LONG BEACH — The QFilm Festival — a cinematic celebration of the rich diversity and experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities — opens Thursday and close Sunday with more than 30 films on the schedule.
The annual festival, which showcases narrative features, documentaries, and short films, has a mix of West Coast, California, and local premieres as well as screenings of acclaimed features on the film festival circuit.
Here’s everything you need about the festival.
QFILM FESTIVAL
The festival will take place at the Art Theatre and the neighboring Long Beach LGBTQ Center.
TICKETS
Full-festival or individual tickets are available at the QFilms festival page or the Center box office. Individual tickets are $12; five-film pass is $50, and all-access pass is $120.
PARKING
- Limited, free parking is available in The Center’s lot behind the theatre. Enter off St. Louis Avenue.
- Pay-for-space parking is available across the street from the theatre at 2000 E. Fourth St.
- Parking along St. Louis and Cherry avenues is free and unrestricted.
“Mi Mejor Amigo” (My Best Friend) is a coming-of-age film from Argentina. It will have its Southern California premiere at the QFilm Festival. Photo: Publicity image.
QUEER FILMS
Thursday
- “The Advocate Celebrates 50 Years: A Long Road to Freedom” (7 p.m.) — A documentary about the legacy queer magazine that focuses on watershed moments in LGBTQ history and the gay protest that lead to the publication being launched.The documentary is narrated by Laverne Cox and features music by Melissa Etheridge.
FRIDAY
- “Wild Nights with Emily” (6:45 p.m.) — An irreverent comedy about famous poet Emily Dickinson, brought to vivid lesbian life by Molly Shannon.
- “Mapplethorpe” (9:15 p.m.) — The story of controversial gay photographer Robert Mapplethorpe is brought to life by Matt Smith (“Dr. Who” and ”The Crown”).
SATURDAY
- “Every Act of Life” (10:30 a.m.) — The life of out Tony Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally.
- “Finding Home” (12:45 p.m.) — Three stories of LGBTQ asylum seekers seeking refuge throughout Los Angeles.
- “Queer and Trans Shorts” (short films, 2:45 p.m.)
- “Man Made” (5 p.m.) — Award-winning documentary on transgender bodybuilders
- “Kiss Me!” (7:30 p.m.) — A French comedy with a lesbian serial romantic crushing on her new obsession
- “Just Friends” (9:15 p.m.– An off-kilter love story between two young men from very different backgrounds
SUNDAY
- “Men in Briefs” — (short films, 11 a.m.)
- “Women in Shorts” — (short films, 1:15 p.m.)
- “Transmilitary” (3:15 p.m.) — Award-winning documentary about transgender service members who challenged the Pentagon
- “The Heiresses” (5:15 p.m.) — Two Paraguayan women from wealthy families risk it all to be together
- “Mi Mejor Amigo” (7:15 p.m.) — Award-winning coming-of-age tale from Argentina
- “Shakedown” (9 p.m.) — The history of Los Angeles’ African-American lesbian club scene
