With the goal of amplifying queer and transgender stories through feature films, the annual Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival returns this summer with a lineup of more than 175 films representing over 25 countries.
“Not only do we create a safe space for the queer community to gather and celebrate one another, but the films that we play are a great empathy machine to really step into the shoes of people whose experiences you may not have considered before,” said Mike Dougherty, director of programming for the festival, which takes place at various locations on July 13-23.
The film festival is curated by Outfest, an organization that promotes equality by creating and sharing queer and transgender stories on the screen. The 11-day event is made up of feature narratives, documentaries, short films, episodic showcases and various other events.
“It really encompasses all of the work the organization does as a gathering place for queer people and their allies to experience all of this great work by the artist that we support,” Dougherty said.
This year the festival, which was founded in 1982, opens with “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” at the Orpheum Theater.
The film, which is produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is a coming of age romance featuring two queer Mexican-American boys and set in Texas. The story is based on the 2012 best-selling novel of the same title.
The festival closes at The Montalbán Theater with “Chasing Chasing Amy,” a documentary that looks at the legacy of Kevin Smith’s 1997 film “Chasing Amy” and the impact it had on LGBTQ+ people, including director Sav Rodgers.
Other highlights that Dougherty said shouldn’t be missed include the “Fancy Dance,” screening at the Directors Guild of America in West Hollywood on Saturday, July 15. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this year and focuses on a Native American family story.
“It’s kind of an aunt-niece buddy road…
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