Charlotte Pride’s Reel Out LGBTQ Film Festival Returns with an Exciting Lineup

Charlotte, NC – April 26, 2024

Charlotte Pride’s Reel Out LGBTQ film festival is back this year, promising a diverse and engaging lineup of films that celebrate LGBTQ stories and voices. The festival is set to take place at the Independent Picture House in Charlotte from May 15-19, offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage with thought-provoking cinema and celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ community.

Opening Night Festivities

The festival kicks off with an exciting opening night that includes a film trivia party hosted by drag performers, followed by a screening of film shorts. The trivia party promises to be a fun-filled evening, setting the tone for the rest of the festival.

Featured Films

The festival will showcase a diverse selection of films that explore a wide range of LGBTQ themes and stories. Highlights of the lineup include:

• “Catboy” – A romantic short film that challenges traditional notions of masculinity and sexuality.
• “It’s a Match” – A documentary about two LGBT 20-somethings looking for love, with a twist that will leave them forever connected.
• “Lee Baby” – An intimate portrayal of a trans man and his wife as they journey to create a family.
• “One Story at a Time” – A documentary exploring the experiences of a man who escaped homophobia and found the courage to share his story.
• “Safety State” – A dystopian comedy that follows the journey of a lesbian couple and a gay couple fleeing an oppressive state.

Main Features

Some of the main features of the festival include:

• “20,000 Species of Bees” – A Spanish documentary exploring the intersection of indigeneity, queerness, and environmentalism.
• “The Judgement” – A horror film from Egypt following the experiences of an Egyptian gay couple.
• “F.L.Y.” – A story of two ex-boyfriends who reunite during the COVID pandemic.
• “Riley” – A coming-of-age story about a closeted football player grappling with his sexuality.
• “Egoist” – A dramatic Japanese feature that explores the complexities of a relationship.

Special Double Feature

One evening at the festival will feature a double bill, including the films “Turtles” and “Old Lesbians,” offering attendees a unique cinematic experience.

Additional Details

Five of the film screenings at the festival are free to the public, thanks to a grant from Culture Blocks and the Arts and Science Council of Mecklenburg County. The festival is supported by sponsors such as K&L Gates, Gilead, Lending Tree, Charlotte Gaymers, and the Hispanic Federation.

Exact days, dates, and times for the screenings will be announced closer to the opening night event. For more information and updates, attendees are encouraged to visit the festival’s website and social media channels.

Conclusion

The Reel Out LGBTQ Film Festival promises to be a celebration of LGBTQ voices and stories, offering attendees a diverse and thought-provoking cinematic experience. With a lineup that encompasses a wide range of themes and genres, the festival is set to be a highlight of Charlotte’s cultural calendar.