NewFest36: LGBTQ+ Filmmakers and Activists Chart a Path Forward for Queer Hollywood
A gathering of influential voices within the LGBTQ+ community took center stage at NewFest36, the 36th annual celebration of LGBTQ+ film and media in New York City. Amidst a climate of heightened political tension and increasing legislative challenges, this year’s Industry + Filmmaker Day, held at Manhattan’s LGBT Center, provided a critical platform for discussing how Hollywood and the broader media landscape can confront the growing anti-LGBTQ+ backlash.
A Timely Conversation
Organized with the support of partners such as Kickstarter, NEON, and The Hollywood Reporter, the event was significant in both its timing and relevance. With the 2024 U.S. elections just around the corner, panelists explored how storytelling and social media can be mobilized to challenge discriminatory narratives and legislation. As such, the discussions underscored a pressing need for the film industry to act as both a bastion of representation and a vehicle for societal change.
The panel boasted an array of prominent figures including Marti Cummings, a drag artist and political activist, filmmaker River Gallo, New York City council member Crystal Hudson, and Rajendra Roy, the chief curator of film at MoMA. Each brought unique insights into how the intersection of art, politics, and activism could forge pathways to greater inclusion and understanding within Hollywood and the cultural mainstream.
The Power of Representation
Crystal Hudson, the first out gay Black woman elected to New York City council, emphasized the profound impact of representation in popular culture on political possibilities. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for people thinking that I could be here, and that’s been because of popular culture, because of art, because of creatives that have pushed us,” she shared. Hudson’s story not only highlights the personal victories spurred by cultural representation but also underscores a broader narrative of empowerment and visibility essential to the LGBTQ+ community.
Filmmaker River Gallo echoed this sentiment by referencing how shows like “Pose” have contributed to increased visibility for trans individuals in popular media. “It’s just a dance that we’re going to have to keep boogieing,” Gallo said, acknowledging the progress made while advocating for continued resilience in the face of legislative adversity.
Art as Activism
For many panelists, queer art’s role extends beyond representation to actively engaging with the sociopolitical issues that shape public discourse. Matt Bernstein, a cultural commentator, spoke of the importance of creating art that not only entertains but also educates and agitates for change. Grassroots support and crowdfunding were highlighted as critical tools for circumventing the restrictive pathways of traditional industry structures, allowing for more authentic and inclusive storytelling.
Jude Dry, a filmmaker and culture critic, also emphasized the potential for queer-themed narratives to serve as platforms for political commentary. They cited the TV show “English Teacher” as an example of using humor and creativity to discuss critical issues such as gun violence while maintaining an authentic queer voice.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The discussions at NewFest36 were not just about celebrating accomplishments but also about addressing ongoing challenges and envisioning future possibilities. Among these is the need to counteract attempts at censorship and restriction, such as recent measures by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis that aim to limit the representation of LGBTQ+ issues in the media. Rajendra Roy warned of the “creep” of censorship, urging vigilance against such threats to free expression.
Amidst these discussions, the panelists were united in their call to leverage digital media’s reach to forge connections and drive change. As River Gallo noted, despite the tumult at both state and national levels, art can act as a spiritually transformative experience that ripples through culture and ultimately influences policy.
Local Impact and Community Resources
For the local LGBTQ+ community in New York, events like NewFest are more than just film screenings—they are a rallying call to action, celebration, and community-building. As spotlighted by this year’s discussions, local residents and artists can draw inspiration from the successes and challenges shared, using them to fuel further advocacy and resource-sharing initiatives within the Valley and beyond.
NewFest and its panelists have set a bold vision for what queer cinema can achieve in this critical junction for civil rights. With continued dedication to independent and diverse storytelling—and a commitment to leveraging community interest for greater equity—LGBTQ+ filmmakers and advocates in Hollywood may yet transform this era’s challenges into opportunities for progress.
For those interested in getting involved or seeking resources, NewFest encourages reaching out to local advocacy groups and engaging with community networks to support and amplify diverse voices in film and media. Additional information about upcoming initiatives and events can be accessed via NewFest’s official website and social media channels.
The discussions at NewFest36 underscored that while the entertainment industry alone cannot solve societal ills, it plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions and paving the way for a more inclusive and understanding world—both on and off the screen.
