The complete lineup for the 40th Anniversary Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival, running July 14-24th 2022, has just been announced. The 11-day festival boasts over 200 titles, comprising feature narratives, documentaries, shorts, and episodics, with work from 29 countries. Among the 42 world premieres is the Opening Night Gala presentation of Billy Porter’s directorial debut Anything’s Possible, and the Closing Night Gala of queer horror They/Them. Other special events include Outfest’s 6th Annual Trans, Nonbinary & Intersex Summit, performances by Margaret Cho and Alaska Thunderf*ck, and a 20th Anniversary screening of Todd Haynes’ Far from Heaven with Haynes, Julianne Moore, and producer Christine Vachon in attendance.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work our programming team has done to craft a lineup that celebrates the history of the LGBTQIA+ community and the art we create, and that also spotlights innovative new work that will pave the way for 40 more years of spectacular, groundbreaking queer cinema,” enthuses Mike Dougherty, Outfest’s Director of Festival Programming.
Los Angeles premieres include Sundance Audience Award winners Girl Picture, and Chase Joynt’s thrilling and genre-defying Framing Agnes, featuring Zackary Drucker, Angelica Ross, and Silas Howard. Plus Sundance favourites Sirens, a nuanced, intimate, and upbeat portrait of Lebanon’s only all-female thrash metal band, Slave to Sirens, and Brazilian family drama Mars One/Marte Um which focuses on a Black working-class family as the far-right extremist Bolsonaro prepares to take office. Berlin’s Teddy Award-winning Three Tidy Tigers Tied a Tie Tighter and Francois Ozon’s Peter von Kant will also make their LA debuts at Outfest, alongside Amanda Kramer’s Please Baby Please, a stylized, 1950s-set dismantling of gender roles starring Andrea Riseborough, Henry Melling, Karl Gluser, and Demi Moore. Selections from Tribeca include a horror romance steeped in Jewish folklore, Attachment, feature doc All Man: The International Male Story narrated by Matt Bomer and scored by Bright Light Bright Light, and Breaking the Ice, which explores a possible romance among a female hockey team.
World premieres include Stay on Board: The Leo Baker Story, a documentary exploring gender identity and the skate world, as seen through the lens of celebrated competitive skating icon Leo Baker; the UK feature Phea, a modern lesbian spin on the myth of Orpheus, starring singer and musician Sherika Sherard; Mercedes Kane’s Art and Pep, chronicling decades of LGBTQIA+ activism through the owners of iconic Chicago gay bar Sidetrack; and writer-comedian-singer Scout Durwood’s Youtopia, which sees Durwood unwittingly become the leader of a hipster millennial cult.
Outfest’s Episodics section features an advanced look at Shudder’s docuseries Queer for Fear, which explores the LGBTQIA+ influence on over a century of horror cinema; comedy special Queer Riot goes behind the scenes of a queer comedy night held in a former nun’s residence in Los Angeles; and writer-producer Des Moran premieres the first episode of his series halfsies, about six Black half-siblings who re-enter each other’s lives after a death in the family. There will also be a free sneak peek screening of the upcoming Prime Video series A League of Their Own, starring Abbi Jacobson.
The festival will spend three nights at The Ford Theater in Hollywood for Outfest Under the Stars, which combines screenings with live performances. These screenings include the world premiere of Kit Williamson’s new series Unconventional, about queer siblings in Palm Springs attempting to form a new kind of family. God Save the Queens stars RuPaul’s Drag Race superstars Alaska Thunderf**k, Laganja Estranja, and Kelly Mantle, alongside Jordan M Green as a quartet of drag queens whose personal issues land them all in the same group therapy. All four leads will be on stage for a pre-show drag performance. I Have to Laugh: Comedy Night at the Ford will begin with a live stand-up showcase featuring the cast of Queer Riot, headlined by Margaret Cho, and featuring River Butcher, Brad Loekle, Akeem Woods, and Daniel Webb, followed by a collection of some of the funniest short films in this year’s lineup.
The fest’s Platinum section—spotlighting bold innovators, renegades, and cutting edge creators of experimental LGBTQIA+ media and performance—features SXSW hit Hypochondriac by Addison Heimann, Laurence Turcotte-Fraser’s gorgeously intimate feature doc The End of Wonderland about trans adult artist Tara Emory, and a shorts showcase that includes the U.S. premiere of Yann Gonzalez’s musical horror Hideous. The Platinum section will also present the Platinum Maverick Award to writer and filmmaker Clive Barker at the REDCAT Theater in Downtown LA on Sunday, July 17th prior to a live conversation with Barker, followed by a screening of the director’s cut of Nightbreed. The Platinum Alchemy Award will also be presented on July 17th to the Queen of Bounce, Big Freedia, who will perform at the Platinum Alchemy Party at Catch One on Pico Blvd., headlining a lineup that includes 700 Bliss, Seth Bogart, Moonily, Commando, Tally T, Sevyn, Sunkee Angel, and p_a_g_o_t_o.
The 6th annual Outfest Los Angeles Trans, Nonbinary & Intersex Summit taking place on Saturday, July 23rd at the DGA Theater, will consist of three back-to-back programs. The keynote address will be given by award-winning writer and activist Raquel Willis. There will be two filmmaker perspectives on the anti-hero narrative and reproductive rights, an artist to artist conversation on intersex visibility, and a comedy showcase featuring D’Lo, Nori Reed, Jes Tom, 7g, River Butcher, and Kai.
