2024 NewFest LGBTQ+ Festival Lineup: ‘A Nice Indian Boy,’ ‘Emilia Pérez,’ Legacy Screenings of John Waters Films and More

NewFest, New York’s leading queer film and media organization, announced the full lineup for the 36th edition of its annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival. Now the largest queer film festival in the United States, NewFest36 will include more than 140 new queer features, shorts and episodic projects, plus special legacy screenings. The 2024 festival will run in-person from October 10th through 20th in theaters throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, and will also be available to stream virtually throughout the United States on NewFest’s on-demand platform October 10th through 22nd. In-person premieres and screenings will take place at the SVA Theatre, The LGBT Community Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), and Nitehawk Prospect Park. 

The festival’s 36th edition will screen a total of 141 films, which includes 25 premiere narrative features, 14 documentary features, 9 legacy retrospective features, 7 episodic series, 1 private work-in-progress, and 12 shorts program screenings, with the full program featuring work from 31 countries.

“On the cusp of a historic election, the LGBTQ+ community is, once again, at a moment where we need to show up for ourselves and each other,” said NewFest Executive Director David Hatkoff. “As the largest queer film festival in the country, NewFest takes the responsibility of providing a safe and joyful space for queer audiences to celebrate queer stories very seriously. In our festival’s 36th year, we are thrilled to share films that inspire empathy, delight, discovery, and connection, and a lineup that honors the incredible diversity and creativity of the LGBTQ+ community. You coming?”

NewFest Director of Programming Nick McCarthy added “This year’s expansive lineup is a bold testament to both the future and legacy of queer cinema. We’re thrilled to showcase a marvelous mix of groundbreaking new films and amplify the landmark queer filmmakers that blazed trails before. From modern rom coms to compelling nonfiction to genre delights, this year’s inclusive and sterling slate proves our community’s far-reaching experiences and stories cannot be boxed in. We’re so excited to gather artists and audiences as we celebrate this evolution and envision the magical future of queer cinema together at the 36th edition of the festival.” 

For the 36th edition of the festival, 55% of films are directed by Women, Non-Binary, Trans, Two-Spirit Filmmakers, with 66% of films directed by Black, Indigenous, POC Filmmakers. And 82% of the line-up is by and about historically underrepresented voices and identities within the LGBTQIA+ community (Women, Trans, Non-Binary, Intersex, Bi, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and Disabled).

The 36th Annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival will open October 10th with the New York City Premiere of Roshan Sethi’s A NICE INDIAN BOY, starring Karan Soni and Tony Award-winning and Emmy-nominated actor Jonathan Groff, alongside Sunita Mani, Zarna Garg, Harish Patel, Peter S. Kim, and Sas Goldberg. This heartfelt romantic comedy, which had its world premiere at this year’s SXSW, follows a collision of worlds when Naveen (Soni) brings his unconventional, white boyfriend (Groff) to meet his traditional Indian family and plan the Indian wedding of their dreams. 

The festival will close with Jacques Audiard’s EMILIA PÉREZ. The gritty, heartfelt musical drama, starring Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia), Zoe Saldaña (Rita), Selena Gomez (Jessi), Adriana Paz (Epifanía), and Edgar Ramírez (Gustavo) with an original score and songs by Clément Ducol and Camille, follows the story of a notorious drug cartel kingpin’s secret transition. Earlier this year, it received multiple awards at the Cannes Film Festival, including the Cannes Jury Prize and Award for Best Actress, which was collectively awarded to Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz. Before its premiere at NewFest36, it also will have debuted at the Telluride Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival and New York Film Festival. Audiences have the opportunity to see the film at The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival on October 20th before its release in select theaters November 1 and on Netflix November 13.

