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OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival
Formerly known as: North Carolina Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
Thursday, 13 August 2026 until Thursday, 20 August 2026
OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival, formerly The North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (NCGLFF), has consistently been ranked among the largest LGBTQ+ film festivals in the United States, attracting thousands of patrons yearly.
Since its beginning in 1995, the Festival has featured a diverse array of shorts, documentaries and feature films. The Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau named OUTSOUTH as a Signature Event for Durham, the highest honor bestowed on a cultural event or attraction by the organization. The Carolina Theatre of Durham, NC, curates and produces the festival.
OUTSOUTH celebrates a worldwide glimpse of today’s Queer life by bringing community together and showcasing entertaining and sophisticated films and filmmaking. The festival features a diverse array of juried new shorts, documentaries, and feature films. Produced and curated by the historic Carolina Theatre of Durham, in beautiful Downtown Durham, the festival was honored in 2021 as one of “20 Fantastic LGBTQ+ Film Festivals Around the Globe” by Moviemaker Magazine.
OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival is again seeking a line-up of films for our 31st edition. In 2026, we plan to welcome you back to a fabulous and unforgettable show for our growing audience of filmgoers. Please submit your latest short, feature, or documentary for consideration.
JURY AWARDS
Best Narrative Feature Film
Best Foreign Language Narrative Feature Film
Best Narrative Short Film
Best Foreign Language Narrative Short Film
Note: If OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival deems there are not enough worthy entries in any given category, the festival reserves the right to not present an award for that category.
[CGiii.com says: What an utterly ridiculous thing to say! Surely, all the films chosen for your festival should be award-worthy? This is NOT curation, this is just accepting any film that comes along. A statement like this results in dwindling audiences...deservedly so!]
Chronically Yours (Directed by Jacob Goodbye, Documentary, U.S.) – This inspiring POC documentary follows Aubrey, a 27-year-old living with Multiple Sclerosis and how it affects her daily living, including her dating life.
In Kind (Directed by Katherine Gunning, Documentary, U.S.) – So cool, right here in North Carolina. In the Appalachian hills, a queer-led farm cultivates community and soil, showing us, what good humans can be.
Never Stand Down: The Quaraishi Family (Directed by Elena Chang, Documentary, U.S.) – For Indian Pakistani American Khalid Quraishi, his daughter Zunaira’s announcement that she was ready to marry the woman of her dreams was a joyous & miraculous occasion. Having lived through the Partition, persecution, and the harrowing threat of nearly losing Zunaira to illness, Khalid never once doubted what his Muslim faith had taught him to believe was most important of all: his love for his family.
This is Texas (Directed by John-Carlos Estrada and Zeh, Choral Documentary, U.S.) – We all need a little music in our lives these days. At nearly 100 voices strong, please join the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus as they take the stage at GALA to defend Texas trans youth. At its heart is Finn, a quiet trans singer who finds his courage and shows how music can rise as protest and power.
Where I Find Myself (Directed by Saidey Kim and Sydney Kim, Documentary, U.S.) – This film follows two teenagers, Alexander & Maëlle, as they come to understand their identities as gay & lesbian. As they confront acceptance, misunderstanding, and self-discovery, their stories highlight both the struggles and moments of resilience that shape their experiences growing up.
Why We March (Directed by Kathryn L. Beranich, Documentary, U.S.) – The collective power of marching – across generations, identities, and with a sense of purpose is celebrated in Kathryn L Beranich’s short film. Short, yes, but a cogent reminder and call-to-action to those who have marched before and those joining for the first time in these troubling times.
Big Johnny (Directed by Jeanie Kane, Comedy/Drama, Australia) – After an unexpected encounter with Melbourne’s vibrant drag scene, a lonely warehouse worker must find the courage to embrace his true self when traditional male expectations – and his caring boss – threaten to hold him back.
Her Last Day in the U.S. (Directed by Armando Ibañez, Drama, U.S.) When Leonor, a 70-year-old undocumented single mother, decides to return to Mexico after nearly 40 years in the U.S., her undocumented adult children must face the painful truth that she may never be able to come back & this could be their last goodbye. Though light on gay narrative, we feel this film about being seen as an “outsider” in a world where you’ve lived your entire life will resonate with all of us. Please see it.
Molly (Directed by Darius Shu, Romantic Drama, U.K.) – Extraordinary. A chance encounter at a launderette sparks a meaningful connection between Vinnie and Ryan. As closeness blurs into desire, they are forced to confront what love demands before it fractures everything they have built.
Socks (Directed by Todd Karehana, Drama, New Zealand) – In a small town in New Zealand, a young Māori boy feels an unexpected bond with a Mormon missionary. Produced by Jane Campion (“The Piano”) & Philippa Campbell (“Top of the Lake”).
Twink Death (Directed by Collin Viator, Comedy/Drama, U.S.) When his friends throw him a 30th birthday party, a gay man is forced to face the reality of his age. A film about finally growing up – at any age – and understanding the meaning of it all.
Upon Starvation/Upaasmaar (Directed by Saurav Dattatraya Mahind, Romantic Drama, India) – Vivek, a 30-something pickpocket, uses seduction as distraction, pressing against men on crowded buses to steal & satisfy his desires. Detached, he exploits others’ hunger while suppressing his own. Meeting Kartik, a soft-spoken student seeking genuine intimacy, disrupts Vivek’s control. What begins as a hunt unravels into vulnerability, as Kartik’s tenderness challenges Vivek’s transactional world. A raw, erotic look at the struggle between intimacy & suppression.
