QFilms 2021 - Festival Program

SEPT 30-OCT 3

LONG BEACH LGBTQ FILM FESTIVAL

2 8TH ANNUAL

FESTIVAL PROGRAM

PLATINUM SPONSOR QFilms 2021 is supported, in part, by The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture.

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WELCOME Welcome to the 28th Annual Long Beach QFilm Festival! On behalf of the Long Beach QFilm Festival Committee, the board, staff, and volunteers of The LGBTQ Center Long Beach (The Center), we want to take a moment to say thank you for your support of LGBTQ cultural arts and The Center. For almost three decades, you helped us carved space to acknowledge and celebrate uniquely and remarkable queer talent.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with an incredible challenge, and we continue to meet this challenge. Last year, we were forced to have a completely virtual event. This year, we are thrilled to be in-person again, and will be observing all applicable public health strategies strategies to keep everyone safe.

As in years past, QFilms is a unique event that allows us to honor and celebrate the works of LGBTQ filmmakers, screenwriters, actors, producers, musicians, and so many others. And this year is no exception. Their remarkable creativity offers moviegoers the opportunity to reflect on what brings us together, our humanity.

This year’s lineup incorporates 11 feature and 50 short LGBTQ films. Our classic line up shorts such as Men in Briefs, Women in Shorts, and Queer and Trans Shorts returns along with new CORTOS: Latinx Queer Shorts, Queermation: Animated Shorts, Experimental Shorts, Eat My (Comedy) Shorts, and Locally Sourced: California Shorts.

We encourage you to share your QFilms experience with others on Instagram and Twitter and make sure to mention QFilms as well as The Center. #QFilms #film #lgbtq #lbc All net proceeds from the festival will help us continue to provide services to the community in program areas such as older adult services, youth and family services, HIV and STI testing, legal services, domestic violence support, and mental health counseling. Our services thrive because of your continued support. We THANK YOU for your investment!

It takes a tremendous amount of effort to put on a festival, especially a hybrid event with multiple venues. This effort could not be sustained without the support of our sponsors and advertisers. We encourage you to take a moment to see who has provided their financial support to our festival and thank them with your support.

We hope that you will have an amazing time during the festival!

Carlos Torres, MPA Executive Director The LGBTQ Center Long Beach

OUR HISTORY

The Long Beach QFilm Festival's inception stems from the inspiration founder Robert Cano experienced after participating in the historic 1993 LGBTQ March on Washington. The LGBTQ Center Long Beach provided seed money and in June 1993 the inaugural festival took place in the Student Union at California State University Long Beach to a sold out crowd.

Since 1993, QFilms has screen more than 300 films from over 30 countries. Screenings have taken place across the city including The Art Theatre, The Center, The Carpenter Center for Performing Arts, Long Beach Museum of Art, Main Library, and on the city’s beautiful coastline at Alfredo’s Beach Club.

In the years since QFilms’ founding, the festival has grown to a multi-event experience featuring parties, receptions, and community building opportunities to further strengthen our local LGBTQ communities.

To date, the festival has raised tens of thousands of dollars for The Center, the city’s largest and most diverse LGBTQ community organization.

THANK YOU On behalf of The Board of Directors for The LGBTQ Center, I sincerely thank everyone that is volunteering and/or participating in this year’s QFilms Festival.

The 2021 Film Festival generates funds critical to supporting programs, services, and the overall operations of The Center, and the festival celebrate queer cinema at its best.

Despite the ongoing challenges presented by the pandemic, the Festival is a special occasion for us during which we recommit our energy and passion towards a better and brighter future where our LGBTQ community is affirmed, supported and recognized. The last 18 months have been extremely difficult for our community and for our clients; however, the dedication of the QFilms committee, loyal sponsors, Center staff, allies, and friends have made this celebration possible.

We appreciate the opportunity to provide a platform for LGBTQ writers, directors, musicians, producers and actors to tell our stories.

From the bottom of our hearts, we are so glad that you are joining us!

