofu (Dir. Gbenga Komolafe) 14 Min. A History of Sitting in Waiting Rooms (Or Whatever Longer Title You Prefer) (Dir. Lorena Russi) 9 Min. As You Are (Dir. Daisy Friedman) 15 Min. Brush (Dir. Summer Sveinson) 6 Min. Complicated Order (Dir. Emmie Lichtenberg) 15 Min. The Funnel (Dir. Charlene A. Carruthers) 17 Min. The Little Things (Dir. Camrin Williams)
1 Min. WTCHSONG (Dir. Lina Bembe) 4 Min. Your Love (Dir. Sundeep Morrison) 4 Min.
SATURDAY | JULY 15 | 11:00AM | DGA 1
We may not have John Travolta, but there is certainly some Saturday night fever with these films. So dust off your dancing shoes and join us as we collectively experience butterflies for the first time, embarrassing run-ins, loss and regret, musical journeys, unfathomable happenings, or even a revival of a long- forgotten boy band. The films in this program feature dynamic, gay protagonists as they embrace moments of personal realizations and urge us to join in on the celebration.
SUNDAY | JULY 16 | 11:00AM | DGA 1
We’ve all heard that old Joan Didion quote “we tell ourselves stories in order to live,” but it feels especially true for queer people. We are a resilient, creative, loud, and passionate community, and it is stories like these —unbelievably true stories—that give us the model and the inspiration to thrive in a time that feels like it’s slouching towards fascism. Whether it’s an incarcerated trans artist, a captivating musician, an aspiring nurse with grand ambitions to build a life that reflects her true self, or three artists’ interpretation of actress Maria Schneider’s testimony about her experience on Last Tango in Paris, these documentaries showcase the immensity, diversity, and expansiveness of queer experience.
Here, Hopefully (Dir. Hao Zhou) 11 Min. Hold On To Me (Dir. Te Shima Anusha Brennen, Rajvi Desai) 5 Min. How to Carry Water (Dir. Sasha Wortzel) 15 Min. Love,Jamie (Dir. Karla Murthy) 21 Min. Maria Schneider, 1983 (Dir. Elisabeth Subrin) 25 Min. Relighting Candles: The Tim Sullivan Story (Dir. Zeberiah Newman, Michiel Thomas) 21 Min. trip (Dir. Pea Nunez, Macarooni) 1 Min. VincintThere Will Be Tears (Dir. Ryan Nordin) 3 Min.
After Sunset, Dawn Arrives (Dir. Andy Yi Li) 17 Min. EITR (Dir. Fateema Al-Hamaydeh Miller) 14 Min. ElIntercambio(TheExchange) (Dir. Marco Berger) 25 Min. Fanatic (Dir. Taran Killam) 16 Min. Repair (Dir. Bertil Nilsson) 11 Min. Right In Front of You (Dir. Nicolas Jara)
1 Min. Stay Lost (Dir. Chris Coats) 12 Min.
SATURDAY | JULY 22 | 9:30PM | DGA 1
From imagining futures where our toiling hands are replaced by artificial intelligence, through living out a present where cultural and self acceptance create new realities, to honoring our elders and ancestors for their wisdom and spirit of resistance, this cinematic collection of the queer Latine experience focuses in on our fight, our families, and our felicidad. Trace histories through dance and personal reflection, reconnect with a parent through punk rock or a ghost, or take a chance on love with a single passing glance —as we thrive at the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and nation, tonight we celebrate our excellence! Órale!
Dear Uncle (Dir. Marianne Amelinckx Labrador) 5 Min. El Paisa (Dir. Daniel Eduvijes Carrera) 17 Min. Inés Unfortunately (Dir. Anna Salinas) 12 Min. Órale (Dir. Oscar Alvarez) 1 Min. Punk Is Punk (Dir. Kimberly Bautista) 15 Min. The Ballad of Tita and the Machines (Dir. Miguel Angel Caballero) 14 Min. The Girl That Got Away (Dir. Lauren Veen, Ephi Stempler) 14 Min. Tierra (Dir. Fana Adjani) 15 Min.