Lexie Bean and Logan Rozos, 2026
At Least We Had This Moment (Directed by Joshua de Vera, Romantic Drama, Philippines) – In his quest to capture the aged architecture of Manila, film photographer Dino seeks the company of a local stranger, Vince. But as the city noises grew, their stories stand out.
West Texas Home (Directed by Gus Agustini, Romantic Drama, U.S.) – A new home in West Texas became his savior when he was a teen, but now as an adult, Ben has made a totally unexpected decision that may jeopardize everything he knows.
Downbeat (Directed by Sean Van Wickle, Drama, U.S.) – Mother does know best. A deadbeat musician is tasked with finishing a song he wrote with his first love, but by finishing it, he risks losing their last remaining connection.
Holding Your Breath/El bañador (Directed by Cristian Valenciano, Romantic Drama, Spain) – Summer 2003. Miguel & Javi, two fourteen-year-old friends, spend their days between swims, video games, and a bet that follows them all summer long: to see who can hold their breath underwater the longest. Javi always wins; he says his swimsuit is magical. Intrigued by the mystery, Miguel begins to see his friend in a different way.
Jaz (Directed by Liza Gomes, Romantic Drama, Brazil) – “Jaz” is a film about encounters and farewells, endings and new beginnings. Without dialogue, this story presents death as an inexorable limit. Immersed in his grief, a middle-aged man engages in the ritual of his longing and, in an unlikely situation, encounters a young musician in a state of abandonment. With a shared love of music, their meeting offers the hope of a brief but joyful relationship.
The Next Day (Directed by Jonathan Wolfe, Drama, U.S.) – The day after a traumatic event a gay man decides to confront his fiancé, forcing him to question if they can repair their strained relationship or perhaps call off their upcoming wedding.
Silent Retreat (Directed by Neil Fennell, Romantic Drama, U.S.) – At a silent meditation retreat, a gay man and a straight man have a significant experience…quietly…that will change them both forever. From the Director of last year’s audience favorite, “Scattered,” and 2017’s “I Don’t Believe in That.”
Julia Margaret Applegate & LuSter P. Singleton, 2026
Mineshaft: The Cruising Murders
Black Shawl/Czarna Chusta (Directed by Kamila Boichenko, Poland/Ukraine, Romantic Drama) – Lesya & her daughter Anya are living in a refugee camp, grappling with the torment of blackmail related to the disappearance of Lesya’s husband, who went missing during the war a year ago. In the camp, Lesya reconnects with her old friend Maria, a widow who, like Lesya, is haunted by the loss of a loved one.
Breaking It All/Tout Casser (Directed by Célia Mebroukine, Drama/Thriller, France) – Farah lets a newfound thirst for justice guide her life after the case involving her best friend’s rape is dismissed. A riveting film centered around a group of women who plot revenge after the charges are dropped against their friend. Content warning: Sexual Assault
Selma (Directed by Christina Maria Schmid, Historical Drama, Germany) – Based on the lives of a closely knit group of queer women in 1930s Berlin during the rise of Nazi Germany, Selma Engler, an aspiring writer, must choose between security and her convictions. This dilemma threatens her place in the lesbian community and her love for the activist Nore.
Wild Ones (Directed by Leone DiSantis, Romantic Thriller, U.S.) – I’ll be your ride or die. After a botched heist leaves them with stolen drugs and a target on their back, a reckless trans hustler and their fiercely loyal best friend must outrun a ruthless mobster to escape their dead-end lives.
Black Knights (Directed by Stephen Sowers, Documentary, U.S.) – “Black Knights” portrays six Black West Point graduates, including LGBTQ+ members, and the evolution of their friendship and how their love for one another continues to impact their lives.
Forward (Directed by Alex Luchsinger, Documentary, U.S.) – Amazing. Marine Corps Major Ashley Christman is battling stage four cancer—but she refuses to give up. Determined to stay in the Corps, she pushes her body to the limit, competing in elite-level endurance sports to prove she’s still fit to serve. Her wife Melissa & their young son Archer watch in awe as Christman fights not just for her career, but to leave behind a legacy of strength.
Starman (Directed by Maddy Ginn, Narrative Drama, Canada) – “Starman” is a character-driven lesbian romantic drama set in 1990 that follows Bowie Madison, a hot-headed young black woman who is one year into her service with the Canadian Air Force. After getting into a fight with another trainee, Bowie is plagued by memories of the year prior and reminded why she joined in the first place.
HVAC (Directed by Jackson McKeehan, Horror, U.S.) – We weren’t ready for this one. In a blue-collar Missouri town, a 13-year-old HVAC apprentice grappling with confusing desires becomes entangled in a surreal, dangerous encounter at the local theatre—where longing & innocence bleed together in one irreversible night.
Living in Hanna (Directed by Kayla Jo Farris & Robin Careless, Sci-Fi, Canada) – “They’re here, already! You’re next!” The footage of a lifestyle influencer’s last recorded video shows her mind unraveling in the wake of an unearthly encounter.
mAIve (Directed by Victoria Duncan, Sci-fi, U.S.) – A lonely man becomes addicted to an AI dating concierge that scrapes his digital footprint to optimize every hookup. When the app is suddenly banned, he is forced to confront his own flaws in the pursuit of authentic human connection.
MascLooking (Directed by Jonathan Brandon Hammond, Horror/Thriller, U.S.) – After two friends’ banter over the pros and cons of using Grindr, one is left chatting with a mysterious online stranger. And he’s getting closer, step by step, inch by inch, that is, IRL.