NewFest is also excited to present the New York premiere of Erin Lee Carr’s FANATICAL: THE CATFISHING OF TEGAN AND SARA as the festival’s Documentary Centerpiece selection. The investigative documentary follows the sprawling and intimate story of how the identity of Tegan, a member of the influential queer indie rock band Tegan and Sara, was stolen and weaponized in a complex catfish scheme that targeted those in the queer community. Enlisting filmmaker and investigator Erin Lee Carr, the team uncovers new victims, potential suspects and reveals unforeseen twists. It will be presented at the festival on October 16, with Tegan and Sara in attendance, ahead of its Hulu debut. 

Andrea Arnold’s BIRD will be the festival’s International Centerpiece. This latest cinematic venture from the Academy Award-winning director (AMERICAN HONEY, FISH TANK) is a bold and evocative exploration of a fractured world told through the untainted eyes of youth. Starring Barry Keoghan and Franz Rogowski, the film will have its New York City premiere on Tuesday October 15.

HIGH TIDE, directed by Marco Calvani, will serve as NewFest36’s U.S. Centerpiece. The romantic drama, starring Marco Pigossi, James Bland, Marisa Tomei and Bill Irwin, centers around a heartbroken and adrift Brazilian immigrant searching for purpose one summer in the queer mecca of Provincetown, where he finds an unexpected romance. It world premiered at SXSW Festival, and will have its New York City Premiere at The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival on October 14.   

Bruce David Klein’s LIZA: A TRULY TERRIFIC, ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY will serve as the festival’s New York Centerpiece film this year. Having world premiered at the Tribeca Festival this past summer, the thoughtful and revelatory documentary uncovers the story of renowned entertainer and New York icon, Liza Minnelli, in her own words. 

The festival’s narrative program includes a global selection of innovative stories from diverse worldviews. Highlights include the French film from director Alexis Langlois, QUEENS OF DRAMA (LES REINES DU DRAME). The campy musical debuted at Cannes earlier this year and will debut at Fantastic Fest later this month before its New York Premiere at the New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival in October. BABY, the multi-cultural romance drama from director Marcelo Caetano, also will make its North American Premiere at the fest. Earlier this year, BABY debuted at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival where it was nominated for the Queer Palm.

Further, the buzzy Sundance break-outs, PONYBOI, directed by Esteban Arango and starring River Gallo, Dylan O’Brien, Victoria Pedretti, Murray Bartlett and Indya Moore – and LAYLA, directed by Amrou Al-Kadhi and starring Bilal Hasna, Louis Greatorex, Safiyya Ingar, Darkwah, Terique Jarrett, Sarah Agha, and Rebecca Lucy Taylor, will also make their East Coast and New York Premieres, respectively, at NewFest36. Each film puts intersex, trans and non-binary protagonists at the forefront of their stories and will be presented at the SVA Theatre in Chelsea on October 12 and October 14 respectively. 

Episodic and series highlights include screenings of episodes 1 and 2 of the third and final season of HBO’s Peabody Award-winning and critically acclaimed comedy series SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE, starring Bridget Everett, Jeff Hiller, Mary Catherine Garrison, Tim Bagley and Murray Hill. A conversation with the cast and creators from the series will follow the screening of episodes 1 and 2. Additionally, the festival will feature the U.S. Premiere of the second season of Spanish series VENENO SEASON 2: DRESSED IN BLUE (VENENO 2: VESTIDAS DE AZUL), which beautifully tells the stories of six trans women in Spain during the early 1980s. The first two episodes of the season will be screened with a conversation with filmmakers to follow. 

NewFest36 will also offer legacy screenings and events celebrating the rich queer cinema of the past. Highlights include: John Waters Threesome, which is a day-long event featuring screenings of the John Waters films POLYESTER (1981), PECKER (1998) and a 50th Anniversary screening of FEMALE TROUBLE (1974); the 35th Anniversary screenings of Isaac Julien’s LOOKING FOR LANGSTON (1989) and TONGUES UNITED (1989), directed by Marlon T. Riggs presented as a double-bill; the fourth-annual Film Feast screening featuring a 25th Anniversary screening of THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY (1999); as well a 25th Anniversary screening of Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski’s THE MATRIX (1999) and James Signorelli and Cassandra Peterson’s enduring cult camp classic ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK (1988). 

