2023 Digital Guide: OUT at the Movies International Film Festival

Welcome to the Tenth Annual

FROM OUR LEADERSHIP

Welcome to the Tenth Annual OUT at the Movies International Film Festival!

Greetings! Whether you’re attending your first OUT at the Movies film or your 363rd movie (yes, we have screened that many in our 20 years as series, 10 of which has been as a festival) we welcome you! Each festival brings together longtime friends, new acquaintances, filmmakers, actors, documentary subjects, jurors, donors, sponsors and volunteers…the list is long, and we appreciate each of you!

Thanks to your support, OUT at the Movies has awarded scholarships to 5 students in the UNCSA School of Filmmaking. We will recognize another deserving student with our 2023 scholarship. Speaking of UNCSA, their ACE Theatre Complex has been our primary home for the last 20 years. Matt Jones, the Associate Curator of the Moving Image Archives, and Eric Self, the Exhibition Coordinator have been invaluable to us. Matt welcomed us in 2004, and Eric joined in 2007. Dean Deborah LaVine has been amazing to work with during her tenure as the dean of the School of Filmmaking. Matt, Eric and Deborah, you are the BEST!

In this program, you will find logos and ads from the businesses, big and small, and the many donors whose gifts are helping us to celebrate 20 years of movies, Q&A’s, parties and more in 2023. Please support the businesses whenever you can and say “thanks” to our donors!

We especially welcome the actors, filmmakers, and documentary subjects from many of the movies you will enjoy. We also welcome our jurors, many of whom are filmmakers, themselves.

Below is a note from Max Cullen. Max, a graduate of UNC and UNCSA, has been our board president since 2021, and we recently hired him as our Operations/Development Director, Max, excelled in his role as board president, and we are thrilled to welcome him as our first ever year-round staff person!

Rex Welton, Founder/Director

I am thrilled to welcome you to OUT at the Movies’ tenth annual International Film Festival! Our Board of Directors, volunteers, and community partners have been hard at work over the past year, expanding on several new programs, including our Emerging Artist Film Grant program, which for two years has been successful in empowering new and emerging filmmakers, both financially and through mentorship. This past year has also seen the launch of our first original content creation program, the Queer History Project, which is helping to shed light on under told stories in our local queer history, through documentary film storytelling. This project is in collaboration with the WFU Documentary Film Program, and MUSE WS, and I thank both organizations for their steadfast support, and tireless effort, in helping us showcase stories that have otherwise gone untold. I would also like to thank our partners at The Variable, for their amazing work in refreshing our brand identity, all done pro-bono!

Serving three and a half years on the Board of Directors, two and a half of which has been in the role of President, has been an honor and privilege. I am so excited for my next chapter with OUT at the Movies, in the role of Director of Operations and Development. I plan to keep pushing forward these new and vital programs, and bringing renewed energy into the operations and development work which enable the high level of entertainment, artist-support, and cutting-edge storytelling that our organization is known for.

Thank you for being a part of OUT at the Movies’ success over the years, and I hope you enjoy this year’s festival experience!

Max Cullen, Director, Operations and Development

Rex Welton

Max Cullen

WELCOME LETTERS

Greetings from the Office of the Mayor!

On behalf of the citizens of Winston-Salem and the Winston-Salem City Council, I congratulate OUT at the Movies International Film Festival on reaching your milestone 10th Annual Festival.

Beginning as a screening series in 2004, your organization has brought LGBTQIA+ films to the City of Arts and Innovation. Since launching your annual International Film Festival in 2014, you have brought over 200 artists, filmmakers, actors, and film industry professionals to Winston-Salem for the weekend of events.

The City of Winston-Salem is honored to host OUT at the Movies International Film Festival’s annual event. We are grateful for the direct impact on the lives of individuals in our community, through programs such as the Emerging Artist Film Grant, supporting artists with annual scholarship programs and financial assistance at UNCSA School of Filmmaking, Wake Forest University Documentary Studies Program, and MUSE WS.

During your festivities, I hope you will find some time to take advantage of the many opportunities that Winston-Salem has to offer. From our fascinating historical sites and thriving arts community to sports and recreational events, Winston-Salem has something for everyone.

Best wishes for a successful event, and I wish you many more Festivals to come!