Plaything (Directed by A.B. Allen, Mystery/Thriller, U.S.) – An innocent 20-something, Clem, is courted by the charming Kevin, but as he falls deeper for his newfound love, he begins to realize the relationship isn’t just imperfect, but something far creepier and sinister.
Plaster Saints (Directed by Carolina Sabrina Caruso, Dystopian, U.S.) – In a dystopian U.S. ruled by the Liberty Party, 3 childhood besties prepare for a gala under the watch of the state’s surveillance cameras. As the night goes on, the one who’s been quietly sweeping for bugs finally reveals why: her brother is missing & she’ll do anything to get him back, even blackmail.
Still Here (Directed by Wyatt Mick, Horror, U.S.) – Recent college graduate Frank returns to his childhood home to finish moving out when he is confronted with the memories of a traumatic birthday. When these memories manifest as a monster that starts to target Frank, he must confront his former self he’s spent years hiding or be trapped in his home forever.
Yuletide (Directed by Adam Coutts & Brandon Bentley, Horror, Australia) – Murphy, a young non-binary person returns home for Christmas, bracing for the cold sting of their family’s intolerance. But beneath the Yuletide tree lurks something far more sinister – a mysterious present that swells with every cruel remark, waiting to unleash its dark secret.
I Love You More Today Than Yesterday
Arman (Directed by Farzad Kiyafar, Romantic Drama, U.S.) – Overwhelmed and isolated on his wedding day, a closeted immigrant speaks to his family on the phone moments before walking down the aisle.
The Beard (Directed by Kelsey Corbin, Dystopian Drama, U.S.) – A man vying for a promotion attempts to secure his and his wife’s place in society when the outside world bursts in and reveals the true nature of their relationship, forcing everyone to ask themselves: what are you willing to fight for?
Kiloran Bay (Directed by Michael Bruce, Drama/Musical, Scotland) – Prepare to shed tears of joy. Alan Cumming stars as a gay man who returns with his husband to his hometown in Scotland to attend a wedding celebration, where he confronts long-buried memories from his past.
Playroom (Directed by Tom Whiston, Romantic Comedy, U.K.) – In this surreal gay rom-com, macho bouncer Alexei secretly attends a cruising hotspot, where his sexual experiences are played out as rounds of board games. After multiple unfulfilling encounters, he finds himself connecting with Josh, which forces him to finally confront the way he keeps these worlds apart.
Sweetwater, Texas (Directed by Kaytie Nielsen & Nick Nielsen, Western Drama, U.S./Germany) – From a sibling director duo & sixth-generation Texans, this rousing and heartfelt film is based on their family who started the World’s Largest Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater nearly 70 years ago. Content Warning – Rattlesnake Killings
Xylella Fastidiosa (Directed by Thomas Colineau, Comedy/Drama/Fantasy, France) – What happens to a young queer generation with life questions, who have lost so many of their elders to HIV/AIDS? Simon works in a garden center in the south of France, alongside his mother, who is loving but overbearing. When he is ghosted by his boyfriend, he is confronted with his loneliness. In the wondrous atmosphere of their greenhouse, where chatty plants echo his thoughts, he speaks with another absence that helps his move forward.
Arrre You Free Tonight? (Directed by Em Millilng, Romantic Comedy/Animated, U.S.) – A delightful 2D animated film following Captain Marcel Estime and her archrival & romantic interest, Pirate Captain Francesca la Rosa, aka Frankie. The pirates board Marcel’s ship, and the pair engage in a heated sword fight that reveals unexpected desires and connections that two enemies shouldn’t have.
Church Girl (Directed by Bessie Fong, Drama, U.S.) – Olivia, a Filipino lesbian, pretends to be Christian to impress her non-binary crush, finding herself at Bushwick’s oldest queer Bible study. Can they agree to disagree on God, or is He a total dealbreaker?
The Late in Life Guide to Modern Lesbianism (Directed by Emelie Claxton & Molly Rangel, Docu-Comedy, U.S.) – The return of Ashley Gianni (last year’s crowd favorite, “Sorority”)! Congratulations on finally coming out! Equal parts orientation, indoctrination, and camp, this satirical 90s corporate training video onboards “late-in-lifers” with everything you didn’t know you needed to survive modern-day lesbianism. Please adjust your VCR tracking.
Lola’s Got the Blues (Directed by Daniel Moreno, Romantic Musical Comedy, U.S.) – On a slow Sunday afternoon in a quiet record store, shy & soft-spoken Lola finds her day upended by Lucy, a bright, bold regular who moves through life like a song. As music fills the air, Lucy’s spontaneous dancing draws Lola out of the shadows, sparking an unexpected connection. A tender, poetic film about quiet crushes, small acts of courage, and the power of music to bring people together.
Love in Process (Directed by Rey Tang, Drama, U.S.) – Exploring the hidden lesbian love story of a 1970s photo, a young woman finds the courage to embrace her own identity and love for a new romantic interest, leading to a poignant journey of self-acceptance and understanding.
Meet the Friends (Directed by C. Denise, Drama, U.S.) – Krys lives by a simple, self-preserving code: charm, conquer, and never, ever get close, but when she meets Felicia, a woman whose wit & beauty is matched only by her disarming sincerity, Krys is both captivated and faced with a choice. Just as they are on the verge of intimacy, Felicia firmly requests that before they take things further, she’d like Krys to meet her closest friends.
