TL;DR
- OutfestNEXT returns to LA from July 23-26.
- Features films from iconic queer filmmakers.
- Includes workshops and panels for filmmakers.
- Tickets available for members on June 29.
Hold onto your rainbow flags, Los Angeles! OutfestNEXT is back and ready to dazzle from July 23 to July 26. This isn’t just another film festival; it’s a vibrant celebration of queer cinema and community, hosted at the fabulous LA LGBT Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza. After a successful debut last year, this sophomore event is carving out a unique space in the world of LGBTQ+ storytelling.
OutfestNEXT isn’t your typical festival; it’s a gathering of queer icons, emerging creators, and enthusiastic audiences all in one room. And let’s be real, in a time when LGBTQ+ narratives are under fire, spaces like this are not just entertaining—they’re essential acts of preservation. This year’s lineup is packed with films that not only entertain but resonate deeply with the queer experience.
Leading the charge is none other than Gregg Araki, a titan of queer cinema, returning to the Outfest stage with his latest feature, I Want Your Sex. With a star-studded cast including Olivia Wilde and Charli XCX, this film is sure to be a hot topic. Araki himself reflects on his journey, saying, “My long history with Outfest dates back to when I was a baby queer filmmaker in the ’80s/’90s… Thank you, Outfest, for supporting queer culture in this awful age when it is needed more than ever!” Talk about a legacy!
The lineup is a feast for the senses, featuring a mix of genres and perspectives. From the sports drama Test, starring Matthew Morrison, to the intimate documentary Barbara Forever, which dives into the life of legendary filmmaker Barbara Hammer, there’s something for everyone. And let’s not forget Maspalomas, a poignant Spanish drama about an older gay man’s life upheaval, and Something You Should Know About Me, a coming-of-age romantic comedy that puts trans joy front and center.
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But OutfestNEXT is more than just screenings. Attendees can engage in filmmaker workshops, industry conversations, and panels at the Outfest Microcinema. It’s all about connection—creating meaningful interactions between queer artists and audiences. Senior Programmer Daniel Crooke expresses the excitement, stating, “The Outfest programming team can barely contain our excitement when it comes to sharing the work of these visionary filmmakers with theaters full of movie-loving Angelenos.” This event truly embodies the convergence of defiant expression and community power.
Mark your calendars because tickets go on sale soon! Outfest members can snag their tickets starting June 29, with the general public getting their chance on July 1. Given the buzz from last year, you’ll want to act fast. For one glorious weekend, Los Angeles will transform into a hub for queer artists, audiences, and stories that demand to be seen. Queer cinema isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving and evolving, and OutfestNEXT is leading the charge.