NewFest 2021 Program Guide by newfest

Virtual All-Access Streaming Pass $95 [Members - $85] Individual Film Streaming Tickets $14 [Members - $10]

ATTENDING NEWFEST IN-PERSON Silver Pass: $350 Gold Pass: $750 Diamond: $1500 In-Person General Admission Ticket: $18 (Members: $14) In-Person Centerpiece Ticket: $25 (Members: $21) In-Person Opening Night + Party Ticket: $85 (Members: $75 In-Person Closing Night + Party Ticket: $75 Members: $65

WHERE TO SEE IN-PERSON SCREENING: SVA Theatre: 333 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10011 The LGBT Community Center: 208 W 13 St, New York, NY 10011 BAM Rose Cinemas: 30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217 Nitehawk Cinema Prospect Park: 188 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215

HOW TO BUY TICKETS AND PASSES ONLINE: NewFest.org OVER THE PHONE: (929) 480 - FEST Oct 11 - Oct 26: 4 PM - 8 PM EST

TICKETING AND FESTIVAL INFORMATION

ATTENDING NEWFEST VIRTUALLY

IN-PERSON, DURING THE FESTIVAL SVA Theatre: 333 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10011 The LGBT Community Center: 208 W 13 St, New York, NY 10011 BAM Rose Cinemas: 30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217 Nitehawk Cinema Prospect Park: 188 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215 Venue Box Offices will open 1 hour prior to the first screening of the day and close 15 minutes following the start of the last screening of the day. WILL CALL tickets can be picked up at any box office location with a valid photo ID.

COVID SAFETY GUIDELINES NewFest will comply with current New York city guidelines. We require proof of full vaccination (at least two weeks after the final dose) for all staff, audiences, and filmmakers to enter a venue. In addition we may ask for a government issued ID. The name on the ID must match the name on the proof of vaccination. Masks will be required in the theater when not eating or drinking. NewFest reserves the right to turn any guest away and ask them to leave should they not comply with the COVID Safety Guidelines.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES AT SCREENING VENUE SVA: No food or drinks may be brought into the venue NiteHawk: No outside food or drinks may be brought into the venue BAM: No outside food or drinks may be brought into the venue The LGBT Community Center: No outside food or drinks may be brought into the venue

HOW TO RUSH AT NEWFEST! For events where there are no longer advanced tickets available for purchase - we highly encourage guests to make use of our successful Rush Sales policy. Rush Sales Lines will form at the venue approximately 45 minutes prior to the scheduled event start time. Admission will begin approximately 10-15 minutes before the event’s start time based on availability. Admission is not guaranteed. Rush Sales are limited to one (1) ticket per person. We accept the following payment methods: cash or credit card. (PLEASE NOTE: Each venue may have a slightly adjusted rush plan based on Venue and COVID restriction, please check in with venue and box office staff for exact instructions.)

ADMISSION & SALES POLICIES To guarantee admission all pass and ticket holders must be present in line at the venue at 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. We reserve the right to sell any empty seats after that time. Late seating is at the discretion of the venue management team and is not permitted 30 minutes after the start time of any screening or event. All Sales Are Final. No Refunds. No Exchanges. All Rights Reserved.

FESTIVAL GUIDELINES & THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW Content may not be suitable for all ages. Children under the age of 12 years old are not permitted at any festival event due to this reason NewFest will comply with current New York city guidelines. We require proof of full vaccination (at least two weeks after the final dose) for all staff, audiences, and filmmakers to enter a venue. In addition we may ask for a government issued ID. The name on the ID must match the name on the proof of vaccination. Masks will be required in the theater when not eating or drinking. NewFest reserves the right to turn any guest away and ask them to leave should they not comply with the COVID Safety Guidelines Saving space in line, or seats within the theater for other guests is not permitted. Any and all audio or video recording and/or photography is strictly prohibited at the event. Outside food and drinks are not permitted at any festival venue. The festival reserves the right to refuse service and maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding harassment of any kind. The festival is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment for its staff and guests. (If you are found in violation of this policy, you will be asked to leave and not return. You will not be issued a refund.) By attending any NewFest screening or event you give NewFest permission to use your image or likeness for any for marketing and promotional purposes, both digital and print Please remember to be a good film-goer: silence or turn-off your electronic devices prior to the film presentation, no talking during the film, and don’t forget to turn in your completed ballots immediately following the screening.

HELP DESK SUPPORT Please visit newfest.org/festival/faq for the answers to all your questions about streaming and in-person attendance for this year's festival. If you need more assistance please email us at boxoffice@newfest.org or call us at (929) 480 - FEST, Oct 11 - Oct 26: 4 PM - 8 PM EST . **We will try to answer all your questions as soon as possible, but please expect up to a 4 hour delay in response outside of our business hours listed above.**

HOW TO STREAM BASICS What do I need to have to be able to watch NewFest, virtually? You will need to be based in the US, have a valid email address, a NewFest Virtual Festival Pass or ticket, and a computer, mobile phone, tablet, or Apple TV or Roku on your television. For additional Technical Requirements, please visit https://newfest.org/festival/faq.

HOW DO I STREAM A PROGRAM? After purchasing your Festival Pass or Individual Film Streaming Ticket, and logging into our on-demand platform, simply click on your desired selection, then click on the Watch Now button to begin. When can I begin streaming? Based on individual rights from content licensors, the majority of our films will be available for Pass and Ticketholders to stream beginning at 12 PM (EST) on Friday, October 15. All programs must be watched by Tuesday, October 26.

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STAFF & BOARD OF DIRECTORS YEAR ROUND STAFF: David Hatkoff, Executive Director Kir Alshanetsky, Communications Manager Kayo Gorden, Events and Operations Coordinator Nick McCarthy, Director of Programming FESTIVAL STAFF: Alamin Yohannes, Assistant Programmer and Panel Coordinator Anita Raswant, Filmmaker Relations Assistant Carly Reicho, Filmmaker Relations Manager Cyrus Cohen, Programmer and Programming Operations Coordinator Derek Klevitz, Volunteer Coordinator Haley Baird Riemer, Marketing Assistant Jaclyn Wohl, Ticketing and Accreditations Consultant Kim Garcia, Exhibition Manager Molly Fulton, Publications Manager Monisha Gandhi, Festival Producer Murtada Elfadl, Programmer and Programming Coordinator Rachel Newkirk, Social Media Manager Ryan Gibeau, Operations & Production Manager Sarose Klein, Sponsorship and Development Coordinator Saskia Vaye, Special Events Producer Shayna Maci Warner, Assistant Programmer and Community Outreach Coordinator TICKETING AND ACCREDITATIONS ASSISTANT Sana Sepehri TICKETING AGENTS Bradley Teal Ellis Hilary Hodgson Kate Lemberg Nora Bernard Tiffany Clifton VENUE TEAM Bob Zazzera Jack. Trinco Lauren Amick Mattie Harding Solomon Peck RAFFLE COORDINATOR Sharron Cox PROGRAM DESIGNER LuisMarquesDesign.com

OGILVY TEAM: Danilo Boer, Chief Creative Officer Peter Hahn, Associate Creative Director Leslie James, Associate Creative Director, Copywriter Jake Richardson, Senior Designer Gennaro Aliperti, Account Executive Laure Borot, Planning Director Nathan Kim, Junior Designer NEWFEST BOARD Bill Berman, Co-Chair Sandy Markman, Co-Chair Josh Schiowitz, Treasurer Adam J. Natale, Secretary Mike Balaban Ann Brown Thomas Dima Lisa Alexis Jones Afua Kafi-Akua Ronald Lense Aviva Michelman-Dumas Bunge Okeyo Isabel Sandoval Jane Sasseen Ron Simons Ramon Torres Andrew Uriarte SCREENING COMMITTEE Jared Abbott Rasheed Bailey Mark Balderrama Cathy Brennan Annette Covrigaru Felix Endara Shayana Filmore Sarah Fonseca Andrew Kendall Finley King John Lee Kate Lemberg Malkah Manoel Elise McCave Chelsea Moore Maeve Murphy Jenna Scherer Sophie Schoenfeld Jourdain Searles Daniel Spada William O. Tyler Alamin Yohannes Tinghao Zhou

NEWFEST THANKS OUR MAJOR DONORS AND DIAMOND PASSHOLDERS MAJOR DONORS Robert Ouimette Ned Lustbader Richard Fye Josh Schiowitz Mohammed Fakhr

DIAMOND MEMBERS Mike Balaban Bill Berman and Patrick Forbes Thomas Bindert Ann Brown PJ Dantonello Thomas Dima Andrea Himmel Lisa Alexis Jones Afua Kafi-Akua Robert Kushner Ronald Lense Sandy Markman Aviva Michelman-Dumas Adam J. Natale Bunge Okeyo Gregory Pratt Isabel Sandoval Jane Sasseen Ron Simons and Jbya Clarke Andrew Tobias Ramon Torres Andrew Uriarte and Marc Parees

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It’s your journey. It’s your chosen family.

At Hyundai, we are a company with bold ideas and big dreams for today and the future. We celebrate the cultural differences that strengthen us and we embrace a rich tapestry of voices that move us forward. Hyundai is proud to be the Signature Sponsor of Newfest.*

Signature Sponsor of 2021 NewFest

*2022 TUCSON N Line pre-production model shown. Hyundai is a registered trademark

Table of Contents

Staff & Board, Charter Circle....................................................... 4

Members.................................................................................... 5

Sponsors.................................................................................... 8

Welcome Letter.......................................................................... 9

Opening Night Film................................................................... 10

Closing Night Film..................................................................... 11

Centerpiece Screenings............................................................ 12

Narrative Features.................................................................... 16

Documentary Features............................................................. 28

Schedule.................................................................................. 30

Episodics.................................................................................. 36

Shorts Programs...................................................................... 38

Panels + Events........................................................................ 54

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Sponsors Signature Sponsors:

Premier Sponsors:

Major Sponsor:

Supporting Sponsors:

Official Sponsors:

Corporate Partners:

Media Sponsors:

Raffle Sponsor:

Venue Partners:

Contributing Partners:

Government Sponsors: New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.