Stella Ursua Board Chair/President The LGBTQ Center Long Beach

John Newell Vice President

Romeo Garcia Board Member

Eduardo Lara Secretary

Alishia Holmes-Watson Board Member

Tyler Leshney Treasurer

Victor Ibarra Board Member

Julie McCall Board Member

Richard Lewis Board Member

QFilms 2021 Planning Committee & Screening Committee Fen Alankus

David Larson

Raul Anorve

Gregory Lewis

Chris Blake

Don Macintosh

Robert Cano

Jasmine McAtee

Dan Castanon

Julie McCall

Myron Day

Jona Minor

Patrick Doonan

Chris Molessa

Sean Erwin

Mario Novoa

Kim Esslinger

Richard Patrick

Drew Filipski

Armand Petri

Rob Flores

Sophie Prettyman-Beauchamp

Peter Franck

Mike Rangel

Martin Diego Garcia

Alejandra Reyes

Michael Garcia

Neal Richman

Charles Greenwood

Johnny Rodriguez

Dan Guerrero

Ann Russo

Frank Gutierrez

Carol Salvatierra

John Hagman

Kimberly Sanchez

Jeremiah Hein

Neil Schneider

Todd Heustess

Kelly Shook

Kelly Higgins

Pierre Stefanos

Duncan Huth

Amberlyn Storey

Greg Jenkins

Elissa Thomas

Troy Karnoff

Joyce Thomas

Kevin Kelly

Ebony Toliver

Pat Lamis

Jeffery Trovinger

Bambi Lance

Dee Ann Tumbuan

FESTIVAL SPONSORS PLATINUM

SILVER Patrick Doonan & Paul Thompson

BRONZE

FESTIVAL SPONSORS STAR

Mike DeForeest & Greg Ainsworth

Woody Sides & Robert Wallace

FILM SPONSORS EARL JORDAN STATE FARM

Sindee M. Smolowitz, Of Counsel

Donations Nicandra Thomas Transgender Services Fund

FILM SCHEDULE Thursday, September 30th 7:00 pm

This is Jessica .................................................. Art Theater

7:00 pm

CORTOS: Latinx Queer Shorts .................... MOLAA

8:00 pm

Opening Night Reception ........................... The Center

9:30 pm

Yes I Am: The Ric Weiland Story .................. Art Theater Preceded by: Disciple

Friday, October 1st 5:00 pm

TRANSpirational Shorts ............................... Art Theater

7:00 pm

Rebel Dykes .................................................... Art Theater

7:00 pm

Summertime ................................................... MOLAA

9:30 pm

No Ordinary Man ........................................... Art Theater Preceded by: Ni Aqui Ni Alla

Saturday, October 2nd 11:00 am

My First Summer ............................................ Art Theater

1:30 pm

Youth Shorts (rated PG-13) ........................... Art Theater

3:00 pm

Ice Cream Social ............................................ The Center

4:00 pm

Queermation: Animated Shorts ................... Art Theater

6:30 pm

Can You Bring It: Bill T. Jones ....................... Art Theater Preceded by: Swivel

7:00 pm

Fanny: The Right to Rock ............................... MOLAA Preceded by: Shoulda Left Sooner

8:30 pm

(Almost) Midnight: Experimental Shorts .... Art Theater

Sunday, October 3rd 11:00 am

Brunch .............................................................. The Center

11:00 am

Men In Briefs ................................................... Art Theater

1:15 pm

Marry Me, However ........................................ Art Theater

3:30 pm

Preceded by: Sheer Qorma Women In Shorts ............................................ Art Theater

5:30 pm

Forgotten Roads ............................................. Art Theater Preceded by: Flesh

7:45 pm

Jump, Darling ................................................... Art Theater

TICKET PRICING $130

$100

VIP All Access Pass Includes access to all film programs, Sunday brunch, and access to Filmmakers Lounge located on 2nd floor of The Center. Filmmakers Lounge open Saturday and Sunday only.

Sunday Only VIP All Access Pass Same as VIP All Access Pass. Available for purchase on Sunday, October 3rd only.

$25

Friday – Movie Under the Stars @ MOLAA Outdoor Theatre

$25

Saturday - Movie Under the Stars @ MOLAA Outdoor Theatre

$30

Sunday - Brunch @ The Center

$15 $10

Access to film screening on Friday night at the Museum of Latin American Art, including a complimentary snack and a non-alcoholic beverage. Cash bar available for liquor, beer, and wine purchases.

Access to film screening on Saturday night at the Museum of Latin American Art, including a complimentary snack and a non-alcoholic beverage. Cash bar available for liquor, beer, and wine purchases.

Access only to brunch catered by Lola’s Mexican Cuisine, including food and non- alcoholic beverages. Cash bar available for liquor, beer, wine, and mimosas.

General Admission For showings at the Art Theatre only.

Students/Seniors For showings at the Art Theatre only.

FEATURE FILMS

This is Jessica Runtime: 1:21:02 Country: United States Synopsis: From her earliest years, when Jessica Bair was being raised as a boy named Jonathan, she knew she was a girl. But born into the Mormon church, she also knew that admitting this out loud could cause her to lose everything her family, her faith, her life on earth and her eternal soul.

Terrified to reveal her true self, young Jessica instead set about creating the perfect life of a young Mormon man, becoming a missionary, marrying young and starting a family. Serving in the Army, hiding from the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy even as she enforced it as a military policeman and special agent, Jessica grew despondent about the chasm between whom she was and who she was merely pretending to be.