Other special events include a live read performance of Our Lady of the Six, a script by Dominic Colón featured in the scripted podcast series Love in Gravity, a collection of queer Latinx stories written and voiced by some of today’s hottest Latinx talent. In advance of the public release of this episode, the live read will be performed by cast members Robin de Jesús, Jessica Marie Garcia, Alexia Garcia, Jason Genao, and Alycia Pascuale-Peña. Performing artist and movement expert Rashida KhanBey Miller will put on her Messy Movement workshop for feminine spectrum actors, directors, writers and producers who are curious about creating new pathways for intimacy on screen through movement.
Bill Weber and David Weissman’s 2002 documentary The Cockettes receives a 20th anniversary screening as part of Outfest’s Legacy section, alongside the heartfelt ballad of butch and trans friendship, Harry Dodge and Silas Howard’s By Hook or By Crook. The 1981 documentary following queer activists and filmmakers as they take part in the first National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, Greetings from Washington, D.C. will also be revisited along with the 2000 romantic comedy, Punks, following four friends as they search for Mr. Right, with director Patrik-Ian Polk in attendance along with members of the film’s cast. Plus the world premiere 4K restoration of French erotic classic Le Beau Mec.
40th Anniversary Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival full lineup:
OPENING NIGHT
Anything’s Possible directed by Billy Porter. USA. (World Premiere)
Two teenagers—an unflappable trans girl and a charming teenage cis boy—navigate a relationship during their last year of high school in this winning directorial debut from Billy Porter starring Eva Reign, Abubakr Ali and Renée Elise Goldsberry.
CLOSING NIGHT
They/Them directed by John Logan. USA. (World Premiere)
In this slasher horror set at an LGBTQIA+ conversion camp, several campers, led by iron-willed Jordan (Theo Germaine) and Alexandria (Quei Tann), join Owen Whistler (Kevin Bacon) for a week of queer de-programming. As the camp’s methods become increasingly more psychologically unsettling, the campers must work together to protect themselves. Stars Kevin Bacon, Anna Chlumsky, Carrie Preston, Theo Germaine, Quei Tann, Austin Crute, Monique Kim, Anna Lore, Cooper Koch, and Darwin del Fabro.
U.S. CENTERPIECE
Unidentified Objects directed by Juan Felipe Zuleta. USA.
A lonely dwarf and his unstable, alien-obsessed neighbor are thrown together on an impossible road trip that will alter their strange friendship (and their sense of reality) forever. Stars Matthew August Jeffers, Sarah Hay, Roberta Colindrez, Tara Pacheco, Hamish Allan-Headley, and Kerry Flanagan.
DOCUMENTARY CENTERPIECE
Mama Bears directed by Daresha Kyi. USA.
Follow these Christian mothers on their journey to become “Mama Bears”; a community of mothers whose unwavering love for their LGBTQ children has turned them into fierce advocates for the entire queer community.
PLATINUM CENTERPIECE
HeBGB TV directed by Jake McClellan, Eric Griffin, and Adam Lenhart. USA. (World Premiere)
Goofy horror hijinks and high camp queer shenanigans ensue, when some siblings get transmitted into an unsuspecting household via a retro-horror TV cable box. Stars Knucklehead, Josh Dorsheimer, Michael Garland, Zenobia Decoteau, Ellen Tibero-Shultz, Ian Sanchez, and Curtis Proctor-Artz.
LEGACY CENTERPIECE
Far From Heaven (20th Anniversary) directed by Todd Haynes. USA.
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Todd Haynes’ masterpiece—the multi-Oscar nominated melodrama that paid tribute to cinema icon Douglas Sirk—with the legends responsible for its making. Stars Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid, Dennis Haysbert, Patricia Clarkson, and Viola Davis. Todd Haynes, Christine Vachon, and Julianne Moore will be in attendance.
NARRATIVES
All Kinds Of Love directed by David Lewis. USA
After his commitment-phobic husband divorces him, a stuck-in-his-ways gay man tries to start over. When he becomes accidental roommates with a younger, hip nerd, sparks begin to fly. Stars Matthew Montgomery, Cody Duke, Steve Callahan, Nick Salamone, Molly O’Leary, Mark Nordike, Marval A Rex, Spike Mayer, and Michael Dumas.
Attachment directed by Gabriel Bier Gislason. Denmark.
A Danish actress has fallen for a young woman and moves with her to her home in London. There she discovers that her new girlfriend’s family might be in thrall to a supernatural terror of Jewish folklore. Stars Josephine Park, Ellie Kendrick, Sofie Gråbøl, and David Dencik.
Breaking the Ice directed by Clara Stern. Austria.
Mira lives a life of responsibility, captaining her women’s ice hockey team and keeping her family and the vineyard they run afloat, but she must learn to let go when a spontaneous new teammate enters her orbit. Stars Alina Schaller, Judith Altenberger, Tobias Resch, Pia Hierzegger, and Wolfgang Böck.
Chrissy Judy directed by Todd Flaherty. USA.
When his best friend and creative partner suddenly couples off and moves away, an ambitious New York drag queen must reinvent himself or risk becoming an irrelevant solo act both onstage and off. Stars Todd Flaherty, Wyatt Fenner, Joey Taranto, Kiyon Spencer, James Tison, João Santos, and Nicole Spiezio.
