This Spring, NewFest celebrates its 20th anniversary as New York’s premier LGBT film organization. Over the past two decades, NewFest has screened thousands of influential and provocative films for LGBT audiences and their supporters. These films have explored our culture, exposed our history, and expressed our diversity, shaping how we see our society, and how our society sees us.
NewFest 2008 runs June 5–15, during which time approximately 250 films will be screened at the AMC 34th Street Theater (312 W 34th St). The NewFest Filmmakers’ Forum annual panel and workshop series runs June 14–15 at HK Lounge (409 W 39th St).
This year NewFest is launching NewDraft, a competition for unproduced screenplays. Two winning submissions will be awarded a professionally staged, public reading.
Also premiering in 2008 is Festival Lounge at HK Lounge (409 W 39th St). The Lounge will be open to ticket holders, and will host happy hours, free giveaways, raffles and daily festival blogging.
NewFest is a year-round membership organization, and GO readers will receive 10% discounts on all new membership packages this year. Basic membership is available for a tax-deductible $50 contribution; benefits include priority entrance to all festival screenings, advance calendar mailing, advance ticket purchases and discounted admission to regular screenings throughout the year. Other member-discounted programming includes NewFest@BAM, a “Best of NewFest” an annual showcase at the landmark Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Rose Cinemas, and NewFest at the IFC Center, a monthly LGBT series in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village.
For insight into the creative mind and ample networking opportunities, don’t miss the NewFest & OP.Lynx Quarterly Women Filmmakers’ Brunch Series at Cattyshack (249 4th Ave, Brooklyn) on May 11, Aug 9 and Nov 8. A continental brunch accompanied by $5 bloody marys and pomegranite mimosas is served 1–2:30pm. After brunch, enjoy a film screening followed by a discussion with the filmmaker, on subjects like gender identity, race relations, sexuality, relationship issues, lesbian legacy and social perspectives. Pre-screening brunches and post-screening cocktail receptions encourage personal interaction among all participants. NewFest and Lynx members receive discounted admission.
For more information, visit newfest.org.