This is Jessica paints an intimate, emotional portrait of a woman forced to make a heart-wrenching decision in order to save herself. When Jonathan finally comes out as Jessica, it's a leap off the edge of life as she knows it. Will her family reject or accept her? Will the church to which she's given her life cast her out? This is the story of a woman faced with an impossible choice between the life into which she was born, and the one she was born to live.

FEATURE FILMS Yes I Am: The Ric Weiland Story Runtime: 1:02:12 Country: United States Synopsis: Ric Weiland was a brilliant programmer, queer pioneer, and one of the earliest employees of Microsoft.

He dedicated his life and fortune to philanthropy and activism, but personal struggles . eventually became too much to bear.

FILM SPONSOR

Rebel Dykes Runtime: 1:32 Country: United Kingdom Synopsis: It's finally here!

Long-awaited documentary Rebel Dykes arrives in all its ass-kicking, leather-wearing glory. The film follows a tight-knit group of friends who met at Greenham Common peace camp and went on to become artists, performers, musicians and activists in London.

A heady mash-up of animation, archive footage and interviews tells the story of a radical scene: squatters, BDSM nightclubs, anti-Thatcher rallies, protests demanding action around AIDS and the fierce ties of chosen family. This is an extraordinarily privileged glimpse into a bygone world by those who not only lived out their politics with heartfelt conviction but lived to tell the tale.

FEATURE FILMS Summertime Runtime: 1:30:42 Country: United States Synopsis: Over the course of a hot summer day in Los Angeles, the lives of 25 young Angelenos intersect. A skating guitarist, a tagger, two wannabe rappers, an exasperated fast-food worker, a limo driver-they all weave in and out of each other's stories. Through poetry they express life, love, heartache, family, home, and fear. One of them just wants to find someplace that still serves good cheeseburgers.

FILM SPONSOR

EARL JORDAN STATE FARM

Can You Bring It: Bill T. Jones Runtime: 1:34 Country: Synopsis: During the ravages of AIDS in 1980s New York, two young gay men funneled their love and talent into the formation of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. The impact of the work these men created still sends ripples through the art world today, as so poignantly depicted in the absorbing Can You Bring It: Bill T. Jones and D-Man in the Waters.

Exploring the history of this diverse and iconic dance company, Rosalynde LeBlanc, a dancer and choreographer who was once a part of the company, and EARL JORDAN FILM SPONSOR lauded cinematographer Tom Hurwitz ( STATE FARM Studio 54, Frameline42) conduct emotional interviews with former members as they recount the joys and pains they experienced during the mounting of the cathartic piece that came to symbolize the company: D-Man in the Waters. In a moving parallel, a young dance troupe stages a new production of this signature work, discovering the strength of art in the face of great tragedy. It is a tender and exhilarating portrait of the remarkable legacy of Jones, his company, and the amazing artists we lost to AIDS.

FEATURE FILMS My First Summer Runtime: 1:18 Country: Australia Synopsis: 16-year-old Claudia has grown up in isolation from the outside world.

Stranded on a remote property after her mother’s death, she is shocked when Grace, a spirited local teen, appears in the garden like a mirage, a breath of fresh, sugary air. The pair find in each other the support, love and intimacy they need, and teach each other the restorative power of human connection. But their idyllic peace is a fragile one as the adult world closes in and threatens their secret summer love.

Headlining some of Australia’s brightest young talent, Markella Kavenagh (Amazon's upcoming Lord Of The Rings) and Maiah Stewardson (Girl Asleep), My First Summer takes girls seriously and sensitively.

No Ordinary Man Runtime: 1:24 Country: United States Synopsis: The legacy of Billy Tipton, a 20th-century American jazz musician and trans icon, is brought to life by a diverse group of contemporary trans artists. Tipton gained fame as a musician throughout the United States in the 1940s and 1950s, but his trans identity was not known throughout the echelons of the jazz and pop worlds, and it wasn’t revealed publicly until after his death in 1989. Aisling Chin-Yee and Chase Joyntâs brilliantly crafted doc maps out Tipton’s undeniable legacy, while examining the disgraceful media scrutiny and questions of legitimacy his family endured after his death.

FEATURE FILMS Fanny: The Right to Rock Runtime: 1:36 Country: United States Synopsis: FANNY: The Right to Rock is a theatrical documentary film that reveals the untold story of a self-formed Filipina American garage band of California teens that morphed into the ferocious rock group FANNY. Adored by David Bowie, the band's groundbreaking impact in music has been lost in the mists of time... until now. Also featuring Bonnie Raitt, Joe Elliott, Kate Pierson, John Sebastian, Kathy Valentine, Todd Rundgren, Cherie Currie, Charles Neville, Earl Slick, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter and other music icons.