Sincerely,

Allen Joines, Mayor

Congratulations, Felicidades, Mazel Tov and Applause to OUT at the Movies on your 10th Anniversary! Winston-Salem is incredibly fortunate to have this organization to enhance the city’s artistic and cultural landscape. As the first OUT and open member of the LGBTQIA+ community to be elected to City Council, I am both proud of and grateful for OUT at the Movies.

Our entire community is better and stronger when all feel welcome, each voice is heard, and everyone has a seat at the table. OUT at the Movies has helped move Winston-Salem in this direction through the many films, events and activities presented over the last decade. They have entertained and educated thousands of local folks and out-of-town visitors to the City of Arts and Innovation by spotlighting the skills and talents of “our people” behind the camera, on the screen, in the wings and behind the scenes. Moreover, OUT at the Movies has been a source of inspiration, pride and even a refuge for LGBTQIA+ people who have felt alienated and marginalized. At a time when our own state legislators are launching a direct attack on the entire LGBTQIA+ community by enacting hateful, hurtful and divisive laws, it’s more important than ever to have resources like OUT at the Movies.

That’s a wrap on the first 10 years. Here’s to the next decade of success and excellence!

Kevin Mundy, City Council Member, Southwest Ward

Allen Joines

Kevin Mundy

Deborah LaVine

On behalf of the UNCSA School of Filmmaking, congratulations to Out at the Movies on this milestone anniversary. We are honored to be a partner with this outstanding organization. As a film festival it has long given underrepresented voices a platform to share work that chronicle the complexities of our times as well as entertain audiences with a diverse slate of movie-going experiences.

While the film festival is hugely important to the landscape of Winston Salem culture, the organization’s support for a variety of initiatives impacts the community in significant, sometimes life-changing ways. For the past 10 years Out at the Movies has awarded a scholarship to assist in the tuition or living expenses of an LGBTQIA+ student at the UNCSA School of Filmmaking. This is a financially transformative award that often ensures a student will be able to complete their studies.

Out at the Movies is a huge spark for the region’s filmmaking industry. Winston Salem is a perfect location for making movies. The festival introduces many established and emerging filmmakers to the area. Some return here to make their next project, an important step in building the city’s reputation as an ideal filmmaking location. These are just 2 meaningful contributions Out at the Movies makes to its community in addition to providing its audience with the magical experience of sitting in the dark, watching stories that will move, irritate, elevate, and delight us, from every corner of the globe.

Best wishes,

Deborah LaVine, Dean, The UNCSA School of Filmmaking

Welcome to Winston-Salem and the OUT at the Movies International Film Festival!

It’s a great privilege to have OUT at the Movies in Winston-Salem, a community that truly values filmmaking. Not only do we appreciate filmmakers and their creative vision, but we are also a training ground for young talent with several world-renowned film schools located in the region including UNCSA School of Filmmaking.

The Piedmont Triad Film Commission is proud to recruit business to and help facilitate film business in Winston-Salem and the greater Piedmont Triad region. Our film office takes great pride in embracing inclusivity and diversity therefore enjoy assisting all filmmakers with compelling and important stories to tell.

We’ve been host to many successful independent film productions including Angus MacLachlan’s A Little Prayer (which premiered earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival), Junebug (which allowed Amy Adams an Academy Award nomination), and David Gordon Green’s George Washington (named the #1 indie film of the 2000’s by Moviemaker magazine). We also proactively recruited Matthew Weiner’s directorial debut Are You Here (starring Owen Wilson, Zach Galiafinakis and Amy Poehler), George Clooney’s Leatherheads, and Nicholas Spark’s The Longest Ride. Earlier this year we worked directly with OUT at the Movies to help connect a filmmaker, who previously showcased his film with OATM, with locations for his current film My Friend Oscar

If you are a visiting filmmaker, I invite you to explore the area’s diverse and beautiful locations while you’re in town. Find out more about all we have to offer at www.piedmontfilm.com. I’d love to help you find just the right spot to create your next successful film, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Clark, Executive Director, Piedmont Triad Film Commission

