FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
Welcome to the 11th Annual OUT at the Movies International Film Festival!
Greetings! Whether you are attending your first OUT at the Movies screening or you have joined us for over 400 films (yes, we have screened that many since 2004), we welcome you! Each festival brings together longtime friends, 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 2024 scholarship. Speaking of UNCSA, their ACE Theatre Complex has been our primary home for the last 21 years. Matt Jones, the Associate Curator of the Moving Image Archives, and Eric Self, the Exhibition Coordinator, have been invaluable to us. Dean Deborah LaVine has been amazing to work with us 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 businesses, big and small, and the many donors whose gifts are helping us to celebrate 21 years of movies, talkbacks, concerts, parties and more. Please support these businesses and say “thanks” to our donors.
We welcome the actors, filmmakers and documentary subjects from many of the movies you will enjoy. They will be participating in Q&As following their films and will look forward to answering your questions meeting many of you at our nightly receptions.
We also welcome our jurors, many of whom are filmmakers, themselves. Submissions to our festival were up over 40% over 2023, and the quality of this year’s films is exceptional. Thanks for being here and enjoy the show!
Rex Welton, Executive Director
I am thrilled to welcome you to OUT at the Movies’ eleventh 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 three years has been successful in empowering new and emerging filmmakers, both financially and through mentorship.
This year also sees the introduction of our inaugural internship program, in collaboration with the WFU Documentary Film Program (MFA), which will help bring new programming energy to our year-round screening series, and push forward our original storytelling programs.
Our eleventh annual festival lineup of films and events is our boldest yet, and I can’t wait for you to explore it. 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 Marketing
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 11th 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
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.
Here’s to another excellent festival, and many more to come!
Kevin Mundy, City Council Member, Southwest Ward
Allen Joines
Kevin Mundy
On behalf of the UNCSA School of Filmmaking, we are honored to be a partner. 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. OUT at the Movies has annually 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 OUT at the Movies International Film Festival!
It’s a great privilege to have this prestigious festival in our city, which has a deep appreciation for filmmaking. Not only do we cherish filmmakers’ creative visions, but we are also home to one of the top filmmaking schools in the country, UNCSA School of Filmmaking, training young talent for jobs in the industry.
The Piedmont Triad Film Commission proudly works to recruit and facilitates film business in Winston-Salem and the greater Piedmont Triad region. Our film office fully embraces inclusivity and diversity, assisting all filmmakers with impactful stories to tell.
Over the years, we have been the backdrop for numerous successful independent film productions, including works by Angus McLaughlin, Spike Lee, Ramin Bahrani, David Gordon Green, Matthew Weiner, George Clooney, and Nicholas Sparks. These films have showcased the beauty and versatility of our locations.
If you are a visiting filmmaker, we encourage you to explore our diverse and stunning locations, which could be the perfect fit for your next film! For more information, please visit our website and feel free to contact us during your stay at www.piedmontfilm.com.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Clark, Executive Director, Piedmont Triad Film Commission
Deborah LaVine
Rebecca Clark
OUR LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dean Culler, President
Mary Dossinger, Treasurer
Ann Gauthreaux
Rob Hartley
Connor Higgins
Greg Knouse
Gracie Rodgers
Shannon Rosato, Secretary
Ron Stacker Thompson, Vice President
Angela Stewart
Alyson Williams
OUR TEAM
Christine Amen – Gift Bag Procurement
Kelsey Basciano-Dye – Panel Moderator
Kim Cain – Events Coordinator
Rob Cotter – Gift Bag Procurement
