2024 Digital Guide: OUT at the Movies International Film Festival

OUT AT THE MOVIES

11 TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OCTOBER 3 – 6, 2024

OUTATTHEMOVIES.ORG

Welcome to the Eleventh Annual

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!

Rex Welton

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.

Max Cullen

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

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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.

Allen Joines

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.

Kevin Mundy

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

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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.

Deborah LaVine

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.

Rebecca Clark

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

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OUR LEADERSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ADVISORY BOARD

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

Mohammed Shaik Hussain Ali Marisa Calin Crystal Chappell Barney Cheng Nicole Conn Rob Davis Eden Lane Kerry Michelle O’Brien Del Shores

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

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

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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

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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...?

ARTISTS AT THE EDGE

Directed and written by Alicia Coppola | USA | English | Narrative Short | 18 mins

Directed by Patrick A. Riviere USA | English | Documentary Short | 38 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.

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.

This screening will be followed by a Q&A and a free reception with food and drink.

“To be a filmmaker, you have to lead. You have to be psychotic in your desire to do something. People always like the easy route. You have to push very hard to get something unusual, something different.”

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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.

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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.

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Lights, Camera, Support! womblebonddickinson.com

LGBTQIA+ equality matter to you—and to us. Knowing our individual differences make us a more powerful whole, we support OUT at the Movies International Film Festival.

Womble Bond Dickinson is the trade name of Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP and Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP. For more information, please see www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/legal-notices. One West 4th Street, Winston-Salem, NC US 27101 ©2024 Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP

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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

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SHORTS PROGRAM 1 Contemplative Stories Saturday, October 5, 1 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex | 99 mins

1 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

2 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.

3 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

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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.

4 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.

5 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.

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OUR SPONSORS

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SHORTS PROGRAM 2 Relationship Stories Saturday, October 5, 4:00 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex | 108 mins

1 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.

2 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

3 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

4 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.

5 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.

6 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

7 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.

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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.

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NARRATIVE

DOCUMENTARY

PARTY

SHORTS

Thursday, October 3 7 pm 7:30 pm

FREE FESTIVAL SHORTS PREVIEW SCREENING 7pm | WAKE FOREST BYRUM THEATRE | 1834 Wake Forest Rd 56 mins | Q&A to follow

8 pm

FREE RECEPTION TO FOLLOW

Parties

8:30 pm

FESTIVAL AFTER PARTY RECEPTION 9pm | STEM | 626 West 4th St

Saturday, October 5 UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex 12 pm

LESVIA

12:30 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm

12pm | Gold Theatre | 77 mins

QUEEN TUT

SHORTS 1: CONTEMPLATIVE STORIES

12:30pm | Main Theatre | 99 mins

2 pm

SUNFLOWER

2:30 pm

1pm | Babcock Theatre | 99 mins

2pm | Gold Theatre | 97 min

3 pm 3:30 pm 4 pm 4:30 pm

SALLY 3:30pm | Main Theatre | 111 mins

5 pm

DREAMS SUCH AS OURS 4:30pm | Gold Theatre | 121 min

5:30 pm

SHORTS 2: RELATIONSHIP STORIES 4pm | Babcock Theatre | 108 min

6 pm 6:30 pm 7 pm 7:30 pm 8 pm

Parties

8:30 pm

CENTERPIECE SCREENING: OSCAR WILDE ABOUT AMERICA 7pm | Main Theatre | 98 mins

LADY LIKE 7:30 pm | Gold Theatre | 88 min

CENTERPIECE RECEPTION 9pm | Sage & Salt Bistro | 300 South Liberty Street

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WORKSHOP

2024 OUT at the Movies International Film Festival Schedule Friday, October 4

YOUNG HEARTS 7pm | HANESBRANDS THEATRE | 209 North Spruce St | 97 mins

OPENING NIGHT PARTY 9pm | Young Cardinal | 424 4th St

Sunday, October 6 UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex

HIGH TIDE ALL SHALL BE WELL 1:30pm | Main Theatre | 93 mins

1pm | Gold Theatre | 101 mins

SHORTS 3: DOCUMENTARY STORIES 2pm | Babcock Theatre | 91 mins

THE SENATOR 4:30pm | Main Theatre | 85 mins

1pm | Archives Theatre | 120 mins THE WORLD ACCORDING TO ALLEE WILLIS

WHAT A FEELING 4pm | Gold Theatre | 110 mins

WORKSHOP: “BOOTSTRAPPING YOUR FILM PRODUCTION” FOR EMERGING ARTISTS

SHORTS 4: FARCICAL, AESHTETIC & COMEDIC STORIES

3:30pm | Archives Theatre | 99mins

5pm | Babcock Theatre | 69 mins WITCHY WAYS DUINO 7pm | Main Theatre | 108 mins

6:45pm | Gold Theatre | 94 mins

CLOSING NIGHT AWARDS PARTY 9pm | Six Hundredº | 450 N Patterson Ave Ste 120

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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.

