A LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

DEAR OUTFEST LA 2023 ATTENDEES,

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