Mr. Darcy & Me (Directed by Rana Liu, Romantic Comedy/Drama, Canada) – What happens when a Jane Austen-obsessed lesbian accidentally drunk texts her ex? PANIC! Well, gay panic, to be precise. The only thing left to do: Turn to her imaginary friend, Mr. Darcy. Yes, that Mr. Darcy.
Nice Jewish Girl (Directed by Carly Brand, Comedy/Drama, Australia) – A young schoolgirl experiences a sexual awakening in this deft mix of light comedy and drama, complete with an in-your-face ending that left us smiling ear-to-ear.
Ronita Rambo (Directed by Michael Dossier, Comedy, U.S.) – Ronita Rambo, the sharp-tongued waitress of a rural Missouri diner – we had memories Polly Hollidays’s eternal Flo – has everyone’s order memorized – but not a clue how to text her new crush. Enlisting the help of two gay teens, she takes an unexpected leap toward love and authenticity.
Sprouts (Directed by Ken White, Romantic Comedy/Drama, U.S.) – Just say it!!! When a young woman is asked to set her best friend up on a date, she must find a way break the news that the love interest in question is herself.
Carnations (Directed by Travis C. Prokop, Dance, U.S.) – A dance about the use of the Green Carnation as a coded symbol for gay men in 1892, popularized by playwright Oscar Wilde. The film parallels the relationship between Oscar Wilde & Lord Alfred Douglas, whose circumstances would later influence milestones in queer liberation, such as the Hays Production Code & laws defining “indecency.” At its core, “Carnations” is about timeless love and romance.
Gone Fishin’ (Directed by Michael Reilly Peraza, Drama, U.S.) – John Dixon returns to the old fishing hole to remember his late son, Rodney, who died from HIV/AIDS complications. But when a stranger named Clay arrives, John is forced to face the truth about his son’s identity–and the denial he imposed for all of Rodney’s life.
A Handsome Man/El hombre guapo (Directed by Marcelo Núñez, Drama/Experimental, Peru) – To be called handsome is such a weird thing, especially after being left many times before by different men. The handsome promised he will never allow to be hurt again, even after the right one just appeared in his life. Can the promise of true love overcome the fear of pain? Is it a risk worth taking?
Just Not Naked Enough (Directed by Sean Au, Romantic Drama, Singapore/United States) – A writer returns to the home of his estranged husband to attend what was supposed to be a birthday party for both. He is here to see for the last time if their relationship can be saved in anyway. Can their jealousy, pride and resentment between them be overcome or will the curtain finally close on this relationship?
Kansas, 1989 (Directed by Clayton Dean Smith, Drama/Thriller, U.S.) – The story of a Midwestern teen in the 80s on the verge of coming out, and the night of danger that changes the course of his life. An affecting glimpse at coming out in a different time and place before online confessions.
The Layover (Directed Yuchi Chiu, Drama, U.S.) – Prepared to spend his Christmas alone, a newly single man unexpectedly takes in his ex-boyfriend’s grieving mother.
Naamgenoot (Directed by Luke Langfeldt, Drama, U.S.) – A film about connecting with family, the struggles faced by our elderly community, and LGBTQ storytelling. Fearing he’s wasting his life, Nick, an aspiring playwright, helps prepare his iconoclastic and gay great-uncle, Dr. Nicolaas Broekhuysen, for a transition into assisted living, unaware they share more in common than just a name.
Truths/Verdades (Directed by Ignacio Ondaro, Romantic Drama, Spain) – Javi and Diego have one last date before it´s all over. Will they dare to say what they´ve kept quiet for so long? This lovely short film is about being honest and brave in the face of love.
Blow (Directed by Fernanda Beling, Comedy, Brazil) – On the seventh birthday of a child who lives with their “perfect family” in a “dollhouse” but doesn’t fit into conventional gender norms, the social pressure imposed by their traditional family is so suffocating that the only way to escape is to make the magical birthday wish, before blowing out the candle on the cake.
Butt/Stuff (Directed by Rick Romano, Comedy, U.S.) – Two anxious closely knit roommates – Aster (Romano) and Sophie (Lauren Skelton) – fight over the most hallowed of queer spaces…the bathroom. Aster is going through an existential crisis about late-blooming experience and identity. Sophie is there to provide the love and support. A film about the true meaning of friendship.
Charlie is not a Boy (Directed by Pol Kurucz, Fantasy, France/Hungary/U.S.) – The stylized tale of a hushed soul, bound to a crumbling household in an allegorical America. With a perverted butcher for a father & a mother frozen in a quiet, catatonic spell, Charlie seeks solace in the whimsical world of his eccentric grandmother. As his safety haven unravels, Charlie navigates the hostile worlds of home and the military, caught between his authentic self and the masks he must wear.
Cockroach (Directed by Justice Maya Singleton & Liliana Padilla, Fantasy Comedy, U.S.) – A black transgender man (Singleton) plans to exchange sex for top surgery money with an older gay man until his night hook up turns into a hunt for a cockroach who inspires him to open his heart and conquer his fears. Co-starring and produced by John Cameron Mitchell (“Hedwig and The Angry Inch,” “Short Bus”).
Las Cosas Que Brillan/Shiny Objects (Directed by Kristal Sotomayor, Animated Fantasy, U.S.) – Another of our favorite filmmakers (“Don’t Cry For Me All You Drag Queens”) returns with the story of a curious trans mermaid who defies her mother’s warnings to venture up to the surface, only to discover the world above is not what she dreamt. A cautionary tale that explores the impacts of environmental destruction & the danger of being desired in a postcolonial world.
