Out On Film, the acclaimed Oscar® qualifying LGBTQ film festival, proudly presents the first wave of films for its 37th edition. This year, the festival received a record number of nearly 1,000 submissions from around the globe, showcasing the growing impact and reach of the event. The festival will run from September 26 to October 6, 2024 at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema and Out Front Theatre Company, with an extended online streaming period until October 13th for a select number of films.
“For nearly four decades, our mission has not only been to create a platform for queer stories, but to let people know we’re a strong, vibrant, and diverse community,” Justice Obiaya, the Executive Director of Out On Film, said in a press release. “The huge volume of incredible submissions we received is a testament to it, and we couldn’t be prouder for this year’s lineup.”
This initial announcement highlights five exceptional films, offering a glimpse into the diverse stories and voices that define this year’s lineup. The full festival schedule will be announced in late August.
Feature Films:
“Sebastian”
(Directed by Mikko Mäkelä)
Max is a 25-year-old writer living in London and paying his dues working at a literary magazine. On the cusp of finding success in the local lit scene, by night Max moonlights as a sex worker in order to research his debut novel. What begins as a few furtive meetings soon becomes a secret nocturnal life as his alter ego “Sebastian.” In a fearless lead performance from newcomer Ruraridh Mollica, Max’s emotions cycle through ecstasy, shame, and exhilarating liberation. Far from simply informing his autobiographical fiction, Max’s experiences as Sebastian awaken a deeper sense of self, unshackled from societal expectations – all the while threatening his carefully-earned status in the literary community. This Sundance Film Festival selection from writer-director Mikko Mäkelä explores the transgressive power of queer sexuality and the transformative impact that can result from embracing a new identity.
“Becoming a Man in 127 EASY Steps”
(World Premiere) (Directed by Andrea James and Puppett)
“Becoming a Man in 127 EASY Steps” is a one-man show special that’s a little…different. “Becoming a Man in 127 EASY Steps” is the film of trans icon/former Atlantan Scott Turner Schofield’s long-running performance art piece embodying the experience of becoming a man. Taken from 127 total stories and over 15 years of material, this one-hour special blends archival footage, live performance, animation, and bold cinematic imagery. After all, every person is many things. A total redefinition of the “transition narrative,” the film represents a lifetime from a trans masculine perspective: a childhood believing in the identity that came true; transition as a period of both drama and comedy; and the radical belief in change that fuels a #RealLiveTransAdult irrepressibly navigating an authentic life. Largely filmed at Atlanta’s 7 Stages and after special presentations at Tribeca and Outfest, Out On Film is thrilled to present the world premiere.
Scott Turner Schofield is a Southerner by birth who grew up in San Antonio, Charlotte, and Atlanta. Schofield’s artistic career spans theatre, television, and film. He has made history as the first out trans man to earn an Emmy nomination for acting, and the first out transgender actor in daytime television. But during the years that “Becoming a Man in 127 EASY Steps” toured as a live show, Scott was also a full-time activist. The direct results of his advocacy work includes gold-standard policies for health and residential life for trans university students; the addition of “gender identity” in the non-discrimination clauses of U.S. university systems; and trans-inclusive health insurance for over one million private-sector employees. For his work advising screenwriters, casting directors, and studio executives since 2015, Scott has been called a “trans influencer of Hollywood” (Out Magazine). He served as Senior Consultant to the GLAAD Media Institute from 2017-23.
Short Films:
“Willa Justice: Drag Queen Private Eye”
(World Premiere) (Directed by Jonathan Andre Culliton)
One night, at the Out There Bar in Twentynine Palms, California, Willa Justice is busy drowning her troubles in her favorite drink and getting lost in the memories of her dead boyfriend Jamie Bondopolous. Her reminiscing is interrupted suddenly by the gruesome murder of a vacationing straight couple. Thankfully, Willa is the world’s greatest private investigator… and she’s doing it all in drag! Lady Chilane, Scott Turner Schofield and Heather Muriel Nguyen
“Will I See You Again?”
(Directed by Michael Perez-Lindsey)
Will I See You Again?” follows the story of two former college teammates who, after 20 years of estrangement, find themselves summoned to their late friend’s estate hearing. To claim their inheritance, they must first confront their past relationship while undergoing a polygraph test.
“9 Lives”
(directed by Millie Rose Evans)
In this queer comedy drama, Clara and June navigate a bizarre night together thanks to an unlikely hero: a dead cat named Beans. “9 Lives” is a pure and honest representation of queer youth; discovery, fear, and ultimately, acceptance. Millie Rose Evans is an Atlanta native.
These films represent the rich tapestry of stories and perspectives that will be featured at this year’s Out On Film festival. The full lineup celebrates the LGBTQ community’s diversity and creativity. Tickets and passes for the 37th edition of Out On Film will be available soon. Click here for more information. The complete festival schedule will be announced in late August.