Welcome Letter On behalf of everyone at NewFest we are thrilled to welcome you to the 33rd Annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival -- our first-ever hybrid edition! This year's festival is all about connection. The LGBTQ+ community thrives on connecting to one another, and having spent most of the past 18 months apart, we are hungry for experiences that remind us we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. We believe queer film provides an opportunity to connect in a unique and celebratory way. This year‘s program highlights that everyone in our community has a story to tell, and shows just how meaningful it is when we really listen to, learn from, and spend time with each other. Throughout the pandemic NewFest has stayed true to its founding mission of providing a safe space where queer stories can be told and shared. Going virtual this past year and a half has given us an incredible opportunity to make sure these stories could be viewed from anywhere in the United States. We are delighted to maintain that accessibility, while reconnecting with our audiences and filmmakers here in NYC. After all, there is nothing like a room full of queer folks and allies! Get ready, because we are coming to you with more than 130 films that will be available to watch at the theater or at home. We'll also have conversations with some of your favorite LGBTQ artists and filmmakers; topical panels on issues such as Indigenous LGBTQ+ stories and queer women and nonbinary cinematographers; celebratory Opening and Closing Night parties; the much anticipated return of Women’s Night Out; and much more. The LGBTQ+ community here in NYC and throughout the world is incredibly diverse, and we want to feature as many voices as we possibly can. We are particularly excited to amplify feature-length films that center intersex, Two-spirit indigenous, and non-binary protagonists, as these are members of the queer community whose stories are not frequently heard. We are also pleased to continue our Black Filmmakers Initiative, which provides financial support to Black LGBTQ+ filmmakers to ensure their films are getting made and seen. Thank you to our Signature Sponsors Hyundai, WarnerMedia and Ogilvy, as well as the NewFest Board of Trustees and the tireless Festival and year-round teams, for making this year's event possible. Wherever you are in the country, and however you choose to experience the Festival, we are so glad you’ve joined us, and can’t wait to hear what you think of the films.

Enjoy! All the best,

David Hatkoff (Executive Director)

Bill Berman and Sandy Markman (Board Co-Chairs)

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Opening Night Film

MAYOR PETE Dir. Jesse Moss, USA, 2021, 96 mins

A riveting documentary from award-winning filmmaker Jesse Moss (BOYS STATE), MAYOR PETE brings viewers inside Pete Buttegieg’s campaign to be the youngest U.S. president, providing unprecedented intimacy with the candidate, his husband Chasten, and their ambitious team. From the earliest days of the campaign to his unlikely, triumphant victory in Iowa and beyond, this film reveals what really goes on inside a campaign for the highest office in the land – and the myriad ways it changes the lives of those at its center. Recently appointed as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Buttigieg serves as the first openly LGBTQ+ Cabinet member in U.S. history. Cast: Pete Buttigieg, Chasten Buttigieg

Followed by a reception at Penn6 (132 West 31st Street)

Opening & Closing Night

Closing Night Film

FLEE Dir. Jonas Poher Rasmussen, Denmark, 2021, 90 mins

Amin Nawabi has never told anyone how he and his family left Afghanistan. A bureaucratic system built to criminalize immigrants has forced asylum seekers like Amin to hold back for safety; but years later, re-settled and thriving in Denmark, he’s opening up for the first time. Through spellbinding animation, director Jonas Poher Rasmussen reveals Amin’s courageous journey and why he hasn’t yet been able to tell the full story. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, FLEE merges vivid, one-of-a-kind animation and emotional narrative to bring Amin’s sensational memoir to life.

Followed by a reception at Penn6 (132 West 31st Street)

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U.S. CENTERPIECE

POTATO DREAMS OF AMERICA Dir. Wes Hurley, USA, 2021, 95 mins Obsessed with old Hollywood movies and concerned for her son’s future in 1980s USSR, Lena becomes a mail-order bride and moves to the United States. Though she hopes to give her son Potato a better life, things veer off course when his burgeoning sexuality and love of New Queer Cinema clash with his new father’s political and religious points of view. Stylized and deliciously campy, POTATO DREAMS OF AMERICA conjures a portrayal of the American dream that is as hopeful and hilarious as it is dizzying. Featuring a starstudded LGBTQ+ cast including Lea DeLaria (ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK) and Jonathan Bennett (MEAN GIRLS), writer/director Wes Hurley’s autobiographical crowd-pleaser is sure to spark whimsical wonder. Writer: Wes Hurley Cast: Tyler Bocock, Hersh Powers, Lea DeLaria, Dan Lauria, Jonathan Bennett

Presented in Partnership with

Centerpiece Screenings

INTERNATIONAL CENTERPIECE

A DISTANT PLACE Dir. Park Kun-young, South Korea, 2020, 115 mins

Jin Woo lives a simple country life, spending his days working on a local farm and keeping a watchful eye on his adventurous young daughter. When his city-dwelling lover comes to visit, Jin Woo starts to envision their future as a family before the surprise arrival of his twin sister threatens to complicate his dream. A family drama full of surprises around every corner, director Kun-Young Park’s beautiful second feature A DISTANT PLACE cements his position as an auteur to watch. Writer: Park Kun-young Cast: Kang Gil-woo, Hong Kyung, Lee Sang-hee, Ki Joo-bong

Presented in Partnership with

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NEW YORK CENTERPIECE

PASSING Dir. Rebecca Hall, USA, 2021, 98 mins

On a stifling summer day in 1920s New York City, Irene Redfield (Tessa Thompson) unexpectedly reunites with her old school acquaintance Clare Bellew (Academy Award nominee Ruth Negga). With the simple unzipping of a dress and a furtive glance, a Pandora’s box of temptation clicks open in this Sundance Film Festival sensation. Adapted from Nella Larsen’s beloved 1929 novel, PASSING is a Harlem Renaissance masterpiece 15 years in the making. Full of seduction and psychological drama, director Rebecca Hall’s debut feature explores the mutability of identity and just how easily a once unshakeable truth can unravel. Writer: Rebecca Hall Cast: Tessa Thompson, Ruth Negga, André Holland, Bill Camp, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Antoinette CroweLegacy, Alexander Skarsgård

Presented in Partnership with

Centerpiece Screenings

DOCUMENTARY CENTERPIECE

INVISIBLE: GAY WOMEN IN SOUTHERN MUSIC Dir. T.J. Parsell, USA, 2021, 107 mins

Deeply moving and triumphant, INVISIBLE gives center stage to the lesbian women who have long been hidden behind the curtain of the country music industry, all while working with big-name artists and making major contributions to the scene. Filling in the gaps of this untold history, director T.J. Parsell spotlights the stories of these talented and persevering women — singers, songwriters, and producers — in heartfelt interviews and through their music. Featuring Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Chely Wright, Ruthie Foster, Bonnie Baker, Dianne Davidson, Mary Gauthier, and more, INVISIBLE stirs the soul while plucking at guitars and heartstrings. Cast: Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Pam Tillis, Chely Wright, Mary Gauthier, Kye Fleming, Bonnie Baker, Jess Leary, Ruthie Foster, Cidny Bullens (formerly Cindy Bullens), Gretchen Peters, Dianne Davidson, Maryann Kennedy, Pam Rose, Cheryl Wheeler, Virginia Team

Presented in Partnership with

Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 15

ALL BOYS AREN’T BLUE Dir. Nathan Hale Williams, USA, 2021, 75 mins

In a poetic visual reading of George Matthew Johnson’s intimate memoir, Dyllon Burnside (FX’s POSE), Bernard David Jones, and Thomas Hobson play Johnson at pivotal stages of their life to recount their experiences growing up Black, queer, and non-binary. Writer: George M. Johnson Cast: Dyllon Burnside, Bernard David Jones, Thomas Hobson, and Jenifer Lewis Preceded by shorts:

BLACK BOY JOY

Presented in Partnership with

Dir. Avery Archie & Joshua Walker, USA, 1 min Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

SMOKE, LILIES, AND JADE Dir. Deondray and Quincy LeNear Gossfield, USA, 28 mins Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

BLISS Dir. Henrika Kull, Germany, 2021, 90 mins

Two sex workers bond while working at a Berlin brothel in director Henrika Kull’s perceptive character study. Wielding vastly different temperaments, Sascha and new-hire Maria navigate the economic pressures of the job and their growing affection for one another. Brimming with refreshing candor, BLISS offers a sober depiction of sex work to unravel a drama of unparalleled intensity. Writer: Henrika Kull Cast: Katharina Behrens, Adam Hoya

Presented in Partnership with

BOY MEETS BOY Dir. Daniel Sánchez López, Germany, 2020, 70 mins

Harry has been partying for 48 hours when he meets Johannes on the dance floor of a club in Berlin. With 15 hours left until Harry’s flight back to London, Johannes offers to help him print his boarding pass, a mundane task that leads to a day wandering the city together. The contrasts in their lives and values force them to confront their own truths in this naturalistic romance. Calling to mind a queer BEFORE SUNRISE, this tender feature debut from Daniel Sánchez López tracks the journey of a brief encounter and the mark left by fleeting moments of joy. Writer: Hannah Renton, Daniel Sánchez López Cast: Alexandros Koutsoulis, Matthew James Morrison

Narrative Features

NewFest Pride Encore!