Rebecca Clark

OUR LEADERSHIP

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dean Culler

Mary Dossinger, Treasurer

Ann Gauthreaux

Brennan McMahon

Shannon Rosato, Secretary

Kat Schaer

Ron Stacker Thompson, Vice President

Angela Stewart

Rex Welton, President

Alyson Williams

OUR TEAM

Christine Amen – Gift Bag Procurement

Clair Baxter & Marie Baxter –Social Media Coordinators

Rob Cotter – Gift Bag Procurement

Max Cullen – Festival Brand Art Director

Dean Culler – Events Coordinator

Mary Dossinger – Festival Guide Editor/Box Office Coordinator

Jayden Feisthamel – Volunteer Coordinator

Dr. Chad E. Harris – Short Film Curator

ADVISORY BOARD

Mohammed Shaik Hussain Ali

Marisa Calin

Crystal Chappell

Barney Cheng

Nicole Conn

Rob Davis

Eden Lane

Kerry Michelle O’Brien

Del Shores

Marty Hogan – Synopses Editor

Matt Jones – Technical Director

Judy Jordan – Support Graphics Editor

Shannon Rosato – Promo Reel Creator

Alice Sanders – Program Book Designer

Eric Self – Technical Director

Angela Stewart –Transportation Coordinator

Ron Stacker Thompson– Panel Moderator

Rex Welton – Director

Greg Wright – Festival Guide Production

FEATURE FILMS

BIG BOYS

Sunday, October 1, 12:30 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex

Directed by Corey Sherman

USA | 2023 | English | Narrative Feature | 90 mins

Corey Sherman’s delicious debut features fourteen-year-old Jamie (Isaac Krasner), a closeted, chubby, gay kid who likes hunky guys and beer bellies. This sweet coming of age film becomes a uniquely bear-friendly camping trip. Jamie is unsure about his sexuality and uncomfortable in his own body. Things change when a cousin brings her new boyfriend on a family camping trip. Dan is a beefy, charming “bear” of a man who Jamie finds attractive. This proves to him that big guys like him can be sexy, too. Humorous and heartening, Big Boys is the type of coming-of-age film rarely seen.

BODY ELECTRIC

Sunday, October 1, 12:00 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex

Directed by Nick Demos

USA | 2023 | English | Documentary Feature | 71 mins

Nick Demos examines body image in the LGBTQ+ community and his own journey through dysmorphia, tracing the history of queer culture and its fixation on the body. Body Electric explores steroid use and plastic surgery and investigates the impact of the AIDS crisis, while featuring inspiring stories from Leslie Jordan, Judy Gold, Bruce Vilanch, Rajee Narinesingh, and many others.

Q&A with Director, Nick Demos, will follow the screening.

FESTIVAL GUESTS

Mohammed Shaik Hussain Ali

Producer, Brother, New York, NY

Kaitlyn Archenbronn

Assistant Director/Co-producer, Gin & Platonic, Greensboro, NC

Robert C. Beshere

Actor, Gin & Platonic, Greensboro, NC

Scott Boland

Casting Director/Producer, The Mattachine

Family

Michael Burke

Actor, Gin & Platonic, Winston-Salem, NC

Elizabeth Caddy

Executive Producer/Wardrobe Designer, Gin & Platonic, High Point, NC

Marisa Calin

Juror, New York, NY

Gary Carnow

Executive Producer, Studio One Forever, Los Angeles, CA

Adam Conversano

Writer/Director/Producer, Summer’s End, Brooklyn, NY

Grant Conversano

Writer/Director/Producer, Summer’s End, Brooklyn, NY

Charlo Crossley

Subject, Studio One Forever, Los Angeles, CA

Nick Demos

Director, Body Electric, Los Angeles, CA

Cameron Flurry

Actor, The Chaperone, Winston-Salem, NC

Zack Fox

Director, Writer, Cinemato-grapher, Gin & Platonic, Winston-Salem, NC

Marie France

Director, Fearless, Winston-Salem, NC

Alejandro Lucas Fritts

Juror, Winston-Salem, NC

Derek Garcia

Director/Writer/Producer, Don’t Cry Yet, Brooklyn, NY

Chase Hanes

Juror, Lexington, NC

Josh Harris

Actor/Executive Producer/Editor, Lookout Point, High Point, NC

Lucas Harris

Actor/Boom Operator, Lookout Point, High Point, NC

Rachel Harris

Actor/Director/Writer, Lookout Point, High Point, NC

Matt Hartman

Art Director/Executive Producer/Director, Open to It, Los Angeles, CA

Mat Hayes

Actor/Writer, Shafted, Los Angeles, CA

Stephen Israel

Producer, Studio One Forever, Los Angeles, CA

Sydney Johnson

Director of Photography/Editor, Living Legacy, Winston-Salem, NC

Jason Karman

Director, Golden Delicious, Vancouver, B.C.