Max Cullen – Director, Operations and Marketing
Dean Culler – Events Coordinator
Mary Dossinger – Festival Guide Editor/Box Office Coordinator
Dr. Chad E. Harris – Curator, Short Films/Panel Moderator
ADVISORY BOARD
Mohammed Shaik Hussain Ali
Marisa Calin
Crystal Chappell
Barney Cheng
Nicole Conn
Rob Davis
Eden Lane
Kerry Michelle O’Brien
Del Shores
Matt Jones – Technical Director
Jill Petras – Events Coordinator
Shannon Rosato – Promo Reel Creator
Alice Sanders – Program Book Designer
Eric Self – Exhibition Coordinator
Angela Stewart –Transportation Coordinator
Ron Stacker Thompson –Panel Moderator
Rex Welton – Executive Director
Greg Wright – Festival Guide Production
FESTIVAL GUESTS
Odu Adamu
Director/Producer, Who Am I Becoming, Brooklyn, NY
Howard Affandi Juror, Winston-Salem, NC
Marina Rice Bader
Moderator, Lexington, KY
Kelsey Basciano-Dye
Moderator, Norwalk, CT
Mauro Carvalho
Director, The Senator, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Kimberly Chesser
Co-Creator/Executive Producer and Co-Star, Oscar Wilde About America, New York, NY
Jane Clark
Director/Writer, Witchy Ways, Los Angeles, CA
Emerson Collins
Smoke Breaks, Program Director, Del Shores Foundation, West Hollywood, CA
Alicia Coppola
Director, And You Are…?, Los Angeles, CA
Deborah Craig Director, Sally, Berkeley, CA
Julie Crawford
Juror, Greensboro, NC
Alex Engle
Actor/Writer, Twenty-Nine Again, Los Angeles, CA
Juan Pablo Di Pace
Actor/Director, Duino, Los Angeles, CA
Liam Gardner
Actor, Smoke Breaks, New Orleans, LA
Camryn Garrett
Director, Easy Way Out, Brooklyn, NY
Sergio Harger
Actor, The Senator, Brasilia, Brazil
Chad E. Harris
Curator, Short Films/Moderator, Johnson City, TN/Roanoke, VA
Marem Hassler
Actress, Witchy Ways, Paris, France/ Zurich, Switzerland
Randy Jones
Actor/Singer, Oscar Wilde About America, New York, NY/Orlando, FL
Sushi Keywest
Oscar Wilde About America
Key West, FL
Ed LeClaire
Associate Producer, Artists at the Edge, Kingsport, TN
Elinore LeClaire
Associate Producer, Artists at the Edge, Kingsport, TN
Mekhai Lee
Juror, Brooklyn, NY
Isabella Lenchik Juror, Winston-Salem, NC
Alex McFry
Director/Producer/Writer, Twenty-Nine Again, Los Angeles, CA
William Mettlach
Director/Writer, Smoke Breaks, Pensacola, FL
Shehryar Mir
Director/Writer, Non Slut, Islamabad, Pakistan
Oscar Morgan Actor, Duino, London, England
Chad Phillps Juror, Greensboro, NC
Leah Raidt
Director/Producer, Lee Baby, Chicago, IL
Sridhar Rangayan
Director, Dreams Such As Ours, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Enrique Rosario
Director/Producer/Co-Choreographer, The Dream, Winston-Salem, NC
Payton Royce
Director/Producer/Subject, Who Am I Becoming, Las Vegas, NV
Del Shores
Smoke Breaks, President, Del Shores Foundation, Los Angeles, CA
Zachary Smith
Director/Co-writer, Right Here, Los Angeles, CA
Josef (Joe) Steiff
Director/Co-Producer, Emerald City, Mount Pleasant, WI
James Andrew Walsh
Director, Oscar Wilde About America, Juror, Westerly, Rhode Island
Alyson Williams
Actor/Singer, Oscar Wilde About America, Winston-Salem, NC
SHORTS
SELECTED SHORTS PREVIEW NIGHT
Thursday, October 3, 7:00 pm | WFU Byrum Welcome Center | 1834 Wake Forest Rd. Winston-Salem NC 27109 | 56 mins
AND YOU ARE...?
Directed and written by Alicia Coppola | USA | English | Narrative Short | 18 mins
And you are...? is the most unlikely of buddy films: Lynn, a grandmother suffering from Alzheimer’s only has the past to prove she exists. Her grandson Max, desperately wants to erase his past as it never proved his true existence.
ARTISTS AT THE EDGE
Directed by Patrick A. Riviere USA | English | Documentary Short | 38 mins
A short documentary film about two remarkable Provincetown queer artists who each found themselves six feet from stardom: Kenny Lockwood, a painter, musician, and herbologist, and Darlene Van Alstyne, a singer, dancer, and actress.
– Danny Boyle
FEATURE FILMS FEATURE FILMS
YOUNG HEARTS - Opening Night Film
Friday, October 4, 7:00 pm | Hanesbrands Theatre
Directed by Anthony Schatteman
Belgium/Netherlands | 2024 | Dutch/English/French/German | Narrative Feature | 97 mins
Fourteen-year-old Elias feels attracted to his new teenage neighbor, Alexander. Soon he realizes that he’s truly in love for the first time. The interactions with his friends and family bring more questions than answers. Confused by his burgeoning feelings, Elias tries to sort out his inner chaos to prove that he is worth Alexander’s heart.