Mermaids/Gorgones (Directed by Dimitris Tsakaleas & Lida Vartzioti, Comedy Fantasy, Greece) – Summer holidays in Greece. A flirtatious and mysterious sunbather, under the scorched sun, pushes two opposite friend groups on a journey of sexual discovery, lust, consent, and complete transformation. A transformative ode to beautiful queer bodes and sexy under-the-sun romances. Content warning: Graphic Homophobic/Transphobic slurs.
Tuna Tartare (Directed by Lena Greene, Animated Musical, U.S.) – In a karaoke bar in post-apocalyptic Los Angeles, an expired can of tuna fish and a fake Louis Vuitton purse encourage each other to believe in their artistic voices even if the world sees them as trash. A wild and thoroughly entertaining extravaganza with music, dance, and song.
Between Us, The Gaze: Ajamu X/FIERCE: Pittsburgh (Directed by Mikael Owunna and Marques Redd, Documentary, U.S.) – The founders of Rainbow Serpent offer an intimate portrait of legendary British photographer Ajamu X, with a focus on the Black Queer Connection, artistic lineage, and the political urgency of being seen.
Queens of Stonewall (Directed by Jean Sonderand & Nick Tyson, Documentary, U.S.) – An uplifting look at Stonewall veterans and survivors of both the AIDS epidemic and enduring transphobia, this film chronicles the inspiring lives of Simone and her fellow LGBTQIA+ community members, spanning decades of adversity and resilience. And drag.
The Queer Imagination (Directed by Katia Noyes, Documentary/Experimental, U.S.) – A lyric portrait of Queer artist Courtney Desiree Morris and scored by Haitian American composer Joel St. Julien, we follow the artist on a journey of performance, including her Yerba Buena Center for the Arts exhibition where Black queer women and sex women were covered in 50 gallons of organic honey.
Talking Walls (Directed by Marcellus, Documentary, U.S.) – Multiple Queer Black voices reflect on the language, sound, touch, history, and choice of public and private/Black and Queer spaces in their fascinating lives. A joyous and instructive journey through the lives of our elders.
There’s Something About Oakwood
April (Directed by Carmen Meitín Moreno, Corona Alonso Rebaque, Animated Supernatural Comedy, Spain) – April is a witch preparing a surprise birthday party for her girlfriend, Liz. Unfortunately, her girlfriend`s cat, Limón, has other plans. Moved by jealousy, he will do anything to ruin it and mess with April, who will try to stop him with her magic, only to make things worse. It isn’t until chaos spreads through that he realizes he has gone too far.
Julie Takes a Walk (Directed by Frankie Pedersen & Shea Vassar, Romantic Comedy, U.S.) – Confused & shocked by some unexpected news just before her wedding, a runaway bride escapes to a small town in Oklahoma, where she meets the stoic yet secretly sweet Cass, a Native bartender who would rather be reading or fixing up an old car than in any sort of social setting. They both can feel the instant chemistry which only furthers the identity crisis Julie is having.
Lesbian Ditch Day (Directed by Olivia Cade, Romantic Comedy/Drama, U.S.) – “Lesbian Ditch Day” starts as a rom-com-y, coming-of-age tale of two high school lesbians playing hooky, but through a fourth wall break, the film reveals itself to be just another queerbaiting tragedy. A film that asks some hard questions about representation and our cultural history. Whose story is it anyway, we sometimes must ask.
My Big Fat Gay Wedding (Directed by Lara Schmitz, Romantic Comedy, Canada) – After an exhausting weekend as a bridesmaid, Alex & her partner unexpectedly decide to plan their nuptials! Not one second later, all chaos breaks loose because everyone in Alex’s life has an opinion on hashtags to wedding parties to when to start trying for kids. Overwhelmed & hungry, Alex must navigate the absurdity of wedding planning to celebrate their love in their own way.
My Turn/Priorizarse (Directed by Terry Esparza & Natalia Pontaque, Romantic Comedy, Spain) – We can so relate… Carmen walks on her partner convinced that she needs to put herself first. But what should be a clean break up unravels into a surreal showdown packed with pseudo-therapy wisdom, twisted logic & uncomfortable truths. A satire about the contemporary self-care mantra pushed to its most ridiculous extreme.
Now Playing (Directed by Kathleen Maus, Romantic Comedy, U.S.) – We love happy endings! A delightfully entertaining queer romantic comedy about a daydreaming movie theater employee and a quiet cinephile who connect through shared moments that mirror the films on the marquee. Watch those posters, too, y’all!
Sam Wants Her Sweater Back (Directed by Whitney Chitwood, Romantic Comedy, U.S.) — Three queer friends launch a half-witted heist to steal back a sweater from one of their exes. But recovering from heartbreak isn’t quite the slick-lit, neon-noir adventure one of them imagines. A quirky comedy that leaves you awash in appreciation and love for your own beautiful, chaotic, life-affirming friendships & community (regardless of who keeps the sweater).
You and Me Makes Three (Directed by Emmalee El Fadli, Romantic Comedy, U.K.) – When Alannah finally decides she’s ready for a baby, she and her wife Amara dive headfirst into the wild world of sperm donors, DIY insemination, and awkward conversations, all while trying to keep their sanity (and dignity) intact.
The Audition (Directed by Brigid Maher, Drama, U.S.) – Kim Johnson, a 50-year-old Army major, and her 13-year-old autistic, nonbinary child, Ace, are on a high-stakes journey to a prestigious music audition in Washington, D.C. What begins with a nervous pickup from school spirals into a frantic search through the music academy when mix-ups leave them scrambling to find the right audition room.