Michael Koth

Subject, Studio One Forever, Palm Springs, CA

Trae Middlebrooks

Actor/Driver, Lookout Point, High Point NC

Graham Morrison

Documentary Subject, Ain’t it a Drag, Winston-Salem, NC

Wanda Brendle Moss

Documentary Subject, Living Legacy, Winston-Salem, NC

Kevin Mundy

Documentary Subject, Living Legacy, Winston-Salem, NC

Mary Louise Renegar

Director, The Chaperone, Winston-Salem, NC

Felipe Rose

Subject, Studio One Forever, Asbury Park, NJ

Marc Saltarelli

Director, Studio One Forever, Los Angeles, CA

Ansley Simmons

Producer, Fearless, Winston-Salem, NC

Frank Arthur Smith

Director/Actor/Writer/Executive Producer, Open to It, Los Angeles, CA

James Walsh

Juror, Waverly, Rhode Island

Cass Westbrook

Documentary Subject, Ain’t it a Drag, Winston-Salem, NC

Rodney Wilds

Director of Photography/Editor, Living Legacy, Winston-Salem, NC

Cardi Wong

Actor, Golden Delicious, Vancouver, B. C.

FEATURE FILMS

EISMAYER

Saturday, September 30, 7:30 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex

Directed by David Wagner

Austria/Germany | 2022 | German/Bosnian | Narrative Feature | 87 mins

This film is based on a true story. Among recruits to the Austrian Armed Forces, Sergeant Major Eismayer (Gerhard Liebmann) is known as the toughest and strictness of the training officers. To maintain his masculine and unwavering reputation, Eismayer carefully hides his inner self. Mario Falak (Luka Dimic) is openly gay and brazenly challenges Eismayer’s authority. The initial stressful relationship between the two men develops into a true love. When Eismayer is diagnosed with cancer, turning Mario into his caregiver with the same uncompromising regime Eismayer used as a sergeant. Mario has plans for a permanent relationship with Eismayer putting both men in a surprising and awkward situation.

SHORTS

SPECIAL PREVIEW NIGHT: OUT AT THE MOVIES ORIGINAL CONTENT SERIES

Thursday, September 28, 7:00 pm | WFU Byrum Welcome Center | 1834 Wake Forest Rd. Winston-Salem NC 27103 | 45 mins

Premiering a duo of micro-documentaries that shine a light on Winston-Salem’s underexplored Queer history, produced by OUT at the Movies in collaboration with the Documentary Studies program at Wake Forest University. A new initiative to develop original documentary content with a focus on community-focused storytelling. Followed by two short documentaries that are both personal and public in reminding us that LGBTQ+ activism is as essential and as necessary as ever.

LIVING LEGACY (AIDS CARE SERVICE)

Created in collaboration with the WFU Documentary Studies Program and OUT at the Movies | Documentary Short | 6 mins

A look at the history, and living legacy, of AIDS Care Service, formed in response to the AIDS Crisis in Winston-Salem.

ORDINARY

Written and Directed by Atlas O Phoenix | Documentary Short | 12 mins

Ordinary weaves together multiple story lines to explore the purpose of identifiers and their meaning, questioning whether identifiers truly identify anyone.

THERE ARE THINGS TO DO

AIN’T IT A DRAG

Created in collaboration with the WFU Documentary Studies Program and OUT at the Movies | Documentary Short | 7 mins

An exploration of drag performance culture in Winston-Salem from the 1980s to present.

Directed by Mike Syers | Documentary Short | 18 mins

Urvashi Vaid—an outspoken immigrant, lesbian, and woman of color—was an LGBTQ+ superhero who believed in human rights for all people and helped shape the modern-day gay rights movement.

