The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival was founded in 1988 in direct response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and has been a tentpole of NYC’s queer cultural scene since. NewFest’s mission is to give voice and visibility to the wide scope of LGBTQ+ experiences through films and programs that entertain, educate, and empower. Entering their 37th year, NewFest is one of the world’s largest and most respected annual celebrations of queer cinema and New York’s leading LGBTQ+ film and media organization. NewFest stands out among LGBTQ+ film festivals with its high-quality programming, outstanding press coverage, community engagement, savvy audiences, and sensational parties.
The festival’s impact in terms of propelling the work and careers of emerging filmmakers is historic and global, and uniquely channels the collaborative creative energy of New York City to celebrate queer films. Their work continues year-round with two additional festivals, Queering the Canon and NewFest Pride, artist initiatives such as the New Voices Filmmaker Grant in partnership with Netflix and Sound & Scene: NewFest + Concord QTBIPOC Short Film Initiative, the Black Filmmakers Initiative, in-school screenings in partnership with the DOE, NewFest Presents, advanced screenings of highly-anticipated titles, partnerships with other cinematic organizations across the city, and more. NewFest believes that visibility matters, and that queer film can change the world.
Visit newfest.org for more info