Dos Estaciones directed by Juan Pablo Gonzalez. Mexico.
As the owner of a struggling tequila factory in rural Mexico, Maria Garcia fights to uphold her family legacy against new competition, while dealing with her affection for a new employee. Stars Teresa Sánchez, Rafaela Fuentes, Tatín Vera, Manuel, García-Rulfo, José Galindo, Ana Rosa Fuentes Estrada, José Luis Flores, Juan Eduardo, Fuentes Estrada, Juan Carrillo, and Vero Bolaños.
The First Fallen directed by Rodrigo de Oliveira. Brazil.
In the early 80s, as the AIDS crisis begins its first wave in Brazil, three friends come together to care for each other. Stars Johnny Massaro, Renata Carvalho, Vitor Camilo, Clara Choveaux, Alex Bonini, and Higor Campagnaro.
Girl Picture directed by Alli Haapasalo. Finland.
Over the course of three Fridays, teenage best friends Mimmi and Rönkkö experience first love and sexual awakening in this Sundance Award-winner. Stars Aamu Milonoff, Eleonoora Kauhanen, and Linnea Leino.
God Save The Queens directed by Jordan Danger. USA.
Four drag queens attend a therapy retreat in an effort to overcome the issues holding them back in life. Stars Justin Andrew Honard AKA Alaska Thunderf**k, Jay Jackson AKA Laganja Estranja, Kelly Mantle, Jordan Michael Green, Peter Facinelli, Michelle Visage, Luenell, Joaquim De Almeida, Manila Luzon, Honey Davenport, and Zack Gottsagen. Screening at the Ford Theater preceded by a special performance by stars Alaska Thunderfuck, Laganja Estranja, Kelly Mantle, and Jordan M Green. Read our review from Tribeca.
Lonesome directed by Craig Boreham. Australia.
As handsome drifter Casey flees his mysterious past in the countryside, a relationship with Tib in the big city offers a chance for them both to build a new beginning. Stars Josh Lavery, Daniel Gabriel, Anni Finsterer, and Ian Roberts. Read our review from Sydney Film Festival.
Mars One/Marte Um directed by Gabriel Martins. Brazil.
During a time of political upheaval in Brazil, a young queer woman finds first love as her family falls apart. Stars Rejane Faria, Carlos Francisco, Camilla Damião, Cícero Lucas, Ana Hilário, Russo APR, Dircinha Macedo, Tokinho, and Juan Pablo Sorrin. Read our review from Sundance.
Maybe Someday directed by Michelle Ehien. USA.
In the midst of separating from her wife, Jay decides to move across the county, leaving her to navigate the inevitable cycles of love, loss, and everything in between. Stars Michelle Ehlen, Charlie Steers, Shaela Cook, Jeneen Robinson, Eliza Blair, and Cameron Norman.
My Emptiness And I/Mi Vacio Y Yo directed by Adrian Silvestre. Spain.
In an arduous journey to find her true identity, doubts, fears and dreams collide in a young trans woman’s world. Stars Raphaëlle Pérez, Alberto Díaz, Marc Ribera, Isabel Rocatti, Carles Fernández Giua, Carmen Moreno, Sergio Reverón, Lena Brasas, Tina Recio, and Alicia de Benito.
Moneyboys directed by C.B. Yi. China, France.
Far from his home in rural China, Fei builds a new life in Beijing as a street hustler while balancing the emotional entanglements of his fellow contemporaries, and his conservative family in the countryside. Stars Kai Ko, Chloe Maayan, and JC Lin. Read our review from the Mardi Gras Film Festival.
Peter Von Kant directed by François Ozon. France.
In François Ozon’s reimagining of Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant, a spiraling gay filmmaker’s obsession with a young actor wreaks havoc on those closest to him. Stars Isabelle Adjani, Denis Ménochet, Khalil Gharbia, Hanna Schygulla, Stéfan Crépon, and Aminthe Audiard.
Phea directed by Rocky Palladino (World Premiere). UK.
A struggling musician journeys into the heart of London’s criminal underworld to save the woman she loves in this lyrical reimagining of the Orpheus myth. Stars Sherika Sherard, Andrew Whipp, Iola Evans, Amelia Eve, Gabija Siurbyte, Katarina Andrejcova, Leo Ihenacho, and Velibor Topic Emun Elliott.
Please Baby Please directed by Amanda Kramer. USA.
Newlyweds Suse and Arthur become the dangerous obsession of a greaser gang that awakens a sleeping quandary into the couple’s sexual identity. Stars Andrea Riseborough, Harry Melling, Karl Glusman, and Demi Moore. Read our review from the Sydney Film Festival.
Shall I Compare You To A Summer’s Day? directed by Mohammad Shawky Hassan. Egypt, Lebanon, and Germany.
In the style of One Thousand and One Nights, this unique film uses music and memorable visuals to tell stories of love and lust among young, gay Egyptian men. Stars Ahmed Awadalla, Nadim Bahsoun, Hassan Dib, Ahmed El Gendy, and Richard Gabriel Gersch.
Sublime directed by Mariano Blasin. Argentina.
An Argentinian teen struggles with the feelings he has for his best friend in this intimate journey of self-discovery that could end in heartbreak. Stars Martin Miller, Teo Inama Chiabrando, Azul Mazzeo, Joaquin Arana, Facundo Trotonda, Javier Drolas, Carolina Tejeda, and Emma Subiela.