Presented in Partnership with

CELTS Dir. Milica Tomović, Serbia, 2021, 106 mins

In 1990s Belgrade, a group of friends and couples gather to celebrate a child’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-themed birthday and play out their own frayed relationships. With the Yugoslav Wars taking place in the background, the adults air their grievances and indulge in hidden passions in the kitchen and behind closed doors. Serbian filmmaker Milica Tomović’s evocative directorial debut dissects this volatile time in history and its effects on the people living through it with wry frankness and sharp humor.

Writer: Milica Tomović, Tanja Šljivar Cast: Dubravka Duda Kovjanić, Stefan Trifunović, Katarina Dimić, Anja Đorđević, Olga Odanović, Konstantin Ilin, Jelica Sretenović, Milica Grujičić, Slaven Došlo

Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 17

CUT! Dir. Marc Ferrer, Spain, 2021, 79 mins

Marcos is a struggling director desperate to produce his lowbudget queer take on Italian Giallo thrillers. But when the cast and crew begin to die gruesome deaths, he becomes both a prime suspect for investigators and the killer’s potential next target. Marc Ferrer’s vibrant horror-comedy melds mystery and unabashed pastiche with an early Almodóvarian sense of humor. Featuring Spanish icons including Samantha Hudson and La Prohibida, CUT! is a rollicking meta slasher showcasing the weird, wonderful world of queer artists in Spain and Catalonia. Writer: Marc Ferrer Cast: La Prohibida, Marc Ferrer, Marga Sardà, Maria Sola, Saya Solana, Alvaro Lucas Estada, Gregorio Sanz, Paco Serrano, Samantha Hudson

DEATH AND BOWLING Dir. Lyle Kash, USA, 2021, 64 mins

Struggling actor X’s lesbian bowling league Lavender League Bowling Club is the only thing keeping his head in the right lane as he faces the daily struggles of demanding auditions, demeaning roles, and shady characters. But when the team’s matriarch and captain unexpectedly passes away and an intriguing stranger arrives, X finds himself on a new journey toward introspection, acceptance, and love. Made by a predominantly trans cast and crew, Lyle Kash’s confident directorial debut announces the arrival of an authentic, idiosyncratic new voice in contemporary LGBTQ+ cinema. DEATH AND BOWLING shows off Kash’s thoughtful and boundary-breaking approach to storytelling — a real game-changer. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film Writer: Lyle Kash Cast: Will Krisanda, Tracy Kowalski, Denise Turkan, Leontine White Foster, Faith Eileen Bryan, D'Lo Preceded by shorts:

THE YOUNG KING Dir. Larin Sullivan, USA, 6 mins

FIREBIRD

FIREBIRD is based on the true story of two Soviet Air Force recruits who fall in love at the height of the Cold War. Sergey, a sensitive young private, and Roman, a high-ranking fighter pilot with a promising military career, risk their lives and livelihoods to be intimate on and off the base before Roman’s wife comes between them, evoking a toiling tale of love and betrayal. Spanning several decades, FIREBIRD is a forbidden romance both sumptuous and heart-rending. Writer: Peeter Rebane, Tom Prior Cast: Tom Prior, Oleg Zagordnii, Diana Pozharskaya

Narrative Features

Dir. Peeter Rebane, Estonia, 2021, 107 mins

FIRSTNESS Dir. Brielle Brilliant, USA, 2021, 78 mins

A maladjusted father, his non-binary child Tavi, and a stranger out on parole are all seeking connection in director Brielle Brilliant’s feature debut. When Tavi and the older man begin to form a sweet yet unconventional friendship, they raise concern and suspicion from everyone around them. Winner of the U.S. Narrative Jury Award at Outfest LA, FIRSTNESS delivers a singular, fantastical world with a dreamy rhythm that is not to be missed. Writer: Brielle Brilliant Cast: Tim Kinsella, Spencer Jording, Caleb Cabrera Preceded by shorts:

JOYCHILD Dir. Aurora Brachman, USA, 6 mins

Presented in Partnership with

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HOMEBODY Dir. Joseph Sackett, USA, 2021, 75 mins

Melanie’s last afternoon babysitting 9-year-old genderquestioning Johnny takes an inexplicable, unpredictable, and absolutely hilarious turn -- her body is inhabited by Johnny’s spirit. Now, Johnny gets to live as Melanie for a day, which seems fun at first but soon becomes a rollercoaster of emotions as Johnny navigates the NYC subway system, prospective boyfriends, and delivering a baby. Featuring indelible comic performances by Colby Minifie (THE BOYS) and newcomer Tre Ryder, as well as a laugh-out-loud script, HOMEBODY subverts the playful structures of FREAKY FRIDAY and BIG, crafting something entirely new and affirming in the process. Writer: Joseph Sackett Cast: Colby Minifie, Tre Ryder, Maria Dizzia, Whitmer Thomas, Jasmin Walker, Purva Bedi, Julian Cihi, Zoe Chao Presented in Partnership with

JUMP, DARLING Dir. Phil Connell, Canada, 2021, 90 mins

Featuring one of the final screen performances from the late, great, Oscar-winning icon Cloris Leachman, JUMP, DARLING tells the story of aspiring performer Fishy Falters (Thomas Duplessie), who is trying to eke out a career at a small-town bar while crashing with his ailing yet still feisty grandmother (Leachman). Leachman’s singular combination of impeccable comic timing and grounded pathos is used to great effect in writer/director Phil Connell’s intimate, genuine story, which features show-stopping musical numbers and profound truths about family dynamics. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film Writer: Phil Connell Cast: Cloris Leachman, Thomas Duplessie, Linda Kash, Andrew Bushell, Sheldon McIntosh (Tynomi Banks), Mark Caven

LEADING LADIES

Lies, lust, drugs, and debauchery — and that’s all before dessert! In this sexy new feature from NewFest alum Ruth Caudeli (EVA + CANDELA, SECOND STAR ON THE RIGHT), five friends come together for a night of gossip that takes a disastrous turn when long-held secrets bubble to the surface. A point-of-view-shifting snapshot of women navigating guilt in their intimate friendships, the explosive ensemble of LEADING LADIES reels the audience further and further into their tangled web. Writer: Ruth Caudeli Cast: Ana María Otálora, Silvia Varón, Marcela Robledo, Diana Wiswell, Ana María Cuéllar

Narrative Features

Dir. Ruth Caudeli, Colombia, 2021, 84 mins

Presented in Partnership with

LOVE, SPELLS AND ALL THAT Dir. Ümit Ünal, Turkey, 2019, 96 mins

After two decades of radio silence, Eren reappears out of thin air to profess her devotion to her teenage sweetheart. But could this sudden reunion simply be the workings of a love spell cast 20 years ago? In writer/director Ümit Ünal’s golden-hour romantic drama, the Turkish island of Büyükada and its many secrets serve as a backdrop for the would-be couple’s quest to break such a spell (if one even exists). Winner of the Audience Award at Inside Out Toronto and Screenplay Award at Outfest, LOVE, SPELLS, AND ALL THAT takes audiences on an enchanting journey down memory lane. Writer: Ümit Ünal Cast: Selen Uçer, Ece Dizdar, Aysenil Samlioglu, Damla Ersan, Murat Toprak

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METAMORPHOSIS Dir. JE Tiglao, Philippines, 2019, 83 mins

Despite being born with an intersex body, teenager Adam has lived all of their young life as a boy. After they start menstruating, Adam has to confront new reactions from their conservative family and judgemental schoolmates, leading to a new exploration of their authentic identity. Sensitively charting Adam’s journey of new friendship and self-discovery, Filipino director JE Tiglao’s METAMORPHOSIS offers an empathetic view of budding adolescent desire and intergenerational relationships. Writer: JE Tiglao, Boo Dabu Cast: Gold Azeron, Ricky Davao, Iana Bernardez, Yayo Aguila

MY BEST PART Dir. Nicolas Maury, France, 2020, 102 mins

French superstar Nicolas Maury (KNIFE + HEART, Netflix’s CALL MY AGENT) directs himself as Jérémie, an actor fleeing to his mother’s countryside home after a break-up with the adoring Albert (Arnaud Valois). Now that the relationship has gone awry, Jérémie scopes out potential new companions while sparring with his ever-patient mother (French screen icon Natalie Baye). Maury gives a tour-de-force comedic performance of quirky narcissism, owning the screen and ultimately the audience’s devotion in this Cannes Official Selection. Writer: Nicolas Maury, Sophie Fillières, Maud Ameline Cast: Nicolas Maury, Nathalie Baye, Arnaud Valois

PARIAH

A decade since its release, this powerful portrait of a young lesbian coming into her own continues to be celebrated as a monumental influence by critics and filmmakers alike. The debut feature from Academy Award nominee Dee Rees (MUDBOUND) remains an enduring exploration of the inner and outer lives of 17-year-old Alike (Adepero Oduye, in a breakthrough performance) as she navigates her burgeoning sexuality, familial frustrations, and talents as a poet in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene. PARIAH occupies an essential place in queer and Black film canon, and is undeniably one of the 21st century’s greatest films. Writers: Dee Rees Cast: Adepero Oduye, Kim Wayans, Aasha Davis

Presented in Partnership with

Narrative Features

Dir. Dee Rees, USA, 2011, 86 mins

POPPY FIELD Dir. Eugen Jebeleanu, Romania, 2020, 81 mins

While enjoying a visit from his long-distance boyfriend, a closeted Romanian policeman is called to diffuse a heated situation at a local movie theater. Turns out a conservative group is protesting a queer film screening and, to make matters worse, an old flame threatens to out him in front of his homophobic colleagues. Based on true events, POPPY FIELD creates a poignant portrait of a man reconciling his professional and private identities. Director Eugen Jebeleanu builds a pressure cooker of emotions and subverts the conventional thriller format to arrive at deeper truths. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film Writer: Ioana Moraru Cast: Conrad Mericoffer, Alexandru Potocean, Radouan Leflahi

Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 23

SEE YOU THEN Dir. Mari Walker, USA, 2021, 75 mins

NewFest Pride Encore!