Q&A with members of the WFU Documentary Studies Program, Muse WS, and OUT at the Movies. This is a free screening and open to the public.

FEATURE FILMS

GLITTER & DOOM (Centerpiece Screening)

Saturday, September 30, 7:00 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex

Directed by Tom Gustafson

USA/Mexico | 2023 | English | Narrative Feature | 115 mins

This fantastical musical follows a musician who wears charisma as camouflage and a carefree kid about to run away with the circus who fall in love at first sight over the summer. The film is told with the iconic tunes of the folk duo The Indigo Girls. But will 29 days be enough time to fall in love forever?

GOLDEN DELICIOUS

Friday, September 29, 7:00 pm | Reynolds Place Theatre

Directed by Jason Karman

Canada | 2022 | English | Narrative Feature | 120 mins

Jason Karman’s feature debut offers a portrait of first love through the eyes of an Asian Canadian teenager on the cusp of his sexuality. Jake (Cardi Wong), is a high schooler managing numerous family and friend expectations. When an attractive new neighbor Aleks (Chris Carson) turns up, Jake is unprepared for his new feelings. Happy but still bewildered, Jake pursues Aleks by joining the school basketball team. Grappling with his sexuality and seeking to still flourish in his community, Jake is caught between the old and the new of his public life. Golden Delicious takes a hard but caring perspective look at gay youth navigating the complexities of everyday life.

Q&A with Jason Karman and Cardi Wong will follow the screening

Saturday, September 30, 12 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex | 86 mins

LOOKOUT POINT*

Directed by Rachel Harris | Written by Josh Harris and Rachel Harris | Narrative Short Live Action | 7 mins

Hiking, nature, and a picnic by the lake sounds like the perfect blind date... but Trae has his doubts. First-Time Filmmaker

*This film was made for the 48-Hour Film Project, for which teams must write, shoot, and edit their film in one 48-hour weekend.

THE PRINCE’S DILEMMA

Directed by Devin Rowe | Written by Devin Rowe | Narrative Short Animated | 5 mins

The film follows Prince Philip, who, longing to be with a prince of his own, must decide to follow the traditional tale expected of him or forge his own happily ever after. First-Time Filmmaker and Student Film–San Jose State University

GIN & PLATONIC: EPISODE 1

Directed and written by Zack Fox | Narrative Episodic Short Live Action | 13 mins

Kali and Anthony are two LGBTQ+ platonic best friends that have each other’s backs as they navigate the recent chaotic ups & downs of their lives, careers, and relationships. Set in Winston-Salem, NC.

THE FEELS – AN LGBTQ+ SHORT FILM

Directed and written by Destiny Jackson | Narrative Short Live Action | 19 mins

A pessimistic college student gets paired with her crush for an assignment and finds the courage to tell her how she feels with the help of her enthusiastic best friend. First-Time Filmmaker and Student Film–Bowie State University

REMEMBER IT’S CHRISTMAS

Directed and written by Sam Kite | Narrative Short Live Action | 21 mins

Between a lifelong career of playing Santa at private parties and a second job as a caretaker for a forgetful sundowner, a working-class actor decides to hang up his red suit and make this his final holiday season. First-Time Filmmaker

SHAFTED

Directed by Emerson Collins and Del Shores | Written by Mat Hayes | Narrative Short Live Action | 20 mins

Joel and Rafi are in what seems to be a standard romantic comedy. What do you do when you find yourself alone in an elevator with your gym crush?

Q&A to follow.

OUR SPONSORS

2023 OUT at the Movies

International Film Festival Schedule

PANEL & SCREENING

Special Panel Discussions with Screenings:

EMERGING ARTIST FILM GRANT: FEARLESS

Saturday, September 30, 4:00 pm | UNCSA Archives Theatre | 90 mins

Screening of a work-in-progress edit of Fearless, a narrative short that won first place in the 2022 OUT at the Movies Emerging Artist Film Grant competition.

Panel discussion with the filmmakers to follow.

SUMMER’S END

Sunday, October 1, 4:00 pm. | UNCSA Archives Theatre | 90 mins

Screening of Summer’s End, a narrative short that received fiscal sponsorship for production financing over the past year.

Panel discussion with the filmmakers to follow.