AFTER SUNSET, DAWN ARRIVES FANATIC STAY LOST
HOLD ON TO ME
THURSDAY | JULY 20 | 9:45PM | DGA 2
Imagine, if you will, a world where people are demonized for the people they sleep with or what they do with their bodies. Imagine a world where the lives of queer people were made materially more difficult by the hatred and closed-mindedness of the world around them. It seems too silly to be true, too overwrought —and yet these short films explore the ways queer people, queer stories, and queerness itself can inspire the fantastical, the otherworldly, and the nightmarish. From a ghost out to ruin a couple’s domestic bliss, to a terrifying tale based on a monster from Dominican folklore, to a sex doll who takes more than it can give, this collection of films stretch the limits of what queer stories can be.
Do Digital Curanderas Use Eggs In Their Limpias? (Dir. Roberto Fatal) 14 Min. Gianna (Dir. Kait Schuster) 11 Min. He Watches (Dir. Joshua Conkel) 14 Min. IMOAN (Dir. Catherine Kelleher) 13 Min. Interdimensional Pizza Portal (Dir. Aron Kantor) 5 Min. original skin (Dir. Mdhamiri á Nkemi) 12 Min. The Ciguapa (Dir. Blaine Morris) 14 Min. You Can Stay Over (If You Want) (Dir. Zach Siegel) 11 Min.
SATURDAY | JULY 15 | 9:30PM | DGA 2
Perhaps you’ve heard the question asked recently: why aren’t movies horny anymore?! While sensuality and eroticism haven’t totally disappeared from movie screens, there’s no question that the push toward mass appeal in mainstream cinema nowadays has massively depleted onscreen portrayals of a crucial component in adult relationships: sex! In this collection of erotically-charged shorts, we’ll explore stories that intricately weave sexual connection into the fabric of their narratives, proving that a great sex scene is not gratuitous or extraneous to the plot...it’s necessary! And good! Provocative and frank depictions of human sexuality have long been celebrated in queer cinema, and the filmmakers in this block carry on that torch proudly with humor, heart, bawdiness, and even a little melancholy. Enjoy!
Come Clean (Dir. Sal Bardo) 13 Min. Cowboy, Choker, Harness & Heart (Dir. Nicolas Blanco, Julia Ponce Diaz) 8 Min. Dilating For Maximum Results (Dir. Nyala Moon) 14 Min. Priorities (Dir. Tamara Lucarini Cortés) 18 Min. Puck (Dir. Rebecca Ozer) 12 Min. SoftSign (Dir. Victoria Uchitel) 24 Min. Wet Hair (Dir. Julian Dieterich) 6 Min.
It’s the oldest job in the world–and it’s also the queerest. Stories of sex workers and sex work are too often reduced to familiar narratives of tragedy or redemption. But we’ve all seen enough financial advice columns detailing how best to sell feet pics on OnlyFans to know that’s not true (haven’t we…?). This short film program mines the humor, nuance, banality, and—of course—labor of sex work to showcase sex workers as they are: from people striving to maintain in a late-capitalist nightmare world, to ambitious young doms out to impress their bossy headmistress, to naturalistic portraits of sugar babies, to young cam-girls suddenly desperate when the Feds seize her safest means of income.
SATURDAY | JULY 15 | 1:30PM | REDCAT
Blond Night (Dir. Gabrielle Demers) 17 Min. Daddy Issues (Dir. Matt Campanella, Stephanie Chloé Hepner) 5 Min. GiveItToMe (Dir. Courtney Hope Therond) 9 Min. Lady Los Angeles (Dir. Antonia Crane) 14 Min. Side Hustle (Dir. Abby Harri) 15 Min. The Audition (Dir. Chels Morgan) 16 Min. Thriving: A Dissociated Reverie (Dir. Nicole Bazuin) 10 Min.
