NewFest37 Films You Don’t Want To Miss
The 37th annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival makes its return October 9-21.
Featured Image: photo by Marleen Moise
NewFest is back! The 37th annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival makes its return October 9-21. You can tune in and buy tickets for the in-person showings around NYC, or enjoy the event virtually. There is a long list of fantastic films to catch, from documentaries and heartwarming stories to queer thrillers. It’s hard to choose only a few, so to help you narrow it down, here are some of our most-anticipated picks:
Christy
October 19th, 6 pm — SVA
Directed by David Michôd, Christy tells the remarkably true story of small-town boxer Christy Martin who becomes a champion, but realizes her biggest battles may not be inside the ring—but inside herself. The trailblazing boxer, played by Sydney Sweeney, faces many obstacles on her journey to becoming a queer sports icon. From being the most well-known female boxer in the ‘90s to dealing with domestic violence at the hands of her coach-turned-husband, the film promises to shine the spotlight on Christy’s life and career. Sweeney stars alongside Ben Foster, Merrit Weve, Katy O’Brian, and Ethan Embry.
The Chronology of Water
October 13th 7 pm — SVA
Kirstin Stewart’s directorial debut from Cannes charts the journey of Lidia Yuknavitch, a scholarship swimmer who reconciles her turbulent upbringing and resurfacing trauma through the art of literature. Also written by Stewart, the film stars Imogen Poots, Thora Birch, Susannah Flood, Tom Sturridge, Kim Gordon, Michael Epp, and Jim Belushi.
Queens of the Dead
October 18th, 9 pm — SVA
Written and directed by Tina Romero, this all-star zombie flick is about an undead outbreak as it encroaches on Brooklyn’s wildest queer party, and a ragtag group of staff and drag performers must team together to save the world before showtime. Queens of the Dead stars Katy O’Brian, Jaquel Spivey, Nina West, Tomas Matos, Margaret Cho, Jack Haven, Quincy Dunn-Baker, Cheyenne Jackson, Riki Lindhome, Dominique Jackson, Shaunette Renée Wilson, Becca Blackwell, Eve Lindley, Tom Savini, and Julie J.
Blue Moon
October 9th, 7 pm — SVA
Ethan Hawke stars as legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart, detailing his struggles with alcoholism and shattered confidence on the opening night of Oklahoma! on March 31, 1943. Director Richard Linklater takes us back to the beginning of the Broadway classic, also starring Andrew Scott and Margaret Qualley. Blue Moon is a witty, bittersweet tale unfolding primarily at Sardi’s Restaurant.
Shorts: Dyke Nyte
October 11, 6:45 pm — SVA and virtual showings
A collection of eight sapphic shorts that encapsulate the lesbian experience—”from meet-cutes at Riis Beach to dyke drama, double dates, and daring rides.” The screening will be followed by a Q&A and the annual Dyke Nyte Party, sponsored by HBO Max. This year’s event will be held at Magic Hour Rooftop Bar and Lounge (Moxy Times Square) – show your ticket from the screening to get a free drink!
A Deeper Love: The Story of Miss Peppermint
October 12th, 6:30 pm — SVA
Directed by Oriel Pe’er, this documentary celebrates Miss Peppermint, a radiant NYC nightlife icon and trans rights activist. With unwavering determination and the support of her chosen family, she brightens her own path to success in this uplifting story. Starring Peppermint, Sherry Vine, Laverne Cox, Sasha Velour, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, and Bob the Drag Queen, this new documentary is a must-watch.
Come And See Me In The Good Light
October 17, 6:30 pm — SVA
This NewFest documentary centerpiece follows the journey of poet and activist Andrea Gibson as they navigate life amid a cancer diagnosis. Director Ryan White blends the joy and love between Gibson and their partner, Megan Falley, alongside the profound sorrow. This Sundance Festival Favorite Award-winner is a breathtaking, moving tribute to Gibson, who passed away in July 2025. The film’s screening will be followed by a Q&A.
Sauna
October 11th, 6 pm — SVA
Directed by Mathias Broe and written by William Lippert and Mathias Broe, Sauna follows Johan, a struggling bathhouse employee, who falls for a trans man he meets on a hookup app. Their bond forces Johan to confront his biases and his struggle with self-love in Mathias Broe’s bold debut from Sundance. Sauna stars Magnus Juhl Andersen, Nina Terese Rask, Dilan Amin, Klaus Tange, Peter Oliver Hansen, Morten Burian, Theo Suissa, Anton Hjejle, and Daniel Muniz.
Night Stage
October 16th, 8 pm — SVA
Written and directed by Filipe Matzembacher & Marcio Reolo, this neon-soaked erotic thriller follows an ambitious actor and a rising politician as they enter a dangerous affair of public sex and private secrets—a passion that threatens to consume them both. Starring Gabriel Faryas, Cirillo Luna, Henrique Barreira, Ivo Müller, Kaya Rodrigues, and Larissa Sanguiné, Night Stage is a Brazilian erotic thriller that is sexy and truthful.
If You Are Afraid You Put Your Heart In Your Mouth and Smile
October 19th, 1 pm — The Center and virtual showings
Winner of the 2025 Teddy Jury Prize, this moving drama follows a deaf mother and her 12-year-old child in Vienna as they navigate identity, survival, and solidarity in the face of systemic exclusion. Written and directed by Marie Luise Lehner, If You Are Afraid You Put Your Heart In Your Mouth and Smile is a meaningful story starring Siena Popović, Mariya Menner, Jessica Paar, and Daniel Sea.
I Wish You All The Best
October 12, 3:30 pm — SVA
In this film adaptation of the Mason Deaver novel, writer and director Tommy Dorfman brings to life the story of Ben, a non-binary high school junior, who is kicked out of their home by their conservative parents. Ben, played by Corey Fogelmanis, finds an unexpected home with their estranged older sister and her husband. At a new school, Ben begins to build a support system, despite their parents’ attempts to force them into conversion therapy. This strong film, starring Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Amy Landecker, Lena Dunham, Alexandra Daddario, and Cole Sprouse, is sure to pull at the heartstrings.
Get your NewFest tickets here. Keep an eye out for GO’s post-NewFest film reviews to decide which flicks are worth adding to your Letterboxd.