LESVIA
Saturday, October 5, 12:00 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex
Directed by Tzeli Hadjidimitriou
Greece | 2024 | English/French/Greek/Italian | Documentary Feature | 77 mins
Since the 1970s, lesbians from around the world have been drawn to the island of Lesvos, birthplace of the ancient Greek poet Sappho. When they find paradise in a local village and carve out their own lesbian community, tensions simmer with the local residents. With both groups claiming ownership of lesbian identity, filmmaker Tzeli Hadjidimitriou—a native and lesbian herself—is caught in the middle while chronicling 40+ years of love, community, conflict, and what it means to feel accepted.
FEATURE FILMS
QUEEN TUT
Saturday, October 5, 12:30 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex
Directed by Reem Morsi
Canada | 2023 | Arabic/English | Narrative Feature | 99 mins
Following the death of his mother, a 17-year-old Egyptian teenager, Nabil, relocates to Toronto to live with his estranged father, Iskander, an eminent architect. In his exploration of the city, he meets Malibu, a trans elder, fighting alone against the possible demolition of her haven, Mandy’s, a drag nightclub. Nabil is reminded of his mother, a seamstress and fashion designer, when he learns that Malibu sews all her outfits, and asks Malibu to teach him his mother’s craft.
SUNFLOWER
Saturday, October 5, 2:00 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex
Directed by Gabriel Carrubba
Australia | 2023 | English | Narrative Feature | 84 mins
In the outer suburbs of Melbourne, seventeen-year-old Leo leads a seemingly typical life. Amidst hanging out with friends, bickering with his Italian family, going to school, and making out with his girlfriend, Monique, Leo guards a secret he’s afraid to confront. As Leo grapples with his inner turmoil, he finds himself unexpectedly drawn to his best friend, Boof, and a boy at school, Tom. These newfound feelings force Leo to confront his true desires and come to terms with his identity. Everything changes when rumors about Leo’s sexuality begin to circulate shattering his once stable world. Faced with the fear of rejection from those closest to him, Leo must navigate the uncertain waters of acceptance and love. This film will be preceded by the short film Park Life, see page 30.
FEATURE FILMS
SALLY!
Saturday, October 5, 3:30 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex
Directed by Deborah Alice Craig, Jörg Fockele, Ondine Rarey USA | 2024 | English | Documentary Feature | 96 mins
Sally Gearhart was a lesbian-feminist firebrand, professor, and fantasy author who spearheaded the 1970s and 80s U.S. lesbian feminist movement. This fantastic documentary peels back the proverbial (and patriarchal) layers to reveal the collectivist reality behind our heroine’s story while exploring the complex relationship between spokeswomen like Sally and movements for social change, as well as the collective (if chaotic) nature of revolutionary movements and their icons. This film will be preceded by the short film Seat 31: Zooey Zephyr, see page 30.
Director Deborah Alice
Craig will be in attendance for the Q&A.
DREAMS SUCH AS OURS (KUCH SAPNEY APNE)
Saturday, October 5, 4:30 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex
Directed by Sridhar Rangayan & Saagar Gupta
India/Sweden | 2024 | English/Hindi | Narrative Feature | 121 mins
Kartik & Aman’s relationship is tested when one of them has a fling which leads to a domestic spat. Kartik’s parents’ relationship breaks apart as well. Will these two couples ever be able to resolve their differences? Will their relationships stand the test of time? Kuch Sapney Apne is a sensitive and heartwarming film about relationships, queer or not, and what happens when relationships are challenged by uncomfortable truths. This feature is a sequel to the Hindi feature film, Evening Shadows, which won 27 awards & screened at 82 film festivals, including twice at OUT at the Movies.
Director Sridhar Rangayan will be in attendance for a Q&A
SHORTS PROGRAM 1
Contemplative
Stories 1 4 2 5 3
Saturday, October 5, 1 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex | 99 mins
IN THE CLOSET
Directed and written by Vannah Smalley | USA | English | Narrative Short | 20 mins
Quinn, while cleaning out their childhood closet, reflects on the keepsakes they associate with their gender identity struggle. We watch, from the closet, a series of flashbacks that results in their decision to identify as trans and achieve that gender euphoria they’ve been searching for.
Student Film–University of Alabama First-Time Filmmaker
TWENTY-NINE AGAIN
Directed by Alex McFry | Written by Alex McFry & Alex Engel | USA | English | Narrative Short | 14 mins
In the early hours of the morning after ringing in his birthday, shy-boy Harrison attempts to find a moment of peace in his backyard… until his high-energy sister Frankie shows up for an early birthday surprise.