Three Headed Beast directed by Fernando Andrés and Tyler Rugh. USA.
The fears, desires and loneliness of a bisexual couple navigating an open relationship collide during a hot Texas summer. Stars Cody Shook, Dani Hurtado, Jacob Schatz, Daniel Abramson, Paul Grant, and Avery Merrifield.
Three Tidy Tigers Tied A Tie Tighter directed by Gustavo Vinagre. Brazil.
In the working-class suburbs of São Paulo, a trio of queer young friends attempt to make their way as a new wave of the Forgetfulness pandemic takes hold. Stars Jonata Vieira, Pedro Ribeiro, Gilda Nomacce, Carlos Esher, Julia Katharine, David Lobo, Everaldo Pontes, Ivana Wonder, Inês Brasil, Majeca Angelucci, Gabriel Stippe, Cida Moreira, Nilcéia Vicente, Lizette Negreiros, and Filipe Rossato.
You Can Live Forever directed by Sarah Watts and Mark Slutsky. Canada.
When young queer teen Jaime is sent to live with her devout relatives, she finds herself falling in love within their strict Jehovah’s Witness community. Stars Anwen O’Driscoll, June Laporte, Liane Balaban, Deragh Campbell, Tim Campbell, Antoine Yared, and Hasani Freeman. Read our review from Tribeca.
DOCUMENTARY
Art And Pep directed by Mercedes Kane. USA. (World Premiere)
A look at the history of the iconic gay bar Sidetrack and its owners, Art and Pep, who have helped to fuel movements and create community for decades in Chicago’s queer enclave.
All Man: The International Male Story directed by Bryan Darling and Jesse Finlay Reed. USA.
Narrated by Matt Bomer, and scored by Bright Light Bright Light, this dazzling documentary charts the rise and dominance of Gene Burkard’s International Male magazine, and its masculinity-shifting influence upon generations of men.
Framing Agnes directed by Chase Joynt. USA.
After discovering case files from a 1950s gender clinic, a cast of trans actors turn a talk show inside out to confront the legacy of a young trans woman forced to choose between honesty and access. Read our review from Sundance.
It Runs In The Family directed by Victoria Linares Villegas. Dominican Republic, USA.
Through re-enactments starring her family, Victoria traces the life of her cousin—queer filmmaker Oscar Torres—blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
Jeannette directed by Maris Curran. USA.
Dealing with the complicated aftermath of trauma, Jeannette Feliciano—a survivor of the Pulse Nightclub massacre—understands vulnerability as a strength.
Loving Highsmith directed by Eva Vitija. Switzerland, Germany.
An intimate portrait of the exciting, romantic and volatile life of novelist Patricia Highsmith, examining the writer’s relationship to her work and lesbian identity.
Make Me Famous directed by Brian Vincent. USA.
A madcap romp through the 1980s NYC art scene through the lens of the colorful career of painter Edward Brezinski, who is hell-bent on making it.
Manscaping directed by Broderick Fox. USA.
Three queer men—Black American visual artist Devan Shimoyama, transgender Canadian barber Jessie Anderson, and Australian fetish barber Richard Savvy—reimagine the traditional barbershop and style new conceptions of masculinity along the way. Read our review from the Mardi Gras Film Festival.
Nelly & Nadine directed by Magnus Gertten. Sweden, Belgium, Norway.
Magnus Gertten’s film about two women who met in a concentration camp takes you on a journey of survival, espionage, tragedy and most of all, love.
Pat Rocco Dared directed by Bob Christie and Morris Chapdelaine. Canada.
An exploration of the life and work of artist, activist, filmmaker, and entertainer Pat Rocco, whose erotic male nude films began an influential career that spanned decades.
Prejudice And Pride directed by Eva Beling. Sweden, Finland, Iceland. (North American Premiere)
An exhilarating ride through the history of LGBTQ+ Swedish cinema. If you’ve only watched The Celluloid Closet you’re only getting half the story.
A Run For More directed by Ray Whitehouse. USA.
Join Frankie Gonzales-Wolfe—a Latinx, trans woman running for office in Texas—on the campaign trail as she finds herself on an unexpected journey of self-discovery and healing.
Sirens directed by Rita Baghdadi. USA, Lebanon.
Rock out with the only all-female thrash metal band in the Middle East, as its members navigate life, the patriarchy, haters, and each other. Read our review from Sundance.
Stay On Board: The Leo Baker Story directed by Nicola Marsh and Giovanni Reda. USA. (World Premiere)
Following Leo Baker’s fight to make space for himself as a trans man in the world of pro-skateboarding, Stay On Board dares you to ask if there’s anything more punk than turning down the Olympics.
Uýra – The Rising Forest directed by Juliana Curi. Brazil, USA.
Journeying from town to town in the Amazon rainforest, Uýra showcases their Indigenous, queer, and trans identities through dazzling performance art for local audiences to combat the ravages of climate change, environmental racism, and transphobia.