IMOAN COME CLEAN
FRIDAY | JULY 21 | 5:00PM | DGA 1
This BIPOC-centered cinematic score evokes introspection, magick, and irreverence. Always leaning toward joy and authenticity, These poignant stories span generations with a sprinkling of sparkle and a dash of sexy. These fantastical and fanciful shorts—from the heartwarming story of a young adult trying to protect her gender nonconforming nephew, to an uplifting portrait of chosen family in New York’s drag and ballroom scene, to a baby who leaves a precious gift in the most unexpected place—will have your eyes watering and your heart swelling with queer joy.
Curated by Outfest Fusion Storytelling Artist-in-Residence Dalila Ali Rajah
Adore (Dir. Beth Warrian) 11 Min. El Dance-Off (Dir. Nicolás Keller Sarmiento) 13 Min. Her Curve (Dir. Stacy Jill Calvert, Jaclyn Chessen) 6 Min. Hex the Patriarchy (Dir. Anne Brashier) 6 Min.
I Am Poem (Dir. Maite Bonilla) 15 Min. MnM (Dir. Twiggy Pucci Garçon) 15 Min. Sis (Dir. Miranda Haymon) 14 Min. Wonders (Dir. Huriyyah Muhammad) 16 Min.
SUNDAY | JULY 16 | 2:00PM | REDCAT
Though it is often policed inside and outside of queer spaces, femininity holds a reverent power. This collection of narrative and documentary films shows us how precious and powerful those who have chosen to wield this power can be. Society may have told them that their exultant femininity is a liability, but the high femmes in these films know that all they need to do is bat their eyes, coo their voice, strut their stuff—and the room is theirs. Easy.
Curated by Outfest Fusion Multidisciplinary Artist-in-Residence Star Amerasu
An Avocado Pit (Dir. Ary Zara) 20 Min. Dismantle Me (Dir. Max Disgrace) 13 Min. House of Tulip (Dir. Cydney Tucker) 23 Min.
I Guess... (Dir. Star Amerasu, Aimee Hoffman) 5 Min. Smooth (Dir. Sepand (Sepi) Mashiahof) 20 Min.
We want, therefore we are. Our desires define us. They shape the way we move through the world, and the way the world interacts with us. But because of the complexity and nuance of queer life, these feelings are often forced just out of grasp, into a space of fleeting, transforming impermanence. We yearn, and it redraws our very relationship with the objects of our desires, as well as our memories of what and how we want. These films offer an intrinsic investigation into our queer desires that, inflected with culture, tradition, timing, spaces between, imagination, and nationhood, help us see ourselves anew.
SUNDAY | JULY 16 | 11:30AM | REDCAT
Dear Pierangelo (Dir. Antti Holma) 8 Min. Mooncake (Dir. Rraine Hanson) 11 Min. Thaw (Dir. Alex Bush) 17 Min. The Sketch (Dir. Tomas Cali) 10 Min. When There Were Trees (Dir. Shahin Gorgani) 22 Min.
默 (To Write from Memory) (Dir. Emory Chao Johnson) 18 Min.
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 year-round programs and initiatives, which include artist labs, film screenings, workshops, 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.
Outfest volunteers are vital to the success of the organization and create a memorable experience for all patrons. Choose from a variety of roles, and enjoy the exclusive perks!
The Outfest Inclusive Press Initiative is designed to challenge the systemic access gap for emerging LGBTQ+ entertainment journalists, specifically journalists of color, to cover our world class festivals. This year’s inaugural program for the Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival will provide ten freelance journalists press accreditation and financial support as well as journalism-specific
THEY/THEM
Named one of GLAAD’s 20 under 20 Rising Stars, Ehianeta is a freelance journalist in Brooklyn, NY who has written for multiple publications including The Advocate, the GLAAD Blog, NPR and Alternative Press Magazine
THEY/THEM
Deng is a queer Taiwanese/Hong Konger American poet, filmmaker and multimedia journalist born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley with bylines in The L.A. Times, The Guardian, The Washington Post, and NPR
HE/HIM
Marcus’Anthony is a Media Correspondent and Pop Culture Enthusiast born and raised in Houston, Texas, now based in Los Angeles, who has interviewed celebrities at highly anticipated award shows and movie premieres throughout the city.