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SHORTS PROGRAM 2

Saturday, September 30, 2:30 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex | 72 mins

THE OTHER JOHN

Directed and written by Ryan Spahn | Narrative Short Live Action | 8 mins

Inspired by the early films of Gregg Araki, The Other John is a found footage microshort spying into the sometimes violent ways hook-up culture destabilizes gay men’s ability to make honest and truthful connections

SAFE WORD

Directed by Christopher Cunetto |

Written by Eva Von Schweinitz and Christopher Cunetto | Narrative Short Live Action | 15 mins

Cesar, an emotionally stunted masochist, must confront his self loathing after his dom, Bear, reinterprets the rules of their game.

FIRST TIME

Directed and written by Daniel Kahana | Narrative Short Live Action | 18 mins

After an intern goes out to dinner with his supervisor on the last day of his internship, things take a sharp turn as he gets pressured into his first sexual encounter. First-Time Filmmaker

Q&A to follow.

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DON’T CRY YET*

Directed and written by Derek Shane Garcia | Narrative Short Live Action | 8 mins

Maddie and Grace just broke up. As Maddie packs her things, memories from their relationship come flooding back.

*This film contains a strobe lighting effect that may potentially trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.

BOUNDARIES

Directed and written by Kemi Star Alade | Narrative Short Live Action | 9 mins

Two women meet at a bar, sparks fly, and through their romantic night, they test the boundaries of love and lust. Student Filmmaker–Pratt Institute

THE CHAPERONE

Directed by Mary Louise Renegar |

Written by Emma Chandler & Priscilla Witt | Story by Cassidy Scott | Narrative Short Live Action | 14 mins

Two discontented women accompany one another on their travels, becoming a little more than strangers. Student Filmmaker–UNCSA

FEATURE FILMS

IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL

Saturday, September 30, 3:30 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex

Directed by Alexandria Bombach

USA | 2023 | English | Documentary Feature | 123 mins

Having just had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, this wonderful documentary blends 40 years of home movies, raw film archive, and intimate presentday verité to create a poignant reflection of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers of the iconic folk-rock duo The Indigo Girls. A timely look into the obstacles, activism, and life lessons of two queer friends who never expected to make it big.

KOKOMO CITY

Sunday, October 1, 1:30 pm | UNCSA Archives Theatre

Directed by D. Smith

USA | 2023 | English | Documentary Feature | 73 mins

Four Black transgender sex workers tell their life stories in intimate and candid interviews as they confront the dichotomy between the black community and themselves. The film had its world premiere at The Sundance Film Festival, where it won the audience award, and was a Teddy award nominee for best documentary.

LIE WITH ME (ARRÊTE AVEC TES MENSONGES)

Saturday, September 30, 12:30 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex

Directed by Olivier Peyon

France | 2022 | French & English | Narrative Feature | 98 mins

Upon agreeing to be the brand ambassador for a famous cognac celebrating its bicentennial, novelist Stephane Belcourt returns to his hometown for the first time in many years. Once there, he meets his first lover’s son, Lucas. Memories come rushing back to him: irrepressible attraction, bodies becoming one in the heat of desire, a passion that can never be revealed… They were 17.

THE MATTACHINE FAMILY

Sunday, October 1, 5:00 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex

Directed by Andy Vallentine

USA | 2023 | English | Narrative Feature | 99 mins

While Thomas and Oscar are very much in love, after their first foster child returns to his birth mother, they find that they have different ideas about what making a family actually means. Starring Nico Tortorella (Younger, Walking Dead: World Beyond), Juan Pablo Di Pace (Fuller House, Mamma Mia!), and Emily Hampshire (Schitt’s Creek).

Q&A with Casting Director/Producer Scot Boland will follow the screening

FEATURE FILMS

OPEN TO IT

Saturday, September 30, 5:00 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex

Directed by Frank Arthur Smith, Matthew Hartman & Greg Wolf USA | 2022 | English | Narrative Series | 93 minutes

A new comedy from Netflix’s Tidying Up with Marie Kondo gays! A loving gay couple experiments with becoming a hot gay throuple. But threesome sex and open relationships have more complications than limbs. Will Greg and Cam come…to a whole new level of understanding and affection? And what’s in store for their third, Princeton, and lesbian neighbors, Elsa and Reggie? A funny, naked look at queer romance, consensual polyamory, muscle gays with abs, and drag queens with attitude! May contain nudity and hilarity.

