New York’s annual LGBTQ+ Film Festival kicked off on Friday, unveiling over 130 new films from around the world. 

NewFest is New York’s largest presenter of LGBTQ+ film and media. 


What You Need To Know

  • New York LGBTQ+ film festival is hybrid this year. Films are shown in-person throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn and available to stream online

  • NewFest is New York’s largest presenter of LGBTQ+ film and media

  • The film festival features work from around the world
  • The festival's Executive Director, David Hatkoff, joined NY1 to discuss this year's films

The festival features a variety of cinematic work, including narrative features, short films, documentaries, and more. 

Artists celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and highlight challenges happening all around the world. 

NewFest Executive Director David Hatkoff says the festival reflects a diverse set of views within LGBTQ+ culture.

"Everyone who works on this festival is so passionate about visibility and the fact that it can change lives and save lives,” said Hatkoff. 

NewFest runs from October 15-26, 2021. This is the festival’s 33rd edition of the event, but the first ever hybrid experience. Attendees can view the films in select theaters across the city or stream the festival virtually.

"We're basically producing two festivals in one this year,” said Hatkoff. “But that's so that everyone can experience it the way that feels comfortable for them."