Jump Darling Runtime: 1:30 Country: Canada Synopsis: At a crossroads in life, Russell flees his straight-laced boyfriend and sputtering drag career for refuge at his loving grandmother's house, only to find she is on a downward spiral of her own. Played by the brilliant Cloris Leachman in her final role before her death in 2021, JUMP, DARLING pairs love of drag with an aging iconic diva to ask the questions about what inspires us to carry on.

FEATURE FILMS Marry Me However Runtime: 1:04 Country: Israel Synopsis: The film explores the lives Orthodox-Jewish LGBT members who willingly choose to marry heterosexuals and raise a heteronormative family, obeying the rules of their societies while denying their own identities.

FILM SPONSOR

Forgotten Roads Runtime: 1:12 Country: Chile Synopsis: Claudina is a traditional woman from the countryside. After the pass away of her husband, she gets into a lonely routine. Having a difficult economic situation, Claudina has to move with her dearest grandson Cristóban, and her daughter Alejandra, knowing that both women have a distanced relationship.

Living together, Claudina meets the neighbor Elsa, an independent and married woman who sings on a hidden bar called “Porvenir“ (The Future.) Claudina starts a relationship with Elsa, getting in love. Since then, she develops a journey of self-knowledge to be free, under the judgment of her daughter and friends on a religious and conservatory little town, obsessed with UFO sighting.

CORTOS: LATINX QUEER SHORTS

FILM SPONSOR Sindee M. Smolowitz, Of Counsel

Mora & Chenchi Runtime: 19:41 Country: Mexico Synopsis: Maria Cecilia, an L.A. based tween magazine writer returns to her hometown where she re-encounters her high school best friend for the first time in 11 years. Now they have one afternoon to tell each other their true feelings before Cecilia takes her flight back to LA.

We Are Not Who They Say We Are Runtime: 18:26 Country: Honduras Synopsis: 'We are not who they say we are' tells the story of Arcoiris, a group of LGBTQI+ human rights defenders in Honduras. In recent years the organisation has faced mounting attacks and threats following relentless public abuse and stigmatisation. Prejudice from the police and judiciary means that these attacks go largely unpunished, making it one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be an LGBT+ human rights defender. Our interviews reveal both the severity of the risks they face and their determination to further their struggle.

Ocupa Runtime: 25:00 Country: Brazil Synopsis: Camila is passionate about fashion and counterculture, on a night out with her roommate Chris, she meets the beautiful Anisha, who lives in a squat in Berlin. Camila rekindles her dream and begins planning to move to Germany. She reveals her idea to Chris and sees their relationship tumbles.

TRANSPIRATIONAL SHORTS

House of [AS] Runtime: 0:31 Country: United States Synopsis: An homage to BALL/Vogue made for Adult Swim.

Unliveable Runtime: 19:57 Country: Brazil Synopsis: Sundance Official Selection 2021. In Brazil, where a trans person is murdered every three days, Marilene searches for her daughter Roberta, a trans woman who went missing. While running out of time, she discovers a hope for the future.

God’s Daughter Dances Runtime: 24:53 Country: Korea Synopsis: A transgender female dancer, Shin-mi, gets a call from the Military Manpower Administration, to attend for the Military Service Examination. Shin-mi, with everything in readiness, takes her steps to the Military Manpower Administration.

Karina’s Suit Runtime: 20:00 Country: Colombia Synopsis: Muete, un desertor de un grupo armado, visita en la ciudad a su prima Karina, una trabajadora sexual transgénero. Muete quiere convencerla para que regrese al pueblo pues su madre está muy enferma. La condición es que vaya con su anterior identidad.

YOUTH SHORTS

Coming Out Runtime: 1:59

At Last Runtime: 13:22 Country: United States Synopsis: A timid high school girl reveals her truth during the most important night of the year.

Graduation Runtime: 6:00 Country: United States Synopsis: Following a graduation celebration, four Chinese must navigate their relationships' future as dictated by the circumstances of life and their families.

Les Levres Gercees Runtime: 4:51 Country: France Synopsis: In a kitchen, a mother and a child struggle to establish dialogue.

Blue Suit Runtime: 15:59 Country: United States Synopsis: When a surprise party interrupts his plans, an anxious man has to find a private moment to confess his feelings for his friend before he moves away the next day.

YOUTH SHORTS

April’s Last Memories Runtime: 20:00 Country: Mexico Synopsis: Camila and Abril grew up together in a small town on the coast and are best friends. There´s an obvious and uncomfortable attraction between them.

