OUTshine Film Festival

It's a silver screen showcase at the 27th edition of the OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival, where budding and veteran filmmakers will debut features and short flicks. Running from April 17-24, 2025, the 8-day movie marathon will feature internationally acclaimed films while celebrating premieres at opening and closing ceremonies, after-parties and a filmmaker's event.

Read on for details on the 2024 OUTshine Film Festival

The ever-popular foreign language category takes a leading role with more than 30 world cinema films. This year, the festival will place Hispanic filmmaking at the forefront with a Latin Spotlight category. Local filmmakers will also have a night in the limelight, with a post-screening Q&A session featuring directors, cast and crew.

Tickets can be purchased online or in person. Film enthusiasts can also stream films (only in Florida) from April 29 to May 5 for an extra charge.

When and Where Is the OUTshine Film Festival and Getting There

All films will screen at Silverspot Cinema in Downtown Miami from April 18-24 and Regal Cinemas South Beach in Miami Beach from April 25-28.

Free Uber rides will be available to and from select screenings from locations within a 25-mile radius of the theater where the film is being shown.

Festival Highlights For All To Enjoy

Thursday, April 18

Opening Night Ceremony, Film And Party

The festival's opening night launches at Silverspot Cinema with a short film, building anticipation for the Southeast premiere of “Turtles,” directed by David Lambert. A tale of enduring love plagued by trials of retirement, this heartfelt drama, delicately woven with subtle humor, explores the nuances of love, aging and resilience. Post-premiere festivities continue at the W Miami with a celebration of queer culture.

Friday, April 19

A Cinematic Kaleidoscope

Director Arkasha Nepytaliuk's "Lessons of Tolerance" is a comedic journey exploring family dynamics and acceptance. The story centers on a schoolteacher striving to strengthen family bonds and ease financial burdens by enrolling her family in a government program in Ukraine. Unexpectedly, they must host a gay individual as part of the program's requirements. Gaining more than tolerance, the family learns about LGBTQ+ rights, discrimination and human rights.

Standout Documentaries That Shine

Nonfiction films make a strong showing at the festival, underscoring stories of historical significance, advocacy and triumph. The screening of "40 Years of Care" touches on the rich history of Care Resource, tracing its evolution from a volunteer-led HIV/AIDS support group to a leading healthcare provider. Showing immediately after, "Studio One Forever" chronicles the cultural significance of the pioneering gay disco Studio One, shedding light on its role in the gay rights movement and the fight against AIDS.

Saturday, April 20

Latin Spotlight Feature

Directed by Diego del Rio, "All the Silence" portrays disability and acceptance. Miriam, a sign language teacher and daughter of a deaf adult, is torn between two worlds. Her identity and passions are tested when confronted with the prospect of losing her hearing. Through innovative sound design and a diverse cast of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, the film delves into Miriam's emotional state as she grapples with deafness.

Sunday, April 21

Women Shine in The Spotlight

From female protagonists to the increasing representation among the ranks of directors, women are boldly asserting their presence in film history. Ladies Night: Women's Shorts is a series of six short films about female characters. Directed by talented filmmakers, evocative shorts tell the story of the lesbian experience from different perspectives. Screenings include "Longing for Light," directed by Alba Cros Pellisé, about love in Barcelona; "Jackrabbit Homestead," directed by Kimberlea Kressal, navigating isolation and torment in the desert; and "L'Echappee," directed by Siham Bel, following Safia on her quest of self-discovery amid familial expectations.

Monday, April 22

Celebrating Local Filmmakers

The Cocktails & Cinema: South Florida Filmmakers Showcase introduces films exhibiting the vibrant filmmaking community and includes a Q&A session. Among featured films, "Double Life" interprets the duality between the corporate world and drag queen identity. "Open Dialogue: Generation QueerZ" unveils LGBTQ+ narratives of South Florida students, while "El Reggaetonero" shadows Lily's whimsical adventure after encountering a genie.

Saturday, April 27

Women's Spotlight Film & Party

The Women's Spotlight Film and Party features director D.W. Waterson's East Coast premiere of "Backspot." Riley, a cheerleader and backspot on her team, joins a high-performance All-Star squad. Obsessive and battling crippling anxiety, she seeks validation but silences the voices around her to form a healthier relationship with the sport she loves. After the screening, cheer on women in film at the Lobby Bar at the Axel Beach Miami.

Filmmakers Of Tomorrow's Event

The Filmmaker Panel & Workshop is designed to encourage aspiring cinematographers, screenwriters and motion picture artists to create more LGBTQ+ films. Special guests include a handful of this year's directors, such as Chris Molina from "Fallen Fruit," Greyson Horst from "Throuple," Trent Kendrick from "F.L.Y." and British director Mikka Makela from "Sebastian."

Sunday, April 28

Closing Night Ceremony, Film, Party and Awards

Concluding this year's screenings is the North American premiere of director Alessandro Guida's "Mascarpone: The Rainbow Cake." It tells the unraveling story of Antonio and Luca, who reunite years after their friend's passing. As their intertwined past resurfaces, Antonio is forced to confront the stark reality that there may be no return. With an endearing cast and delectable treats, this comedy-drama examines friendship and love. Following the screening, the South Beach Hotel Group will host the Closing Night Party, where winners of both the jury and audience choice awards will be announced.

By: Cristina Sorondo | April 9, 2024