LIFELINE
Directed by Shaun Heard-Mckoy & Edwin Walker | Written by Shaun Heard-Mckoy & Shannon Clark | USA | English | Narrative Short | 14 mins
Marcus has lived life with the weight of the world on his shoulders, and it
all comes crashing down when he terrifyingly contemplates suicide in a game of Russian roulette. Content warning: Content warning: This film depicts discussions of suicide and suicidal ideation.
JEANNE
Directed and written by Léo Holderbaum | France | French | Narrative Short | 30 mins
Jeanne, a 22-year-old woman, recounts her life in a letter to her parents. On the path to accepting her trans identity, she will meet Franck, a seemingly xenophobic man, whose confidante she will unwillingly become. Content warning: This film includes an implied death by suicide.
RIGHT HERE
Directed by Zachary Smith | Written by Zachary Smith & N’yomi Stewart | USA | English | Narrative Short | 21 mins
As their lives intertwine, a trans woman and a drug dealer discover that blood doesn’t mean family; it’s where you feel loved.
Filmed in Winston-Salem
Q&A to follow.
2 3 4 5 1
OUR SPONSORS
SHORTS PROGRAM 2
Relationship
Stories 2 3 1 1 4 2 5 7 6 3 5 7 4
Saturday, October 5, 4:00 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex | 108 mins
EMERALD CITY
Directed by Josef Steiff | Written by David Bobrow | USA | English | Narrative Short | 21 mins
Two young men cross paths on the back roads of the American Southwest and, despite their different backgrounds, find common ground along the border.
KORDOVERO 22
Directed and written by Gal Primack Najari | Israel | Hebrew | Narrative Short | 18 mins
Two men meet through a screen and struggle to get closer in an impossible pre-written reality. First-Time Filmmaker
LEE BABY
Directed by Leah Raidt | Written by Eli Sulkowski | USA | English | Narrative Short | 14 mins
Lee, a trans man, and his wife, Charlie, are smack dab in the middle of creating a family. Insecurities, hormone imbalances, loss of bodily autonomy, and the exhaustion of new parenthood test the limits of this resilient queer couple. First-Time Filmmaker
COFFEE GRAPEFRUIT CACAO
Directed and written by Dominique Preusse | France | French | Narrative Short | 24 mins
Samuel used to form a couple with Laetitia before she left him for Gaëlle. Today he’s been invited to their home. Together, they will try to perform an act of love.
RIPE!
Directed and written by Tusk | USA/ Spain | Catalan/English/Spanish | Narrative Short | 18 mins
Nothing says “it’s complicated” like breaking your crush’s arm.
SEE YOU IN THE FALL
Directed by Ainsley Wiseman | Written by Ambar Tavarez | USA | English | Narrative Short | 8 mins
Leo comes over to Greyson’s house for a sleepover. They enjoy each other’s company, mentioning the future of college and adulthood that is coming. When Greyson kisses Leo, he is rejected, and neither of them know what to do.
Student Film–UNCSA First-Time Filmmaker
THE DREAM: A LOVE STORY
Directed and written by Enrique Rosario | USA | English | Narrative Short | 5 mins
Two people meet for the first time, and they get transported into the life that could be possible for them.
First-Time Filmmaker, Filmed in Winston-Salem
Q&A to follow.
FEATURE FILMS
OSCAR WILDE ABOUT AMERICA - Centerpiece Screening
Saturday, October 5, 7:00 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex
Directed by James Andrew Walsh
USA/UK | 2024 | English | 98 mins | Hybrid Feature
Oscar Wilde About America reimagines Wilde’s 1882 American tour as a present day cross-country roadtrip. This big-hearted romp from New York City to Hollywood, CA leads Oscar to the queer joy, love, and liberation that eluded him 141 years ago, with the attendant themes of diversity, identity, and inclusion beautifully expressed in the film’s original song, “Be Yourself, Everyone Else Is Taken”, based on one of Wilde’s most popular quotes. Filmed in London and in multiple locations across the United States (including Winston-Salem!), the film stars West End star Oscar Conlon-Morrey as Oscar Wilde, and features film/tv/stage veterans Rosemary Harris and Kate Burton.
Director James Andrew Walsh, Executive Producer Kimberly Chesser, and Actor/ Performers Randy Jones, Alyson Williams and Sushi Keywest will be in attendance for the Q&A.
This film is sponsored by the Winston-Salem streaming series Gin & Platonic.
LADY LIKE
Saturday, October 5, 7:30 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex
Directed by Luke Willis
USA/UK | 2024 | English | 88 mins | Documentary Feature
London-born San Francisco-based drag queen Lady Camden is catapulted into the spotlight when she becomes a contestant on season 14 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. As she struggles to manage the demands of her newfound fame, she must come to terms with a traumatic childhood in Camden that drove her to seek joy, fantasy, and escape through the performing arts.