April's family will move to the city, their paths will have to separate forever. No one understands how to say goodbye to the person they love.

Kapaemahu Runtime: 8:25 Country: United States Synopsis: Long ago, four extraordinary individuals of both male and female spirit brought the healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii.

Beloved by the people for their gentle ways and miraculous cures, they imbued four giant boulders with their powers. The stones still stand on what is now Waikiki Beach, but the true story behind them has been hidden -until now. Narrated in an ancient Hawaiian dialect, Kapaemahu brings this powerful legend back to life in vivid animation, seen through the eyes of a curious child.

Before the Eruption Runtime: 9:26 Country: Spain Synopsis: Although a volcanic eruption can occur without any prior signal, volcanoes will most likely issue different types of warnings before the eruption begins. We barely saw it coming.

QUEERMATION: ANIMATED SHORTS

Champion Runtime: 3:45

Each and Every Night Runtime: 11:37

Noah’s Song Runtime: 2:57 Country: United States Synopsis: Noah's Song is an animation about a transgender man coming out to his partner.

Our Bed Is Green Runtime: 7:15 Synopsis: Realm, a virtual reality facility, is quite transparent about the erotic nature of its services: Wall to wall, it is lined with tempting previews of sexy, ready-made experiences. But Realm also offers something more: With the help of data-mining technology, clientele can create virtual facsimiles of real-life places and people. This hyper-personalization is what attracts Cecily, a young woman grappling with a disorienting world and an intense fixation.

QUEERMATION: ANIMATED SHORTS

Chromosome Sweetheart Runtime: 4:55 Synopsis: An ex-couple in a café, a girl sucking on her girlfriend's hair, a running woman, a fleeing town, a little girl walking along the river. In this world, there are as many forms of love as there are people.

Sweet Sweet Kink: A Collection of BDSM Stories Runtime: 13:22 Country: United States Synopsis: Sweet Sweet Kink takes a sweet, sweet peek into the kinky world of bondage, dominance, and sadomasochism through four different stories of intimate connection, consensual exploration, and deep self-reflection.

Top 3 Runtime: 44:00 Synopsis: Top 3 is an animated romantic comedy about love, lists and what happens after falling helplessly in love.

In this funny, bittersweet romantic comedy from Sweden, perpetual list-maker Anton falls in love with David, but things start to go awry when Anton realizes that his dreams in life might be in direct opposition to David’s.

(ALMOST) MIDNIGHT: EXPERIMENTAL SHORTS

FILM SPONSOR

Save Twilight Runtime: 20:00 Country: Spain Synopsis: On the long nights of the city, Julia, who has not yet reached her thirties, recalls her love story with Lucia, a girl who after traveling the world and living in Paris, ended up staying in Julia's heart.

However, when the relationship begins to wither, a tragic accident ends Lucia's life, plunging Julia into a spiral of pain, guilt and self-destruction.

Until one of those nights full of memories, Julia rebels against the fate that has separated them, and decides to meet her, no matter what. Even if she has to start a journey into twilight with no chance of returning.

And Just Two More Runtime: 19:59 Country: Islamic Republic of Iran Synopsis: It is about a man who lives with his lover; a male mannequin. After hearing that a census is about to start in Iran, he struggles to add the mannequin to the census.

Trips, Friends, Night and Destiny Runtime: 8:52 Country: Argentina Synopsis: After every trip together After all the friends we visit, The nights we spent together And the destiny, keeping us bound the memory of that first night and of that first glance is all that remains.

(ALMOST) MIDNIGHT: EXPERIMENTAL SHORTS

Silent Heat Runtime: 18:00 Country: Netherlands Synopsis: On a vacation with her girlfriend Lyla’s fantasies are triggered in an unexpected way. After she is stung by a sea urchin she meets the sensual Valéry who takes her to an underground sub culture with a peculiar fetisj. The island appears to be full of pleasure and a scenery of desire that will change Lyla’s life forever.

The Announcement Runtime: 7:35 Country: France Synopsis: Last December, in full lockdown, I decided to call my mother in Russia to talk about this day, almost 5 years ago, when I came to tell her that I was ill.

The Last Romantics of The World Runtime: 23:00 Country: Brazil Synopsis: The world as we know it is about to be ended by a pink cloud. Far away from the urban chaos, Pedro and Miguel seek only eternity.

The Leaf Runtime: 4:00 Synopsis: A filmmaker’s inner struggle as an immigrant and filmmaker during the time of COVID-19.

FILM SPONSOR

Men In Briefs

Complicated Runtime: 0:22 Country: Israel Synopsis: Itamar, a chubby and depressed young man, returns to his childhood home in the suburbs following a mental breakdown.