PLATINUM SECTION
A Conversation With Clive Barker – followed by screening of Nightbreed: The Director’s Cut
Outfest’s 2022 inaugural Platinum Maverick Award is being presented to the groundbreaking horror icon, Clive Barker. Barker isn’t just a filmmaker, but an avant-garde playwright, an impressionist painter, and a literary juggernaut. The macabre, experimental, and thought-provoking characters he has brought to life on the big screen are nuanced, complicated, and subversively queer. Barker’s tales are filled with examinations of bodies, desire, and the sensation of going beyond prescriptive sexuality. His films shine a light on the oppressive nature of heteronormative power structures, while providing glimpses of queer liberation by showing monsters as the good guys. Join Outfest LA for a conversation and Q&A, the presentation of the award, and one of the few theatrical screenings ever of Nightbreed: The Director’s Cut.
Estuaries directed by Lior Shamriz. USA, Mexico.
Trying to immigrate to the U.S. during the Trump administration, Eli is set adrift after the non-binary performance artist he was to marry is killed. Stars Lior Shamriz, Chelsea Rector, Emily Lucid, Peter Kalisch, Jordan Green, Atsuko Okatsuka, Helene Udy, Tal Meiri, Rebecka Jackson, and Oscar Alvarez.
The End Of Wonderland directed by Laurence Turcotte-Fraser. Canada. (U.S. Premiere)
While facing eviction from her packed studio, veteran trans adult artist Tara Emory must confront her family history of hoarding, fear of the future, and herself. Read our capsule review from BFI Flare.
Hypochondriac directed by Addison Heimann. USA.
A sexy young potter’s life devolves into chaos as he loses function of his body while being haunted by the physical manifestation of his childhood trauma. Stars Zach Villa, Devon Graye, Madeline Zima, Paget Brewster, Yumarie Morales, Marlene Forte, and Chris Doubek.
Passion directed by Maja Borg. Sweden, Spain.
Having escaped a destructive relationship, filmmaker Maja Borg explores two ritual practices—Christianity and BDSM—and the spiritual, healing kinship between religion and subculture.
Youtopia directed by Scout Durwood. USA. (World Premiere)
Following a devastating break up, a young woman inadvertently becomes the leader of a hipster millennial cult, but its members are begging to disappear into the multiverse. Stars Scout Durwood, McKenzie Trent, Jes Rona, Katie Wee, Nikki McKenzie, Christine Lakin, Paul Palmeri, and Christine Little.
PLATINUM SHORTS SHOWCASE
Loneliness, anxiety, addiction, love, art, shame, and sex dolls are all highlighted in this years Platinum Shorts Showcase. A film director and an escort’s evening gets interrupted; Trulee Hall’s sex dolls and self-love fantasy is visualized as an out-of-body-experience; Delia Derbyshire’s “Falling” is lip-synced by trans and non binary people while they also describe their dreams; Apocalyptic revelations ensue and a grade school girl crushes hard while pop star Oliver Sim slides into a surreal journey of love, shame and blood in a Yann Gonzalez three-part musical short. These and many more discoveries, desires, and detours fill up this series of stellar experimental filmmaking.
PLATINUM ALCHEMY PARTY with Platinum Alchemy Award presented to Big Freedia
The 2022 inaugural Alchemy Award is being presented to New Orleans icon, international hip hop legend, and the undisputed Queen of Bounce, Big Freedia. Freedia has been breaking barriers and inspiring others to live their dreams from the stage since 1999. A champion of independent music venues and a righteous voice in the fight against gun violence, Freedia has used their talent and fame to combat oppression and lift up the voices of others. She is one of the hardest working artists in music, always delivering an unapologetic message of pride, self-love, and hope. Her distinct voice has appeared with artists such as Drake, RuPaul, Kesha, Lizzo, and Beyoncé. Freedia’s inspiring story of transformation and creation exemplifies Alchemy; magical, spiritual, symbolic, iconic. Shimmer and bounce with Outfest all night long during the oAlchemy Party where the festival will honour Big Freedia and celebrate the Platinum series. Read our exclusive interview with Big Freedia.
EPISODIC SHOWCASE: LOS ANGELES IN FOCUS
Gay, Asian, Immigrant directed by Ushmey Chakraborty. USA.
When a privileged gay, Asian, immigrant lands a job by perpetuating a harmful stereotype, he must keep up the lie in front of his potential lover when his boss shows up at his doorstep. Stars Ushmey Chakraborty, Dre Matthews, and Janet Carter.
halfsies directed by Brad Klipfel, created by Des Moran. USA. (World Premiere)
After the death of their oldest sibling, six Black half siblings each struggling to define themselves as they re-enter each other’s lives. Stars Des Moran, Wade Allain-Marcus, Devere Rogers, Jerah Milligan, Galen J. Williams, Akilah A. Walker, Cameron Deane Stewart, Heather Ann Gottlieb, Nick Apostolina, and Max Raines.
How Not To Be A Junkie directed by Michelle Peerali. USA.
22-year-old Lex thinks she has mastered the art of shooting up and getting just high enough not to wake up dead. But today things didn’t go as planned. Stars Ally Ioannides, Nora Yates, Andrea Metz, June Carryl, Candis Cayne, Mia Castillo, Amirah Johnson, and Tommi Rose.
(Un)Claimed directed by Carolyn Ratteray. USA. (World Premiere)
Fiona Devers, a facilities-manager-but-wanna-be-performer, and her longtime girlfriend navigate polyamory for the first time. Stars Carolyn Ratteray, Karla Mosley, Tina Huang, Blake Cooper Griffin, Dani Fernandez, Ayesha Harris, Rodney To, and J. Michael Feldman.
