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Films are scheduled to be screened at the Showroom in Asbury Park Sept. 22 as part of the QFest LGBTQ Film and Digital Media Festival.
QFest LGBTQ Film and Digital Media Festival, the original annual LGBTQ film festival in New Jersey, will premiere a diversity of LGBTQ films from the U.S. and around the globe Fri., Sept. 22 at the Showroom Cinema in Asbury Park.
After a six-year hiatus, the festival will kick-off its 3rd season with an opening reception and screening of subjects as broad as an animated short about a transgender pirate, to a documentary about legendary lesbian author and activist, Urvashi Vaid (who recently passed away).
The festival will continue with additional screenings, along with a Meet the Filmmaker brunch and awards ceremony, on Sat., Sept. 23, and Sun. Sept 24 at QSpot LGBTQ Community Center in Asbury Park. Over 20 films will be screened at this year’s festival, many of them followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with the filmmakers and subjects.
“We’re thrilled to once-again be hosting QFest, the first annual LGBTQ film festival in New Jersey,” said Nick Romei, QFest Festival Director. “QFest provides one of only a hand-full of outlets where LGBTQ filmmakers from our state and around the world can show their work in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment,” said Romei. “We’re so proud to be able to invite the community back to QFest to watch LGBTQ movies together again.”
This year’s festival highlights LGBTQ artists and individuals addressing an onslaught of anti-LGBTQ legislation, rising hate crimes, drug addiction and dating in the age of hook-up apps. Of particular note are two powerful documentaries about extraordinary working professionals and the profound consequences they suffer as a result of living their truths in Russia and Iran.
“QFest celebrates the LGBTQ community’s resilience and strength with films that amplify queer voices from across the spectrum and around the globe,” said Kelly McGovern, QFest creative director. “QFest’s return after a six-year hiatus is a breath of fresh air for the community.”
QFest, the original annual LGBTQ film and digital media festival in New Jersey, is produced by QSpot, one of the largest LGBTQ community centers in the state. QFest strives to support and promote LGBTQ film and digital media, the individuals who create it, and the people and stories they highlight.
For tickets and a complete listing of this year’s films and screening schedule, visit QFestNJ.org.
