Out on Film’s spring mini-fest blooms a third time 

Back for a third year, Out on Film’s spring mini-fest offers a lineup of five films, including comedy, drama and documentary, screening March 17 to March 19. 

“As we embark into Out on Film’s 38th year during these contentious times, I remain resolved in our commitment to bring exciting, moving and diverse LGBTQIA+ stories to the community,” said Out On Film Festival Director Jim Farmer in a press release. 

“This year’s Spring Mini-Fest lineup is exceptionally strong and star-packed, with two films that had splashy premieres at Sundance, another that launched successfully at the Toronto Film Festival last fall and two more excellent documentaries making their Southeastern debuts here.”

All screenings take place at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema. Below is more information about each feature film. 

The Wedding Banquet
Monday, March 17, 7 p.m.

From director Andrew Ahn, this comedy depicts a chosen family navigating cultural identity, queerness and expectation. Running out of time to be with his boyfriend who won’t pop an actual question, Min proposes green card marriage to his friend Angela in exchange for her partner, Lee, to get IVF. But the faux marriage goes sideways when family members get involved

Sally
Tuesday, March 18, 6 p.m.

Sally Ride is known as the first American woman to reach outer space, but she also harbored some earthly secrets. In this documentary, Ride’s life partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy, reveals their hidden romance and the sacrifices that accompanied 27 years together. Cristina Costantini’s rich portrait of the astronaut goes beyond just the headlines about her famous journey. 

Speaking Out
Tuesday, March 18, 8:30 p.m. 

Jose, Charlie and Rigg are three gay men bound by the traumatic events of their past who decide to embark on an emotional journey toward healing. In this excellent documentary directed by John Solis, they talk about their experiences. 

An Unexpected Community 
Wednesday, March 19, 6:30 p.m. 

In the early days of the pandemic, Women on a Roll founder Andrea Meyerson launched an online platform for lesbians and queer women and called it Women On the Net. Every week, the platform provided refuge for women all over the world, and feelings of isolation and loneliness were replaced with joy, laughter and new friends.

On Swift Horses 
Wednesday, March 19, 8:30 p.m. 

Muriel and her husband Lee are starting a new life in California after Lee returns from the Korean War, but their stability is upended by the arrival of Lee’s brother, a gambler who harbors a secret. Directed by Daniel Minahan, the film stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter, Diego Calva and Sasha Calle.