Q&A with Matt Hartman and Frank Arthur Smith will follow the screening

OUR SON

Sunday, October 1, 3:30 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex

Directed by Bill Oliver USA | 2023 | English | Narrative Feature | 104 mins

Bill Oliver directs a subtle yet unflinching film about a mixed-race New York City couple seeking a divorce. Nicky (Luke Evans) and Gabriel (Billy Porter) star as parents to eight-year-old Owen (Christopher Woodley). A comfortable home life slowly starts to unravel through affairs, dishonesty, mistrust, and loss of love, making for heartbreaking and empathetic viewing. There are no big dramatic moments, just many cathartic realizations as the couple moves through the changing reality of their love.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

Documentary and Drama

Sunday, October 1, 2:30 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex | 85 mins

AIKĀNE

Directed by Daniel Sousa, Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson | Written by Dean Hamer | Narrative Short Animated | 14 mins

A valiant island warrior wounded in battle against foreign invaders falls deep into a mysterious underwater world. Everything changes when the octopus who rescues him transforms into a handsome young man.

A BETTER PLACE*

Directed by Jennifer Fearnley, Leva Kwestany | Documentary Short | 33 mins

A Better Place is an in-depth look at the toxic legacy of British colonial–era laws, which criminalize consensual same-sex love, while at the same time allowing perpetrators of sexual violence to go unpunished.

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*This film contains scenes of physical violence as well as mentions of abuse and sexual violence, which some viewers may find distressing.*

PÉRIPHÉRIE

Directed and written by Thibault Bru | Narrative Short Live Action | 16 mins Éva’s pregnancy is post term, but she refuses to be induced. In the car, Éva and her partner, Soraya, wander on the Parisian ring road until Éva opens up about her true feelings. First-Time Filmmaker

BROTHER

Directed and written by Aleksei Borovikov | Narrative Short Live Action | 17 mins

With his wedding to Carlos approaching, Tony, a young immigrant to the U.S., invites his conservative elder sister to the ceremony. Student Film–Columbia College Chicago

STRANGERS

Directed and written by Rebecca Stiffe | Narrative Short Live Action | 5 mins

A disgruntled grandfather unexpectedly bonds with his college-age granddaughter after she asks him a question. Shot in one take. First-Time Filmmaker

Q&A to follow.

FESTIVAL JURORS

Awards selected by the Juries will be: Best Narrative, Best Documentary, Best Short, Best Screenwriting, Best Performance in a Leading Role, Best Performance in a Supporting Role, and Best Performance in a Short.

NARRATIVE JURORS

An actress, screenwriter and novelist. She wrote, produced and appears in the feature A Million Happy Nows, which won nineteen awards on the festival circuit, including Best First Feature at Outfest.

Her debut YA novel, Between You & Me, published by Bloomsbury, was named a Kirkus Reviews’ Best Book of 2012.

A fourth year Filmmaking student at the UNC School of the Arts. Originally from Greensboro, Alejandro is interested in creating art that reflects his community and work that explores identity. He has produced several student films that have been accepted into festivals like OUT at the Movies. He is excited to participate as a student juror.

DOCUMENTARY and SHORTS JURORS

A librarian from Midway, North Carolina. His first love is art and he spends his free time painting, sculpting, and needle felting. After pursuing a master’s degree in Library and Information Science, he obtained a master’s degree in Women’s and Gender Studies. He has a Yorkie-Schnauzer-mix named Maybrie who keeps a special place in his heart.

A current graduate student at Wake Forest University pursuing a Master of Arts in Sports Media and Storytelling, and a Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Film. She creates films about politics, sports, particularly women’s sports, and ideally, when the two intersect. Before becoming a filmmaker, she worked as an Legislative Aid for various members on Capitol Hill.

A filmmaker from Greensboro, NC with a MFA in Documentary Filmmaking from WFU. He attended NC State University, where he minored in film studies. Rodney has worked as a filmmaker and editor on numerous projects including his thesis film Unique Past, Bright Future.

