NewFest Unveils Full Lineup for 4th Annual ‘NewFest Pride’ Summer Film Event with ‘Haze,’ ‘A House is Not a Disco,’ ‘Close to You’ and More
World Premiere of Haze, directed by Matthew Fifer (Cicada) and starring Cole Doman
New York Premieres of Sundance audience favorites, Mikko Mäkelä’s Sebastian and Am I Ok?, directed by Tig Notaro & Stephanie Allynne and starring Dakota Johnson, and a special Advance Screening of My Old Ass, written and directed by Megan Park and starring Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza
NewFest, New York’s leading LGBTQ+ film and media organization, and home to one of the country’s most celebrated LGBTQ+ film festivals, has announced the full lineup for their fourth annual NewFest Pride summer film series. NewFest’s popular five-day festival event kicks off LGBTQ+ Pride Month from May 30 – June 3, 2024, in-person in New York and streaming throughout the United States, and will feature a mix of premieres and conversations, virtual screenings, and social events. The announcement came today from NewFest’s Executive Director David Hatkoff and Director of Programming Nick McCarthy.
“It’s no accident that this year’s NewFest Pride starts on May 30; it’s part of our not-so-secret mission to celebrate Pride 365 days a year,” said NewFest Executive Director David Hatkoff. “We can’t wait to provide a space for the community to come together for bold new films and series, thought-provoking conversations, and joyful social gatherings. This moment calls for celebration and resistance, and we intend to offer opportunities for both in equal measure.”
“We’re delighted to celebrate highly anticipated films from TIFF, Sundance, and SXSW making their triumphant New York Premieres, and to launch the World Premiere of the evocative and textured HAZE from NewFest alum writer/director Matthew Fifer,” said NewFest Director of Programming Nick McCarthy. “We look forward to filling our venues with magical queer energy as we greet returning artists, welcome new folks to the NewFest family, and share unapologetically authentic, genre-expansive, and multilayered LGBTQ+ stories in such a dynamic space at NewFest Pride.”
NewFest Pride will showcase over 10 highly anticipated feature films and series, including the New York Premiere of Fire Island documentary A HOUSE IS NOT A DISCO, which will open the festival, the World Premiere of psychological thriller HAZE, and an advance screening of the Sundance crowd-pleaser MY OLD ASS. The line-up includes films and series from and/or starring Elliot Page, Julio Torres, Aubrey Plaza, Dakota Johnson, Trixie Mattel, Fawzia Mirza, Twiggy Pucci Garçon, Brian J. Smith, Molly Gordon, and Tig Notaro.
Founded in 1988, NewFest is New York’s largest presenter of LGBTQ+ film & media and the largest convener of LGBTQ+ audiences in New York City. NewFest’s mission is to give voice and visibility to the full scope of the LGBTQ+ experience through films and programs that entertain, educate, and empower. NewFest presents year-round screenings and events, including the annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival, which celebrated its 35th edition in 2023, as well as NewFest Pride and Queering the Canon. NewFest launched the Black Filmmakers Initiative in 2020, and the New Voices Filmmaker Grant, in partnership with Netflix, in 2022. In bringing diverse audiences and filmmakers together, NewFest creates spaces and conversations that have the capacity to open minds, shift cultural bias, and create positive change.
Here is the complete lineup of the 4th NewFest Summer Pride Film Event.
A HOUSE IS NOT A DISCO, directed by Brian J. Smith
Thursday, May 30th at 7:30pm, Opening Night Film & Party; SVA Theatre (also available virtually)
New York Premiere
A compelling, lovingly-captured 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.
MY OLD ASS, written and directed by Megan Park
Friday, May 31st at 6:45pm; SVA Theatre
Advance Screening
In this fresh coming-of-age story, an 18th birthday mushroom trip brings free-spirited Elliott (Maisy Stella) face-to-face with her wisecracking 39-year-old self (Aubrey Plaza). But when Elliott’s “old ass” starts handing out warnings about what her younger self should and shouldn’t do, Elliott realizes she has to rethink everything about family, love, and what’s becoming a transformative summer.
HAZE, directed by Matthew Fifer
Friday, May 31st at 9:30pm; SVA Theatre
World Premiere + Q&A
A young journalist (Cole Doman) returns home to investigate the unsolved deaths at an abandoned psychiatric center. As he dances with the shadows of his past and a mysterious new man in his life, his family history and the town’s secrets begin to converge in this evocative psychological thriller.
CLOSE TO YOU, directed by Dominic Savage
Saturday, June 1st at 4:30pm; SVA Theatre (also available virtually)
New York Premiere + Q&A
Producer and co-writer Elliot Page stars in this emotionally observant drama about returning home as yourself and finding hope in potentially rekindled relationships
FANTASMAS, directed by Julio Torres
Saturday, June 1st at 8:00pm; SVA Theatre
Advance Screening of Episodes 1 & 2
A delightfully wry new HBO® comedy series from the imagination of creator, star, writer, executive producer and director Julio Torres (LOS ESPOOKYS, PROBLEMISTA)
THE QUEEN OF MY DREAMS, directed by Fawzia Mirza
Sunday, June 2nd at 3:00pm; SVA Theatre (also available virtually)
New York Premiere + Q&A; Preceded by Women’s Afternoon Reception
Grad student Azra feels worlds apart from her seemingly rigid mother yet uncovers their unexpected connections on a trip to Pakistan in this vibrant festival favorite (TIFF, SXSW). Presented in partnership with Infinite Beauty: Muslim and MENASA Identity Onscreen
SEBASTIAN, directed by Mikko Mäkelä
Sunday, June 2nd at 6:30pm; SVA Theatre (also available virtually)
New York Premiere
A freelance writer and aspiring novelist on his way to ostensible success in London’s cultural spheres finds a different kind of exhilaration as a sex worker in this Sundance sensation.