All-access virtual and in-person passes are on sale now at www.newfest.org. In-person and virtual individual tickets for films go on sale to the general public today at 12PM EST. For more information, to purchase tickets/passes, or to become a member, go to www.newfest.org.

New York’s leading LGBTQ+ film and media organization reveals the full lineup for the country’s largest queer film festival, taking place October 10th – 22nd 

The full 2024 lineup selections are as follows:

OPENING NIGHT FILM & PARTY

A NICE INDIAN BOY, directed by Roshan Sethi (USA, Canada).

Karan Soni (ABBOTT ELEMENTARY) and Tony Award winner Jonathan Groff star in this jubilant rom-com about facing cultural differences and joyful family reconciliations. New York City Premiere

CLOSING NIGHT FILM & PARTY

EMILIA PÉREZ, directed by Jacques Audiard (France). 

This star-studded, double Cannes prize-winning pop opera from renegade auteur Jacques Audiard is an audacious fever dream that defies genres and expectations.

U.S. CENTERPIECE

HIGH TIDE, directed by Marco Calvani (USA). 

As the seasons change in Provincetown, a Brazilian emigrè falls in love with an American dreamboat. Daring and romantic, the film doesn’t shy away from frank discussions of taboo subjects. New York City Premiere

INTERNATIONAL CENTERPIECE 

BIRD, directed by Andrea Arnold (UK). 

Celebrated auteur Andrea Arnold creates a unique visual exploration of a fractured world seen through a child’s untainted gaze. With a Britpop-infused soundtrack and standout performances by Nykiya Adams, Barry Keoghan (SALTBURN) and Franz Rogowski (PASSAGES), this film offers a uniquely haunting and introspective experience. New York City Premiere

DOCUMENTARY CENTERPIECE SCREENING 

FANATICAL: THE CATFISHING OF TEGAN AND SARA, directed by Erin Lee Carr (USA).

Fresh off its premiere at TIFF and directed with compassion by filmmaker and investigator Erin Lee Carr (BRITNEY VS. SPEARS), this searing documentary is a sprawling yet intimate story of how Tegan’s identity was stolen and weaponized in a complex catfish scheme. New York Premiere

NEW YORK CENTERPIECE SCREENING 

LIZA: A TRULY TERRIFIC, ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY, directed by Bruce David Klein (USA).

This dazzling documentary dives into the ups and downs of Liza Minnelli’s life and career, exploring how she became one of the greatest cultural icons in the worlds of film, theater, music and fashion. 

SPECIAL EVENTS + ADVANCE SCREENINGS 

2024 New Voices Filmmaker Grant Showcase – Screening & Conversation

Celebrate the four recipients of the 2024 New Voices Filmmaker Grant, a program NewFest launched in 2022 in partnership with Netflix as part of the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, with a screening of their recent short films. Join us as we share the auspicious work from 2024 grantees Apa Agbayani, Angalis Field, Clementine Narcisse and cai thomas, and hear what’s to come in their future projects and emerging careers.

Rotten Tomatoes Lab: Critics Edition—Amplifying LGBTQ+ Press and Independent Films – Panel

LGBTQ+ press are central to generating buzz around movies that tell queer stories. How can filmmakers, critics and journalists work together to amplify independent queer titles? This Rotten Tomatoes Lab: Critics Edition at NewFest36 will aim to address this and many other questions by providing meaningful and tangible career advice.

ALOK – Screening & Conversation 

Filmmaker Alex Hedison delivers a compelling portrait of her friend, Alok Vaid-Menon, the internationally acclaimed, non-binary, author, poet, comedian, and public speaker. Executive Produced by Jodie Foster. There will be an extended conversation following the documentary short screening with Alok Vaid-Menon, director Alex Hedison and producers Elizabeth Baudouin, Natalie Shirinian and Meggan Lennon. 

SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE Season 3, Episodes 1+ 2 – Screening & Conversation

The Peabody Award-winning and critically acclaimed third and final season of the HBO Original comedy series SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE, starring, written, and executive produced by comedian and singer Bridget Everett.

Join the cast and creators of the acclaimed HBO comedy after the advance screening of season 3, episodes 1 and 2 for a discussion about the series. 

VENENO SEASON 2: DRESSED IN BLUE, Episodes 1+ 2 

U.S. Premiere

A highly anticipated follow up to the limited series, VENENO, that became an international cultural phenomenon. Two years after the death of Cristina Rodríguez, La Veneno, Valeria finds the tape (1983’s DRESSED IN BLUE) that tells the stories of six trans women in Spain in the early 1980s. 

After enjoying VENENO Season 2: DRESSED IN BLUE, join us for a special legacy screening of the HD Restoration of DRESSED IN BLUE (1983) on Tuesday, October 15th at 7pm at BAM.

LEGACY SCREENINGS + EVENTS

DRESSED IN BLUE (1983), directed by Antonio Giménez Rico (Spain). 

DRESSED IN BLUE, now stunningly restored in HD, immerses audiences in the glamorous world of six trans women in post-Franco Spain, offering an intimate look at their private lives. 

ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK (1988), directed by James Signorelli (USA).

A madcap, fish-out-of-water romp starring enduring queer icon Cassandra Peterson, filled with a love of throwback genre cinema that really busts out.

THE MATRIX (1999), directed by Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski (USA),

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Lilly and Lana Wachowskis’ iconic ’90s sci-fi epic, replete with ageless cyberpunk fashions, innovative special effects and resurgent trans symbolism. Sunglasses encouraged. 25th Anniversary Screening. 

35th Anniversary Double-Bill of LOOKING FOR LANGSTON (1989) + TONGUES UNITED (1989) 

LOOKING FOR LANGSTON (1989), directed by Isaac Julien (USA).

TONGUES UNITED (1989), directed by Marlon T. Riggs (USA).

Landmark double-bill celebrating the 35th anniversary of two groundbreaking works of Black queer male identity, expression, and catharsis. 35th Anniversary Screenings. 

Film Feast Featuring THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY (1999)

THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY (1999), directed by Anthony Minghella (USA).

The fourth-annual Film Feast featuring the 25th anniversary of a contemporary classic paired with a thematically curated multi-course meal. 25th Anniversary Screening.

John Waters Threesome

FEMALE TROUBLE (1974), directed by John Waters (USA).

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, John Waters’ saga of delinquency spans the wretched life of self-proclaimed “thief and shit-kicker” Dawn Davenport (Divine, who delivers an all-out powerhouse performance for the ages). 50th Anniversary Screening.

POLYESTER (1981), directed by John Waters (USA).

This delirious melodrama is one of John Waters’ finest achievements and a perfectly pungent parody of Douglas Sirk’s so-called “women’s pictures.”

PECKER (1998), directed by John Waters (USA).

A happy-go-lucky amateur photographer from Baltimore becomes the toast of the haughty NYC art world in this sharp and sweet satire from writer/director John Waters.

NARRATIVE FEATURES

ASOG, directed by Seán Devlin (Canada, Philippines). 

A nonbinary femme teacher embarks on a thrilling journey of love, resilience and discovery. Virtual Exclusive

BABY, directed by Marcelo Caetano (Brazil, France, The Netherlands).

An 18-year-old who has just been released from a juvenile detention center meets an alluring older man who teaches him how to survive in the underbelly of São Paulo. North American Premiere

CABO NEGRO, directed by Abdellah Taïa (France, Morocco). 

An ambiguously sexy thriller and sly examination of homophobia and sex tourism set in the titular and eerily tranquil Moroccan beach town. East Coast Premiere

CARNAGE FOR CHRISTMAS, directed by Alice Maio Mackay (Australia). 