Everything Between Us (Directed by Ilgin Guney Korugan, Drama, Türkiye) – Alienated by bullies at school and her strict mother at home, Azra seeks solace by a serene riverside. There, she develops an unspoken bond with a girl who joins her on the opposite shore, opening herself up despite her fears.
Everything You Want/Tudo o que quiser (Directed by Mariana Machado, Drama, Belgium) – “Magic is people, but illusionism is what traps them.” Three queer Brazilian migrants who love each other live together in Brussels. We follow their journey for one day and the people they encounter along the way. This film offers a heartfelt portrayal of their search for belonging in a foreign land.
Feel Love Stand Here (Directed by Caitlyn McConnell, Drama, U.S.) – When Mateo, a young art student, begins to draw in between the lines of his gender identity, he must confront his desire to be with his girlfriend Krista and his longing to transition. As their relationship grows more intense, he faces an impossible choice: lose Krista or himself.
kaya/ᜃᜌ (Directed by Isabel Lamers, Action/Adventure, Philippines) – Fresh from its premiere at this year’s Tribeca, an outsider in her own culture, half-Filipina Nia secretly trains with gay outcast Malic to join a popular Filipino Martial Arts team in Manila, only to discover that winning starts with accepting who you truly are.
Not Losing You (Directed James Lantz, Drama, U.S.) – Following an argument earlier that day over what clothing a trans daughter can wear and what name she can use, a farmer-father makes a decision that will change both of their lives. “Not Losing You” is an incredibly moving narrative micro-film supporting trans youth in the wake of unrelenting anti-trans & anti-LGBTQ legislation sweeping the U.S.
She’s Nonbinary (Directed by Jess McLeod, Dark Comedy, Canada) – Nonbinary Max and their straight, cis boyfriend, Jake, spiral into a cataclysmic identity crisis when Max reveals they’re off the waitlist for top surgery. A film about labels and identity, produced by Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”) and Jane Schoenbrun (“I Saw The TV Glow”).
Tr(ace)y (Directed by Julia Editz, Drama/Comedy, U.S.) – A young woman garners interesting reactions when explaining her sexuality to her dates. Through these experiences, mixing a light comedic vibe with sincere subject matter, she comes to realize that being authentic to herself is ultimately more valuable than being accepted by society or potential romantic partners.
Batter Up, Queen! (Directed by Cameron M. Brown, Comedy/Drama, U.S.) – Facing the costs of her failed dreams of stardom, drag queen Frannie P. Bodied takes on the most mortifying gig of her career: babysitting a bubbly child baseball player named Marcus. What seems like a miserable job at first becomes something entirely different, as Marcus & Fran may be more alike than originally expected.
I Wanna Hold Your Hand (Directed by Conor Larsen & Zachary Kornblum, Animated Romantic Comedy, Canada) – In a dark movie theater, a young boy’s anxiety swells as he debates making the first move—until a small act of courage speaks louder than words.
My Dear Watson (Directed by Jacob Mckee, Romantic Comedy/Mystery, U.S.) – When he receives a mysterious love note, a teenage Sherlock Holmes must step outside of his comfort zone to uncover the identity of his secret admirer. Can Watson help him crack this mystery? Is Sherlock clueless?
The New Gardener (Directed by Ryan Parma, Comedy, U.S.) – Larry and Leo’s long-term relationship is put to the ultimate test by the arrival of a very sexy, very criminal young man posing as their new gardener. Set in Palm Springs, California, this comedic tale of sex, robbery & remarriage stars Guy Branum and Johnny Sibilly.
Nicky and Nick (Directed by Louise Bartolotta, Romantic Comedy/Drama, U.S.) – Heated hoops rivalry. Something happened at a party between college basketball players Nicky and Nick, but it didn’t mean anything, it was no big deal, no, really, they’re good.
Nocaut (Directed by Sofía Urwitz, Comedy, Spain) – There’s got to be a morning after. After a “crazy” night, Pablo & Rubén meet again at their MMA training session. Memories of the previous night & a huge hangover leave Pablo feeling confused & uncomfortable, questioning many of the internalized beliefs about his own masculinity.
Ornithomancy (Directed by S. Vollie Osborn, Comedy, U.S.) – Marquis the Honey Bear stars in this hilarious tale of the highly-strung Winona, who, minutes before a dream job interview, inexplicably turns to “ornithomancy,” the ancient art of reading omens from birds, to guide his life choices – Determining that a bird flying left means “no” and flying right as “yes.” Or was that the opposite?
Yellow Bucket (Directed by Simon Brooke, Comedy/Fantasy, U.K.) – When “science” discovers that sounds and colors can allegedly turn someone gay on their sixth birthday, a family’s gay son and his family are rocked by questions and choices.
Something Wicked This Way Comes
For Jamie (Directed by BreAnna Romero, Horror, U.S.) – When horror buff Stephen gathers the courage to confess his love for his best friend Jamie, they find themselves in their own scary movie. Chock-full of classic horror film references, “For Jamie” is a can’t miss retro delight that also explores the themes of identity, perspective & friendship.
A Haunted House (Directed by Bella Sloan Cude, Supernatural, U.S.) – A woman and her wife are haunted by a ghostly couple who lived in their home years ago. Based on the eponymous short story by Virginia Woolf. A romantic & modernist take on the haunted house trope.