Friday, October 4
| 424 4th St
Sunday, October 6
UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex
WORKSHOP: “BOOTSTRAPPING YOUR FILM PRODUCTION” FOR EMERGING ARTISTS 1pm | Archives Theatre | 120 mins ALL SHALL BE WELL
1:30pm | Main Theatre | 93 mins SHORTS 3: DOCUMENTARY STORIES 2pm | Babcock Theatre | 91 mins THE WORLD ACCORDING TO ALLEE WILLIS 3:30pm | Archives Theatre | 99mins
WORKSHOP
WORKSHOP: “BOOTSTRAPPING YOUR FILM PRODUCTION” FOR EMERGING ARTISTS
Sunday, October 6, 1:00 pm. | UNCSA Archives Theatre | 120 mins
A free community workshop for new and emerging filmmakers, industry professionals in town for the festival will overview a production framework that teaches techniques and tips they’ve utilized in their own career. The framework would cover baseline creative and practical topics ranging from: screenwriting “hacks,” strategies and tools to raise funding, legal compliance 101, creative cost cutting, and paths to distribution and monetization. The workshop will include a screening of past Emerging Artist Film Grant winning films, with participation from the past winners.
VISIT US AT 104 WEST FOURTH STREET
FEATURE FILMS
HIGH TIDE
Sunday, October 6, 1:00 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex
Directed by Marco Calvani
USA | 2024 | English/Portuguese | 101 mins | Narrative Feature
Lourenço, a Brazilian immigrant whose visa is nearing the end, finds himself heartbroken and adrift when his American boyfriend unexpectedly leaves him alone in Provincetown with fleeting promises of his return. Enveloped by the beauty and magic of the seaside community, he grows distressed by the day as his once hopeful future has dimmed into an emotional and physical state of limbo. When he meets Maurice, they form an unexpected connection. Together, they begin to find acceptance while they struggle to reconcile their uncertain futures. This film is preceded by the short film Smoke Breaks , see page 30.
Director/writer William Mettlach, Actor Liam Gardner, Del Shores, President, Del Shores Foundation and Emerson Collins, Program Director, Del Shores Foundation will be in attendance for a Q&A for Smoke Breaks.
ALL SHALL BE WELL (CONG JIN YIHOU)
Sunday, October 6, 1:30 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex
Directed by Ray Yeung
Hong Kong/China | 2024 | Cantonese | 93 mins | Narrative Feature
Angie and Pat, a couple in their 60’s, have been a happy and wealthy lesbian couple for the last 30 years in Hong Kong. Their friends and relatives respect and adore their relationship. When Pat suddenly passes away, Angie receives comfort from her friends and from Pat’s family as well. But soon, disputes over Pat’s funeral and estate cause a rift between Angie and Pat’s family. Angie has no legal claim to the flat and must depend on the fading kindness of Pat’s family. Even though they split costs equally, Pat was the one who handled all financial details of their life together. With the help of her chosen family, Angie must start a journey of self-reliance.
Upgrade your small talk.
“When people ask me if I went to film school I tell them, ‘no, I went to films’.”
– Quentin Tarantino
SHORTS PROGRAM 3
Sunday, October 6, 2:00 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex | 91 mins
QUEER NEW ORLEANS: A JOURNEY BEYOND BOURBON STREET
Directed by Zoe Ariella Lang | USA | English | 12 mins
Queer New Orleans: A Journey Beyond Bourbon Street seeks to celebrate the amazing people and spaces that make the queer community in New Orleans so special. It explores three locations: Alma Cafe, The Allways Lounge and Cabaret, and Grrl Spot.
Student Film–Tulane University
First-Time Filmmaker
HOW TO CARRY WATER
Directed by Sasha Wortzel | USA | English | 15 mins
This punk rock fairytale doubles as a portrait of Shoog McDaniel—a fat, queer, and disabled photographer working in and around northern Florida’s vast network of freshwater springs, the state’s source of precious drinking water.
PUP PERFECT (Director’s Cut)
Directed and written by Henry Baker | USA | English | 17 mins
Explore the world of gay/queer human Pups, a subculture that evolved from the gay leather community and now thrives in tandem.
Documentary Stories 1 4 2 5 6 3 2 3 5 6 1 4
THE CALLERS
Directed by Lindsey Dryden | UK/USA | English | 20 mins
Since 1974, listening volunteers at LGBT Switchboard have been taking anonymous calls and messages from queer people across Britain, on everything from where to find the nearest leather club to how to come out, start a family, or mend a broken heart.