Kris, a trans computer programmer, and Naomi, an AsianAmerican performance artist, used to date in college. A decade after abruptly breaking up, they meet for dinner to catch up on their complicated lives, relationships, and Kris’ transition. Over the course of a one-night encounter, the exes engage in a series of increasingly intimate and revealing conversations, before a disclosure sends everything spiraling out of control. Writer-director Mari Walker’s SEE YOU THEN focuses on the universal truth that no matter how much you change, a part of you will always stay the same. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film Writer: Kristen Uno, Mari Walker Cast: Pooya Mohseni, Lynn Chen

Presented in Partnership with

SWEETHEART Dir. Marley Morrison, United Kingdom, 2021, 115 mins

Rebellious and angsty teenager AJ sets out on her family vacation with exceedingly low expectations, but what starts out as the trip from hell turns out to be a summer of awakening when she unexpectedly meets her first crush. Writer/director Marley Morrison’s debut feature is full of characters with intricate internal lives. At once hilarious and poignant, with a brilliant ensemble anchored by a lead performance from newcomer Nell Barlow, SWEETHEART transcends the coming-of-age narrative with refreshing specificity and earned emotion. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film Writer: Marley Morrison Cast: Nell Barlow, Ella-Rae Smith, Jo Hartley, Sophia Di Martino, Samuel Anderson, Tabitha Byron, Steffan Cennydd, William Andrews, Anna Antoniades, Spike Fearn

THE FIRST DEATH OF JOANA

Joana, 13, is faced with life’s harsh realities after the sudden death of her beloved great aunt. During long, hot summer days in southern Brazil, she begins to investigate why her aunt never dated anyone and uncovers secrets about her family in the process. As she navigates feelings for her best friend Carolina, Joana realizes she too may be keeping something hidden. Taking audiences on Joana’s exhilarating journey of revelation, director Cristiane Oliveira captures that elusive moment of clarity we are all searching for. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film Writer: Cristiane Oliveira Cast: Letícia Kacperski, Isabela Bressane, Joana Vieira, Lisa Gertum Becker, Emílio Speck, Pedro Nambuco, Rosa Campos Velho, Graciale Caputti

Narrative Features

Dir. Cristiane Oliveira, Brazil/France, 2021, 91 mins

Presented in Partnership with

THE NOVICE Dir. Lauren Hadaway, USA, 2021, 94 mins

With few friends, mediocre grades, and nothing to lose, queer college freshman Alex Dall (Isabelle Fuhrman) signs up for the rowing team. What begins as an exciting new hobby quickly turns into an unhealthy obsession as she climbs the ranks and gets pushed to her limits. Winner of the U.S. Narrative Feature prize at the Tribeca Film Festival, Lauren Hadaway’s feature directorial debut THE NOVICE wraps a character study inside a heart-pounding, BLACK SWAN-esque thriller that will keep you gripped until the very end. Writer: Lauren Hadaway Cast: Isabelle Fuhrman, Amy Forsyth, Dilone, Jonathan Cherry, Kate Drummond

Presented in Partnership with

Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 25

THE SCARY OF SIXTY-FIRST Dir. Dasha Nekrasova, USA, 2021, 82 mins

A cheap Upper East Side apartment seems like a dream for roommates Addie (Betsey Brown) and Noelle (Madeline Quinn), but when the apartment’s odd history indicates it all might be too good to be true, the pair begin unraveling the dark secrets of their new home and its notorious former owner. Addressing the #MeToo movement and contemporary conspiracy theories with satire, wit, and thrills, Dasha Nekrasova’s directorial debut is a biting genre-bender that brings EYES WIDE SHUT into the QAnon age. Writer: Dasha Nekrasova, Madeline Quinn Cast: Betsey Brown, Madeline Quinn, Dasha Nekrasova, Stephen Gurewitz, Mark Rapaport, Anna Khachiyan

Presented in Partnership with

THE SIXTH REEL Dir. Carl Andress & Charles Busch, USA, 2020, 99 mins

A zany romp and a whodunnit all in one, Charles Busch’s THE SIXTH REEL is an outrageous homage to 1930s madcap comedies. Legendary New York theater icon Busch cowrites, co-directs and stars in the film as Jimmy, a movieobsessed New Yorker who stumbles upon a long-lost film from Hollywood’s Golden Age. When a host of eccentric classic film collectors learn of the discovery, a comedic adventure ensues. Featuring a bevy of local NYC stars of stage including Julie Halston, Margaret Cho, André De Shields, and Tim Daly. Writer: Carl Andress, Charles Busch Cast: Charles Busch, Julie Halston, Doug Plaut, Tim Daly, Margaret Cho, Patrick Page, Cady Huffman

THE WEDDING BANQUET

Gay landlord Wai-Tung Gao agrees to marry his tenant WeiWei, a struggling artist, to help her obtain a green card and appease his conservative parents back in Taiwan. It’s a winwin until his family announces a trip to visit them in New York and the faux couple have to orchestrate a fullblown wedding extravaganza, hiding their secret marriage of convenience and Wai-Tung’s inconvenient live-in boyfriend Simon. This touching, riotously funny Academy Award-nominated comedy marks the second of many fruitful collaborations between director Ang Lee and writer/producer James Schamus. Writer: Ang Lee, Neil Peng, James Schamus Cast: Ah-Leh Gua, Sihung Lung, May Chin, Winston Chao, Mitchell Lichtenstein

Narrative Features

Dir. Ang Lee, Taiwan/USA, 1993, 105 mins Join us for our first-ever Film Feast and enjoy a contemporary 1993 classic along with a multicourse meal!

UNDER MY SKIN Dir. David O'Donnell, Australia/USA, 2020, 97 mins

Despite their obvious differences, Denny and Ryan — an eccentric musician and a straight-laced lawyer — are drawn to each other like magnets. But when Denny begins to question their gender, sexuality, and relationship with Ryan, the two discover opposites might no longer attract. An incomparable and wholly new vision for non-binary representation onscreen, David O'Donnell’s breaktrough feature debut casts four non-binary actors (Liv Hewson, Lex Ryan, and local NYC talents Chloe Freeman and Bobbi Salvör Menuez) in the role of Denny, demonstrating the many layers and multitudes we can hold within ourselves at one time. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film Writer: David O'Donnell Cast: Liv Hewson, Alex Russell, Bobbi Salvör Menuez, Alexis Denisof, Chloe Freeman, Lex Ryan

Presented in Partnership with

Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 27

AIDS DIVA: THE LEGEND OF CONNIE NORMAN Dir. Dante Alencastre, USA, 2021, 62 mins

As the self-appointed AIDS DIVA and ACT UP/LA spokesperson in early 90s Los Angeles, Connie Norman stood proudly in her fluid and evolving LGBTQ+ identities. Both beloved and confrontational, Connie’s soulful, salty rants and intersectional politics were heard widely through her newspaper column, pioneering radio program, and cable TV talk shows. Serving as a bridge in the realms of both gender and politics, Connie’s piercing, compassionate voice urges us into action once again, to fully engage in our own lives and the world around us. Cast: Connie Norman, Valerie Spencer, Torie Osborn, Mary Lucey

Presented in Partnership with

Preceded by short:

THE BEAUTY PRESIDENT Dir. Whitney Skauge, USA, 10 mins Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

BEING BEBE: THE BEBE ZAHARA BENET DOCUMENTARY Dir. Emily Branham, USA/Cameroon, 2021, 93 mins

BeBe Zahara Benet has been a show-stopping trailblazer ever since winning the very first season of RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE. But even after two impressive showings on the Emmy-award winning reality competition, including an All Stars season, there’s still so much more to explore in her story. Emily Branham’s feature directorial debut gives audiences an inside look into the motivations, challenges, and triumphs that pushed this icon from Cameroon to soaring new heights. Winner of the Audience Award at the Provincetown Film Festival, BEING BEBE is as triumphant and entertaining as the legend herself. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film Cast: Marshall Kudi Ngwa (BeBe Zahara Benet) Presented in Partnership with

BEING THUNDER

Two-Spirit teenager Sherenté Mishitashin Harris from the Narragansett tribe performs traditional dance at Powwows around New England, but not everyone is supportive of Sherenté’s inclusion in the girls category. BEING THUNDER is the stirring story of Sherenté’s persistence, aided by love from peers and family. From facing biased judges to tackling college applications, Sherenté shines through as a role model for youth worldwide to go against the grain and live as their authentic selves with tenacity and grace. Director Stéphanie Lamorré’s stunning observational documentary is a rare example of a threedimensional, Indigenous LGBTQ+ story, demonstrating the need for far more onscreen representation. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

Documentary Features

Dir. Stephanie Lamorre, USA/France, 2021, 85 mins

BRING DOWN THE WALLS Dir. Phil Collins, Germany/USA, 2020, 88 mins

This galvanizing documentary examines the U.S. prison system through the lens of house music, telling the story of a political collective and anti-incarceration dance party in Lower Manhattan. Filmmaker Phil Collins joins with Black queer artists and activists to chronicle the history of this public art project and its mission of exuberant survival. Blending the ballroom culture of PARIS IS BURNING with the fiery activism of HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE, BRING DOWN THE WALLS is a loud cry against mass incarceration, a showcase of nightlife in downtown NYC, and a joyous call for equity on the dance floor and beyond. Presented in Partnership with

Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 29

2021 Film Schedule Narrative Feature Competition

Documentary Feature Competition

Centerpiece

Legacy

Shorts Program

Special Screenings

Hallokween

Events

Friday, October 15 THEATERS

12:00PM

1:00PM

2:00PM

3:00PM

4:00PM

5:00PM

6:00PM

7:00PM

8:00PM

9:00PM

10:00PM

Mayor Pete (Opening Q & Night) 96 mins A

SVA Silas

Saturday, October 16 THEATERS

12:00PM

1:00PM

2:00PM

3:00PM

4:00PM

5:00PM

6:00PM

7:00PM

Firebird 107 mins

SVA Silas

Leading Ladies 84 mins

SVA Beatrice Nitehawk Theater 2 Nitehawk Theater 3

Madonna: Truth or Dare 115 mins Shorts: Brief Q Encounters & A 82 mins

The Center

All Boys Aren’t Blue 75 mins

8:00PM

9:00PM

10:00PM

Q & A Q & A

Bliss 90 mins

Shorts: Always Q A Pleasure & A 72 mins

Q & A

Sunday, October 17 THEATERS

12:00PM

1:00PM

2:00PM

SVA Beatrice Nitehawk Theater 2

3:00PM

4:00PM

5:00PM

Shorts: I Know Q What Boys Like & A 88 mins Q Miguel’s War & 128 mins A

SVA Silas

Shorts: Beyond The Binary 78 mins

6:00PM

7:00PM

8:00PM

9:00PM

10:00PM

9:00PM

10:00PM

Make Me Famous Q & 93 mins A Being Bebe 93 mins

Q & A

Being Thunder Q & 85 mins A

The Center

AIDS Diva 72 mins

Q & A

Monday, October 18 THEATERS

12:00PM

1:00PM

2:00PM

3:00PM

4:00PM

5:00PM

6:00PM

7:00PM

8:00PM

The Sixth Reel 99 mins Death And Q & Bowling A 70 mins Q Firstness & 84 mins A

SVA Silas Nitehawk Theater 2 Nitehawk Theater 3

Q & A

Tuesday, October 19 THEATERS

SVA Beatrice

Nitehawk Theater 2

12:00PM

1:00PM

2:00PM

3:00PM

4:00PM

5:00PM

6:00PM

7:00PM

8:00PM

9:00PM

A Distant Place (International Centerpiece) 115 mins Shorts: Q & Queer Fear A 82 mins

10:00PM

Tuesday, October 19 THEATERS

12:00PM

1:00PM

2:00PM

3:00PM

4:00PM

5:00PM

6:00PM

7:00PM

8:00PM

Under My Skin 97 mins

Nitehawk Theater 3

9:00PM

10:00PM

9:00PM

10:00PM

9:00PM

10:00PM

Q & A

Pariah 86 mins

BAM Cinema 1

Wednesday, October 20 12:00PM

1:00PM

2:00PM

3:00PM

4:00PM

5:00PM

6:00PM

7:00PM

8:00PM

Poppy Field 81 mins

SVA Beatrice

Homebody 75 mins

Nitehawk Theater 2

Q & A

Shortbus 101 mins

BAM Cinema 1

Schedule

THEATERS

Thursday, October 21 THEATERS

12:00PM

1:00PM

2:00PM

3:00PM

4:00PM

5:00PM

6:00PM

7:00PM

8:00PM

Potato Dreams Q of America (U.S. & Centerpiece) 95 mins A The Scary Q of Sixty-First & A 82 mins

SVA Silas Nitehawk Theater 2

Cut! 79 mins

Nitehawk Theater 3

Bring Down The Walls 88 mins

BAM Cinema 1

Q & A

Friday, October 22 THEATERS

12:00PM

1:00PM

2:00PM

3:00PM

4:00PM

5:00PM

6:00PM

7:00PM

8:00PM

9:00PM

10:00PM

Shorts: Dyke Q Sweetheart & Drama! 103 mins A 73 mins Invisible: Gay Women Q In Southern Music (Doc & Centerpiece) 107 mins A Sediments 89 mins

SVA Silas SVA Beatrice The Center

Saturday, October 23 THEATERS

12:00PM

1:00PM

2:00PM

3:00PM

4:00PM

5:00PM

6:00PM

Jump, Darling 90 mins

SVA Silas

7:00PM

The Novice 94 mins

SVA Beatrice Nitehawk Shorts: What’s Q On Your Mind? & Theater 2 A 81 mins Shorts: The Q Nitehawk Future Is Queer & Theater 3 A 77 mins

The Legend Of Q The Underground & A 87 mins

The Center

8:00PM

9:00PM

10:00PM

Passing (New York Centerpiece) 98 mins Raw! Uncut! Video! 79 mins

Q & A

Caer (Caught) Q & 61 mins A

Sunday, October 24 THEATERS

12:00PM

1:00PM

SVA Silas SVA Beatrice

Shorts: Sense Nitehawk & Spirituality Q & Theater 2 A 83 mins Shorts: Finding Q Refuge & The Center A 73 mins

2:00PM

3:00PM

4:00PM

5:00PM

Episodic Showcase 92 mins

6:00PM

7:00PM

8:00PM

9:00PM

10:00PM

Flee (Closing Night) 90 mins

My Best Part 102 mins Q & A

Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 31

CAER (CAUGHT) Dir. Nicola Mai, United Kingdom/USA, 2020, 61 mins

A trans Latina sex worker is arrested in a sting operation in Queens, NY, but this time it’s all a staged recreation, and when Cut! is shouted off-camera, the actors relax before the next take. Merging fiction and documentary, Nicola Mai’s innovative hybrid feature explores the epidemics of U.S. incarceration and deportation, making room for the women at the center of the violence to tell their own stories. Created in collaboration with the TRANSgrediendo Intercultural Collective, a grassroots nonprofit defending the rights of trans Latina migrant women in New York City, CAUGHT (CAER) expresses this struggle for justice and recognition and calls its audience to urgent action. Cast: Ashley Rendon, Manolo Rivera, J. Leigh Oshiro-Brantly, Rafael Samanez, Jennifer Orellana Delgado, Jennifer St. Cartier, Douglas DeFalco, Mayra Colon, Lorena Borjas, Linda Carolina Dominguez, Liaam Winslet, Jillian Modzeleski, Daniela Simba, Peyton Castillo, Nayra Lee Berrios, Divay Mendez Ramires, Jhon Sebastian, Amy Lobo, Laura Martinez, Victor Vasconcellos, Anthony Pereira

Presented in Partnership with

MAKE ME FAMOUS Dir. Brian Vincent, USA, 2021, 93 mins

Edward Brezinski worked alongside Keith Haring, David Wojnarowicz, and Jean-Michel Basquiat in the Lower East Side art scene, but never reached the same level of success as his contemporaries. MAKE ME FAMOUS uncovers why such a well-connected yet peculiar painter never made it, despite being so maniacally focused in his quest for fame. What begins as an investigation into Brezinski’s legacy and mysterious disappearance becomes a sharp, witty portrait of NYC’s 1980s downtown art scene. Gallery owners and fellow artists dish on insider gossip, name drop, and contradict each other in telling the story, resulting in an irresistible snapshot of an unknown artist that captures the spirit of an iconic era. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film Cast: Edward Brezinski, David McDermott, Peter McGough, Marguerite Van Cook, James Romberger, Eric Bogosian, Claudia Summers, Kenny Scharf, Richard Hambleton, Patti Astor, Sur Rodney Sur, Walter Robinson, Marcus Leatherdale, Robert Hawkins, Mark Kostabi, Scott Covert, Lenny Kisko, Jim Radacovich, Robert P. Metzger, Joseph Masheck, Frank Holliday, Duncan Hannah, Annina Nosei, Patrick Fox, William Rand, Julie Jo Fehrle, James Love Cornwall, Tri Garraty, Gerald Kuklinski, Roger Brzezinski, Ted Brzezinski, Sally Brzezinski, Miguel Pinero, Jean Michel Basquiat

MIGUEL’S WAR

In this Teddy Award winner from Berlinale, Miguel returns to Lebanon after 37 years to reflect on his experience growing up queer during the civil war. Having spent the years since leaving as an out gay man in Spain, Miguel is back to remember the relationships that shaped him as a son, lover, and soldier. Director Eliane Raheb uses a mixed media approach to deconstruct the documentary form and pull the truth out of her unreliable narrator. In their collaborative effort to recreate, process and illuminate the past, MIGUEL’S WAR achieves a monumental new form of storytelling. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

Documentary Features

Dir. Eliane Raheb, Lebanon/Germany/Spain, 2021, 128 mins

Cast: Miguel Jelelaty, Ruben Cardoso, Maria Zabala, Hashem Adnan, Majdi Machmouchi, Francois Nour, Maya Yammine

Presented in Partnership with

RAW! UNCUT! VIDEO! Dir. Ryan A. White, Alex Clausen, USA, 2021, 79 mins

As the HIV/AIDS epidemic ravaged gay communities with little help from politicians, a small pornography studio did what they could: promote safe sex through hardcore kinky porn. RAW! UNCUT! VIDEO! tells the extraordinary story of Palm Drive Video and the couple who worked tirelessly to keep viewers cumming back for more. With a combination of archival footage and contemporary interviews, co-directors Alex Clausen and Ryan A. White prove that safe is sexy. Emphasizing the inclusivity of Palm Drive Video and the necessity of queer pleasure in times of struggle, RAW! UNCUT! VIDEO! is a rallying cry for hot, kinky, and politically conscious pornography in the internet era. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film Cast: Jack Fritscher, Mark Hemry, Steve Parker, Mickey Squires, Steve Thrasher, Donnie Russo, The Men Of Palm Drive, Susie Bright, Darryl Carlton (Divinity Fudge), Rick Castro, Durk Dehner, Roger Earl, Peter Fiske, Jeffrey Escoffier, Lucas Hilderbrand, Mr. Pam, Susan Shaw, Ron Suresha

Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 33

REBEL DYKES Dir. Harri Shanahan & Siân A. Williams, United Kingdom, 2021, 82 mins

NewFest Pride Encore!

