The second half of the Miami Outshine Film Festival starts on Thursday, April 25 through Sunday, April 25 with films playing at the Regal South Beach (1120 Lincoln Rd Mall, Miami Beach). Below is a list of some of the films we want to highlight.
Thursday, April 25
Bonus Track
Director: Julia Jackman; Runtime: 98 minutes; United Kingdom, 2023; Narrative, Youth, Comedy, Drama, Relationship. Music
It’s 2006, and George, a small-town sixteen-year-old, is on the road to complete social and academic failure. He dreams of being a star, knows he’s a gifted musician, but no one else seems to agree. So, when Max, the son of a mega-famous musical duo, enrolls at his school and takes an interest in his music, George can’t believe it! Neither can anyone else. But as the boys grow closer, George begins to question why he wants to spend time with Max, finding himself faced with a dream come true scenario, if only he knew what his dream come true really is.
Close To You
Director: Dominic Savage; Runtime: 100 minutes; Canada and UK, 2023; In English
Narrative, Drama, Relationship, Trans, Family Dysfunction
Sam (Elliot Page) hasn’t been home since his transition and after four years in Toronto, he takes a long-dreaded trip back home for his father’s birthday. On the train, he runs into Katherine, a friend from high school and feelings from their unresolved past begin to bubble to the surface. It’s a serendipitous encounter as Sam worries about seeing his family after so much time apart, not for fear that they’ll reject him, but because of the unsolicited comments, questions, misgendering and misunderstanding he’ll receive about his transition, placing the weight of his family’s ignorance and discomfort squarely on his shoulders. Close to You is an emotionally observant drama about coming home as yourself, only for everyone to treat you like a completely different person.
Friday, April 26
Sunflower – 5pm
Director: Gabriel Carrubba; Runtime: 82 minutes; Australia, 2023; Gay, Narrative, Romance, Sports – North American Premiere
Seventeen-year-old Leo has his life together in the high school hierarchy: drunken parties, decent grades, the popular girlfriend; and comes home to the loving bickering only a family can provide. But Leo experiences an identity crisis as he becomes increasingly attracted to his best friend, Boof. His well-groomed facade begins to crack and with every step Leo takes towards embracing his sexuality. This includes overcoming the incessant socialized homophobia of the boy’s locker room. Hopeful and romantic, this is an enticing drama about growing up with your heart stuck in your mouth. With tender performances, Sunflower is a classic queer coming of age film elevated by a heartfelt authenticity from debut filmmaker Gabriel Carrubba.
The Summer of Carmen (To Kalokairi Karmen) – 9:20pm
Director: Zacharias Mavroeldis; Runtime: 104 minutes; Greece, 2023; In Greek with English subtitles
While enjoying a day at Athens’ queer beach, 30-something hunky Demosthenes offers to help his bestie and aspiring filmmaker flamboyant Nikitas in drafting an idea for his feature debut, inspired by the events surrounding a dog named Carmen. Two summers ago, Demosthenes was stuck in Athens dealing with the health issues of his father. This serves as an excuse to reach out to his ex, Panos. Meanwhile, Panos got the overly cute Carmen, something he soon regretted. Likewise, Demosthenes seems to have regretted breaking up with Panos. Or did he not? Struggling to transform real events into a hero’s journey, the two friends question the no.1 rule of script writing theory – the hero that changes – while turning a page in their long-lasting friendship.
Saturday, April 27
F.L.Y – Men’s Spotlight
Directors: Rafael Albarran and Trent Kendrick; Runtime: 105 Minutes; USA, 2023; Narrative, Gay, Covid
When two ex-boyfriends (Max and Rafael), who haven’t seen each other in five years, reunite — the covid pandemic hits, and they’re forced to quarantine together. In the years that have passed since they last saw each other in New York, Max has built a new life in Los Angeles working as a freelance editor. Max has spent most of his free time with his new boyfriend Hunter, who’s a fitness instructor, while Rafael has been rebuilding his identity as a non-binary human who’s excited to explore the art of drag with hopes of becoming a drag superstar. F.L.Y. celebrates living your truth, and trusting the journey it takes you on.
Backspot – Ladies Spotlight Film – 7:15pm
Director: D.W. Waterson; Runtime: 93 Minutes; Canada, 2023; In English
Narrative, Lesbian, Sport – East Coast Premiere
Riley is the formidable backspot on her mid-level cheerleading squad until professional coach Eileen McNamara gives her an opportunity to join the Thunderhawks, a high-performance All-Star team. Young, ambitious, and fiercely in love with her girlfriend Amanda, Riley would be on top of the world if only she could get her crippling anxiety under control. Desperate to be heard and appreciated, two qualities her home life severely lacks, Riley will do anything to ingratiate herself to her new coach. Overwhelmed, obsessive and with a competition looming, this young, queer athlete must decipher her own voice from the women around her and form a healthier relationship to the sport that she loves.
Sunday, April 28
What A Feeling – 3:45pm
Director: Kate Rohrer; Runtime: 110 Minutes; Austria, 2024; In German, English and Presian with English subtitles; Narrative, Lesbian, Foreign, Comedy, Immigration – North American Premiere
Marie Theres, 52, has the seemingly perfect life: married to her husband for 20 years, raising their teenage daughter and being a successful doctor. In an instance everything changes: her husband leaves, her daughter rebels, she gets suspended from the hospital and her friends abandon her. Thats when she meets Fa, a self-confident, independent, free spirited Iranian woman, who runs her own carpentry business and takes care of their elderly mother. The two women could not be more different and more attracted to each-other. Each will have to break free from the confines they have built for themselves if they truly want to be happy. What A Feeling is a heartfelt and clever romantic comedy about two middle aged women who refuse to be pushed to the sideline of life.
Mascarpone: The Rainbow Cake (Maschile Plural) – Closing Night Film – 6pm
Directors: Alessandro Guida; Runtime: 105 Minutes; Italy, 2024; In Italian with English Subtitles; Narrative, Gay, Foreign, Drama, Comedy – North American Preimere
After three years, Antonio and Luca see each other for the first time after their best friend Denis’ death. Luca, who has hit rock bottom, has been lucky enough to meet Tancredi, his current boyfriend, while Antonio has focused on his work, so much so that he is now a well-known chef in a pastry boutique. It is clear that there is still a special relationship between the two, but Antonio mistakes Luca’s affection for something more and does everything he can to ruin his relationship with Tacrendi. Will Antonio learn to let go of the past in order to fully experience what the future has to offer him? With a beautiful cast, a beautiful story, and intoxicating bakery goods, Mascarpone: The Rainbow Cake builds off the original to a sexy and compelling sophomore feature.
Italian film stars Giancarlo Commare and Giulio Corso will attend and will introduce the movie and participate in a Q&A after the screening.
For a full list of the films, more info, or to purchase tickets go to: Outshinefilm.com.