Prepare for a spine-chilling sleigh ride and bloodbath in Alice Maio Mackay’s audacious thriller. This low-budget horror gem places trans femme characters at the forefront, delivering an exhilarating experience that will leave you questioning the shadows around you. New York Premiere

DRIP LIKE COFFEE, directed by Anaiis Cisco (USA).

DRIP LIKE COFFEE follows the simmering romance between Brooklyn baristas Kali and Mel. As newbie Mel learns the coffee scene from the seasoned Kali, their intimate connection brews a journey of mutual empowerment and sensual transformation. New York Premiere

DUINO, directed by Juan Pablo Di Pace, Andrés P. Estrada (USA, Argentina, Italy).

A film director reconnects with a fling from his youth and tries to determine if there is any spark left to hold on to. New York Premiere

EXTREMELY UNIQUE DYNAMIC, directed by Harrison Xu, Ivan Leung, Katherine Dudas (USA).

This sharply satirical stoner romp provides an insider’s look at how Hollywood operates today while doubling as an affectionate story about two friends making a movie together. East Coast Premiere

GONDOLA, directed by Veit Helmer (Germany, Georgia). 

Two cable car operators fall in love as they pass each other daily in their gondolas.

New York City Premiere

HIDDEN FLORA, directed by Ryan Rox (USA). 

A hopelessly romantic New Mexico teen navigates first love and friend crushes while exploring gender identity and self-discovery in this inventive and personal debut feature from Ryan Rox. New York City Premiere

I DON’T UNDERSTAND YOU, directed by Brian Crano, David Craig (USA, Italy). 

Andrew Rannells and Nick Kroll play a couple whose picture-perfect vacation takes a hilarious turn toward disaster, as they face a series of challenges that put their relationship to the test. New York Premiere

LAYLA, directed by Amrou Al-Kadhi (United Kingdom). 

Director Amrou Al-Kadhi’s riveting journey into romance and London’s dazzling nightlife through the experiences of a young nonbinary drag performer from a Palestinian family. New York Premiere

LILIES NOT FOR ME, directed by Will Seefired (South Africa, USA). 

In repressive 1920s England, a young novelist recalls the love affair he shared with a handsome doctor, who was convinced that their shared ‘condition’ could be cured. U.S. Premiere

OUT, directed by Dennis Alink (The Netherlands, Germany). 

Two young men move to Amsterdam to become filmmakers and finally be open about their relationship. But they stumble into an explosive and relentless queer scene that challenges their ideas of who they are and what they want.

New York Premiere

PONYBOI, directed by Esteban Arango (USA). 

Writer/producer River Gallo and Dylan O’Brien star in this thrilling neo-noir that follows a sex worker entangled in a perilous drug deal in the underbelly of New Jersey. East Coast Premiere

THE QUEEN OF MY DREAMS, directed by Fawzia Mirza (Canada, Pakistan). 

Grad student Azra feels worlds apart from her seemingly rigid mother but uncovers their unexpected connections on a trip to Pakistan in this vibrant festival favorite (TIFF, SXSW) from writer/director Fawzia Mirza. NewFest Pride Encore (Virtual Exclusive)

QUEENS OF DRAMA, directed by Alexis Langlois (France, Benelux). 

This glittery musical comedy extravaganza follows the rise and fall of a new pop diva and her tumultuous love affair with a punk icon as they blend the chaos of their personal lives with their public personas. New York Premiere

ROOKIE, directed by Samantha Lee (Philippines). 

In this sporty romance with heartfelt charm, an awkward teen joins the volleyball team only to fall for the popular captain. Together, they learn what it takes to fight for justice, on and off the court. East Coast Premiere

THROUPLE, directed by Greyson Horst (USA). 

After a one-night stand, a lonely gay man falls into a new kind of relationship with a married couple in this uniquely modern romantic comedy. New York City Premiere

TOPS, directed by Amy Pennington, Jos Bitelli (UK).

