Official Selections: 8th LA Queer Film Festival
Congratulations to our accepted filmmakers!
Films are listed in alphabetical order, index to the left.
Scroll Down to learn more about each film.
Finding Joy
Documentary
World Premiere
Cori Lovejoy was not afraid to die, she was afraid to live. Finding Joy follows Cori as she learns to live and thrive as her true self. This is intimate and raw documentary is a testament to Cori's commitment to sharing her story in the hope of helping others find their way to joy.
Director: Peter Vordenberg
Producer: Peter Vordenberg
Writer: Cori Lovejoy and Peter Vordenberg
Cast: Cori Lovejoy
Cinematographer: Peter Vordenberg
Editor: Kellie St. Pierre
Sound: Jen Santoro
Gummies
Short Film
A tomboy transforms the gender trappings of her childhood to show her cruel mother how sugar and spice don't equal nice.
Director: Renetta G. Amador
Producer: Gabriela Latorre, J. Judit Apolinario
Writer: Michael Clifton
Cast: Mom: Paloma Palacios, Alex: Noah Fernández Mejía
Cinematographer: Andrés Miolán
Editor: Julia Franklin
Shot in the Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, Festival, Gummies has won many awards such as Best Director (Austin Spotlight Film Festival, LA Crime and Horror Film Festival), Best Micro Short (Ethereal Film Festival), Best Short (Krampus FIlm Festiva)l, Best Sound and Music (Latina Feedback Film Festival) and Best Actress (Central Coast Film Festival) as well as countless nominations.
Website: www.invinciblechicaproductions.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invinciblechica_productions/
Institution
Documentary, Short
Los Angeles Premiere
A filmmaker compares his parents’ “traditional” marriage in 1970, his own marriage to his same-sex partner, and the news events of their times.
Director: Jonathan Wysocki
Producer: Jonathan Wysocki
Writer: Jonathan Wysocki
Cast: N/A
Cinematographer: Elisabeth Naughton, Howard Wing
Editor: Karen Smalley, Christine Kim
Official Selection DOC NYC
Website: www.jonathanwysocki.com
Instagram: @JonathanWysocki
Good Luck, Babe! a dance concept film
Music Video
World Premiere
"Good Luck, Babe!" is a dance visual encompassing a closeted queer experience and the weight of missed opportunities. It follows the connection between two women, one of which is in stubborn denial about the feelings they're experiencing, while the other is open and outright about her yearning. The dancers in the film transform from a fun, supportive ensemble into a physical manifestation of the guilt that comes with missing the opportunity for connection. The film lives in a glamorous, slightly retro prom setting, and is set to Chappell Roan's song "Good Luck, Babe!".
Director: Sasha Serdyukov
Producer: Sasha Serdyukov
Choreographer: Sasha Serdyukov
Cast: Olivia Vannucci, Erika (Rik) Soto, Alex Sdrolias, Emily Wallace, Emma Vicaña, Jasmine Chamberlin, Kaley (Kales) Logan, Krystal Castillo, Lily Chumas, Marlani Davis, May Lim, Reagan Brummett, Sadie Guthrie, Sam Perna, Sarah Florez, Tayley Shewmaker, TreShawn Williams
Cinematographer: Winnie Mu, Bonnie Delgado
Editor: Sasha Serdyukov
This film was a labor of love and a huge testament for the power of community. I am honored that it has touched so many people, amassing over 57k views on YouTube. Everyone's vulnerability, courage, and dedication to speaking their truths are what made the final product turn out as beautifully as it did. I am so excited for the opportunity to premiere this film at its first ever live screening at the LA Queer Film Festival.
Here on Earth
Short - melodrama
LA Premiere
When a writing gig becomes more successful than expected, a young writer must choose between the life he wants and the life he's been told he should have
Director: Katie Neuhof
Producers: Matthew Clark, Katie Neuhof, Dalton Pate
Writer: Matthew Clark
Cast: Matthew Clark, Alejandro Pelayo, Christin Wright
Cinematographer: Dennis Noack
Editor: Patrick Edwards
ig: @mateodelamancha
Additional info: When writing fictional queer stories I like to place them in a world where homophobia and acceptance are not only not plot points but simply do not exist. These things still matter today, however I like to envision a world where we've gotten past that and queer stories can exist without the burden of oppression.
Kordovero 22
Drama, Short
In this short film, we meet Omer and Nir, two young men navigating today's world through the Grinder app, who decide to meet. Driven by a strong desire to feel, They decide to engage in brief emotional encounters, each adopting different personas, which unfold rapidly on screen. Ultimately, these encounters lead to the growth of intense emotions, culminating in a powerful climax, only to return once again to feelings of emptiness and the cycle of loneliness.
Director: Gal Primack Najari
Producer: Gal Primack Najari
Writer: Gal Primack Najari
Cast: Ran Duani, Itzik Mahluf
Cinematographer: Gal Primack Najari
Editor: Gal Primack Najari
The film has been screened at 18 international film festivals worldwide, winning two awards for Best Director, two for Best Cinematography, one for Best Film, one for Best LGBTQ+ Film, and one for Best Actor.
Website:
www.primacknajari.com/films
Instagram:
@Kordovero22 / @gpn.gpn