Charting the explosive 1980s era when punk met feminism, REBEL DYKES arrives in all its ass-kicking, leather-wearing glory. This rabble-rousing documentary 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, archival footage, and interviews tells the story of a radical scene: squatters, BDSM nightclubs, anti-Thatcher rallies, protests demanding action around AIDS, trans-inclusivity, and the fierce ties of chosen families. Get a glimpse into an extraordinary, bygone world of those who lived out their politics with heartfelt conviction and lived to tell the tale. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

Presented in Partnership with

SEDIMENTS Dir. Adrián Silvestre, Spain, 2021, 89 mins

Six trans women travel to a rural town in Spain to become one with nature and participate in a communal experience that leads to emotionally vigorous conversation and conflict. As the women discuss the evolution of trans rights in Spain and its legal system, they ultimately gain a deeper understanding of their innermost selves. Director Adrián Silvestre’s free-flowing documentary delves into their connections and differences as a collective, capturing the women with empathy and as they truly are: unique and unrepeatable. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

Documentary Features

EDGE is proud to sponsor

EdgeMediaNetwork.com LGBTQ+ • News • Entertainment • Life

Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 35

EPISODIC SHOWCASE Discover your next binge-worthy series with our episodic showcase! Get ready to laugh and have your heart warmed by this premiere collection of the best in web series. From the return of a gay film from years back to a riotous series about a chaotic group of teens, this year’s showcase is sure to give you something to talk about and leave you craving more.

HETERO (EPISODE 1)

Dir. KJ Kieras & Bentley Eldridge, USA, 14 mins A group of queer misfits teens fight to save their Gay Straight Alliance while navigating the highs & lows of being LGBTQ+ students in high school.

QUERENCIA (EPISODE 1)

Dir. Mary Galloway, Canada, 14 mins A love story following aspiring professional dancer Teka & struggling musician Abe as they both explore their Indigiqueer identities.

BRIDESMAN (EPISODES 1 & 2)

Dir. Julian Buchan, USA, 19 mins Terry’s best friend Judith asks him to be the man-of-honor at her wedding, but he plans to steal away her husband-to-be before they make it down the aisle.

THE EX CYCLE (EPISODE 1)

Dir. David J Cork, USA, 8 mins Exes Elliott & Mark have a deep conversation about the end of their relationship after winding up in bed together again. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

YOUR EYES (EPISODE 1)

Dir. Julia Rufino & Angélica Di Paula, Brazil, 17 mins Lia & Veronica are a couple in love, challenged by trauma & navigating questions about gender identity in this series inspired by true events.

MS/MANAGE (EPISODE 1)

Dir. Caralene Robinson, USA, 15 mins Skye has a successful career & wonderful partner, but is struggling with the challenges she faces as a Black woman in corporate America while preparing for a career-defining launch.

BOY CULTURE (EPISODE 1, "SEBASTIAN")

Dir. Q. Allan Brocka, USA, 15 mins X is faced with new challenges working as an escort in 2021 like being up against a younger generation in this continuation of 2006 film BOY CULTURE.

Episodic Showcase Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 37

SHORTS: QUEER KID POWER Runtime: 70min

Presented in Partnership with

For the fourth consecutive year, NewFest is collaborating with NYC’s Department of Education on this program curated specifically with LGBTQ+ youth and teen audiences in mind. These affirming short films provide access for queer young folks to see themselves reflected in film across genres and themes – including inspirational stories about first crushes, gender expression, navigating multiple identities and finding one’s voice through it all.

CARINO (CARIÑO)

Dir. Carlos Taborda, Ashley Williams, & Roshel Amuruz, USA, 4 mins A young boy on a mission to help out a boy he admires returns a picture that had fallen from the boy's pocket.

GROWING FANGS

Dir. Ann Marie Pace, USA,18 mins Val García, a Mexican American teen who is half human/half vampire, has had to keep her identity a secret from both worlds.

PURE

Dir. Natalie Jasmine Harris, USA, 12 mins On the eve of her cotillion ball, a young Black girl grapples with her queer identity & questions her purity. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

THE LITTLE PRINCE(SS)

Dir. Moxie Peng, USA, 17 mins When Gabriel, a 7-year-old Chinese kid who loves ballet, becomes friends with Rob at school, Rob’s dad gets suspicious about Gabriel's “feminine” behavior.

HOW TO RAISE A BLACK BOY

Dir. Justice Jamal Jones, USA, 13 mins An imaginative, free-spirited fairytale about love, secrets, & breaking away.

WHO HOLDS US (FROM REEMERGENCE: A QUEER VISUAL ALBUM) Dir. Zhailon Levingston, USA, 5 mins A short musical about a future where love & community are supreme.

Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

SHORTS: I KNOW WHAT BOYS LIKE

THE MAN OF MY DREAMS

Dir. Tristan Scott-Behrends, USA, 5 mins A young man fawns over the man of his dreams in the streets of New York City. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

FERVOR

Dir. José Manuel Vélez, Chile, 14 mins Tomás feels the highs & lows of having a first love when he falls for Benjamin, a boy from a wealthy family.

Shorts Programs

Seize the moment with this sexy mixtape of dudes and dilemmas that explores the fun, messy complexities of finding the right connection. From crushing on your soccer mate to pre-Grindr cruising the streets of New York City, this genre-spanning program is sure to delight.

Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

STEPHEN & JAMES: BEST GIRLFRIENDS

Dir. Dave Quantic, USA, 5 mins Stephen shares how meeting James at his first visit to a NYC sex club grew into a decades-long friendship. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

PEACE

Dir. Adomako Aman, USA, 11 mins A couple questions what it means to be at peace while they navigate being in a “down-low” queer relationship. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

A FIRE THAT NEVER DIES

Dir. Chheangkea Ieng, USA, 7 mins A young man becomes infatuated with his neighbor & believes the man was sent to him by his late mother.

A TEAM OF TWO

Dir. André Santos, Brazil, 11 mins When Flávio starts to question playing soccer professionally, his teammate & friend Wendel realizes their relationship might not be strictly platonic.

VIRGIN MY ASS

Dir. Adar Sigler, Israel, 17 mins After Ophir asks Harel for a favor, the two friends share a memorable night together & learn an important lesson about intimacy. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

PRIVATE PHOTOS

Dir. Marcelo Grabowsky, Brazil, 20 mins Couple Rafa & Matheus invite a third into their bed & discover more about their relationship than they could have imagined.

Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 39

SHORTS: DYKE DRAMA! Relationship drama, genre melodrama, coming out drama, and therapy-inthe-back-of-a-rideshare drama — you want drama, lesbians will give it to you. Whether you’re recovering from mommy issues, a burning unrequited touch, or a first date that seems to last for all eternity, this program welcomes you and your Lex date for an evening of delicious (entirely fictional and not your problem!) dyke chaos.

Presented in Partnership with

GIRLS AND THE PARTY

Dir. Paloma Lopez, USA, 6 mins In the midst of getting ready for a summer party with her group of girlfriends, Mercedes perceives & questions her attraction for her best friend, Julia.

CAR THERAPY: UNCOUPLING

Dir. Jennelle Williams, USA, 7 mins A college therapist who moonlights as a ride-sharing app driver meets a too turnt lesbian couple with too much tea (& other things!) to spill in the car. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

AIMEE VICTORIA

Dir. Chrystee Pharris, USA, 11 mins Separated on their anniversary, Aimee shakes out of her self-imposed apathy as she finds a way to demonstrate her love to Victoria. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

DUET

Dir. Shae Xu, USA, 14 mins An unspoken romance resurfaces when a high school music teacher meets an old colleague again & decides to perform together as duet partners.

NOOR & LAYLA

Dir. Fawzia Mirza, Canada, 13 mins Noor & Layla are breaking up. Is it the end of the road for these two Muslim women… or is it the beginning? Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

FIRST DATE

Dir. Meredith Alloway, USA, 4 mins A perfect first date between two women, Billie & Alex, turns from dream to nightmare when Billie realizes she’s been on this date before. Literally. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

PLAISIR

Dir. Molly Gilles, USA/France, 19 mins A lonely American faces unrequited love on a farm commune in the south of France.

SHORTS: BEYOND THE BINARY

ENVIAR Y RECIBIR

Dir. Collins Salovaara, USA, 9 mins Rafa's boss at a fast fashion warehouse asks him to dispose of a ripped, pink spaghetti strap dress, but he struggles to do so.

ARE YOU STILL WATCHING?

Dir. Alex Cardy, Tali Polichtuk, & Kitty Chrystal, Australia, 6 mins Jamie's therapy session takes an odd turn as the media they've watched during lockdown intrudes.

Shorts Programs

We’re back with another year of trans shorts by trans filmmakers with SHORTS: BEYOND THE BINARY! From futuristic media therapy to impossible decisions about what to wear, this stunning selection of short films offers up a wide variety of stories, conceptions, and experiences with gender that are just as entertaining as they are explorative.

Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE

Dir. Debra F. Simone, USA, 16 mins Dana thought transition would change everything, but she's still grinding at work & struggling to make time for family, friends, or fun. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

PRINCESS

Dir. B Gosse & Jason Vu, USA, 8 mins Non-binary Vietnamese-American dancer Jason Vu revisits memories of desire from childhood.

VESTIRSE

Dir. John E. Kilberg, USA, 9 mins Jacky is trying to get dressed to meet their mother one late afternoon. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

PITOC E ICINAKOSIAN

Dir. Jos-Onimskiw Ottawa-Dubé & Gerry Ottawa, Canada, 6 mins Gerry & their big brother Jos show us that there is more to being different than bullying, discrimination & harassment.

