Out On Film, an LGBTQ film festival, has unveiled the first selection of films for its highly anticipated 37th annual event. 

The Oscar-qualifying festival will take place on September 26 to October 6, 2024 at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema and Out Front Theatre Company. Additionally, certain films will be available online until October 13th.

“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,” explained Out On Film’s new executive director, Justice Obiaya. “The huge volume of incredible submissions we received is a testament to it, and we couldn’t be prouder for this year’s lineup.” 

In 2024, the festival set a new personal record for submissions, with close to 1,000 entries from across the world. 

Now, a glimpse of the full schedule is available as five of the selections have been announced.

“Sebastian,” directed by Mikko Mäkelä, tells the story of Max, a young writer in London who secretly works as a sex worker to gather material for his first novel. As he navigates this hidden life, Max undergoes a profound personal transformation, exploring new facets of his identity while facing the potential consequences for his budding literary career.

“Becoming a Man in 127 EASY Steps” is a one-hour film that presents Scott Turner Schofield’s journey of manhood using elements like archival footage. The film, adapted from Schofield’s long-running performance, offers a fresh perspective on the transition experience, portraying both the challenges and humor of his life as a trans man.

“Willa Justice: Drag Queen Private Eye,” directed by Jonathan Andre Culliton, is a short film set in Twentynine Palms, California, where Willa Justice, a drag queen and the world’s best private investigator, finds herself embroiled in solving the brutal murder of a straight couple at the Out There Bar. 

Directed by Michael Perez-Lindsey, “Will I See You Again?” centers on two former college teammates who, after years of separation, must revisit their past during a polygraph test to secure an inheritance from their dead friend’s estate.

“9 Lives,” directed by Millie Rose Evans, is a queer comedy-drama that follows Clara and June through a strange night, where a deceased cat named Beans becomes an unlikely catalyst for their journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

These films showcase the uniqueness of the narratives and viewpoints that will be highlighted this year.

Information about tickets is available on the Out on Film website!