Heavenly Bodies (Directed by Josema Mateos & David Pallarés, Sci-Fi, Spain) – After a night of self-destruction & chaos, Enzo feels as if there’s no longer a reason to go on. However, despite believing nobody is listening, someone will remind him that he is not alone. Even if that someone is from another world – an ET with an uplifting queer perspective. Warning – Suicidal Ideation.
The Hog Queen (Directed by Katherine Craft, Horror, U.S.) – A disgruntled bartender’s plans to skip town are disrupted when feral hogs attack a small-town Texas gay bar during a drag show, and everyone inside scrambles to survive the hogs…and each other. Starring Marissa Bode from “Wicked.”
I’m Gonna Kill You (Directed by Andrew Chappelle, Dystopian, U.S.) – Cal and Spector have been paired by the government to carry on humanity as we know it. The notion of a soulmate has been dismantled. The goal is survival. But does the fact that they were paired prevent them from finding romantic love on their own terms. Even if it kills them?
Next in Line (Directed by Danny Dolan, Horror, U.S.) – Reeling from the loss of an Adidas campaign, the job he thought would be his big break, jaded choreographer Travis drives to a friend’s desert retreat for a therapeutic getaway to forget how the world still hasn’t recognized his magnificent potential. There, he encounters Willow (the glorious Tatiana Maslany from “Orphan Black”) – a washed-up, faux spiritual dancer. Mayhem ensues.
Summer Fling (Directed by Krit Komkrichwarakool, Sci-fi, Canada) – One of our favorite Directors (“Auganic,” “Platonic”) returns with an out-of-this-world romance. A man reconnects with his summer fling, who he can only see once a year, but their reunion isn’t quite as it seems.
Fish & Chips (Directed by Macadie Amoroso, Romantic Drama, U.K.) – Fab plans a surprise for Cassie on their first anniversary, but Cassie’s rough day, coupled with a party popper mishap, leads to a heated argument over dinner options. What starts as a takeaway tiff then spirals into an identity battle, revealing deep-seated resentments about their racial & lesbian identities. A tender, unflinching exploration of mixed-heritage identity, queer love & the fine line between connection and conflict.
Hail Maya (Directed by Fredgy Noël, Romantic Drama, U.S.) – On her last night in the dorms, a faithful Catholic undergraduate trades salvation for sin, diving headfirst into a tangle of lust, love, and betrayal that confession can’t absolve. When the night is over, she is left with a choice – which road will she take?
In Her Name (Directed by Rachel Elisabeth, Romantic Comedy/Drama, U.S.) – Sixteen-year-old Joanie begins to question her sexuality after an intimate game of truth or dare at her best friend’s birthday party.
Peppermint Tea (Directed by J.R. Harper, Drama, U.S.) – Where there’s a broken heart, there’s an avenue to creativity. After the breakup with their girlfriend, the Poet is finding serenity after a time of suffering in this lovely relatable narrative about what comes next.
Shortcut (Directed by Christina de Leon, Romantic Drama/Comedy, U.S.) – The one that got away…Two women in their 30s reconnect for an honest, revealing, and slightly mischievous evening in their hometown after having not seen each other since they were outed as a couple in high school.
Shruthi & Matty (Directed by Manish Chandra Vullengala, Romantic Comedy/Drama, India) – In an evening that begins with polite and random conversations, two queer women in their twenties connect at a mutual friend’s birthday party in Hyderabad. As their talks proceed, they grow closer, and we begin to root for a relationship between two perfectly matched souls.
Threadbare (Directed by Alexander Weiditich, Drama, Canada) – What happens when everything in your closet reminds you of her? Following a breakup, Celeste aims to thrift clothes worn by her and her former partner – a process made difficult by a picky shop keeper.
Anna’s Freezer (Directed by Jetske Lieber, Drama, Netherlands) – After her premiere night, 35-year-old Anna comes home alone. When she discovers that her freezer is completely frozen, a solitary spectacle starts where Anna battles her freezer and tries to escape her lonely reality.
Bench Seats (Directed by Courtney DeStefano, Drama, U.S.) – This touching and beautiful film follows Dani, who is at an emotional crossroads after an argument with her wife, Erin. When a song on the radio jolts her memory back to the summer of 1989, Dani recalls riding shotgun in her mom’s oversized Buick, navigating the complexities of her parents’ recent divorce & her mother’s struggle to rebuild their lives.
Greenhorn (Directed by Sabrina Way, Drama, Canada) – A young masculine-presenting woman must return home to help her estranged father, an ex-rancher, recover from a car accident — only to discover that reconciliation isn’t so easy when identity is at stake.
In The Light of Day (Directed by Lauren Shaw, Romantic Drama, U.S.) – A lesbian woman plans to escape her small town with her married lover, but when her lover refuses to leave, she must make a choice. “In the Light of Day” is a story about stepping into your authenticity. Loving yourself first, unapologetically. And daring to live your truth over playing safe.
Mercury and Jupiter (Directed by Caz Thorne, Romantic Drama, U.K.) – I’m not crying. You’re crying! A potent mix and joyfulness and sadness. At an artist residency in rural Wales, a French photographer is quickly drawn into an intense connection that begins to blur the boundaries between inspiration, intimacy, and self-discovery.
My Name is Lilith (Directed by LeoLuna ROBERT-TOURNEUR, Animated Drama, Belgium/France) – Her name is Lilith. She is the first woman, created alongside Adam. Her encounter with Eve will shatter every stereotype that we’ve been trapped in.
The Fight of Her Life (Directed by Brent Duncan, Thriller/Drama, U.S.) – She is trapped in darkness and fear. Freedom is the difference in life or death.
