Richard Gere and Lily Tomlin Headline Powerful 2025 Love Wins Film Festival in Patchogue!

The Love Wins Film Festival returns to Long Island May 3–4, 2025, spotlighting stories that uplift, challenge, and transform. Screenings will take place at The LGBT Network in Hauppauge on May 3 and The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center in Patchogue on May 4. This year’s lineup features nearly 60 socially conscious films, including projects headlined by Hollywood icons Richard Gere and Lily Tomlin.

Continuing its mission to elevate underrepresented artists, the festival showcases storytelling that explores identity, resilience, love, family, and freedom. Panel discussions, live performances, and collaborations with advocacy groups create space for healing dialogue and grassroots momentum. Partner organizations this season include The LGBT Network, Plaza Cinema, the HIV Stops With Me Campaign, The Retreat—All Against Abuse, Sepa Mujer, and the Huntington Arts Council. Panels will feature guests such as Courtney Chase (Blossom, Nick of Time), Dr. Serghino Walker (LPC, MS), and Dr. Katherine Marshall Woods (Licensed Media Psychologist).

Festival Schedule:
May 3, 2025—The LGBT Network, 125 Kennedy Dr Suite 100, Hauppauge, NY
May 4, 2025—The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center, 20 Terry St #121, Patchogue, NY

Tickets: $25 (LGBT Network); $17 (Plaza Cinema, member discounts available)

Love Wins Film Festival tickets may be purchased directly through Film Freeway's website.

Founded by Long Island native Jaret Martino, the Love Wins Film Festival is a platform for bold storytelling, advocacy, and community celebration. The festival partners with national organizations such as The Safe Center and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, with representatives hosting panels and providing critical resources during the event.

The festival supports independent filmmakers with awards, streaming distribution, and events in New York and Los Angeles. Its mission centers on women’s empowerment, LGBTQIA+ representation, diversity, inclusion, and wellness.

About The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center: A nonprofit arts hub in Patchogue, The Plaza offers film, classes, and events that enrich the community.

About LGBT Network: Since 1993, this nonprofit has created safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families across Long Island and Queens.