A 2019 Cannes Silver Lions award winner, James wrote and directed: the upcoming documentary My Friend Oscar, starring Oscar Conlon-Morrey, Academy Award, Golden Globe and Tony nominees and winners Rosemary Harris and Kate Burton.

James is the executive producer of the upcoming Hallmark network series, Newport Gilded Mysteries, now in pre-production.

Alejandro Lucas Fritts

Sydney Johnson

Marisa Calin

Chase Hanes

Rodney Wilds

James Walsh

SINCE THE LAST TIME WE MET (DESDE LA ÚLTIMA VEZ QUE NOS VIMOS)

Saturday, September 30, 1:30 pm | UNCSA Archives Theatre

Directed by Matías De Leis Correa

Argentina | 2023 | Spanish | Narrative Feature | 81 mins

Handsome and stylish Victor is reunited by chance with David, his first love, fifteen years after the last time they saw each other. Their chance reunion resuscitates an old love long forgotten. Nominated for Best Feature Film at the OUTshine Film Festival and Best Film at OutfestPeru - Festival Internacional de Cine Gay Lesbico Trans Bi.

STUDIO ONE FOREVER

Sunday, October 1, 7:00 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex

Directed by Marc Saltarelli

USA | 2023 | English | Documentary Feature | 94 mins

Studio One was more than just a disco; it was a mecca for gay men looking for an identity in a world that saw them as outcasts. Its adjoining nightclub, The Backlot, merged the gay community with the Hollywood elite for the first time. From 1974–1993, it became the center of nightlife in West Hollywood and the staging ground for the rise of the LGBT rights movement and the fight against the AIDS crisis.

Q&A with Gary Carnow, Charlo Crossley, Stephen Israel, Michael Koth, Felipe Rose, and Marc Saltarelli will follow the screening.

OUT AT THE MOVIES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SCREENING COMMITTEE

Mohammed Shaik Hussain Ali

Tab Ballis

Doug Chapman

Ginny Genung

Chase Hanes

Dr. Chad E. Harris

Marty Hogan

Judy Jordan

Jim Knight

Garry Lightbourne

Gracie Rodgers

Kat Schaer

Jim Shertzer

Rex Welton

Rick Wicker

Tim Yersin

10TH ANNIVERSARY QUOTES

OATM is by far the best festival I’ve ever been a part of. The team and board make you feel so rewarded for creating something you were so passionate about. The local arts community of supporters also makes you feel right at home. Being a part of this festival is one of the things I look most forward to year after year!

– Mat Hayes, Documentary And Shorts Juror

OUT at the Movies is a masterfully curated festival of queer films... and so much more! The abundant hospitality and good vibes make this event a welcoming community that you hope will never end...so let’s get the party started!

– Tab Ballis, Documentary And Shorts Juror

OUT at the Movies is a perfect example of how a festival should be run. I have attended as an actress when my movie, A Very Sordid Wedding, played the festival. Then as a judge the next year and later as a friend/moderator of the festival. Each time we were treated as VIP’s and given wonderful accommodations, invited to all of the fabulous parties and made to feel like we were family. Rex Welton has pulled together the most terrific volunteers, who all know what they’re doing and where we need to be. I’m happy to have the opportunity to praise all the hard work that Rex and company puts into this festival that makes it such a standout.

– Ann Walker, Actor

THANK YOU!

The 2023 OUT at the Movies International Film Festival would not be possible without the generous support of our donors.

Cal and Mary Adams

Christine Amen and Louise Nixon

Robert Beseda

Susan Brittain

Allen Broach

Karen and Matt Coleman

Chelsea Cullen

Rebecca Currin and Lee Ann Manning

Meg Daniels

Rob Davis

Mary Dossinger

Frank and Gary

Ruth Heath

David and Catherine Harris

Doug and Sue Henderson

Kim Hobin and Mitch Spindel

Julie and Warren Hutton

Dewitt and Geoff Kierstead

Adrienne Amos Livengood

Thomas McAbee/Fader

Real Estate

David Miner

Brad Moss and Rex Welton

Kevin Mundy and Michael Isley

Steve and Frances Porter

Dirk Robertson and James Sands

Betty Simpson

Richard Smith

Howard Upchurch and John Hoemann

Rick Wicker and Jim Knight

Janie and J. D. Wilson

Festival Donors as of September 10, 2023