By: Joseph R. Castel
The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach will hold its 31st annual Long Beach QFilm Festival, from Sept. 6th through Sept. 8th, with an additional outdoor screening on Sat. Sept. 21st. Unlike other LA metro film festivals, QFilm really knows how to throw a community film festival that puts the filmmakers and theatergoers first. Their films have been shown in the Latinx and gay community neighborhood of “Retro Row” for more than 30 years, making it one of Southern California’s oldest and best festivals for LGBTQ indie filmmakers and theatregoers alike.
The Long Beach film festival opens on Friday night, Sept. 6th, at the historic Art Theatre, with a reception at The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach. The evening’s film lineup includes Still Working 9 to 5, a thought-provoking documentary that revisits the original 1980 film with Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton and Jane Fonda. This film is followed by Extremely Unique Dynamic and the short film Larry in the Sky with Diamonds.
Sat., Sept. 7th offers a full day of screenings, beginning with Silver Screen Shorts, a collection of films celebrating the older LGBTQ community. Kudos to QFilms for honoring its queer elders in this festival by including them with a well-deserved category.
Other category highlights are Long Beach Queeroes, Queer and Trans Short Films, and Asian Persuasion LGBTQ Short Films. The day concludes with two feature films: The Queen of My Dreams, a vibrant exploration of queer identity and heritage, and F.L.Y., preceded by the short film Second Thought.
Sun., Sept. 8th starts with the Men in Briefs short film program, followed by a brunch at The Center. The afternoon continues with Women in Shorts and An Unexpected Community, a documentary that delves into the resilience and solidarity of LGBTQ communities. The festival wraps up with Young Hearts, a youth-oriented film, and Lady Like, followed by a collection of LA Queer Short Films.
As a special encore, the festival will hold an outdoor screening on Sat., Sept., 21, at the Long Beach Pride, featuring Maybelline Prince, with special guest Stuart Milk in attendance.
Get Your Tickets:
Individual tickets, festival passes, and the full schedule are available now at www.qfilmslongbeach.com. All proceeds from the festival benefit The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach, which support vital programs and services for the community.
Support the Festival:
Support for the 2024 QFilm Festival comes from the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Arts Council for Long Beach, and APLA, among other sponsors. Additional sponsors and underwriters are being sought, and program ad space is available. For information on sponsorship and advertising opportunities, please contact Michael Morgan at mmorgan@centerlb.org or 562-434-4455.