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25th Anniversary Long Beach QFilm Festival
The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach
Presents…
The 2018 Long Beach QFilm Festival
Announces Lineup including Southern California Premieres
Long Beach, California - The 25th anniversary, 2018 Long Beach QFilm Festival will take place September 6th-9th at the historic Art Theatre located at 2025 East 4th St. and the neighboring LGBTQ Center of Long Beach, both on Long Beach’s renowned 4th Street. Submissions for this year’s fest are now closed but will be accepted beginning in October for the 2019 festival via www.withoutabox.com.
Discounted full-festival and 5-film passes are now available for purchase for a limited time only through the QFilms festival page at www.qfilmslongbeach.com. Individual tickets will be on sale starting in mid-August.
Now celebrating its 25th year, Qfilms is Long Beach’s longest-running film festival since 1993. The fest annually presents narrative features, documentaries and short films that embody the rich diversity and experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) communities. More than 1,500 people attend each year to savor a mix of West Coast, California and local premieres as well some of the most acclaimed features on the film festival circuit. Numerous filmmakers and cast members of the films to be shown will be present for audience discussions after many screenings. Festival events will feature nightly parties, Sunday brunch, exclusive filmmakers lounge, and opportunities for attendees to meet and mingle with filmmakers, actors, critics and other industry professionals.
Qfilms will host a free kickoff screening of the cult classic “Mean Girls” on Friday August 10th at Alfredo’s Beach Club at 5100 E. Ocean Blvd in Long Beach featuring an exclusive preview of the festival, photo opportunities, and a special celebrity introduction to the film.
The 2018 QFilm Festival will open at the Art Theatre the evening of Thursday, September 6th with the Long Beach premiere of “The Advocate Celebrates 50 Years: A Long Road to Freedom.” This acclaimed documentary about the pioneering LGBTQ publication is narrated by Laverne Cox and features music by Melissa Etheridge. It will be preceded and followed by an Opening Night party for all pass- and ticket-holders at the LGBTQ Center of Long Beach, located directly next door to the Art Theatre.
Two engaging, biographical feature films will have their local premieres the night of Friday, September 7th. “Wild Nights with Emily” is an irreverent exploration of the famous poet Emily Dickinson, brought to vivid lesbian life by the hilarious Molly Shannon. It will be followed by “Mapplethorpe,” the eye-opening and sexy life story of controversial gay photographer Robert Mapplethorpe (played by Matt Smith of “Dr. Who” and ”The Crown” fame). A festive party for all attendees will take place between screenings at The Center.
A number of other strong narrative and documentary features will screen on Saturday, September 8th and Sunday, September 9th. These are: “Mi Mejor Amigo” (Southern California premiere), an award-winning coming of age tale from Argentina; “Kiss Me!” (West Coast premiere), a French comedy in which a lesbian serial romantic crushes on her new obsession; “Just Friends” (Southern California premiere), the delightfully off-kilter love story between two young men from very different backgrounds; “Man Made” (Long Beach premiere), a fascinating, award-winning documentary focusing on transgender bodybuilders; “Transmilitary” (Long Beach premiere), another award-winning documentary about trans service members who challenged the Pentagon; “The Heiresses” (Southern California premiere), the subtle but intense story of two Paraguayan women from wealthy families who risk all to be together; “Shakedown” (Long Beach premiere), a skillfully-crafted glimpse into the history of Los Angeles’ African-American lesbian club scene; and “Every Act of Life” (Long Beach premiere), an inspiring look at the life of out Tony Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally.
In addition, QFilms 2018 will boast several extraordinary short film programs between Saturday and Sunday including Men in Briefs, Women in Shorts, Queer & Trans Shorts, and the “Finding Home” series featuring three stories of LGBTQ asylum seekers seeking refuge throughout Los Angeles. QFilms’ full shorts lineup will be announced within the next two weeks along with the complete festival schedule.
Jury and Audience awards will be given to worthy films in several categories. All net proceeds from the festival will benefit The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach. Support for the 2018 QFilm Festival comes from Platinum Sponsor HERE TV, underwriters California Institute of Contemporary Arts and Los Angeles County Arts Commission, along with numerous additional sponsors. Additional sponsors and underwriters are being sought, and program ad space is available. Please contact Porter Gilberg at (562) 434-4455 ext. 245 or porterg@centerlb.org for information about sponsorship and advertising opportunities. For more information on the Art Theatre, please visit www.arttheatrelongbeach.com.
About The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach
The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach is located at 2017 E. Fourth Street in Long Beach. The Center engages, empowers, and advocates to achieve a more equitable society and fosters an ever-improving quality of life for the LGBTQ community. The Center serves approximately 25,000 clients annually through dozens of programs and services. www.centerlb.org
Date and Time
Thursday Sep 6, 2018 Sunday Sep 9, 2018
Website
Contact Information
Porter Gilberg, Co-Executive Producer porterg@centerlb.org Phone 562-434-4455, ext. 245
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