SHIMMER SUMMER

Dir. Tong Mao, China, 25 mins Ou Yuan hopes that his new friend Xu Duo can join him to watch the oncein-a-decade total solar eclipse. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 41

SHORTS: QUEER FEAR An Uber ride. A camping trip. A first date. These could be sites of terror for anyone, but, in these films, they are particularly scary for our queer protagonists. Showcasing a diverse assortment of styles, tones, and subject matter, SHORTS: QUEER FEAR is peak adrenaline fuel for the horror fan looking for something new (and very gay) to munch on — a truly terrifying and one-of-a-kind LGBTQ+ viewing experience! Presented in Partnership with

YOUNG DIEGO

Dir. Osama Chami & Enrique Gimeno Pedrós, Spain, 7 mins Diego considers having his first sexual encounter with a stranger.

NEW FLESH FOR THE OLD CEREMONY Dir. Elizabeth Rakhilkina, USA, 13 mins A lesbian reverie comes to a twisted end.

WANNA GO CAMPING?

Dir. Zach Siegel, USA, 10 mins A date goes from sweet to sinister as secrets surface in the woods. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

THE DEMONS OF DOROTHY

Dir. Alexis Langlois, France, 29 mins A young queer screenwriter is put to the test when her insecurities & fantasies come crashing together.

GRIFFICA

Dir. C.J. Arellano, USA, 11 mins A gay man becomes convinced his all-too-perfect boyfriend is a demon in disguise. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

KWÊSKOSÎW (SHE WHISTLES)

Dir. Thirza Cuthand, Canada, 12 mins En route to her girlfriend's place, a 2-Spirit nêhiyaw woman becomes increasingly concerned about her cab driver's intentions. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

SHORTS: THE FUTURE IS QUEER Awaken your imagination, travel through time and be flung into space with SHORTS: THE FUTURE IS QUEER, an eye-popping program that looks beyond the present world and places queer folks at the center of new frontiers.

WITNESS

Dir. Joie Lou Shakur, USA, 5 mins A Black gender-free being tries to find the key to combating Black Trans erasure in order to archive the community’s history for the future. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

LOVE U CUZ

Dir. Eric Pumphrey, USA, 15 mins Two cousins bond over the course of a night on the town as their relationship is tested in more ways than one.

Shorts Programs

Presented in Partnership with

Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

RED STRING OF FATE

Dir. Lovina Yavari & Lance Fernandes, USA, 10 mins In the year 2090, a robotics engineer tries to bring her love back to life as an android. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

THE FAMILIAR

Dir. Julian Quentin, Germany, 11 mins An alien figure sees human behavior through its own eyes.

FLORA BOREALIS

Dir. Casey Friedman, USA, 10 mins Two gay men struggle with depression in a ruined environment as a botanical glassblower mourns the loss of his wife. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

FRIEND OF SOPHIA

Dir. Alden Peters, USA, 6 mins A woman attempts a discreet encounter in a not-too-distant future where attraction to androids is punished as a crime. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

JUPITER & EUROPA

Dir. Milo Ferguson, USA, 2 mins Life on Jupiter’s moon feels stagnant for Owen. That is until he breaks free of his routine with someone who makes outer space feel a little warmer.

ESCAPING THE FRAGILE PLANET

Dir. Thanasis Tsimpinis, Greece, 17 mins A few hours before the world ends as a strange pink fog spreads, two men have an unexpected encounter. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 43

SHORTS: ALWAYS A PLEASURE * This program contains sexually explicit material

Presented in Partnership with

Get immersed in the healing magic of queer sex, touch, and lust with SHORTS: ALWAYS A PLEASURE, a sensual program that prioritizes and destigmatizes LGBTQ+ desire. Mixing the experimental with the explicit, this uncensored shorts block will take you from a sadomasochistic quantum leap to romantic monsterf*cking and all the hot, hypnotic evenings in between.

MONSTERDYKË

Dir. Kaye Adelaide & Mariel Sharp, Australia, 4 mins A transgender sculptress, unhappy dating men, has a lesbian awakening when a monster sculpture comes alive & rocks her world.

SEX(UAL) HEALING

Dir. Max Skaff, USA, 22 mins Through amplifying the voices of sex workers, this mini-doc aims to expose the public to the healing powers of sex without shame. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

BLACK SEX MAGIC

Dir. Beyondeep, Colombia, 8 mins An entrancing BDSM film that mixes rough impact with sensual romance, guided by music, thunder and flames.

SILVER FEMME

Dir. Nico Reano, USA, 4 mins A digital ode & visual poem to corporeal & celestial bodies that envisions a future where trans people are safe.

HOLE THEORY

Dir. Mahx Capacity, USA, 12 mins The hole is not the entry nor the exit--it is the infinite interior, the space which cannot be Seen, only Felt.

AND THEN WE TOUCH

Dir. Benjamin Egger, Switzerland, 14 mins An intimate scene between two pup players in a living room.

LOVE IN THE TIME OF CORONA

Dir. Lila Schmitz, USA, 8 mins The story of two horny singles & the extent to which human imagination will go in trying circumstances - especially when it comes to sex & belonging. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

SHORTS: FINDING REFUGE

FROZEN OUT

Dir. Hao Zhou, USA, 5 mins An émigré retreats to frozen prairies & swamps, hoping to find a meaningful story & escape the anxieties of dislocation.

ON MY WAY

Shorts Programs

Countless LGBTQ+ individuals and communities around the world are unable to travel freely or are forced to leave their homes. SHORTS: FINDING REFUGE illuminates queer stories of seeking refuge – in found family, friendship and entirely new countries. These uplifting short films explore what it means to forge a new life while dreaming of the people and places left behind.

Dir. Sonam Larcin, Belgium, 22 mins The unexpected arrival of a Nigerian migrant in the Belgian countryside shakes up the fragile daily life of two men living a secret relationship. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

EXPATRIATE DREAMER

Dir. Yihao Zheng, USA, 11 mins Alexander Kargaltsev, a Russian-born asylum seeker in the United States, draws on his memories & recreates his home on an unidentified beach. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

F1-100

Dir. Emory Chao Johnson, USA, 14 mins Video, illustration, & animation are combined in this intimate portrait of an international art student studying abroad in the United States. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

SHIFT

Dir. Daniela Martinez, USA, 6 mins After coming out & getting kicked out by her mother & stepfather, Amaia struggles with where to go & hesitantly seeks refuge with her grandmother.

PRAYER FOR SWEET WATERS

Dir. Elijah Ndoumbe, South Africa, 16 mins The stories of a Burundian refugee, an elder dedicated to her community, & a member of Gen Z intersect to provide vivid dreamscapes & realities of three Transgender sex workers living in Cape Town, South Africa. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 45

SHORTS: BRIEF ENCOUNTERS It starts with a look across a crowded cafe or inside a train cabin — the encounters in this collection of shorts might be brief, but they leave an indelible mark. These prospective lovebirds flirt, fight, and f*ck, but mostly they open their hearts to each other. Connections, both fleeting and permanent, are made and the promise of romance is in the air, so invite your crush and prepare to swoon together. Presented in Partnership with

THE NIGHT TRAIN

Dir. Jerry Carlsson, Sweden, 15 mins On a night train Oskar makes eye contact with Ahmad. For the first time he meets the gaze of someone who feels the same desire as he does. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

POOL BOY

Dir. Luke Willis, USA, 10 mins Austin, a college jock home for the summer, unexpectedly develops feelings for Star, his parents' non-binary pool cleaner, & struggles to hide this from his straight friends. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

LOVE IS A HAND GRENADE

Dir. Jessica Benhamou, UK, 13 mins Besties Gabby & Alexis hook up after a messy night out, forcing them to question the nature of their relationship, sexuality, & limits of love.

TWO MEN BY THE SEA

Dir. Gabriel Motta, Brazil, 17 mins After leaving Brazil, César meets Martin at an empty cafe in Tallinn, Estonia. They talk & flirt, in front of the sea.

OF HEARTS AND CASTLES

Dir. Ruben Navarro, USA, 15 mins A man struggling emotionally after a breakup meets another man for one night.

BLUE MOON

Dir. Emily Ruhl, USA, 13 mins Two young women explore each other & themselves over the course of a day in Los Angeles. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

SHORTS: SENSE & SPIRITUALITY Institutional religion and the LGBTQ+ community are often treated as oil and water, but this collection of short films throws those preconceived ideas out the window. Featuring a blend of narratives and documentaries about gay angels, inclusive mosques, and an intersex rabbi, SHORTS: SENSE & SPIRITUALITY emphasizes that there’s room for all of our connections to spirituality.

UNITY MOSQUE

Dir. Nicole Teeny, USA, 7 mins The story of a life-saving, Queer-affirming & gender-equal mosque.

Shorts Programs

Presented in Partnership with

FREELY WE SERVE

Dir. Anna White & Emily Kaye, USA, 12 mins Two disgraced angels, Soriel & Micah, come up with a plan to overthrow The Almighty & take his place. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

IN THE IMAGE OF GOD

Dir. Bianca Rondolino, USA/Italy, 15 mins Rabbi Levi's journey to becoming a religious leader & intersex activist.

THE LOVE SPELL

Dir. Jane Stiles & Meryl Jones Williams, USA, 19 mins A young boy & his babysitter cast a love spell. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

SHEER QORMA

Dir. Faraz Arif Ansari, India, 30 mins A non-binary Muslim person introduces their partner to their family.

Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 47

SHORTS: WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND? The stories in SHORTS: WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND? prove that caring is sharing and show the immense value in listening to the people you love, or even those you’ve just met.

