OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Fort Lauderdale Edition Launches

The 14th Annual Fort Lauderdale Edition of OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival takes place October 13 to October 23, with an opening night celebration at the NSU Art Museum. The opening film comes from the Cannes Film Festival and is entitled, The Blue Caftan. Filmed in Morocco, France, Belgium, and Denmark, it’s a moving and romantic story about a married master tailor who falls in love with his young apprentice. It will screen in the museum’s theatre, followed by an elegant party in the museum’s gallery and outdoor balcony.

Additional highlights for the week include In From the Side, a drama about two rugby players who have a torrid love affair; The Five Devils, a fantastical story about a strange little girl with a magical gift; The Tiny Shrimps Fight Back, a comic look at a gay water polo team that gets stranded in homophobic Russia; and The Return of Tanya Tucker which is a musical salute to this country music legend led by music star Brandi Carlile.

“I have been programming LGBTQI+ festivals for a long time and rarely do I remember so many quality films being made. We have something for everyone this year, whether it's documentary, fiction, or shorts. This year's program of films will not disappoint,” says Joe Bilancio, Director of Programming for OUTshine.

OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Fort Lauderdale Edition offers both in-person screenings at the newly renovated Gateway Theatre and the Savor Theatre as well as virtual screenings. This year’s exciting line-up includes 51 films from more than 25 countries and 5 Spotlight screenings (each followed by a party)! “The festival allows us to come together through film to socialize and create community, and to be in a theatre with people like us — all shapes, sizes, colors and identifications — and to feel safe. The vibe in the theatre is electric and the after-parties allow us to meet the filmmakers and stars, as well as community leaders who are making South Florida a wonderful place for the LGBTQ+ community.”

Tickets for all films being screened at the 14th Annual Fort Lauderdale Edition of the OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival are available now www.outshinefilm.com. A special 10-pass is also available for $75 — a $45 savings! Follow on Facebook @OUTshineFilmFestival, on Twitter @OUTshineFilm and on Instagram @OUTshineFilm.