Out On Film, Atlanta’s LGBTQ film festival, proudly announces that it has been officially recognized as a BAFTA-qualifying festival. This prestigious status, awarded by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), adds to Out On Film’s accolades, including becoming Oscar® qualifying in 2020. The festival joins the ranks of only three LGBTQ BAFTA-qualifying festivals in the United States and is the only BAFTA-qualifying film festival in the South.
Celebrating its 37th year, Out On Film continues to be a beacon for LGBTQ stories and filmmakers. The 2024 festival will occur from September 26th to October 6th, with events at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema and Out Front Theatre Company in Midtown Atlanta. The festival will also offer a virtual experience, streaming select films online until October 13th, providing accessibility to some film screenings nationwide.
Out On Film’s BAFTA-qualifying status marks a significant milestone, further solidifying its role in supporting and elevating queer cinema. As a BAFTA-qualifying festival, short films screened at Out On Film may now be eligible for consideration for BAFTA awards, providing filmmakers with a prestigious platform to gain international recognition. This status opens new opportunities for filmmakers to advance their careers and share their unique stories with a broader audience.
“We are thrilled to receive this honor from BAFTA,” Jim Farmer, Out On Film’s Festival Director, said in a statement. “It’s a testament to the incredible talent of the filmmakers we showcase and our commitment to amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices. This recognition will enable us to continue our mission of celebrating and supporting diverse stories from around the world.”
To celebrate this incredible achievement, Out On Film has partnered with the British Consulate to present an exclusive showcase of outstanding British short films on Wednesday, August 29, from 7pm to 9pm for an evening dedicated to the diversity, creativity, and talent of British filmmakers who have contributed to the rich tapestry of LGBTQ stories. They’ll be screening a curated selection of acclaimed British shorts, offering a unique opportunity to experience the best of British cinema. A ticket for a complimentary glass of sparkling wine will be given to the first 40 attendees. Admission is free, but space is limited, so be sure to RSVP early!
Out On Film has a rich history of presenting a wide array of films, from documentaries and narratives to shorts and experimental works. The festival typically screens between 100 and 150 films each year and attracts submissions from around the globe. This year, the festival received another record-breaking number of submissions: nearly 1,000.
Notable past guests include Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo, known for his roles in The Color Purple, Rustin, and Euphoria, who received Out On Film’s Icon Award in 2022. Additionally, the festival has welcomed actor Scott Evans, known for Barbie, Almost Love, and Grace & Frankie and recognized performers Amanda Bearse, Wilson Cruz and Margaret Cho. The festival’s first wave announcement, released on August 1, teased a lineup of five films, with the full schedule set to be unveiled August 23.
Festival passes and tickets are available at outonfilm.org.