OUTFEST and the Barcelona International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival have formed a new partnership, one of the first unions of its kind between two international gay and lesbian film organizations.

"Spain has always delivered among the most wonderful, cinematic and absorbing films," said Stephen Gutwillig, Executive Director of OUTFEST. "We are quite happy to form a new strategic alliance with the
Barcelona Lesbian & Gay Festival to bring world cinema to our diverse audiences."

"We are truly honored to be joining OUTFEST," said Xavier-Daniel, Director of the Barcelona International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival. "OUTFEST has always been an inspiration for us. There is no precedent to this sisterhood between two festivals that specialize in promoting the Lesbian & Gay film industry. We are looking forward to a very fruitful and long term relationship"

"We are delighted to be working with the two most prominent gay and lesbian film festival organizations to bring acclaimed Spanish films to OUTFEST," said Vivianne Schael, President of DA/SI Tours, and the official U.S. representative for the Barcelona International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival. "Moreover, DA/SI is excited to have played such a pivotal role in paving the evolving sisterhood between OUTFEST and the Barcelona International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, and foresees a long-term, rewarding relationship between them."

The sisterhood of the two festivals will be launched at a Celebrating Spanish Film party on Saturday, July 20 at 10:30 p.m. at The Knitting Factory, 7021 Hollywood Blvd. (one block east of La Brea), sponsored by
DA/SI Tours and Women On A Roll.

Inspired by the leading example of OUTFEST, The Barcelona International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, since 1995, has held the International Exhibition of Gay and Lesbian Films, organized by Daniel, and the current team of Altrament, an impressive group of directors, producers, and members of the Spanish Film Industry. Due to its rapid growth what started as a film Exhibition has developed lately as a real competitive Festival: an event which could be compared to the leading Festivals held in other cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York or London. With an audience of more than 14,000 people and increasing each year, this film festival is awarding major cash prizes to the winners that has caught the attention of the international film industry as well as the upcoming and promising Gay & Lesbian movie directors, producers, actors and distributors from over 16 countries. The Barcelona International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival is the oldest and most important gay event in Spain and has become one of the leading film festivals in Europe.