WHO AM I BECOMING
Directed by Payton Royce & Odu Adamu | Written by Payton Royce | USA | English | 12 mins
Who Am I Becoming is a visual journal chronicling Payton Royce’s early stages of gender transition through to gender affirming surgery.
First-Time Filmmaker
MnM
Directed by Twiggy Pucci Garçon | USA | English | 15 mins
MnM is an exuberant portrait of chosen sisters Mermaid and Milan, two emerging runway divas in the drag ballroom community.
First-Time Filmmaker
Q&A to follow.
FEATURE FILMS
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO ALLEE WILLIS
Sunday, October 6, 3:30 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex
Directed by Alexis Manya Spraic
USA | 2024 | English | 99 minutes | Documentary Feature
Take one look at award-winning songwriter/artist Allee Willis and you see someone unafraid to be themselves. Dressed in a cacophony of prints and colors, her signature asymmetrical haircut and famed parties at her real-life Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Allee didn’t waste any opportunity to tell you what she was about. But privately, Allee struggled with not fitting established gender and sexual norms. She buried herself in her work, until true love manifested her ultimate masterpiece–self-acceptance. Allee began filming her life in 1950s Detroit and never stopped. This film is the realization of her wish that her “final art piece be someone putting together the trail I have left behind.”
WHAT A FEELING
Sunday, October 6, 4:00 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex
Directed by Kat Rohrer
Austria | 2024 | English/German/Persian | 110 minutes | Narrative Feature
Marie Theres has a seemingly perfect life. She’s a successful doctor, has been happily married to her husband for 20 years, has a spirited teenage daughter, and lives in a beautiful home. Then it all falls apart. Her husband leaves, her daughter rebels, she gets suspended from the hospital, and her friends abandon her. That’s when she meets Fa, a confident, independent, free-spirited Iranian woman who runs her own business. They couldn’t be more different, yet they’re totally attracted to each other. Can they become a perfect couple?
FEATURE FILMS
THE SENATOR
Sunday, October 6, 4:30 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex
Directed by Mauro Carvalho
Brazil | 2024 | Portuguese | 85 mins | Narrative Feature
Senator Arthur Alencar leads a double life. To the media and his constituents, he is a family man and a champion of morality and good behavior. Behind the scenes, he is involved in corruption and maintains a male lover, the young Renan. However, everything changes when Renan meets Victor, a bold journalist who will stop at nothing to expose the senator.
Director Mauro Carvalho and Actor Sergio Harger will be in attendance for the Q&A.
WITCHY WAYS
Sunday, October 6, 6:45 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex
Directed by Jane Clark
USA | 2024 | English | 94 minutes | Narrative Feature
Director Jane Clark (Meth Head, Crazy Bitches) comes to OUT at the Movies with a supernatural rom-com inspired by Practical Magic; a witches’ brew of comedy, romance and genre that fuse into one magical ride.
Eve (Diora Baird) quits the rat race and heads to a cabin to rediscover herself. There she finds herself falling for dynamic property owner, Danni (Marem Hassler). As they grow closer, Danni confesses she is a witch, but Eve soon finds out there’s a more ghosty secret that could destroy their future together. Co-starring Candis Cayne, Marc Price, David Fumero and Alexandra Barton.
Director Jane Clark and Actress Marem Hassler will be in attendance for the Q&A which will be moderated by Marina Rice Bader.
SHORTS PROGRAM 4
Farcical, Aesthetic & Comedic Stories
Sunday, October 6, 5:00 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex | 69 mins
HAPPY BIRTHGAY (HOMOLEDET)
Directed and written by Niv Manzur | Israel | Hebrew | 16 mins
A mom throws her son a grandiose surprise BirthGay party, celebrating a year of his coming out of the closet. First-Time Filmmaker
MATINEE BABY
Directed and written by Thom Hilton | USA | English | 19 mins
In this raunchy and outlandish queer comedy, best friends Robby and NoahLee—employees at Portland’s historic Clinton Street Theater—find themselves confronted by a parade of increasingly wacky, genre-tinged suitors.
EASY WAY OUT
Student Film–UNCSA 1 3 2 4 5
NON SLUT
Directed and written by Shehryar Mir | USA | English | 12 mins
An insecure man attempts to ride out an unusual dating experiment, surrounded by the temptations of a raunchy queer party.
Directed and written by Camryn Garrett | USA | English | 6 mins
Twenty-something New Yorker Grace frequently lies about being a lesbian in order to deflect catcalls or unwanted pickup-lines.