A Homecoming (Directed by David Bryan Caudle, Drama, U.S.) – A newly transitioning trans woman returns home with her pregnant partner for her parents’ 40th Anniversary. Her mother Vicky, supportive from afar, unexpectedly struggles seeing her changing child in the flesh.
Long Away (Directed by Tilly Bridges & Susan Bridges, Sci-Fi, U.S.) – Victoria travels 25 years into her own past to meet a man she barely remembers – her father – and hopes he will love her for who she is. This trans grounded sci-fi film is based on a comic that the filmmakers wrote about memory & love. Bring tissues. Don’t worry. They were tears of joy, but a hanky would have helped in the moment!
Sister/Irmã (Directed by Anderson Bardot, Drama, Brazil) – Another of our favorite Directors (“The Uninhabitable Ones”) returns with the story of Ian, who has grown into Iara, proudly embracing her identity. Rejecting her family’s legacy of violence, Iara guides her sister through memories and letters, where childhood wounds resurface at an ancient waterfall whose waters once baptized their parents in the evangelical faith.
Top (Directed by Jake Morgan-Scharhon & Danielle Morgan-Scharhon, Drama, U.S.) – Finally at the hospital for his long-awaited gender affirming top surgery, Matt, with lively girlfriend Leisha by his side, navigates the bureaucracy of the top surgery process. But once Matt is thrown deep into surgery day, he suddenly finds his present intertwining with his past self, Kimberly.
Accismus (Directed by Brandy Marien, Horror/Drama, Canada) – a dramatic horror short about a woman who enters a nightclub where she is desired, but never truly seen. However, the horror in “Accismus” isn’t supernatural; it lives in the subtle feeling of being misrecognized or reduced to an idea.
Plenum (Directed by Charlene A. Carruthers, Documentary/Narrative, U.S.) – A fascinating and moving hybrid reconstruction of the 1995 Black Nations/Queer Nations Conference, “Plenum” follows the experience of siblings Ajani & Tracy, as they make their way from Chicago to NYC. While Tracy is worried that Ajani’s recent HIV positive diagnosis will drive him into isolation, Ajani fear the consequences of telling their father as he enters a new community & phase of life. Don’t miss the credits!
Ripple (Directed by Jacob Norris, Narrative Drama, U.S.) – In the early 1980s, during the height of the AIDS epidemic, Katherine, a compassionate palliative nurse, works tirelessly to care for patients suffering from the devastating disease. Meanwhile, her only son, Daniel, leaves home for the summer to work as a camp counselor, unaware of the hateful societal norms that will soon threaten his own happiness.
Southern Son Shine (Directed by Kevin Dapree Anderson, Documentary, U.S.) – Join us on a joyful, reflective, and loving visit with a group of Black gay men living with HIV, as we learn about their lives through Southern storytelling, art & ancestral memory. Rooted in the griot tradition, the film reframes the South as a place of survival, softness, and becoming, where faith, masculinity, queerness & healing intersect.
Welcome to the Tool Shed (Directed by Daniel Talbott & Andrew Klaus-Vineyard, Documentary, U.S.) – The documentary takes an in depth, searing dive into the colorful community of queer senior citizens who congregate at the Tool Shed, a long-standing gay bar and sanctuary for queer people in Palm Springs, California, where many of its denizens are the oldest survivors of the AIDS epidemic.
Boygirl (Directed by A.C. Birch, Animation/Documentary, Canada) – In this experimental animated documentary, segments from childhood diaries intertwine with prose and stream of consciousness poetry to tell the story of “Boygirl” – a young genderqueer child who is traversing the complexity of their inner world.
Five Years in 8mm (Directed by Cody Stickels, Documentary, U.S.) – Shot on nostalgic Super-8 film, this home-movie-style documentary follows the filmmaker’s gender transition within my NYC queer community, tracing a journey where joy emerges as a radical antidote to pain. At its heart, this short film is a love letter to young trans and non-binary people.
Monologue (Directed by Zhe Huang, Documentary, Canada) – Six years into her transition, Courtesy, a transgender woman, navigates the intersecting journeys of gender affirmation and addiction recovery, searching for identity and family acceptance while rebuilding her life.
A Tattoo/Tatuaje (Directed by Kamil Dobrosielski, Documentary, Poland) – In a tattoo studio in Medellín, Sandro—a nonbinary activist & rapper—sits down to get a new tattoo. As the needle moves across their skin, Sandro recalls their past: the murder of their brother, the ensuring years of anger & violence, and the transformation that came in prison. Through tattoos & music, Sandro reclaims their story—turning trauma into art & pain into purpose.
Transwalking (Directed by Efthymia Kotoula, Documentary, Greece) – “Transwalking” follows Georgia, Sofia, Loukas, and Thiseas, as they explore the city through walking routes, sharing the story of their trans experiences and transforming walking into an act of empowerment and visibility.
Voice Shift (Directed by Roberto Duque, Documentary, U.K.) – This film follows transgender femme individuals as they seek a voice that reflects their gender identity. Guided by a trans vocal coach, the film weaves together stories from different stages of their journeys. More than an exploration of vocal technique, however, this is a film about identity & resilience – blending lived experience with a wider social commentary on the power & politics of voice.
While Construction is in Progress, Shops Will Remain Open/Pendant les travaux, vos commerces restent ouverts (Directed by Mordred Guadagno, Documentary/Experimental, France) – Between 2021 and 2025, the city was under massive construction to prepare for a new streetcar line. As the works finally come to an end, the filmmaker grapples with the ending of a construction of their own.