A brash, satirical mockumentary in the style of early aughts reality shows finds filmmaker Ames Pennington exploring life after top surgery. East Coast Premiere

WHAT A FEELING, directed by Katharina Rohrer (Austria). 

A raucous and poignant romantic comedy about two women meeting in middle age. While sparks fly, they experience the push-pull of family expectations and passionate fervor. New York Premiere

YOUNG HEARTS, directed by Anthony Schatteman (Belgium, The Netherlands). 

Elias befriends Alexander, the new neighbor across the street, and the two strike a fast and intimate friendship, but it doesn’t take long for Elias to realize he may be falling in love for the first time. New York Premiere

DOCUMENTARY/NONFICTION FEATURES

DALTON’S DREAM, directed by Kim Longinotto, Franky Murray Brown (United Kingdom). 

After winning one of the world’s top singing competitions, a young musician from rural Jamaica struggles for stardom while simultaneously battling publicized allegations about his sexuality in this powerful documentary. Virtual Exclusive

A HOUSE IS NOT A DISCO, directed by Brian J. Smith (USA). 

A compelling, lovingly-captured documentary portrait of Fire Island as queer paradise that sees past and present blur within the iconic beach town as it celebrates its collective legacy and redefines itself for a modern era. NewFest Pride Encore (Virtual Exclusive)

I’M NOT EVERYTHING I WANT TO BE, directed by Klára Tasovská (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria). 

Spanning the Prague Spring of 1968 to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, this doc reveals the vibrant, bittersweet and ultimately cathartic adventures of Czech photographer Libuše Jarcovjáková, whose work is reminiscent of Nan Goldin. New York Premiere

LADY LIKE, directed by Luke Willis (USA).

An engrossing documentary about the rise to fame of dancer and drag artist Lady Camden. Both a gossipy reveal of the machinations behind TV’s most popular queer show and a loving portrait of a unique artist. New York City Premiere

LESVIA, directed by Tzeli Hadjidimitriou (Greece).

This expansive documentary chronicles 40-plus years of lesbian identity and conflict between the locals of a small village on the Greek island of Lesvos and lesbians who arrived searching for love, freedom and community. New York City Premiere

LIFE IS NOT A COMPETITION, BUT I’M WINNING, directed by Julia Fuhr Mann (Germany).

Queer athletes revolutionize an Olympic stadium in this inventive hybrid docu-essay, redefining global sports with a bold vision of true inclusivity. A powerful, radical journey that spotlights underrepresented figures who have faced discrimination simply for existing beyond the binary and the racist standards established at the origins of the Athens Games. New York City Premiere

MEANWHILE, directed by Catherine Gund (USA).

A docu-poem in six verses about artists breathing through chaos as they meditate on identity, race, racism and resistance—all told in dynamic collaboration.

REAS, directed by Lola Arias (Argentina, Germany, Switzerland). 

Former inmates at a women’s prison uncover community and catharsis through dynamic reenactments in this breathtaking nonfiction musical. New York Premiere

THE SILENCE OF MY HANDS, directed by Manuel Acuña A. (Mexico).

A couple in a long-distance relationship navigates physical barriers, as they rely on their trust and deep level of communication to face their challenges head-on. International Premiere

TEACHES OF PEACHES, directed by Philipp Fussenegger, Judy Landkammer (Germany).

A propulsive and entertaining documentary about the evolution of iconoclastic alt queer rocker Peaches as she celebrates the 20th anniversary of her titular seminal album. New York City Premiere

THIS IS BALLROOM, directed by Juru and Vitã (Brazil).

This electric documentary immerses you in Brazil’s vibrant ballroom scene, celebrating trans-led freedom and self-expression with explosive energy. East Coast Premiere

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO ALLEE WILLIS, directed by Alexis Manya Spraic (USA).