As he struggles to get better under the care of his quirky and overprotective mother, old tensions about his sexual orientation arise especially when he meets Ronen, a handsome lifeguard who leads him to confront his body image issues.

My Aunties Runtime: 2:33 Country: United States Synopsis: Stefan Lynch was raised by gay parents in the early eighties. He was cared for and loved by a group of adults, largely gay men, who he called his “aunties.” Stefan remembers the succession of AIDS-related illnesses in his family, including the death of his father in ‘91. Even in the face of terrible sickness and loss, his aunties showed him how to survive and care for one another.

Getting Closer Runtime: 6:16 Country: United States Synopsis: Two stoned boyfriends navigate unexpected vulnerability (as well as the giggles) while attempting to get off.

A micro-budget chamber piece, GETTING CLOSER utilizes the immediacy of iPhone cinematography to explore modern intimacy and what it takes to get there.

(ALMOST) MIDNIGHT: Men In Briefs EXPERIMENTAL SHORTS

I Bleed Runtime: 7:15 Country: Brazil Synopsis: “I Bleed” is the intimate confession of a person living with HIV. A whirlwind of emotions.

The first sensations. An animation film which tries to demystify issues that, to this day, persist in society’s imagination about the virus.

Peace Runtime: 10:46 Country: United States Synopsis: PEACE is a love story short film that dives into the complexities of a down-low queer relationship and really questions what it means to be at peace.

Bill Runtime: 6:00 Country: United States Synopsis: Exhausted by keeping up appearances, Bill struggles to break his everyday habits and find his true self.

Lines Runtime: 9:24 Country: Philippines Synopsis: A dysfunctional father and son, one still coping from a loss, the other with a highly-stigmatized illness, are compelled to talk to one another to make ends meet and heal the wounds of their relationship.

Women In Shorts

Are You Still Watching?

Runtime: 7:00 Country: Australia

Lilies Runtime: 9:10 Country: United States Synopsis: “Lilies” is a queer love story set during 2020’s COVID lockdowns. In quarantine, the personal and political collide and comingle, forcing one woman to interrogate birth, becoming, class, femme health, and gay sufficiency against a backdrop of farm simulator games, archival agricultural footage, b-roll, domestic scenes, and psychedelic abstraction.

Aimee Victoria Runtime: 11:00 Country: United States

Sunday’s Child Runtime: 13:00 Country: United States Synopsis: Esi is a young, first generation woman from a conservative town in Missouri, where her questioning of her sexuality and desire to be a photographer have become laced with shame and guilt. After moving to LA, Esi stumbles upon a vivid house party of QTPOC (queer and trans people of color). For the first time in her life, Esi is welcomed into a community where she can let down her walls, let go of societal and family pressures and take the first steps towards self-acceptance.

Women In Shorts

Eleven Weeks Runtime: 15:00 Country: United States Synopsis: Carla Jean Johnson accepts her fast and aggressive cancer diagnosis with clarity and grace while photographer Anna Kuperberg, her long-time wife, documents their final days and weeks together.

With mesmerizing footage and intimate recordings of the couple's final conversations, Eleven Weeks is a story more about love than death.

Roadkill Runtime: 16:00 Country: United States Synopsis: Tillie's lonely life as a roadkill removal worker is destabilized when Wanda, a lively stranger, comes to town.

The Wash (In Love) Runtime: 9:00 Country: Spain Synopsis: María is in love with her neighbor Susana.

She wants to make her fall in love, but she only meets her on the landing, where they tend the laundry.

Skumjas Runtime: 15:00 Country: United States Synopsis: After 6 years of being in a long-distance relationship, Sandra travels to the Middle East to see her girlfriend and ask her the big question.

Eat My (Comedy) Shorts

2017

2017

Manivald Runtime: 13:00 Country: Estonia Synopsis: Manivald, a fox, is turning 33.

Overeducated, unemployed and generally uninspired, he lives with his overbearing, retired mother and spends his days learning piano while she makes his coffee and washes his socks. It is an easy life, but not a good one. Their unhealthy co-dependence is about to collapse when the washing machine breaks down and Toomas, a sexy and adventurous wolf repairman, arrives to fix it, and them.

Total Catch Runtime: 3:00 Country: United States Synopsis: Dating is hard... Zoom dating is harder.