AM I OK?, directed by Tig Notaro & Stephanie Allynne
Monday, June 3rd at 8:00pm; SVA Theatre (also available virtually)
New York Premiere + Q&A
Lucy (Dakota Johnson) and Jane (Sonoya Mizuno) have been best friends for most of their lives and think they know everything there is to know about each other. But when Jane announces she’s moving to London, Lucy reveals a long-held secret. As Jane tries to help Lucy, their friendship is thrown into chaos. Join NewFest and Max for an advance screening of AM I OK?, followed by an exclusive Q&A with co-directors Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne, and writer Lauren Pomerantz.
Additionally, NewFest will present a free outdoor screening of Beeban Kidron’s cult queer classic, TO WONG FOO, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING! JULIE NEWMAR, at The Rink at Rockefeller Center on Saturday, June 1 at 8PM. This film will kick off Pride Summer Movie Nights at Rockefeller Center, presented by NewFest and Universal Pictures. The screening series is part of Summer at The Rink, Rockefeller Center’s iconic ice-skating rink transformed into an urban community oasis with al fresco dining and a slate of dynamic cultural programming. Book your dinner and a movie at celebrated Center restaurants NARO and Jupiter or enjoy first-come, first served free public seating.
Feature Film Virtual Exclusives:
COMING AROUND, directed by Sandra Itäinen
Virtual Screening
A young queer woman stands at a crossroads with her devout Muslim mother in a clash between identity and tradition.
THE SUMMER WITH CARMEN, directed by Zacharias Mavroeidis
Virtual Screening
While enjoying a day at a clothing-optional queer beach, an aspiring filmmaker and their handsome friend collaborate on a screenplay in this whimsical summer treat.
Episodic Series Virtual Exclusives:
“Trixie Motel: Drag Me Home”
Advance Virtual Screening and Virtual Q&A
After months of sweat, tears, and lash glue, Trixie Motel has officially been open for almost a year and Trixie Mattel and her partner David look to do something some might say is even scarier: moving in together and designing a dream home fit for two. Audiences will get an advance screening of Episode 1 (“Oh Honey, I’m Home”) of the new season, followed by an exclusive virtual Q&A conversation with Trixie Mattel.
“We’re Here” Season 4 Finale
Advance Virtual Screening and Virtual Q&A
Join NewFest and HBO for an advance screening of the Season Four finale episode, followed by an exclusive virtual conversation with co-creators and executive producers Johnnie Ingram and Stephen Warren, showrunner, director and executive producer Peter LoGreco, and cast members Sasha Velour, Priyanka, Jaida Essence Hall, and Latrice Royale, moderated by Dino-Ray Ramos (GLAAD).
Shorts Program Virtual Exclusive:
Black Queer Pride Shorts with Vimeo
Virtual Screening + Q&A
Join NewFest & Vimeo for a celebratory short film showcase by and about Black LGBTQ+ lives, joys, and experiences — from Sundance premieres to Staff Picks to NewFest festival favorites. Presented in partnership with Vimeo.
MnM, directed by Twiggy Pucci Garçon
An exuberant portrait of chosen sisters Mermaid and Milan, two emerging runway divas in the drag ballroom community. Celebrating their joy, siblinghood, and unapologetic personas, the film explores the power and beauty of being nonbinary in a community that can be both liberating and compartmentalized around gender.
GIRL BLUNT, directed by Clementine Narcisse
Two young women decide to use their newly found drug-dealing business to get revenge against a conniving man of their past.
GAUZE, directed by Kevaughn Reid
A meditative love story between an Airbnb host and his guest. Because of Amir, Noah felt something he never thought he would.
WONDERS, directed by Huriyyah Muhammad
Two hard-working moms are struggling to make a better life for themselves and their toddler, but their luck turns around when their baby gives them an unexpected gift.
GRACE, directed by Natalie Jasmine Harris
Sixteen-year-old Grace prepares for her baptism in the rural 1950’s South. When she learns she must repent before the ritual, Grace contemplates her romantic feelings toward her best friend Louise.
HOLD ON TO ME, directed by Te Shima Brennen and Rajvi Desai
Meet LaTravious Collins (aka Mother LaTravious), a mother to the community and the Executive Director of the Brooklyn Ghost Project.
SIS, directed by Miranda Haymon
In this surrealist black comedy, a woman’s curiosity in her ex-crush’s new girlfriend complicates after their cosmic meet cute at a Brooklyn rooftop party.
Additional programming will be announced in the coming weeks. Individual tickets and all-access passes to NewFest Pride are now on sale at newfest.org.
He is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic, accredited by the Cannes Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival and more, is a member of the International Cinephile Society (ICS), The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics (GALECA), Hollywood Critics Association (HCA) and the International Press Academy. Among his many achieved goals with AwardsWatch, he has given a platform to underrepresented writers and critics and supplied them with access to film festivals and the industry and calls the Bay Area his home where he lives with his husband and son.
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