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NewFest 2023 unveils a dazzling lineup of queer cinema and bold storytelling

From Stop! That! Train! to Black queer shorts, this year's festival blends defiant artistry with community joy. A must-see for film lovers and activists alike.

,   and  ASMedia
2 min read
The image shows a group of people walking down a street with a rainbow flag, some of them holding...
The image shows a group of people walking down a street with a rainbow flag, some of them holding musical instruments, while others are wearing caps. In the background, there are light poles, trees, sheds, and a sky with clouds, all of which are part of the 2018 Gay Pride Parade.

NewFest 2023 unveils a dazzling lineup of queer cinema and bold storytelling

NewFest, the New York City LGBTQ film festival, will kick off Pride month with its five-day program at SVA Theatre May 28-June 1. It will also be available virtually.

"Our community doesn't wait for permission to celebrate, so we're starting Pride in May - calendar be damned," NewFest executive director David Hatkoff said Thursday morning. "NewFest Pride has always lived at the intersection of party and protest, and nothing captures that better than this lineup of anticipated premieres, community gatherings and a free outdoor screening of 'Heated Rivalry' at the iconic Pier 17. Five days: in person and virtual, indoors and out, and entirely on our terms."

The festival will feature several films, including:

  • "Stop! That! Train!" directed by Adam Shankman, an opening night film and party on May 28 at 7 p.m. at SVA Theatre.
  • "The Dads," directed by Luchina Fisher, on May 29 at 7 p.m. at SVA Theatre.
  • "Leviticus," written and directed by Adrian Chiarella, on May 29 at 8 p.m. at SVA Theatre.
  • "Bookends," directed by Mike Doyle, on May 30 at 4 p.m. at SVA Theatre.
  • "Barbara Forever," directed by Brydie O'Connor, on May 30 at 5 p.m. at SVA Theatre.
  • "I Want Your Sex," directed by Gregg Araki, on May 30 at 8:15 p.m. at SVA Theatre.
  • "Adam's Apple," directed by Amy Jenkins, on May 31 at 4 p.m. at SVA Theatre.

There will also be outdoor screenings, including: * HBO Max Presents: "Heated Rivalry" Comes Out(side) at Pier 17, date and time to be announced. * "The Brittney Griner Story," directed by Alexandria Stapleton, on June 1 at 8 p.m. at Gansevoort Plaza.

The festival will also include a selection of Black queer shorts and a NY Liberty Game watch party ahead of the "Brittney Griner Story" premiere.

"This year's unapologetically dazzling NewFest Pride line-up signals a rousing call that contemporary queer cinema is fully alive and thriving," NewFest director of programming Nick McCarthy, said in part, adding, "Pride is a space to laugh, shout, reflect and - most importantly - gather together as a community to share our stories, engage in dialogue, and create an alchemy of effusive queer energy, insight and bliss."

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