In a time when rainbow crosswalks across Florida are being erased, one festival is sending a very different message. The OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival is standing taller than ever, returning for its 17th Annual Fall Edition with a powerful lineup of queer storytelling, world premieres, and celebrations of community. The festival runs October 16 through 23 in Fort Lauderdale, October 24 through 26 in Miami, and October 27 through November 2 online through OUTshine At-Home.
This year’s opening night film is Blue Moon, starring Ethan Hawke. Described as a moving portrait of love, memory, and longing set on Broadway’s most historic night, the premiere will take place at Savor Cinema in Fort Lauderdale, followed by an afterparty at Masa & More. The festival closes with Jimpa, starring John Lithgow, a heartfelt family drama screening at Silverspot in downtown Miami with a festive afterparty in partnership with the Miami Film Festival.
Beyond the marquee screenings, OUTshine is known for its community favorites. The popular Cocktails & Cinema™ series returns with Four Stars, Bear Week Diaries, and a 25th anniversary screening of Psycho Beach Party, complete with a retro-themed bash. Shorts programs highlight diverse and powerful stories from LGBTQ+ filmmakers, with separate spotlights on men’s, women’s, and a “Best of Shorts” compilation. In total, the Fall Edition will showcase more than 55 films, including 21 premieres from over 25 countries.
Among the highlights: the world premiere of Red Light—a local production—the international premiere of Tethered Wings, and North American premieres of Brown, Girls & Boys, Four Stars, Out Of Love, and Away. East Coast premieres will also introduce audiences to films like Newborn, Only Good Things, Army of Lovers, and My Heaven Your Hell. Tickets and passes are already on sale at OUTshineFilm.com, where audiences can find the full program and trailers.
