Film poster for Larry In The Sky With Diamonds. Photo courtesy of QFilm Festival.
The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach announces the 31st annual Long Beach QFilm Festival, happening from Sept. 5 to Sept. 8, with an additional outdoor screening on Sept. 21. Long Beach QFilm Festival is the oldest film festival in Long Beach. This year’s festival promises to celebrate LGBTQ cinema, showcasing a diverse array of films that highlight the unique experiences, struggles, and triumphs of the LGBTQ community.
The festival kicks off Sept. 5 with a private reception at the Queen Mary Lounge, followed by a special screening of Melissa Etheridge: I’m Not Broken. This intimate documentary offers a powerful look into the life and career of one of the most iconic voices in LGBTQ music. The film makes its triumphant homecoming to Long Beach, where Melissa Etheridge first started at the iconic Que Sera Lesbian Bar.
Sept. 6 marks the official opening night at the historic Art Theatre, beginning 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 comedy film and examines the 40-year evolution of gender inequality and discrimination in the workplace since the 1980 release of “9 to 5” starring Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton, and Dabney Coleman. This is followed by Extremely Unique Dynamic and the short film Larry in the Sky with Diamonds.
Sept. 7 offers a full day of screenings, beginning with Silver Screen Shorts, a collection of films celebrating the older LGBTQ community. Other highlights include 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.
Sept. 8 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 host an outdoor screening on Sept. 21 at Long Beach Pride, featuring Maybelline Prince with special guest Stuart Milk in attendance.
Now in its 31st year, QFilms is Long Beach’s longest-running film festival. It has been a vital platform for showcasing films that embody the rich diversity and experiences of LGBTQ communities. Each year, the festival draws over 1,000 attendees and features a mix of World, West Coast, California, and Local premieres, as well as some of the most acclaimed features on the film festival circuit. Attendees have the opportunity to engage with filmmakers, actors, and other industry professionals during post-screening discussions and festival events.
All proceeds from the festival benefit The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach, supporting vital programs and services for the community.
Time: Various, Sept. 5 to 8
Cost: 11.53 to $15.74 for individual tickets up to $ 120 to 140 for VIP
Details: www.qfilmslongbeach.com.
Venue: The Art Theater, 2025 E 4th St, Long Beach
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