HALF MOON MOTEL
Directed by Camilla Zaidee Bennett | USA | English | 16 mins
Two guests at a small-town motel, a cam girl with an unrequited crush on her best friend and a hopeless romantic excited to meet his online girlfriend, find their lives crossing paths as they try to navigate the messy new world of online love.
Q&A to follow.
FEATURE FILMS
DUINO - Closing Night Film
Sunday, October 6, 7:00 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex
Directed by Juan Pablo Di Pace & Andrés Pepe Estrada Argentina/Italy/USA | 2024 | English/Spanish | 108 mins | Narrative Feature Matias, an Argentine filmmaker in his forties, is struggling to finish a movie inspired by the memory of his elusive first love, Alexander, a Swedish friend he met at an international school in the 90’s. Tenderness and fascination define their strong friendship, which is short-lived when Alexander is expelled from school, leaving young Matias with an unresolved story and multiple undeclared emotions. 25 years later, Matias decides to reopen Pandora’s box as he comes face-to-face with Alexander. This film is a visual and emotional tour de force, celebrating friendship, love, and the sensitive, impressionable nature of growing up.
Director and lead actor Juan Pablo Di Pace and actor Oscar Morgan will be in attendance for the Q&A.
FESTIVAL JURORS
NARRATIVE JURORS
Narrative Jurors will Choose:
Best Directing, Best Narrative, Best Screenwriting, Best Performance in a Leading Role, Best Performance in a Supporting Role
Howard Affandi is a rising junior at the UNCSA School of Filmmaking, concentrating in the producing discipline. His work examines the interplay between reality and fiction, and is heavily inspired by social theory. He aims to connect with audiences through excavating the depths of specific moments in the human experience. Born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, Howard has been passionate about storytelling from an early age and first expressed this through drawing mini-comics. Eventually, he graduated to acting and directing theater through high school but had not considered filmmaking until his admission to UNCSA. When he’s not thinking about stories, Howard loves trying new things and exploring existential conundrums.
Julie wrote a weekly film column for newspapers in her native Vancouver for over 25 years and is a member of the Vancouver Film Critics Circle and a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. Locally, she wrote for the Greensboro News & Record and reviewed films as “the Canadian Critic” on Rock 92. Julie has interviewed directors and actors such as Ryan Reynolds, Helena Bonham-Carter and the late Christopher Plummer, and is a veteran of the Vancouver, Whistler and Toronto Film Festivals. She’s thrilled to be adding OUT at the Movies to the list!
Mekhai Lee is a Proud graduate of the Drama program at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Upon graduation, after a series of performances on and off-Broadway and in Broadway National Tours, Mekhai co-created, wrote, directed, and produced an original webseries entitled “Fortheboys” to much acclaim, including placements in renowned LGBTQ film festivals OutfestLA and Newfest, eventually catching the eye of Executive Producer Colman Domingo’s production company Edith Productions, and Pretty Matches Productions co-owned by Sarah Jessica Parker. Mekhai was the second recipient of the HBO Director’s Fellow Program on “Succession” shadowing episode directors Lorene Scafaria and Mark Mylod as well as a member of Ryan Murphy’s Half-Initiative Director Program. Using his unique voice and personal experience, Mekhai is moved to tell stories that show the depth of humanity, and how our connection to the people around us help us further connect to ourselves. Mekhai is repped by the Gersh Agency and Insight Management, and is passionate about directing in both the film and theatrical mediums.
Howard Affandi
Julie Crawford
Mekhai Lee
DOCUMENTARY and SHORTS JURORS
Documentary Jurors will Choose:
Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short, Best Narrative Short, Best Performance in a Short
Hey, my name is Isabella Lenchik. I am a Junior at the Savannah College of Art and Design where I am studying Film and Television. I am looking forward to being apart of the documentary jury and learning more about film making. I am excited to be involved in a queer film festival and hope to see the industry become more inclusive. My favorite genre of film is comedy and I hope to one day be a director and screenwriter.
Chad Phillips is a Film professor at Guilford College, and teaches courses in film appreciation, documentary production, and queer cinema. As a filmmaker, Chad has directed several LGBTQ documentary shorts and the feature Tarheels & Short Skirts, chronicling the Miss NC USofA pageant in 2003. He also previously served as Director of the Carolina Film and Video Festival (2002-2006) and looks forward to participating in the festival circuit again with OUT at the Movies!