An overdue celebration and charming love note to Grammy award-winning songwriter and artist Allee Willis, with an extensive home video archive charting her zany ’80s parties and inner growth. New York City Premiere

WORK-IN-PROGRESS SCREENING (INVITE ONLY)

I USED TO BE A WOMAN, BUT I GAVE IT ALL UP FOR CHRIST, directed by Nyala Moon

SHORTS PROGRAMS 

SHORTS: BESTIES BRUNCH

Grab your Good Judy and kick back at our annual Brooklyn Brunch as we celebrate the vibrant and vital role queer friendship plays in our lives.

Features the short films: 

AND THEN THERE WAS HER directed by Alexander King and Nyala Moon

CITY OF DREAMZ directed by Imani Celeste

DARK ROAST directed by Mark Marquez

FISHBOWL directed by Isabel Perry and Adam Yates

HONEYMOON directed by Alkis Papastathopoulos

LOST BOIS directed by Devyn Galindo

SYDNEY AND KIM directed by Hazel Katz

SHORTS: BOY, SO CONFUSING

Boy desires boy, and confusion ensues. This shorts program showcases the range of emotions that come with desiring another body.

Features the short films: 

8 MINUTES 20 SECONDS directed by Harris Doran 

COME AS YOU ARE directed by LaQuan Lewis 

DREAM FACTORY directed by Alex Matraxia 

GREAT LOVE STORIES ONLY LAST A FEW MOMENTS directed by Raul Perez 

HOT SHEET MOTEL directed by Alexandria Lane 

THE JOB directed by Frédéric Moffet 

KEYHOLDER directed by Christian Hendricks 

PIGEONS ARE DYING, WHEN THE CITY IS ON FIRE directed by Stavros Markoulakis 

THE VARIABLE directed by Ezra Li 

SHORTS: CARIBBEAN PRIDE POWER

Champion queer expression with this vivid and inspiring showcase of Caribbean LGBTQ+ experiences, joys and reclamations.

Features the short films: 

BLUE PANDORA directed by Alan González 

CARIBBEAN QUEEN directed by Sekiya Dorsett 

MISS HONEY: THE CATSUIT directed by Brandon R. Nicholas 

OUTSIDE CENTER directed by Eli Jean Tahchi 

YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIKE ME directed by Safiyah Chiniere 

SHORTS: COMEDY COMES OUT 

A collection of comedic short films, featuring familiar faces like Meg Stalter and Ginger Minj, that will make you cringe and giggle in equal measure.

Features the short films: 

HOT SEAT directed by Sohrob Nayebaziz 

ILY, BYE directed by Taylor James 

LESBIAN JESUS IS PREGNANT WITH VIBES directed by Reid Pope

LESBOPHILIA directed by Michelle West 

STAN BEHAVIOR directed by Tyler C. Peterson

THERAPIST CRUSH directed by MJ Kaufman 

WE MET AT CAMP directed by MC Plaschke

SHORTS: LET’S DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN

This shorts program pays homage to the distinct relationship that queer people have with the past—both our own personal histories and our collective history.

Features the short films: 

THE CALLERS directed by Lindsey Dryden 

GRACE directed by Natalie Jasmine Harris 

THE INVINCIBLES directed by Suzie Léger and Noemi Sophia James

JOAN THE KID directed by Grace Hackney and Kat Silverosa

QUEER directed by Michael LaRocco

THE REMAINING SUNDAYS directed by Manolo Pavón 

YOUNG CLAUDE directed by Adithi Chandrashekar and Jerre Dye

SHORTS: LOVE IS STRONGER THAN SHAME 

Five short films about demanding to be celebrated for queer identities and sexualities despite family pressure or outdated norms.  

Features the short films:

IMOGENE directed by Katie Blair

MANTING directed by Shuyao Chen

YOUR LOVE IS BURNING directed by Balkis Guetta

IF I DIE IN AMERICA directed by Ward Kamel

AMMA’S PRIDE directed by Shiva Krish

SHORTS: QUEER LIVES ACROSS TIME & AMERICA 

This celebratory short film program spans decades and our vast national landscape to capture a holistic portrait of queer life in the USA.

