This story is brought to you by our partners at NewFest.
This Thursday, NewFest returns to New York City for its 36th annual film festival, showcasing over 140 films that celebrate the vibrant creativity of the LGBTQ+ community.
The festival’s lineup prominently features films that explore contemporary themes such as gender identity, the art of drag, and cross-border love, while also paying homage to classic works of queer cinema. Significantly, 82% of the featured films are created by and about women, trans, non-binary, intersex, bi, Black, Indigenous, people of color, and disabled creators. The festival will kick off with Roshan Sethi’s A Nice Indian Boy, which received critical acclaim at SXSW.
“This year’s diverse lineup powerfully reflects both the future and legacy of queer cinema,” says Nick McCarthy, NewFest’s Director of Programming. “We’re excited to present a fantastic blend of groundbreaking new films alongside the legendary queer filmmakers who paved the way for us.”
“High Tide”
Photo Courtesy of Strand Releasing
This year’s U.S. Centerpiece film, High Tide, directed by Marco Calvani and set in the picturesque Provincetown, tells the poignant story of a Brazilian émigré, played by Marco Pigossi, as he navigates love and life as an immigrant in America. He is joined by an outstanding cast, including Marisa Tomei and Bill Irwin. Be on the lookout for Steven Walker from the Advocate Channel, who plays Chris and has a pivotal role in the film.
“Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara”
Photo Courtesy of Hulu
Documentary enthusiasts will not want to miss the premiere of Erin Lee Carr’s Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara, which dives into the surreal world of identity theft in the digital age. This captivating documentary explores the bizarre incident of Tegan from the beloved indie duo Tegan and Sara, addressing issues of privacy, fame, and identity within our constantly connected society.
This festival also celebrates cinematic history with a special retrospective titled “John Waters Threesome,” featuring three of the iconic filmmaker’s classic films: Female Trouble, Pecker, and Polyester. Other cult favorites, including Elvira: Mistress of the Dark and The Matrix, will also be screened, offering a nostalgic journey through queer cinematic milestones. Audiences can look forward to a stunning restoration of the 1983 documentary Dressed in Blue.
“Bird”
Photo Courtesy of MUBI
NewFest’s International Centerpiece, Bird, won its director Andrea Arnold the prestigious Prix de la Citoyenneté at Cannes, featuring outstanding performances from Barry Keoghan and Franz Rogowski. Other noteworthy films include the New York Centerpiece Liza: A Truly Terrific, Absolutely True Story, along with Sundance favorites Ponyboi and Layla. Additionally, the comedy Extremely Unique Dynamic promises laughs with its sharp satire of the current Hollywood landscape.
“Layla”
Photo Courtesy of Film4
NewFest emphasizes accessibility by offering a range of in-person screenings along with an on-demand platform, allowing audiences to enjoy the festival from the comfort of their own homes. Key venues include the SVA Theatre, The Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Nitehawk Prospect Park.
“As we approach a historic election, the LGBTQ+ community is once again at a pivotal moment where we need to support one another,” states David Hatkoff, NewFest Executive Director. “As the largest queer film festival in the nation, NewFest is committed to providing a safe and joyful space for queer audiences to celebrate their stories. In our 36th year, we are excited to present films that inspire empathy, joy, discovery, and connection, showcasing the remarkable diversity and creativity within the LGBTQ+ community.”
“Emilia Pérez”
Photo Courtesy of Netflix
The festival will close on October 20th with Jacques Audiard’s musical drama Emilia Pérez, which won the Cannes Jury Prize and earned its leading star, Karla Sofía Gascón, the Best Actress award, alongside performances from Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz.
NewFest 2024 promises to entertain, inspire, and generate meaningful conversations around identity, community, and representation. Whether you’re a longtime fan of queer cinema or a newcomer, be sure not to miss this vibrant and rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ storytelling.
For the full lineup, tickets, and passes, visit: http://newfest.org/festival!