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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.

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Upgrade your small talk.

“When people ask me if I went to film school I tell them, ‘no, I went to films’.”

Public Radio for the Piedmont and High Country

– Quentin Tarantino

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SHORTS PROGRAM 3 Documentary Stories Sunday, October 6, 2:00 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex | 91 mins

NEW ORLEANS: A 1 QUEER 4 THE CALLERS JOURNEY BEYOND BOURBON

Directed by Lindsey Dryden | UK/USA | English | 20 mins

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

2 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.

3 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.

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.

5 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

6 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.

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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?

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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.

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SHORTS PROGRAM 4 Farcical, Aesthetic & Comedic Stories Sunday, October 6, 5:00 pm | UNCSA ACE Theatre Complex | 69 mins

BIRTHGAY 1 HAPPY (HOMOLEDET)

4 EASY WAY OUT

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

2 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.

3 NON SLUT

Directed and written by Shehryar Mir | USA | English | 12 mins

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.

MOON MOTEL 5 HALF 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.

Student Film–UNCSA

Q&A to follow.

An insecure man attempts to ride out an unusual dating experiment, surrounded by the temptations of a raunchy queer party.

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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.

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24 | 25 Highlights

Rhapsody in Blue Ray Ushikubo Piano plus Brahms & Strauss

Sep 21 & 22

Expansive Soundscapes Dvořák & Nielsen Sterling Elliott Cello

Nov 16 & 17

A Chamber Serenade Britten & Mozart Karim Sulayman Tenor

Mar 8 & 9

TITAN Sarah Kirkland Snider Mahler Symphony No 1 Michelle Merrill Conductor

May 10 & 11

Tickets & Flex Packages On Sale Now wssymphony.org 336.464.0145 Experience Music in a New Way WIN STO N S A L E M SYM P H ON Y

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336.558.5214 • igc-creative.com 939 Burke Street . Winston-Salem . NC 27101 OUT at the Movies International Film Festival 2024 | 27

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 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 Crawford 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 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.

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DOCUMENTARY and SHORTS JURORS

Documentary Jurors will Choose: Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short, Best Narrative Short, Best Performance in a Short

Isabella Lenchik 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 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!

James Walsh 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. OUT at the Movies International Film Festival 2024 | 29

ADDITIONAL SHORTS Shorts that precede Feature Films

1 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

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2 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.”

LIFE 3 PARK 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.

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“Every time I go to a movie, it’s magic, no matter what the movie’s about.”

– Steven Spielberg

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OUT AT THE MOVIES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SCREENING COMMITTEE Tab Ballis

Chad Harris

Gracie Rodgers

Susan Brittain

Mat Hayes

Sue Rupp

Marisa Calin

Marty Hogan

Carrie Varnedore

Doug Chapman

Kendra Johnson

Ginger Walker

Brigith Davila

Judy Jordan

Julie Welsford

Garry DunnLightbourne

Jim Knight

Rex Welton

Jennifer Echevarria

Isabella Lenchik

Brenda Westhorp

Yamile McBride

Rick Wicker

Maya Mills

LaToya Winslow

Ginny Genung Chase Hanes

Tim Yersin

THANK YOU!

The 2024 OUT at the Movies International Film Festival would not be possible without the generous support of our donors.

Mary & Cal Adams

Felipe Edminston

Frank Benedetti & Gary Trowbridge

Tim Gupton & Brent Moore

Robert Beseda

David & Cathy Harris

Davide Bianchi

Doug & Sue Henderson Cathy & Er Ralston

James Allen Broach

Keith Hilton

Rob Davis

Stephanie Brown

Kim Hobin & Mitch Spindel

Dirk Robertson & James Sands

Julie & Warren Hutton

David & Piper Shannon

Michael Isley & Kevin Mundy

Del Shores

Mary Jamis

Timothy Stickle

Doug Chapman Chelsea Cullen Anne Cullen Max Cullen Dean Culler Rebecca Currin & Lee Ann Manning Rob Davis Loretta DeLoggio Mary Dossinger

Diane Lackey

Louise Nixon & Christine Amen Louise Pollard Steve & Frances Porter

Betty Simpson

Adrienne Livengood

Howard Upchurch & John Hoemann

David Miner

Bruce & Liz Walley

Steven Montgomery

Rick Wicker & Jim Knight

Brad Moss & Rex Welton

J.D. & Janie Wilson

Festival Donors as of September 6, 2024 OUT at the Movies International Film Festival 2024 | 31

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

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We’re honored to support the Out at the Movies International Film Festival.

Caring for the community starts with providing support for the people who live in it. So we’re proud to work with Out at the Movies. Together, we can inspire and build better lives and communities.

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