HE/HIM
Born and raised in Porirua, Aotearoa/New Zealand, Fanene Schmidt has contributed to a number of media outlets including HuffPost, BuzzFeed and The Washington Post along with serving as the Executive Director of the Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti.
HE/HIM
Uddin is a freelance writer based in Brooklyn, NY who covers Desi identity, queer culture, and the intersection of both with bylines in VOGUE India, them, Refinery29, and Vulture.
industry panels and mentorship from leading queer and trans journalists in the entertainment space. More than just during our festival, the program will give our fellows the connections they need to jump start their careers while showcasing their talents through broadcast, writing and podcast.
SHE/HER
Brown is a journalist and recent graduate from California State University, Long Beach who is dedicated to uplifting marginalized voices.
THEY/THEM
Harvey is a nonbinary Mexican American journalist, creative writer, and poet based in the Los Angeles area with bylines in Queerty, INTO More, LA WEEKLY, and Trash Mag
THEY/THEM
Palomera is a nonbinary, Mexican-Colombian, multimedia journalist from East Los Angeles who reports on issues affecting QTBIPOC communities and uses their own experiences to educate and create safe spaces within media.
SHE/THEY
Thompson is a writer, advocate, and community consultant who recently graduated magna cum laude from New York University (NYU) in English and American Literature with a minor in Creative Writing.
SHE/HER
Wallace is a freelance journalist and multidisciplinary writer based in New York City focused on culture, entertainment, health equity and queer beats with bylines in Slate, Teen Vogue, TIME and Bitch Media
AS STORYTELLERS, WE BELIEVE NARRATIVES SHAPE CULTURE. BY ELEVATING UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES, WE CULTIVATE CONVERSATION, TRANSFORM INSIGHT INTO OPPORTUNITY, AND EMPOWER THE COMMUNITIES LEADING US INTO OUR COLLECTIVE FUTURE—A WORLD WITHOUT BOUNDARIES, OUTDATED MODALITIES, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, WITHOUT FEAR.
Created in 1997 as a screenwriting contest, the Outfest Screenwriting Lab has since become the cornerstone of Outfest’s artist development programs. For the past 25 years, the Outfest Screenwriting Lab has supported over 150 LGBTQ+ writers.
Sadboi (Feature)
Thrown out of the house, an emotionally-stunted high schooler must revisit old friends and repair burnt bridges all in the name of finding a place to sleep.
My Ex-Wife’s Wedding (Feature)
When a recently divorced lesbian learns her ex-wife is (already!) getting married again, she has to scramble to find a date she can present as her girlfriend to prove SHE’S doing just fine, too, thanks.
Lavender Boy (Feature)
HE/THEY
Lavender Boy is a semi-autobiographical coming of age feature film about a young boy who is queered by his ancestral ability to see ghosts. But when his Pop Pop passes away, the young boy is left to figure out this gift on his own and help a queer spirit on the journey to reconnecting in love.
Shepherd (Episodic)
Dr. Luz Garza is a brilliant scientist wrongfully accused of murder who becomes a fugitive when she discovers her twin, who died ten years ago, is still alive. On a mission to find her sister, Luz and her loyal allies are pulled into a compelling conspiracy connected to Luz’s past, present, and future.
Matchmakers (Episodic)
Heartstopper meets Never Have I Ever when a chaotic South Asian teen trio accidentally turns matchmaker for their community and must navigate outdated traditions, growing friendships, and modern day love.
The 2022 Screenwriting Lab provided craft support, industry insight, mentorship, and financial support to a diverse cohort of ten screenwriting fellows. From indie dramas, to sci-fi rom-coms, action thrillers, and comedies, the 2022 Screenwriting Lab featured a broad array of stories, the most dynamic group to date!