Wishy Washy directed by Sam Rosenberg. USA. (World Premiere)
A bisexual twenty-something is unable to make any decisions due to the gay angel and straight devil telling him what to do. Stars Moses Feldman, Cooper Reynolds, Ryan Brophy, Maura Fallon, Maggie Powers, and Jess Toltzis.
EPISODICS
A League Of Their Own – Free Screening
In this new Amazon Prime Video series inspired by the 1992 film, Carson Shaw escapes her 1940s sheltered married life to become a member of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. A League of Their Own evokes the joyful spirit of Penny Marshall’s beloved classic, while widening the lens to tell the story of an entire generation of women who dreamed of playing professional baseball, both in and outside of the AAGPBL. The show follows Carson (Abbi Jacobson) and Max (Chante Adams) and an ensemble of sharp and hilarious characters as they carve their paths toward the field, along the way finding their teams and themselves.
Queer For Fear (World Premiere)
An advanced look at the first episode of Shudder’s thrilling new docuseries, produced by Bryan Fuller and Steak House, that expertly guides us through the queer influence on a century of horror cinema. Q&A follows screening with EPs Bryan Fuller and Steak House, Co-EP Tom Maroney, Nay Bever, Kimberly Peirce, and Alonso Duralde.
Queer Riot directed by Page Hurwitz. USA. (World Premiere)
In this new one hour special, a chosen family of queer comics—led by the inimitable Margaret Cho—gather to perform a special show of all-queer standup for an all-queer audience. Stars River Butcher, Margaret Cho, Brad Loekle, Justin Martindale, Christine Medrano, Jackie Monahan, Daniel Webb, and Akeem Woods.
Sleep With Me directed by Samantha Lee. Philippines. (World Premiere)
Interabled queer romance blossoms between two night owls, a wheelchair user who DJs the night shift and a woman with a rare condition that only lets her fall asleep in the daytime. Stars Lovie Poe and Janine Gutierrez.
Crazy directed by Rachel Leyco, Sheena Midori Brevig, Ella Lentini, Alyssa Lerner. USA. (World Premiere)
Two queer Asian-American frenemies navigate romantic entanglements while battling mental illnesses that teach them they’re more alike than they realize. Stars Rachel Leyco, Sheena Midori Brevig, Courtney Amis, Tara Azarian, Jamila Hache, and Evie Abat.
Unconventional directed by Kit Williamson. USA. (World Premiere)
Queer siblings Noah and Margot Guillory and their significant others, Daniel Charles and Eliza Slate, try to start an unconventional family while navigating their thirties in the new series from Eastsiders creator Kit Williamson. Stars Kit Williamson, Aubrey Peeples, James Bland, Briana Venskus, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Constantine Rousouli, Willam Belli, Jenna Ushkowitz, and Kathy Griffin.
TRANS, NON-BINARY & INTERSEX SUMMIT
Now in it’s 6th year, the newly renamed Outfest Los Angeles Trans, Nonbinary & Intersex Summit will showcase a snapshot of a multitude of trans, nonbinary & intersex experiences as a vision for the future of our lives. This year’s summit is a time-capsule titled Manifesting Our Future, a call to action to imagine ourselves 50 to 100, to 1000 years from now. The future is ours, the future is here, and right now more than ever, we have the power to manifest it. Read highlights from last year’s Summit.
I HAVE TO LAUGH: COMEDY NIGHT AT THE FORD
A live stand-up showcase under the stars at the Ford Theater featuring the cast of Outfet los Angeles 2022 selection Queer Riot—Margaret Cho, River Butcher, Brad Loekle, Akeem Woods, and Daniel Webb—followed by a selection of hilarious and innovative comedy shorts!
OUTFEST PRESENTS TIFFANY BILLINGS’ JETÉ – LA’S PREMIER DANCE EXPERIENCE
A star-studded evening of dynamic, vivacious, and captivating performances, located in the heart of West Hollywood, at Heart WeHo. On Thursday, July 21st, Outfest will be joining forces with Jeté’s Creator, Producer, & Director, Tiffany Billings, to present a special edition of her monthly, live dance experience featuring performances by some of the industry’s top choreographers, performers, and dancers. The mission of Jeté is to provide a platform for artists to share their talents and originality with the audience in an intimate setting, while also educating and redirecting where we are going as an artistic community. The event has proven to be highly sought after by both entertainers and the general public alike, and has been billed as “The Dance Industry’s Leading Choreography Showcase.” Tickets can be purchased at HeartWeHo.club prior to the event. Follow @clubjete on Instagram for updates and info!
LIVE READ: OUR LADY OF THE SIX TRAIN from Love in Gravity
Love in Gravity, a new scripted podcast series dedicated to stories by and for the queer Latinx community, premieres this summer with weekly episodes written and performed by some of today’s hottest Latinx talent. In advance of its episode release, the cast of Our Lady of the Six Train, a funny and tenderhearted script written by multi-talented artist Dominic Colón, will perform the script live at Plaza de la Raza on Noche Iconia, Outfest’s celebration of the queer Latinx community. Live, in-person performance of this episode includes actors Robin de Jesús (tick, tick… BOOM!), Jessica Marie Garcia (On My Block), Alexia Garcia (Pose), Jason Genao (On My Block), Alycia Pascuale-Peña (Saved by the Bell), Edison Ventura Mata Diaz, Manny Ureña, and more. Actors appear schedule permitting.
