NewFest’s 36th Annual Festival Kicks Off in NYC with 140+ Queer Films
NewFest
The article discusses NewFest’s 36th annual film festival, featuring over 140 queer films. This year’s lineup focuses on contemporary LGBTQ+ themes and highlights underrepresented voices, including women, trans, non-binary, and BIPOC creators. The festival celebrates a diverse mix of new films and queer cinema classics.
This Thursday, NewFest returns to New York City for its 36th annual film festival bringing together more than 140 films that showcase the vibrant creativity of the LGBTQ+ community.
The lineup prominently showcases films that address contemporary themes, including gender identity, the art of drag, and love that crosses borders, alongside a nostalgic look at some cherished classics of queer cinema. The festival puts a special emphasis on historically underrepresented voices and identities in the LGBTQ+ community, with 82% of the lineup by and about women, trans, non-binary, intersex, bi, Black, Indigenous, people of color and disabled creators. Roshan Sethi’s A Nice Indian Boy, which opened to critical acclaim at SXSW, will kick off the 12-day hybrid festival.
“This year’s expansive lineup is a bold testament to both the future and legacy of queer cinema,” says Nick McCarthy, NewFest’s Director of Programming. “We’re thrilled to showcase a marvelous mix of groundbreaking new films and amplify the landmark queer filmmakers that blazed trails before.”
High Tide
"High Tide"
The U.S. Centerpiece film, High Tide, is set in Provincetown and directed by Marco Calvani. It tells the story of a Brazilian émigré navigating life and love in America, with standout performances by Marco Pigossi, Marisa Tomei, and Bill Irwin.
Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara
"Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara"
Documentary fans will love Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara, which dives into the bizarre world of identity theft in the digital age. Directed by Erin Lee Carr, it explores issues around privacy, fame, and identity in the chronically online society we live in today.
This year’s festival honors cinematic legacy with a special retrospective dedicated to a “John Waters Threesome,” featuring three of the campy cornerstone’s iconic films: Female Trouble, Pecker, and Polyester. Additionally, cult favorites like Elvira: Mistress of the Dark and The Matrix will screen, offering a nostalgic look back at queer cinematic history. Audiences can also look forward to a stunning restoration of the 1983 documentary Dressed in Blue.
Bird
"Bird"
The International Centerpiece, Bird, directed by Andrea Arnold, stars Barry Keoghan and Franz Rogowski. The film won the Prix de la Citoyenneté at the Cannes Film Festival and delivers a powerful portrayal of identity and relationships.
Layla
"Layla"
Layla offers a fresh take on the coming-of-age narrative, focusing on a young woman balancing cultural and familial pressures.
NewFest continues to prioritize accessibility, offering an array of in-person screenings alongside an on-demand platform to ensure that audiences can engage with the festival from the comfort of their homes. Key venues include the SVA Theatre, The Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Nitehawk Prospect Park.
“On the cusp of a historic election, the LGBTQ+ community is, once again, at a moment where we need to show up for ourselves and each other,” says David Hatkoff, NewFest Executive Director. “As the largest queer film festival in the country, NewFest takes the responsibility of providing a safe and joyful space for queer audiences to celebrate queer stories very seriously. In our festival’s 36th year, we are thrilled to share films that inspire empathy, delight, discovery, and connection, and a lineup that honors the incredible diversity and creativity of the LGBTQ+ community.”
Emilia Pérez
Emilia Pérez - Netflix
Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez will close out the festival on October 20th. The film took home the Cannes Jury Prize and earned its star Karla Sofía Gascón the Best Actress award, alongside performances by Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz.
NewFest 2024 promises to entertain and inspire while fostering meaningful conversations around identity, community, and representation. Whether you are a longtime queer film lover or a novice enthusiast, don’t miss out on this vibrant, rich tapestry of queer storytelling.
Check out the full lineup and get your tickets and passes at: http://newfest.org/festival!
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