Elote Preparado (Episodic)
This semi-autobiographical dramedy follows a Chicano and his husband who return to Arizona for a quinceañera, but when his conservative mother discovers PrEP in his luggage he must come clean about his open relationship as family secrets are exposed.
Boys in Bands (Feature)
A closeted teenage transgender boy must keep his secret life as a male garage band singer away from his traditional Latino family.
Little Village (Episodic)
A documentary crew follows the misadventures of an openly queer, Latino on the Chicago City Council as he tackles personal and old school politics.
Cross Pollination (Feature)
A queer sci-fi rom-com about an alien who falls in love with a human.
Fat Lip (Feature)
Nerdy Asian-American middle schooler, Benjie, falls for a rebel sk8er boi. To gain his attention, Benjie must ditch his immigrant geek persona and transform into a radical, emo, all-American teen.
SPONSORED BY
In the early 1980s, a young doctor at UCLA reports a strange immune disorder among gay men the world’s first warning sign of the epidemic to come. In the decades that followed, Los Angeles would play a critical role in the battle against HIV/AIDS as doctors, movie stars, studio moguls and activists came together to change the path of the epidemic and how the world saw it. Outfest alum Jeffrey Schwarz (I Am Divine, Tab Hunter Confidential) documents this incredible
Few artistic works remain as controversial in the present as they were during their initial release, but writer-director Stephen Winter’s groundbreaking 1996 feature debut, Chocolate Babies, retains an evergreen capacity to shock. Winter’s vibrantly original vision owes as much to Fassbinder as it does to Blaxploitation representations of Black militancy with its tragic and hilarious portrait of a radical queer activist group (equal parts House of
drama through the stories of those who lived through it, from Rock Hudson and Easy-E, Elizabeth Taylor and David Geffen, the Red Ribbon and Philadelphia, ACT UP and APLA. Using first-person interviews, rare archival and activist footage, and scenes from starstudded Hollywood fundraisers, Commitment to Life resurrects one of the epidemic’s most compelling histories in order that we never repeat it.
LaBeija, ACT UP and the Red Brigades) planning the kidnapping of a closeted councilman. In its critique not just of queerdom’s traditional conservative antagonists but also of assimilationist Black liberal leadership that treated the AIDS crisis of the 90s with fatal apathy, Chocolate Babies remains a galvanizing examination of the LGBTQ movement’s challenges without and within, and one of the best and boldest films of the New Queer Cinema.
New restoration by the UCLA Film & Television Archive in conjunction with Frameline and Outfest! DIR. JEFFREY SCHWARZ | USA | 115 MIN. SATURDAY | JULY 15 | 4:15PM | DGA 1 DIR. STEPHEN WINTER | USA | 83 MIN. SUNDAY | JULY 16 | 4:45PM | DGA 2SATURDAY | JULY 15 | 2:45PM | DGA 2
Concord Originals, the narrative content creation division of the world’s leading independent music company and licensor of stage productions, Concord, partnered with Outfest to launch a one-of-a-kind short film financing and intellectual property licensing initiative to support upand-coming LGBTQIA+ filmmakers of color. In addition to providing financing for three short films, Concord Originals facilitated each film team's use of one of three iconic songs from its vast well of IP into their films.
After being selected at Outfest Fusion, the selected films directed by Jonathan De La Torre and Miles Lopez (Avivar), Zoë Hodge (Skate), and Chanelle Tyson (Artificial), will premiere at Outfest Los Angeles 2023 and be followed by a filmmaker Q&A.
DIR. MARC SALTARELLI | USA | 94 MIN.
TUESDAY | JULY 18 | 7:30PM | HARMONY GOLD
Partner Screening with Pauley Perrette and Project Angel Food
More than just a disco, Studio One was a haven for gay men looking for identity in a world that saw them as outcasts, merging the community with the Hollywood elite for the first time, and becoming the staging ground for the LGBT rights movement and fight against the AIDS crisis. Disco dance party following the screening!