2 Dollars Runtime: 15:00 Country: United States

A CLOUD CREATIVE MEDIA PRODUCTION “2 DOLLARS” STARRING GABBY MAIDEN KARISSA LEE STAPLES NAOMI MACK AND LISA GOODMAN CASTING BY JAIME EMBER MUSIC BY AMANDA JONES EDITED BY GILLIAN HUTSHING PRODUCTION DESIGN BY KESEH MORGAN CINEMATOGRAPHY BY ANTON FRESCO PRODUCED BY TARA DONOVAN AND JORDAN TYNER SCREENPLAY BY ROBIN CLOUD DIRECTED BY ROBIN CLOUD

Synopsis: Syd works at one of the worst property management firms in the city. As a black queer masculine of center artist, Syd deals with the daily slights from ignorant co-workers, an oblivious boss, and a killer workload. Louise, a gambling-addicted coworker, pressures Syd into contributing to the office lotto pool. The following morning, Syd learns that they have won the lotto or so they think. In an act of rebellion, Syd trashes the office that has caused her so much pain and when confronted, finds the courage to leave this life behind and pursue their dreams.

Eat My (Comedy) Shorts

As Simple As That Runtime: 19:00 Country: Brazil Synopsis: Suspicious that her son is gay, Joana shares her doubts with her husband.

To her surprise, the boy's father knows much more about the subject than she imagined.

After all, why was she the last to know?

Stand Up, Stand Out: The Making of a Comedy Movement Runtime: 35:00 Country: United States Synopsis: Stand Up, Stand Out: The Making of a Comedy Movement tells the story of a unique brand of activism belonging only to San Francisco--where three gay teachers fight for equal rights during the burgeoning Gay Liberation Movement of the 1970s, led to the blossoming of the Valencia Rose Cabaret, Café, and Restaurant, believed to be the first and only gay-owned and operated comedy club in the USA. As AIDS-ravaged San Francisco, a gay and lesbian comedy club flourished in, of all places, an old mortuary.

From 1981 to 1986, the Valencia Rose Cabaret, Cafe, and Restaurant blossomed as the home of queer comedy, the birthplace of many well-known careers, a de-facto community center, and a gathering place for activists. At a dark historical moment, it was a locus of resistance through laughter. Stand Up, Stand Out is a thirty-five-minute documentary that plunges into a little-known, but widely resonant, chapter of queer cultural history: the story of the Valencia Rose (1981-1986). Through the voices and humor of the Rose’s performers, the film explores gay comedy as an outgrowth of the rich traditions of activism and performance in San Francisco, an empowering response to the conservative politics of the era, and a valiant quest for joy and laughter amidst the horrific onslaught of the AIDS crisis.

Stand Up, Stand Out features Tom Ammiano, Karen Ripley, Monica Palcacios, Danny Williams, Dirk Alphin, Paul Boneberg, and the song stylings of Romanovsky & Phillips.

Locally Sourced: California Shorts

The Parlor of Jeff + Cosgrove Runtime: 6:00 Country: United States Synopsis: "The Parlor" is an oral storytelling project featuring Jeff + Cosgrove (stars of the HUMP! Fest short film "The Glory Hole"). After 26 years of partnership, these elderly gay men have dozens of intimate, raw, hilarious, and touching stories from their lives. As Cosgrove says, "When making life decisions, we always choose the more interesting story."

Residing in Cathedral City, Jeff and Cosgrove have turned their living room into the parlor: part cozy hangout spot, part living museum.

Hundreds of photos cover the walls, representing different chapters of their relationship. They cover topics ranging from commitment, celebrity run-ins, living with HIV, pride, and what it means to be an aging queer today. This is the first episode of the series, telling the story of their historic wedding day at San Francisco City Hall on June 28th, 2013.

My Neighbor, Miguel Runtime: 14:00 Country: United States Synopsis: An exuberant 72 year-old gay artist named Miguel recalls his time in San Francisco during the AIDS epidemic and reflects on art, community and life after such an isolating, traumatic time that affected the entire world.

Bayanihan & Resilience Runtime: 5:00 Country: United States Synopsis: Penny Baldado, a queer Filipino immigrant and proud owner of Café Gabriela, makes it through the COVID-19 pandemic by giving back to Oakland.

EL aotc a M lyl y( CSoomuerdcye) dS: h o r t s California Shorts The CROWN With A Shadow Runtime: 11:00 Country: United States Synopsis: A mixed-media animated film based on the real-world gender morphing Pink Skunk Fish where said species changes sexes from Male to Female. The story is led by a male fish Prince (Paul Reubens / Pee Wee Herman) destined to be Queen & learns from his mother the Queen (Geri Halliwell / Ginger Spice) how bodies are simply shells and that the courage it takes to be oneself is the mark of a true queen. “The strongest crown we carry are our hearts,†she explains. Antagonist is a bully shark (Tatum O'Neal / Oscar winner) along side a Female to Male squid with top surgery scars to give a space for said imagery in an otherwise limited lane of visibility (voiced by Non-Binary LGBTQI+ actor iRAWniQ). (MTF) actor Sawyer Lee voices Gibson the shark, (FTM) actress Nova Donnell voices the EEL while (FTM) actress Nova Valentina voices the Turtle & Crab. Aimed to teach the strongest muscle is the heart as well as a deeper consciousness & connectivity to all things within... & without. With an original score via the writer/director using beat-boxing with his mouth and actual recordings of his heart beat for bass lines, the film is meant to fall into it's own lane of storytelling.