THE FIRST TIME

Dir. Soleil Burgess & Camille Ora-Nicole, USA, 2 mins After dating for 6 months, Kat finally builds up the courage to tell Joey she loves her...for the first time. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

I IDENTIFY AS ME

Dir. Tina Colleen & Monick Monell, USA, 3 mins A chorus of gender-diverse women & people who are queer & trans Black, Indigenous, People of Color (QTBIPoC) whose stories allow reflection on the truth that the intersectionalities of gender & people are infinite.

BETWEEN US

Dir. Cailleah Scott-Grimes, Canada, 17 mins Kei longs for a "normal life" in rural Japan. But for a transgender man who is jobless in his own hometown, getting to normal is one steep climb.

THE BEAUTY OF BEING DEAF

Dir. Chella Man, USA, 3 mins Shot underwater & featuring an all-BIPOC, Deaf cast performing a poem in American Sign Language because what is more beautiful than the ability to communicate underwater?

LITTLE MX. SUNSHINE

Dir. Alessandro Nori, USA, 11 mins Jordan, a transfemme non-binary person, & Taz, a semi-closeted/figuringit-out bi/pan dude hash things out together about what it might mean for them to date in public.

CLOSE UP

Dir. Benett Holgerson, USA, 15 mins Join Moses on a three-part journey of self-reflection as he discusses sex, love, & life in New York City. Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

A SIGNIFICANT NAME

Dir. Diane Russo-Cheng, USA, 5 mins The story of Ban’s journey as a child of Taiwanese immigrants raised in the American South, focused around Ban’s name.

MORE HAPPINESS

Dir. Livia Huang, USA, 13 mins A woman asks her mother for relationship advice.

PINK & BLUE

Dir. Carmen LoBue, USA, 13 mins After a surprise first-time pregnancy, a trans couple wrestles with how the new baby will affect their relationship & how to raise a child in a binary world.

THE NEW YORK LGBTQ+ FILM FESTIVAL

Shorts Programs

WARNERMEDIA IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE

Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 49

SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE

GET 6 ISSUES FOR $19.95 Now Available in both Print or Digital Editions One Year (6 Issues of Out) For Just $19.95 That’s 52% off the annual newstand price! When ordering add The Advocate to the Out one year print subscription $29.95 - THE BEST DEAL!

SUPPORT QUEER MEDIA .CO M / S U B S C R I B E 50

@ outmagazine

Recognizing the achievements and contribu�ons of outstanding LGBTQ and allied New Yorkers. CONGRATULATIONS JOURNAL Gay City News will be printing a special glossy keepsake journal for the honorees with their photo, bio and congratulations messages. We are delivering bulk copies to all the Honorees in their gift bag so they have an extra special keepsake and extra copies to share with their family, friends, networks, colleagues. The Journal will be emailed after the event to everyone who registers for the FREE event. And will be available for download on the event platform and promoted during the broadcast.

Shorts Programs

2021 IMPACT AWARDS

Special IMPACT AWARDS Wrap Issue of Gay City News - November 4, 2021 We are also producing our annual special issue of Gay City News featuring our 2021 honorees. This special section will wrap the issue of Gay City News on October 21and feature all honorees, and include messages from sponsors and supporters. It will be distributed throughout the boroughs at the regular Gay City News distribution points.

DEADLINES: JOURNAL

ber 1

Gay City News Wrap:

SPECIAL PLACEMENT If you would like special placement in the journal to support a specific honoree, please reserve your space ASAP

SPACE RESERVATIONS julio@gaycitynews.com | 646.452.2490

2021 GAY CITY NEWS Impact Awards Gala www.gaycitynewsimpactawards.com

Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 51

Shorts Programs Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 53

EVENTS + PANELS All NewFest panels will once again be virtual and free of charge, providing wide-reaching access to vital conversations that amplify underrepresented voices within the LGBTQ+ community.

QUEER LENS ON LENS: SPOTLIGHT ON WOMEN AND NON-BINARY CINEMATOGRAPHERS Premiering on YouTube and Facebook on Tuesday October 19 at 5PM EST Join NewFest and ReFrame (an initiative of the Sundance Institute and Women In Film LA) for a conversation with queer women and non-binary filmmakers who have made immense contributions to the craft of cinematography in film and television. Hear their compelling experiences working on recent projects as they discuss the significance of queer representation behind the camera and encourage emerging filmmakers. Moderator: Andria Wilson Mirza (Director, ReFrame) Panelists: Ashley Iris Gill, Aubree Bernier-Clarke, April Maxey, and Lulu Wei

Presented in partnership with (an initiative of the Sundance Institute and Women In Film LA)

CENTERING LGBTQ+ INDIGENOUS VOICES AND PERSPECTIVES ONSCREEN Premiering on YouTube and Facebook on Wednesday October 20 at 5PM EST Join filmmakers premiering their work at the festival as we celebrate Indigeneous, Two-Spirit, and First Nation visibility in film and television! Panelists will speak to their Native and LGBTQIA+ experiences, discuss the importance of authentic representation, and consider industry initiatives to support future projects. Moderator: Laura Clark (Deputy Editor at In The Know by Yahoo!). Panelists: Mary Galloway, Thirza Cuthand

Presented in partnership with 54

WE’RE HERE SEASON 2: ADVANCE SCREENING & CONVERSATION Join us for an Advance Screening of the much anticipated second season of the Emmy-nominated and GLAAD Awardwinning unscripted series, followed by an exclusive panel with the cast and creators. In episode 2 (“Selma”) and episode 3 (“Del Rio”), famous former RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE contestants Bob the Drag Queen, Eureka O’Hara, and Shangela Laquifa Wadley recruit and train small-town residents to participate in a one-night-only drag performance. The queens and residents end up inspiring each other to step outside their comfort zones as they share their stories, proving the importance of community and connection even in small-town America.

Panels + Events

Streaming virtually October 15 - 26, 2021

Moderator: Ryan A. Mitchell Panelists: Bob the Drag Queen (cast), Eureka O'Hara (cast), Shangela Laquifa Wadley (cast), Johnnie Ingram (co-creator), Stephen Warren (co-creator), and Peter LoGreco (EP)

Presented in partnership with

SORT OF: ADVANCE SCREENING & CONVERSATION Streaming virtually October 15 - 26, 2021

Join us for the U.S. Premiere of episodes 1 and 2 of the breakthrough HBO Max series SORT OF, followed by a oneon-one conversation between the show’s co-creator/star Bilal Baig and filmmaker Fawzia Mirza. SORT OF follows the journey of Sabi Mehboob (Bilal Baig), a genderfluid millennial straddling their various identities as the youngest child in a large Pakistani family, a sexy bartender at an LGBTQ bookstore and bar, and the de facto parent of a downtown hipster family. Sabi feels like they're in transition in every aspect of their life, including their gender, sexuality, family, and career. A coming-of-age story, SORT OF exposes the labels we once held onto may no longer be applicable … to anyone. Moderator: Fawzia Mirza (filmmaker, NOOR & LAYLA) Panelists: Bilal Baig (co-creator/cast)

Presented in partnership with

Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 55

TWENTIES SEASON 2: SCREENING & CONVERSATION Streaming virtually October 15 - 26, 2021 From creator, writer, and executive producer Lena Waithe and Hillman Grad Productions comes TWENTIES, the GLAAD Media Award-nominated series critically acclaimed for its first-time portrayal of a masculine-presenting Queer woman of color as the lead in a primetime show. The scripted series stars Jojo T. Gibbs (GOOD TROUBLE) as Hattie, a queer Black girl who is chasing her dreams of being a screenwriter in Los Angeles alongside her two best friends, Marie and Nia, played by Christina Elmore (INSECURE) and Gabrielle Graham (PROFESSOR) respectively. While they live separate lives, the girls lean on each other for guidance as they navigate their twenties and test the limits of diversity, love, and inclusion. TWENTIES marks the first time the network has been nominated for a GLAAD Media Awards for a series. Moderator: Crystal Anderson Panelists: Jojo T. Gibbs (cast), Christina Elmore (cast), and Gabrielle Graham (cast)

Presented in partnership with

HIGHTOWN SEASON 2: ADVANCE SCREENING & CONVERSATION Streaming virtually October 15 - 26, 2021 Join us for this advance screening of Episode one of Season 2, followed by an exclusive conversation with the creators and stars. In the second season of HIGHTOWN, the pictureperfect version of Cape Cod clashes with its off-season reality of drug addiction and despair in this compelling series from Starz. Moderator: Brooke Sopelsa (Editorial Director, NBC OUT) Panelists: Monica Raymund (cast), Rebecca Cutter (creator/EP), and Gary Lennon (EP)

Presented in partnership with

NUCLEAR FAMILY: SCREENING & CONVERSATION

This three-part documentary series from HBO follows filmmaker Ry Russo-Young as she turns the camera on her own past to explore the meaning of family. In the late 70s/ early 80s, when the concept of a gay family was inconceivable to most, Ry and her sister Cade were born to two lesbian mothers through sperm donors. When Ry’s idyllic childhood was threatened by an unexpected lawsuit, it sent shockwaves through her family and continues to reverberate in their lives today. Moderator: Hannah Mock (Board Co-Chair, COLAGE) Panelists: Ry Russo-Young (director), Sandy Russo (cast), Robin Young (cast)

Presented in partnership with

Panels + Events

Streaming virtually October 15 - 26, 2021

and

Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 57

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Panels + Events Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 59

Panels + Events Queer Stories Won't Be Silenced! 61

NewFest 2021 Program Guide

Articles inside

Shorts Programs

Narrative Features

Episodics

Staff & Board, Charter Circle

Centerpiece Screenings

Welcome Letter

Opening Night Film

Closing Night Film