Saturday, April 6, 2024
The OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival in Miami, celebrated for its global recognition as a premier event in LGBTQ+ cultural festivities, is excited to unveil its lineup for the 26th edition. Scheduled from April 18 to 28, the festival will present an array of over 50 films from around the globe, ranging from international features and shorts to documentaries and premieres that aim to enlighten, entertain, and inform audiences. A new feature this year is the Latin Spotlight, alongside a forum designed for emerging filmmakers, and complimentary Uber transportation to certain film screenings. Screenings are set to take place at Silverspot Cinema Miami from April 18-24, and at Regal South Beach from April 25-28, complemented by numerous parties and events across Miami.
“We are excited to unveil this year’s engaging OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Miami lineup featuring a reimagined and more accessible experience of incredible premieres, filmmaker instruction and more parties,” said Joe Bilancio, director of programming for OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival. “Our films hail from Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Ukraine, Spain, and beyond with the goal of uniting us in universal love and acceptance by promoting tolerance, equality, understanding and empathy.”
The festival kicks off at 7 p.m. on April 18 at Silverspot Cinema Miami with the opening night film “Turtles (Les Tortues)” from Belgium/Canada, directed by David Lambert. This comedy-drama delves into the life of Thom and Henri, a couple of 35 years, navigating the complexities of retirement and evolving love. The evening will conclude with an afterparty at W Miami.
A highlight of this year’s festival is the Latin Spotlight evening on April 20 at Silverspot Cinema Miami, featuring four Latin American films including the North American premiere of “Blue Lights (Luces Azules)” from Argentina. Directed by Lucas Santa Ana, this film is a dynamic dramedy that unfolds over a 70th birthday party. Additionally, attendees can watch “All The Silence (Tod El Silencio)” from Mexico, directed by Diego Del Rio, a film about an actress facing the reality of becoming deaf.
The festival will also host two Cocktails & Cinema nights to celebrate the work of local filmmakers, followed by Q&A sessions and receptions. Films featured include “Double Life,” “Frag,” “Myrna’s Secret Spies,” and “Open Dialogue: Generation QueerZ.”
The Centerpiece Film of the festival is “Sebastian” (Finland/UK, 2024), by writer/director Mikko Makela. It tells the story of Max/Sebastian, a 25-year-old who explores a double life as a sex worker while writing his first novel, a journey of self-discovery and liberation.
A Filmmaker Panel on April 27 at Regal South Beach will highlight local talent and discussions on storytelling within the LGBTQ+ community. Featured filmmakers include Hansel Porras Garcia and Chris Molina among others.
Special spotlight films include “F.L.Y.” (USA, 2023) capturing a unique quarantine story of ex-boyfriends and “Backspot” (Canada, 2023), a film about competitive cheerleading, anxiety, and personal growth.
Noteworthy selections also include premieres such as “Lessons of Tolerance” (Ukraine), “The Fisherman’s Daughter” (Colombia), and “Sunflower” (Australia), along with “Close To You” starring Elliott Page and the documentary “Mad About The Boy: The Noel Coward Story” narrated by Alan Cumming.
The festival concludes on April 28 with the North American premiere of “Mascarpone: The Rainbow Cake” (Italy, 2024) at Regal South Beach, followed by a closing party at the Miami Beach Women’s Club.
To enhance accessibility to the festival’s diverse lineup and activities, the City of Miami is offering free Uber rides to attendees for screenings at Silverspot Cinema.
Proudly supported by Miami Dade County, the City of Miami Beach, and Gilead, the OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Miami stands as a beacon of diversity, creativity, and inclusion. Tickets and subscription packages are currently available for purchase.
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Saturday, April 6, 2024