LEGACY
By Hook Or By Crook (2001) directed by Harry Dodge and SIlas Howard. USA. New restoration.
Gender outlaws turn to a life of petty crime in the big city in this stylish and heartfelt ballad of butch and trans friendship.
The Cockettes (2002) directed by Bill Weber and David Weissman. USA. 20th Anniversary.
In this paean to a San Francisco of yesteryear, witness the rise and fall of The Cockettes, a gender-subversive hippy drag troupe of the 1960s and 70s. Preceded by a new restoration of Tricia’s Wedding (1971) Dir. Milton Miron.
Greetings From Washington, D.C. (1981) directed by Lucy Winer. USA. New restoration.
Queer activists and filmmakers take part in the first National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in this celebratory, out-in-the-streets documentary.
Punks (2000) directed by Patrik-Ian Polk. USA. on 35mm!
Patrik-Ian Polk’s groundbreaking debut romantic comedy invites us into the professional, social and intimate lives of four queer friends in West Hollywood on their never-ending search for Mr. Right.
SHORT FILMS
¡Nails! Dir. Eliana Pipes, USA (World Premiere)
A Fox in the Night Dir. Keeran Anwar Blessie, United Kingdom
A Wild Patience Has Taken Me Here Dir. Érica Sarmet, Brazil
Adam, Eve and the Forbidden Fruit Dir. R.B. Lima, Brazil
All the Crows in the World Dir. Tang Yi, Hong Kong
Anaconda Dir. Joshua Amar USA
así en la tierra como en el cielo Dir. Mireya Martinez, USA (World Premiere)
Beau Dir. Constance Tsang, USA
Beautiful Stranger Dir. Benjamin Belloir, France, Belgium
Bi The Way Dir. Amir Ovadia Steklov, Germany
Black Beauty Dir. Elle Moxley, USA
Blessed and Highly Favored Dir. Marianne Amelinckx, Julieta Messmer, USA (World Premiere)
Blood Hana Dir. M.G. Evangelista, USA
Blooming Dir. Sitong Cao, Yuanxin Qiu, USA
Brutal Dir. Sam McConnell, USA
Build or Destroy Dir. Rashaad Newsome, USA
Cans Can’t Stand Dir. Matt Nadel, Megan Plotka, USA
Car Therapy: Uncoupling Dir. Jennelle Williams, USA
Cartas Para Axél Dir. Miles Lopez, USA
Catalina Dir. Tyler Rabinowitz, USA (World Premiere)
Chaac + Yum Dir. Roberto Fatal, Xav SF, USA
Cock N’ Bull 3 Dir. Nathan Adloff, USA (World Premiere)
Code Switch Dir. Davis Alexander James, Mx. Roti, USA
cosboi Dir. Gosha Shapiro, USA
Crush Dir. Gilly Barnes, USA
David Roche Talks to You About Love (1983) Dir. Jeremy Podeswa, Canada
Dildo Dir. Jake Muñoz Consing, Philippines
Divine Lust Dir. Anthony de Bono, Germany
Don’t Go Where I Can’t Find You Dir. Rioghnach ni Ghrioghair, Ireland
Dooley Does Murder! Dir. Donta ‘Dawn’ Storey, USA (World Premiere)
Double The Trouble, Twice the Fun (1992) Dir.Pratibha Parmar, United Kingdom
Edible Dir. Kandis Golden, USA
El Marijuano Dir. Andre Lara Cervantes, USA
Ele of the Dark Dir. Yace Sula, USA
Encore Martha Dir. Natasha K. Sung, Taiwan
Exalted Mars Dir. Jean-Sébastien Chauvin, France
F^¢K ‘€M R!GHT B@¢K Dir.Harris Doran, USA
Fernanda Dir. Mary Angélica Molina, USA
Firecracker Dir. Caroline Guo, USA (World Premiere)
First Date Dir. Carly Usdin, USA (World Premiere)
First Down Dir. Carrie Stett, USA
Firsts Dir. Jesse Ung, New Zealand
Five Song Tour Dir. Chloe Jury-Fogel, USA
flooded daisies Dir. PoeticMoment, USA
For Love Dir. Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, United Kingdom
Foreign Uncle Dir. Sining Xiang, China
Foster Dir. Jordi Wijnalda, The Netherlands
Fou de Bassan Dir. Yann Gonzalez, France
Fraud Dir. Zen Pace, USA
Good Pressure Dir. Caesar Osiris, Shea Diamond, USA (World Premiere)
Half Dir. Jacob Roberts, USA
Happy Birthday, You Made It Dir. Yuelei Song, USA
Hideous Dir. Yann Gonzalez, United Kingdom
High Jump Dir. Lennert Madou, Belgium
Holding Moses Dir. Rivkah Beth Medow, Jen Rainin (co-director), USA, Japan
Hot Toddy Dir. Mary Sette, USA
I Should Feed My Cat Dir. Abram Cerda, Belgium
I Wish I Never Fucking Met You Dir. Jacob Charton, USA
Is This the One? Dir. Stephanie Mata, USA
Isn’t It a Beautiful World Dir. Joseph Wilson, United Kingdom
Keep/Delete Dir. Kryzz Gautier, USA
King Max Dir. Adéle Vincenti-Crasson, France
