Outfest Offers a Look at the LGBTQ Community of the Americas Through Film

Outfest, the Los Angeles LGBTQ film festival, is always lit. That’s just a fact. With its expansive screening roster and its fabulous parties, this celebration of all things queer on screen is one of the most exciting events in a city already awash with glittering film-centered programming. But this year, be prepared to use your fire emoji several times to describe it. For starters, Outfest LA is hosting a Latinx Celebration on July 16. It may be the only place where you’ll be able to bop to Dj Sizzle Fantastic and see a skating demo courtesy of the ladies of Skate Kitchen after seeing drag queen Melissa Befierce host a lotería fundraiser. And don’t worry, if you get hungry, you’ll be able to enjoy food at the Mercadito from places like Mexvegana and Sunnyside Tamales.

The event is but one sign that the Latinx community will be well-represented at the queer fest. Ostensibly a film-oriented program, Outfest knows that prestige TV is quickly blurring the lines between the two media. So it’s no surprise that they’re hosting a screening of Starz’s critically acclaimed show Vida. Moreover, you’ll be able to catch a Q&A with the cast and crew, where no doubt issues of how this queer af Latina-centered show broke through to tell an authentic story about LA’s Eastside. Moreover, to show its commitment to showcasing Latin American filmmakers, the fest is also hosting a shorts film program that features projects from Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. Together they offer a diverse look at the LGBTQ community of the Americas.

But truly, the draw of Outfest has always been its eclectic selection of movies. Star-studded films like We The Animals, The Miseducation of Cameron Post and Studio 54 dominate the gala screenings. But if you look further down the schedule, you’ll find all sorts of fascinating gems that feature some of the best Latinx and Latin American talent both in front and behind the camera. Whether you’re looking for a steamy romance between a Colombian director and her star, a coming-of-age tale set in Cuernavaca, or a documentary about a Brazilian “gender terrorist” singer, Outfest LA has you covered. Check out our recommendations below.

Outfest runs July 12-22, 2018.