The partnership comes as part of Concord’s Impact Investment Initiative a $10M fund to deploy capital into projects and companies that serve or are led by members of underrepresented and marginalized communities, in contrast to Concord’s general philanthropic efforts, the intent of the impact investing fund is to provide support and investment to projects that have commercial potential if led by folks from communities that historically have not had access to those resources.
Aspiring toy designer Alejandro (Julio Torres) takes a job assisting an erratic New York art-world outcast (Tilda Swinton) in a desperate effort to stay in the U.S. before his work visa expires. Armed with Torres' incomparable visual style, a cast fully committed to his comic vision, and even wry narration from none other than Isabella Rosselini, Problemista is a can't-miss.
SUNDAY | JULY 23 | 11:00AM–3:00PM | VIDIOTS
A ll Ages – Free!
Queer youth, queer families and storytellers young at heart are invited to enjoy a playful, safe and affirming environment to celebrate vibrant queer cinematic childhood at the newly-opened Vidiots theater and video store in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles.
Join us for the Children’s Shorts and Teen Shorts film programs, Drag Story Hour, Bob Baker Marionette Theater, art and storytelling workshops for teens, snack giveaways, and more! Enjoy the following Family Day Shorts:
Abundance of Questions (dir. Todd Lien), Beautiful, FL (dir. Gabriela Ortega), Evan Ever After (dir. Ariel Mahler, Radha Mehta), Lovie Dovie (dir. Frankie Brescia), Maxine (dir. Niki Ang), Pacemaker (dir. Brian Vincent Rhodes, Christopher Lennertz), Prince Ivan and the Clockwork Heart (dir. X. K. Balashov), The Rainbow Dung Beetle (dir. Cole Dupzyk, Ellen Mowat), The Roof (dir. Alexander Bocchieri)
The Trans, Nonbinary, & Intersex Summit (TNBI Summit) began as a creative response to the exclusion of TNBI voices in the development of TNBI narratives within Hollywood.
Now in its seventh year, the TNBI Summit has evolved into a space to showcase and celebrate trans, nonbinary, and intersex storytellers and talent, cultivate community, and facilitate dialogue.
The theme this year is Rebellious Abundance. Pivoting on the theme of Envisioning Abundance from Outfest Fusion, the summit will highlight the ways in which TNBI artists build visions and futures by embracing the rebellion that has always defined gender variance.
Join us for a day of rebellious abundance and unapologetic self-expression at the 7th Annual Trans, Nonbinary, & Intersex Summit where TNBI voices take center stage, celebrating the power of storytelling and the resilience of our community!
2:15PM–4:15PM | DGA 2
SATURDAY | JULY 22
Keynote Address and Drag Performance from Vico Ortiz —or as you may know them, Vico Suave.
A One Minute Movie Showcase in partnership with ActNow, LA’s queer and trans acting program, featuring short films inspired by this year’s theme from many of our favorite emerging TNBI filmmakers and TNBI talent.
Drag Performances by TNBI kings and queens, including a special performance produced by LA drag collective Them Fatales and cast members of the AMC and Shudder hit The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula
4:15PM–6:00PM | DGA ATRIUM
After the summit, join us for the TNBI Summit Reception in celebration of all the TNBI filmmakers and films at this year’s festival!
Vico Ortiz (they/them) is a proud Latine/x non-binary/gender fluid actor and activist born and raised in Puerto Rico who received their education at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. Vico stars as a series lead playing Bonifacia/Jim in the Max comedy series Our Flag Means Death created by David Jenkins with Academy Award winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit) executive producing, directing (pilot episode), and starring as the infamous pirate Blackbeard.
