Out Film CT Announces Dates for Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival

Out Film CT Presents the 36th Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival, October 6-15, 2023

A Record-Breaking 751 Films Submitted From Across the Globe

Hartford - Out Film CT, organizer of the Nutmeg State's longest-running and most diverse film festival, announced today the dates for the 36th Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival. This highly-anticipated annual event, which has screened well over a thousand features, documentaries and short films over its history, will be presented October 6-15, 2023.

The Out Film CT selection committee received a record-breaking 751 film submissions for the 2023 Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival and is currently finalizing its lineup. The majority of the festival will be screened at the festival's longtime home, the historic and elegant Cinestudio on the campus of Trinity College in Hartford. The closing night film will be held at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in downtown Hartford. In addition, there will be some virtual-only exclusives for film fans to enjoy at home.

As in past years, attendees can look forward to such highly-anticipated events as the Opening Night after-party, a Centerpiece film pre-reception, and the Closing Night celebration. The festival will also include appearances by some of the filmmakers and artists, virtual exclusives, and other surprises to be announced.

Festival Co-Director Marina Yurieva states, "I think our film festival is going to be particularly important at this time in our history. LGBTQ visibility is at an all-time high, but there is so much negative discourse nationally and internationally about LGBTQ rights. We are at an inflection point where it is more important than ever to hear queer stories by queer storytellers about things that affect us all. We're very proud to bring these profound, funny, romantic, sexy and political stories from all over the globe."

Co-Director Shane Engstrom added, "The Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival is not only a safe space where the LGBTQ community can gather to enjoy film and each other's company; it's also an opportunity for straight allies and cinephiles to learn about the breadth of our experiences and the talent of queer filmmakers. The movies are always smart, moving, and, most of all, entertaining. Many of the films are premieres, so you won't be able to see them anywhere else!"

As Out Film CT finalizes the schedule and the lineup, information on feature films, shorts programs, schedule, FestiPasses, tickets, and more will be announced. Visit OutFilmCT.org for the latest updates and follow @outfilmct on Facebook and Instagram.

Out Film CT’s mission is to entertain, educate and promote community through the exhibition of LGBTQ film. As a volunteer, nonprofit cultural organization, Out Film CT is dedicated to presenting outstanding LGBTQ cinema and other theatrical events throughout the year, culminating in the Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival. Connecticut’s longest-running film festival holds a special place in our state’s cultural landscape, bringing the community together to introduce, celebrate and rediscover the ideas and values that make the LGBTQ community unique. Out Film CT also presents the monthly Queer Thursdays film series in partnership with Cinestudio, usually shown on the second Thursday of each month.