Las plantas de mis abuelos Dir. Nicolas Jara, Lilith King-Smithson, USA
Legacy Dir. Giovannie Espiritu, USA
Lesbian Miserables Dir. Tess Paras, USA (World Premiere)
Lipstick of the Brave Dir. Bill Plympton, USA
Lollygag Dir. Tij D’oyen, USA (World Premiere)
Love, Barbara Dir. Brydie O’Connor, USA
Lucky Fish Dir. Emily May Jampel, USA
Luv, Me Dir. Nicolas Jara, Yen Dinh, USA
Madelynn Von Ritz Is Almost Famous Dir. Naz Riahi, Silas Howard, USA (World Premiere)
Masquerade (Egúngún) Dir. Olive Nwosu, Nigeria
Men in Blue: 12 Stories Dir. Francisco Bianchi, France
Mercury Retrograde Dir. Gustavo Gamero, Mexico (World Premiere)
Minutes Dir. Alix Eve, Olivia Dowd, United Kingdom
Monsieur Le Butch Dir. Jude Dry, USA
My Abortion Saved My Life Dir. Ruby Rose Collins, Tiler Wilson, USA
My First Choice Dir. Carlota Callén, Spain
Nenena Dir. Johaira Michelle Dilauro, USA
New Moon Dir. Jeremie Balais, Jeffig LeBars, Raul Domingo, Colman Domingo, USA, France
North Star Dir. P.J. Palmer, USA
Obsolescence Dir. Caviar to the General (Caviar Jiang), China
One Lift at a Time Dir. Flo Singer, Ben Dame, USA
Pause Dir. Jacquelynn Auger, Australia (World Premiere)
Perennial Dir. Griffin Cubero, USA (World Premiere)
Piercing Dir. Nate Gualtieri, USA (World Premiere)
Poppets Dir. Maz Murray, United Kingdom
Portal Dir. Rodney Evans, USA
Prittyboi Dir. Nicolas Collins, USA
Punch Line Dir. Becky Cheatle, Ireland
Put the Brights On Dir. Raymond Rea, USA
Queer Parivaar Dir. Shiva Raichandani, United Kingdom
Recuerdo de una tarde en la azotea Dir. Tavo Ruiz, Mexico (World Premiere)
Regret To Inform You Dir. Yusuf Shadeed Nasir, Benji Schwimmer (Contributing Director), USA
Remnants Dir. Primo Justice Schiappa, USA
Revelations Dir. Noah Causey, USA (World Premiere)
S1NGULAR Dir. Ramón J. Goñi, USA
Sequin Dir. Averi Israel, USA
Sorry, I Can’t Talk Right Now Dir. Bia Jurema, USA
Spaceship Dir. Jorge G. Camarena, USA
Starfuckers Dir. Antonio Marziale, USA
Successful Thawing of Mr. Moro Dir. Jerry Carlsson, Sweden
Tank Fairy Dir. Erich Rettstadt, Taiwan, USA
Tell Me Something I Don’t Know Dir. Neal Suresh Mulani, USA
The Actress Dir. Andrew Ondrejcak, USA
The Baldwin Archives Dir. Laura Seay, USA
the beginning & the middle Dir. Alexis G. Zall, USA
The Birth of a Beautiful Butch Dir. Gia-Rayne Harris, USA
The Bower Dir. Marco Alessi, United Kingdom (World Premiere)
The Ephemeral Dir. Jorge Muriel, Spain
The House of LaBeija Dir. Fredgy Noël, USA
The Ladies Dir. Jill Gutowitz, USA (World Premiere)
The Last Human Person on Earth Dir. Ryan Michael Hoskins, USA
The Letter Men Dir. Andy Vallentine, USA
The Paranormal Communicator Dir. Tyler Miguel Mercer, USA
The Spirit God Gave Us Dir. Michael Donte, USA
The Syed Family Xmas Eve Game Night Dir. Fawzia Mirza, USA
Three’s Company Dir. Steve Balderson, USA (World Premiere)
Together/Apart Dir. David Amberg, USA (World Premiere)
Top Bottom Top Dir. Graham Kolbeins, USA (World Premiere)
Trans Bodies, Trans Choices Dir. Ruby Fludzinski, Tiler Wilson, USA
Troy Dir. Mike Donahue, USA
Two Heads Two Ways Dir. Trulee Hall, USA
Two-Spirit Dir. Mónica Taboada-Tapia, Colombia
Unicorn Dir. Matt Porter, USA
UNIDAD: Gay & Lesbian Latinos Unidos Dir. Gregorio Davila, USA (World Premiere)
Unity Mosque Dir. Nicole Teeny, USA, Canada
Up Close Dir. Sam Gurry, USA
Valentine Dir. Beck Kitsis, Chris McNabb, USA
Warsha Dir. Dania Bdeir, France, Lebanon, USA
West by God Dir. Scott Lazer, USA
Winter Insect, Summer Flower Dir. Tee Jaehyung Park, Gbenga Komolafe, USA
Work Dir. April Maxey, USA
Wuss Dir. Rubing Zhang, China (World Premiere)
Yes, Goddess Dir. Randa Jarrar, USA (World Premiere)
You Dir. Nicole Eckenroad, USA (World Premiere)
For more information on the 40th anniversary Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival and to purchase tickets head to OutfestLA.org. Outfest members receive benefits such as free tickets, priority entrance to screenings or all-access passes. Film and event descriptions courtesy of Outfest.