Beakman & Jok Runtime: 25:00 Country: United States

1701: A Blerd Story Runtime: 7:00 Country: United States Synopsis: A black gay nerd uses "Star Trek" to cope with life.

Compound A cultural complex fostering the intersection of contemporary art, wellness, and community engagement.

Thursday-Sunday 12-7PM 1395 Coronado Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90804 compoundlb.com

Tavares Strachan, You Belong Here (Blue #1), 2019. Exterior of Compound. Photo by Laure Joile.

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8/17/21 6:27 PM

Our galleries at The Museum of Latin American Art are open, and awaiting your visit!

Guest Curator Alessandra Moctezuma and MOLAA Chief Curator Gabriela Urtiaga

Judith F. Baca (United States, b. 1946) When God Was A Woman / Cuando Dios Era Mujer, 1980 - 2021 Double Sided Triptych: Thirteen Women in the Volcanic Eruption(Side 1)/ Trece Mujeres en la Erupción Volcánica Acrylic on wood panels / Acrílico sobre paneles de madera H 8 x W 12 feet / pies MOLAA Permanent Collection. Museum purchase with MOLAA Acquisition Fund and funds provided by the Lynne Okon Scholnick Fund / Colección Permanente de MOLAA. Adquisición con fondos del MOLAA Acquisitions Fund y fondos provistos por el Lynne Okon Scholnick Fund

Visit molaa.org to book your visit The Judy Baca project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts and was made possible with support from California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit calhum.org.

Additional support was provided by Bank of America, the Pasadena Art Alliance, and the Employee Community Fund of Boeing. In-kind support has been provided by the Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC).

MOLAA is generously supported, in part, by the Robert Gumbiner Foundation, and by a grant from the City of Long Beach and the Arts Council for Long Beach.

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628 Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach , California 90802

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was founded on the values of equal and fair housing for all people and has been proudly serving Southern California communities since 1967.

As an expression of love and appreciation for homeownership in our surrounding communities, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is proud to offer the Brush of Love Sweepstakes. We are thrilled to give a homeowner the opportunity to get a fresh coat of paint on the exterior of their house for FREE!

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NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. ONE entry per household. Open to legal residents and homeowners age 21 or older of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Entries end at 12:00 a.m. PST on November 4, 2021. For full official rules go to: www.bhhscaprops.com/BrushOfLove Sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. DRE#00338699 www.bhhscaprops.com 16911 Bellflower Blvd., Bellflower, CA 90706

HOW TO ENTER: Go to www.bhhscaprops.com/brushoflove and fill out the entry form.

Enter Code: LGFF in the referring agent section of the entry form.

We believe in homeownership equality for all people. ©2021 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

In 2021 the Arts Council Awarded Over $500,000 in Artist Relief Grants to Long Beach Artists!

artslb.org

#KeepAr tsWorking

SAN PEDRO 222 W. 6th St.

(310) 547-0655

Image Credit: Jose Cordon @deadendbrigade

LONG BEACH 250 W. Ocean Blvd.

401 W. Willow St.

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Celebrating our diversity.

We are proud to share in the celebration of diversity and inclusion. Thank you to the Long Beach LGBTQ Film Festival for enriching our community.

Thank you for sharing our LGBTQ+ stories!

Patrick Doonan & Paul Thompson

LGBTQ Attorneys and Allies of the Long Beach Bar Association is proud to support the Long Beach Community and the 2021 Film Festival.

Connect with us at longbeachbar.org/rainbow

Celebrating the Arts The Port of Long Beach is proud to support the Long Beach QFilm Festival – one of the cultural events that make our city a unique place to live and work.

We are proud supporters of the LGBTQ Center Long Beach & all of its efforts.

Congratulations on the 28th Annual QFilms Festival!

NOLAN ROSS SAMÉ-WEIL, MBA CEO/PRESIDENT & REALTOR® | Lic. No. 01437302 Pronouns: He / Him / His

562.505.1063 Nolan@NolanRossRE.com www.NolanRossRE.com

Proud to support

DAVID BOHNETT CYBERCENTERS at the LGBTQ Center Long Beach and 57 centers nationwide Every CyberCenter provides a safe and inviting space to learn skills and build community.

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