Vico’s characters include the original and dynamic Drag King “Vico Suave“, a character that was created by mixing their Hispanic/Caribbean and American culture while exploring their own gender fluidity and sexuality. They utilize their platform as “Vico Suave“ to support the LGBTQ+ and Latine community as a passionate advocate and showcase diversity in the Latine/x culture on stage, TV and film. Their passion is to educate society on gender, inclusive language, and join the stream of voices within the entertainment industry that is constantly pushing and advocating for LGBTQ+ and Latine/x rights and their positive portrayals in the media.
MEANS SAFETY.
JEFF CONSOLETTI Executive Producer, West Hollywood Pride
Aitch Alberto found her refuge through cinema, so it was almost inevitable that they’d lean toward a film career. As a born creator, Outfest Screenwriting Lab fellow Aitch Alberto paved her path as a filmmaker and storyteller without formal training, fearing that the confines of structured learning would disrupt her instinct as an artist. But the Miami native’s disciplined focus on her artistry granted her the opportunities and success she has earned today. In 2022 she was featured on Variety's 10 Directors to Watch list, Indiewires' 22 Rising Female Filmmakers to Watch, and was included on The Black List’s Inaugural Latinx List. Along with being a celebrated Outfest alum, Alberto will be kicking off this year’s festival with her latest film Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, an adaptation of the Stonewall book award-winning YA novel by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. The film not only captivated audiences and was praised at the 47th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), but it epitomized the pristine craftsmanship and vision that Alberto has to offer in this industry.
Before the success of her debut film Kokomo City, which is this year’s Outfest Los Angeles Documentary Centerpiece, director and cinematographer
D. Smith was a subway singer whose talents caught the eye of execs at Sony Music. Having a fruitful and solid repertoire, the now two-time Grammy award-nominated producer worked with artists such as Lil Wayne, Katy Perry, Andre 3000, and more. Her career seemed promising and secure. However, after her transition, the music industry turned their back on her. But in the midst of uncertainty, she had an idea for a documentary that explored the honest and raw experiences of Black transgender sex workers. That film would become Kokomo City which had its premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. As a panelist in our Outfest Outpost Sundance Panel, Subverting Marginalization: How We Tell Our Own Stories, Smith shared that the film essentially saved them, “It's completely given me a new life…and its completely taken me out of the darkness, and I’m absolutely living in the light right now.”
Anonymous
Mike & John August
Randy Barbato & Fenton Bailey
Moses Freyre & Robert Murphy
Alan Koenigsberg & John Dotto
Charles Krozek
AJ Lee
James Maupin & Roy Kesrouani
Douglas Morton
Doe Racklin
Chris Ranta
Zackery Alexzander Stephens
Kathleen & Robert Wade
Kyle Wade
Steven Brian & Josh Schiowitz
Gary Carnow
Joseph Chianese
Shedrick Davis & Barry Ward
Terrence Franklin & Jeffrey Moline
Ronald Haft
Brett Hofer
Jonathan Howard
Matthew Kearns
Tim Kittleson & Michael C. Donaldson
Paul D. Lerner & Stephen Reis
Steven Llanusa & Glenn Miya, M.D.
