The largest LGBTQ cultural arts event in Miami is opening its doors and once again inviting in the world in to entertain, educate, and inspire. Held in two distinct locations in the city, the OUTshine Film Festival will offer over 80 films and events (parties and panel discussions) during its 11-day celebration. From April 18th to April 28th, Miami will host the best in LGBTQ films from short and full -length offering in categories like comedy, drama, documentary, political, historical, romance, musical, suspense, slice of life, and more.
Films are selected for the OUTshine Film Festival by a screening committee made up of members of the community that watch, rate, and vote on the submitted films. This helps make OUTshine a true community event.
Festival attendees really do feel invigorated and are revitalized as involved members of the community. Being surrounded by fellow LGBTQ citizens and allies enjoying a multitude of funny, moving, emotional, historical, thought-provoking international and culturally diverse films that have viewers looking at their communities and the world through someone else’s eyes and lens, the experience is one not to miss.
OUTshine Film Festival offers attendees more than just film viewing, it offers opportunities for people to gather and discuss these great pieces of art with other festival attendees but also on many occasions, the chance to meet film creators, directors, and even the actors. Discussing the films and projects with the participants and hearing their drive, inspiration, and dedication to their craft is a true benefit of being a part of the OUTshine Film Festival.
Tickets went on sale April 1st to the general public. You can check out the 2019 Program at OUTshineFilm.com
Viewing the variety of films, you will find movies coming from here in the United States and from all over the world. Here are just three trailers highlighting some of this year’s offerings.
Tell it to the Bees – Women’s Spotlight Film – Opening Night Film
Gripped by a failing marriage and the responsibilities of having a young son, Lydia (Critic’s Choice Nominee Holliday Grainger) finds solace in her growing bond with the town’s recently returned female doctor Jean (Academy & Golden Globe Award Winner Anna Paquin). But this is the 1950s in post-WWII rural Scotland, and the women’s relationship prompts raised eyebrows in their provincial circles. Based on the novel by Fiona Shaw, Tell It To The Bees is a story of courage in the face of terrifying intolerance and a heart-wrenching portrait of a love against all odds.
The Blonde One – Men’s Spotlight F-lm (US Premiere)
In the suburbs of Buenos Aires, Gabriel has just moved in with his colleague, Juan. Shy and reserved, Gabo is reluctant to follow Juan’s wandering hands and meaningful looks. With a revolving door of beauties streaming out of Juan’s bedroom, his machismo seems firmly in place. However, the attraction between the two men is undeniable. What starts out as a sexual relationship based on convenience of location soon develops into the engrossing evolution of a tender and intimate relationship, which is as sweet as it is heartbreaking. As reality begins to intrude on the couple’s homemaking fantasy, something has to give, or does it?
The Shiny Shrimps (Les Crevettes Pailletées) – Closing Night Film – International Premiere
Matthias, an Olympic swimming champion at the end of his career, makes a homophobic statement on TV. His punishment: coach the Shiny Shrimps, a VERY flamboyant, VERY bad and VERY LGBTQ water polo team. They have only one thing in mind: to qualify for the Gay Games in Croatia where the hottest international LGBTQ athletes will compete. It’s the start of a bumpy and joyful ride. If the Bad News Bears were a water polo team and GLBT, they would be The Shiny Shrimps. Faster, Higher, Stronger…and fabulous.
OUTshine is a Local and International Treasure
Miami’s LGBTQ film festival had its beginnings back in 1998. With increasing and loving support of the Greater Miami community as well as international interest and involvement of artists from nations such as Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Philippines, South Africa, UK, and more, the festival has blossomed and grown into the OUTshine Film Festival we see today.
Outshine is everything you want in a film festival… inviting, glowing, and eclipsing all others before it. Our mission is to inspire, entertain, and educate; encouraging a sense of community through international and culturally diverse film, video, and other media that offer historical and contemporary perspectives on the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender experience. – OUTshineFilm.com
Locations
OUTshine Film Festival will be showcased in two amazing locations in the Greater Miami and The Beaches area. Located on iconic Lincoln Road, the Regal Cinemas South Beach offers multiple screens and plush seating (1120 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach). The Lyric Theater (819 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL) located in Overtown will be the second venue to enjoy the OUTshine offerings. Having the full name of Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater Cultural Arts Complex and now recognized as the oldest legitimate theater in Miami, since its beginnings in 1913, the venue has a rich cultural history in the Overlook community and Miami as a whole. Having these true great locations as part of OUTshine makes this a great event that embraces Miami as a whole.
This year’s events from April 18 through April 28 mark the 21st Annual Miami Edition of the Film series. Can’t wait to see you there!
Contact Information
OUTshine Film Festival
6360 NE 4th Court
Miami, FL 33138
(305)751-6305