WHAT IS OUTFEST?

Outfest is the leading organization showcasing, nurturing and preserving lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender film images and artistry. For 25 years Outfest has led the charge, spotlighting emerging talent, creating community between filmmakers and audiences and offering a world-class forum for stories that reflect and often transform LGBT lives.

Since its founding in 1982, Outfest has showcased over 4,200 films for audiences well over half a million people. Our festivals, year-round screening series and special events bring together film lovers, innovative artists, celebrities, entertainment industry professionals … and some of the hottest parties around!

Outfest is also the only nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that the extensive but threatened LGBT film heritage is preserved. Since the beginning of the struggle for LGBT equality, visionary filmmakers have recorded their lives, challenges and triumphs on film. Outfest is committed to saving, preserving and providing access to that precious, affirming heritage for generations to come.

WHAT AWARDS ARE GIVEN OUT AT THE FESTIVAL?

Click here to see the awards given out at Outfest.

WHO CAN ATTEND THE FESTIVAL?

Outfest attracts a wonderfully diverse LGBTQ audience from Southern California and from around the world.

HOW DO I PURCHASE TICKETS?

Outfest Members can purchase tickets beginning Monday, June 8, 2009. If you’d like to take advantage of the members-only pre-sale period you can call that week and become a member. The general public can purchase tickets beginning on Monday, June 15, 2009. The best way to experience Outfest is with an Outpass which allows you ticketless entry to all general screenings. Call the box office at 213.480.7065 for more information beginning June 8 or see our website http://www.outfest.org/membership!

HOW CAN I GET TICKETS IF THE OUTFEST WEBSITE SAYS A PROGRAM IS 'STAND BY'?

Chances are very high that you will get into a 'Stand By' show. 90% of the time we get everyone in. Go to the theater and join the stand-by line. A few minutes before the film starts the staff will sell tickets (cash only) to the stand-by line. Patience can really pay off here!

DOES A TICKET OR AN OUTPASS GUARANTEE ME A SEAT?

You need to be in line 15 minutes prior to the start time of a program to ensure your seat. Seat saving is not allowed so every one with a ticket must be in line to get a seat. We do not guarantee late seating.

WHAT IF I HAVE TICKETS TO BACK-TO-BACK SCREENINGS IN THE SAME THEATRE?

If you hold tickets to back-to-back screenings in the same theatre, you may stay in the theatre rather than join the ticket holder line outside. Similarly, Outpass holders who wish to attend consecutive screening in the same theatre may remain in the theatre between screenings.

HOW CAN I MAKE THE MOST OF MY FORD SCREENING EXPERIENCE?

You can bring a picnic dinner and wine to enjoy before your screening. The Ford offers a selection of food and beverage items for sale as well, but they accept CASH ONLY and there is no ATM on site. And remember to leave enough time to park and walk up the hill.

HOW EARLY FOR MY SCREENING SHOULD I GET IN LINE?

For popular Outfest screenings, lines can form well in advance. While the Outfest staff and volunteers will do everything possible to minimize wait times and seat all guests as soon as possible, we do recommend arriving well in advance of each screening (a half-hour minimum).

DO YOU OFFER STUDENT OR SENIOR DISCOUNTS?

Yes, any available regular festival screening ticket is $5.00 on the day of the screening for students (with full-time ID) and seniors (65 and older with ID). We also have a few free events!

CAN I GET A REFUND ON MY TICKETS?

All sales are final – no refunds or exchanges. Outpasses are non-transferable.

WHAT MAKES GOING TO OUTFEST DIFFERENT THAN SEEING IT IN THE THEATRE LATER OR WAITING TO SEE IT ON T.V.?

At Outfest you have the opportunity to see a movie made for an LGBTQ audience with an LGBTQ audience – a unique experience. Better yet, the cast and crew are often on hand after movies for a Q&A session. Also, Outfest films are often the Los Angeles, North American, International or World premier - you could be the first to see the next big thing.

HOW CAN I SUBMIT MY FILM TO OUTFEST?

You can submit films for Outfest 2010: The 28th Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival beginning in November 2009. Please check our website for submission information at that time.