Scotch Loring & Todd Holland
James McGruder
Mark Moralez
Garrett Morgan
Damien S. Navarro & Dr. Adam Kawalek
Alex Perez
Alan Poul & Ari Karpel
Brian Michael Smith
The Stadler Family
Eric Whitney & Richard Bae
Kyle & Michael Abourizk
Stamos Akrivos
Lucas Bailey
W. Lee Bailey
Jessica Bair-Oppenheimer & Brianna Oppenheimer
Jordan & Tiffany Barillas
Michael Barrett
Leslie Belzberg
David Bernstein
Robert Blake
Kevin Bryant
Courtney Burr
Denis Cagna & Carlos Medina
Ranard Caldwell
Robert Colegrove & Richard Lloyd
Nekisa Cooper
Nicholas A. Crincoli & Michael J. Widman
David Cruz & Steven Greene
Zackary Drucker
Miguel Duque & Bryant Cameron
Jeffrey Epstein
Chris Ethridge
James Fino
Robert C. Fish & Anthony Logan
Nick Francescon
Dr. Donald T. Freeman & Patrick Shandrick
Alan I. Gelman & Atul Gupta
Beau Genot
Kevin Goetz
Michael Grizzi & Travis Pierson
David Hardy & Barry William Goldblatt
Kip Hargrove
Deborah Henderson
Jackson Hendrick
Gerald Herman
Brehon Humphrey
Rick Hutcheson & Rob Kincaid
Douglas Hutchinson
Michael Hyman
Bill Ihrke & Dan Do
Stephen Israel
Mark Allen Itkin & Bradley Bayou
Dr. Patricia Jimenez
Mark Wilson Jordan
Joseph Keenan & Jayzen Patria
Jonathan King
Thomas Kingsley
Glenn Kiser
Mark Kruger & Mel Lewis
Jay Lane
Milton Lewis
Hernan Lopez
John McHugh-Dennis
Stephen Macias & James Caroll
Jose Malagon & Dave Gajda
Ana Mendy & Jessica Zestar
Weston Milliken
Thomas Mitchell
Desiree Monsurate
Eric Morris
Mike Mosallam
Charles Mustachia & David Courier
Jason Orion & Larry Baird
Nicholas Pardon
David Pederson
Giselle Phelps
Dr. Philip A. Pierce & Christopher Pilafian
Mark Pogachefsky
Kristi Reed
Michael Reese
Matthew Riklin
Brian Roskam & Mike Werb
Stephen Sass & Steven Hochstadt
Kyle Schmitz
H Schuster
David Sobottka
Mark Sprecher & Paul Langlotz
David Steinberg & Scott Behmer
Evan Strano & Jeremy Frank
James Tobias
Giancarlo Urey
Anthony Vayos & Bil Bertini
Farhaad Virani
Marc Watrel & Paul Grant
Tarik Yetken & Florian Gador
D. Zeke Zeidler & Jay M. Kohorn
Outfest would like to thank our generous members who support our year-round efforts to spotlight, discover, educate, mentor, and preserve the work of LGBTQ+ storytellers.
The Outfest Empathy Fund is our annual funding initiative driving the continued expansion of 40 years of programs through the generosity of the entertainment community, our alumni, and the individuals you see below. Together we join forces to reach out nationally and globally to help nurture connection with our LGBTQ+ community.
Paul Lerner & Stephen Reis
VISIONARY
Mike Rose & Ruben Rodriguez
INNOVATOR
Anonymous
ACTIVIST
Cindy Capobianco & Rob Rosenheck
Desert Whale Productions
Tim Kittleson & Michael C. Donaldson
James Maupin & Roy Kesrouani
Ana Mendy & Jessica Zestar
Rod Roddenberry
Brian Michael Smith
Marc Better & Tom Baker
Bruce Cohen
Arthur De Larroche
Zackary Drucker
Deborah Henderson
Augustine Hickey
Alan Koenigsberg & John Dotto
Neil Landau & Trent Farr
James McGruder
Ronen Rubenstein
Zackery Alexzander Stephens
The Northern Trust Company (Los Angeles)
UCLA
Donors as of June 21, 2023
We greatly appreciate each gift to Outfest and we make every effort to ensure this listing’s accuracy. Please contact membership@outfest.org for any changes or updates.
festival
Outfest thanks Paul and Stephen for their generous multi-year commitment to create the “Paul D. Lerner & Stephen Reis Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Documentary Feature” at the Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festivals through 2031.
Find out more about the benefits of the Outfest Empathy Fund
“The Outfest Los Angeles summer
is our favorite time of the year. It’s great to be part of a community of people supporting films and filmmakers who are bringing LGBTQ+ stories to the world.”
- PAUL D. LERNER AND STEPHEN REIS
We proudly support Outfest and its mission to showcase LGBTQIA+ filmmakers and storytellers to help drive social change.