A 2019 Cannes Silver Lions award winner, James co-created and directed “Oscar Wilde About America”, starring Oscar Conlon-Morrey, Academy Award, Golden Globe and Tony nominees and winners Rosemary Harris, Kate Burton, Christine Pedi, and Michael Childers. He wrote and directed the award-winning “Jimmy and Carolyn”, starring TV and stage veterans Gregory Harrison and Mary Beth Peil, and the awardwinning “The Extinction of Fireflies”, starring Tony nominee, Drama Desk winner Michael Urie, two-time Olivier Award winner Tracie Bennett, and Drew Droege. James directed the award-winning immersive theatre piece “As Much As I Can” at the Public Theater in NYC. He is the Grand Prize recipient at the Rhode Island Film Festival for his teleplay, “The Gods of Newport”. James is the co-creator/executive producer of “Murder at the Breakers” on the Hallmark Mysteries Channe. While at Warner Bros, James executive produced the ABC miniseries “A Fearful Joy: The Mother Teresa Story”. He is a Columbia University graduate who lives in Los Angeles and NYC—and his beloved home in Westerly, RI.
Isabella Lenchik
Chad Phillips
James Walsh
ADDITIONAL SHORTS
Shorts
that precede
Feature
Films 1 2 3
SMOKE BREAKS
Directed and written by William Mettlach | USA | English | Narrative Short | 12 mins
After a three month stale period, Roger and Leon are at a period of indifference with each other. They aren’t particularly in love nor do they hate each other. After doing the hair of one of his quirky regulars named Deloris, Leon goes on a smoke break with his coworker and confidant Cece. Cece in turn, offers him a tarot reading and provides Leon with insight that will leave he and Roger’s relationship forever changed. First-Time Filmmaker
SEAT 31: ZOOEY ZEPHYR
Directed by Kimberly Reed | USA | English | Documentary Short | 15 mins
After Zooey Zephyr was expelled from the Montana House of Representatives for defending transgender medical care, she made a nearby bench her “office.”
PARK LIFE
Directed by Marco De Luca | Written by Adam Silver | UK | English | Narrative Short | 13 mins
Noah and Medhi weren’t expecting to make any real connections when they encountered one another cruising in a park. But what starts as a meaningless and transactional hookup soon blossoms into something unexpectedly romantic and meaningful.
2 3 1
“Every time I go to a movie, it’s magic, no matter what the movie’s about.”
– Steven Spielberg
OUT AT THE MOVIES INTERNATIONAL FILM
FESTIVAL SCREENING COMMITTEE
Tab Ballis
Susan Brittain
Marisa Calin
Doug Chapman
Brigith Davila
Garry DunnLightbourne
Jennifer Echevarria
Ginny Genung
Chase Hanes
THANK YOU!
Chad Harris
Mat Hayes
Marty Hogan
Kendra Johnson
Judy Jordan
Jim Knight
Isabella Lenchik
Yamile McBride
Maya Mills
Gracie Rodgers
Sue Rupp
Carrie Varnedore
Ginger Walker
Julie Welsford
Rex Welton
Brenda Westhorp
Rick Wicker
LaToya Winslow
Tim Yersin
The 2024 OUT at the Movies International Film Festival would not be possible without the generous support of our donors.
Mary & Cal Adams
Frank Benedetti & Gary Trowbridge
Robert Beseda
Davide Bianchi
James Allen Broach
Stephanie Brown
Doug Chapman
Chelsea Cullen
Anne Cullen
Max Cullen
Dean Culler
Rebecca Currin & Lee Ann Manning
Rob Davis
Loretta DeLoggio
Mary Dossinger
Felipe Edminston
Tim Gupton & Brent Moore
David & Cathy Harris
Doug & Sue Henderson
Keith Hilton
Kim Hobin & Mitch Spindel
Julie & Warren Hutton
Michael Isley & Kevin Mundy
Mary Jamis
Diane Lackey
Adrienne Livengood
David Miner
Steven Montgomery
Brad Moss & Rex Welton
Festival Donors as of September 6, 2024
Louise Nixon & Christine Amen
Louise Pollard
Steve & Frances Porter
Cathy & Er Ralston
Rob Davis
Dirk Robertson & James Sands
David & Piper Shannon
Del Shores
Betty Simpson
Timothy Stickle
Howard Upchurch & John Hoemann
Bruce & Liz Walley
Rick Wicker & Jim Knight
J.D. & Janie Wilson
The Future of the Arts is Now!
Arts Council is proud to support OUT at the Movies for their 11th Annual Film Festival.
For over 75 years, Arts Council has been the chief advocate of the arts and cultural sector in WinstonSalem and Forsyth County. We serve as a leader in lifting up, creating awareness and providing support to grow and sustain artistic, cultural and creative offerings throughout our region.
into the arts.org