In Partnership with the American LGBTQ+ Museum

Features the short films: 

BARBETTE + FONTAINE by John-Carlos Estrada and Zak Zeh

DON’T CRY FOR ME ALL YOU DRAG QUEENS directed by Kristal Sotomayor

HERE COMES THE DYKES! by Devon Blackwell and Paul Moakley

MOTHER by Meg Shutzer and Brandon Yadegari Moreno

TRANS HEAVEN, PENNSYLVANIA directed by Hansen Bursic 

SHORTS: QUEER TEEN MOXIE 

An affirming shorts program curated for LGBTQ+ teens and allies.

In Partnership with the NYC Department of Education and GLAAD

Features the following short films: 

BLUE BOY directed by Nik Dodani 

BRIM BROOME BOULEVARD directed by PJ Magerko-Liquorice

GRACE directed by Natalie Jasmine Harris 

HELLO STRANGER directed by Amélie Hardy 

¡NAILS! directed by Eliana Pipes

SATURDAY RITUAL directed by Sydne Horton 

SCRAP FABRIC directed by Jake Muñoz Consing 

WE MET AT CAMP directed by MC Plaschke

SHORTS: T4TRANSGRESSIVE

Showcasing trans films that shatter expectations this program delivers daring, transformative journeys with fearless trans+ protagonists.

Features the following short films: 

ANNARCHY ARTIST directed by Tempest Creation

BINDERBURN directed by Atlas Acopian 

CANDYLAND directed by David Gil 

CHLOE AND JAME directed by Drew Burnett Gregory 

FEBRUARY FOURTEENTH directed by Ezri Appel 

GENDER REVEAL directed by Mo Matton 

NOTES ON A SIREN directed by Justice Jamal Jones 

SATURN RISIN9 directed by Tiare Ribeaux and Jody Stillwater

THIGH RISE directed by Maz Murray

SHORTS: TLC (TRANS LOVING CARE) 

Celebrate trans lives through journeys of self-empowerment and love, as trans individuals navigate decisive moments in their lives with strength, reclamation and resilience. 

Features the short films: 

AFTER HOURS directed by Star Amerasu 

ALL THE WORDS BUT THE ONE directed by Nava Mau

CLEMENTINE directed by Sally Tran

HI ADING directed by Dinaly J Tran

PERSONAL MYTHOLOGIES directed by Susan O’Brien

PILLOW CHOCOLATE directed by Charlie Tidmas 

SEAT 31: ZOOEY ZEPHYR directed by Kimberly Reed 

THE SONGS OF WATER directed by Song Hà 

TRANS ALCHEMY directed by Félix Endara 

SHORTS: WOMEN’S NIGHT OUT

Seven eclectic short films about the complexities of being a woman in this expansive, ever-evolving world.

Features the short films: 

BRAIN FREEZE, directed by Kelsey Comeau

LOVIN’ HER directed by Day

KASBI, directed by Farah Jabir

ZARI directed by Shruti Parekh

NIGHT SWIM directed by Grace & Emily Potter//The Potter Sisters

SHE KEEPS ME WARM, directed by Lee Rach

REALLY GOOD DRIVER directed by Alex Song-Xia

NIGHT SWIM directed by Grace & Emily Potter//The Potter Sisters

EPISODIC PILOT SHOWCASE

This episodic showcase presents the first episodes of five queer series, ranging from high-concept genres to grounded family stories.

Feature the episodic pilots:

THE BOY, THE QUEEN, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN (Episode 1), directed by Ramon Te Wake and Damon Fepulea’i

EVE’S RIB (Episode 1), directed by James Camargo De Alba

FRIENDS OF SOFIA (Episode 1), directed by Alden Peters

VITCH (Episode 1), directed by Lily Richards

WHAT ABOUT ME? (Episode 1), directed by William Lott