Because of your support, Outfest is coming into 2026 with a full year of programming and a lot to celebrate.

This year, we're launching the new Outfest Cinema Series, producing the 2026 edition of OutfestNEXT, and continuing our work supporting queer filmmakers through education and mentorship (with a few special surprises along the way).

At the heart of all of it is something we've always believed: gathering to watch our lives on screen is both an act of resistance and an act of joy. When we come together as a community to celebrate queer stories and the filmmakers who tell them, we're not just watching films, we're building something that can't be erased.

That's Outfest. And we're just getting started.

NEW THIS YEAR: OUTFEST CINEMA SERIES

‍Queer stories, all year. You're welcome.

We're kicking off the Outfest Cinema Series the right way: a reception and screening of festival award-winning film BOOKENDS.

Renberg Theater, The Village at Ed Gould Plaza
Sunday, April 12
Reception: 6:30pm Screening: 7:30pm

Directed by Outfest Alum Mike Doyle and written & starring Noam Ash, the story follows Nate, who moves in with his grandparents after a bad breakup, the two generations' life experiences, values, and philosophies collide in exasperating, funny, and heartbreaking ways.

PRIDE LOOKS GOOD ON SCREEN: WEHO PRIDE ARTS FESTIVAL

‍Outfest brings the screen to the celebration May 23 & 24.

For decades, West Hollywood has been home to one of the largest annual Pride celebrations in the world, drawing hundreds of thousands of people each June. One of the kick-off events this year is the WeHo Pride Arts Festival at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, May 23 & 24. Outfest is proud to have been invited to program films to be shown both days. Our line up and more information is coming soon. In the meantime, check out the City of West Hollywood's WeHo Pride site for more details about all they have planned!

SEE YOU IN JULY: 2026 OutfestNEXT

‍Back for more: new stories, new voices, louder than ever.

OutfestNEXT brings screenings and events back to July!
Following our successful debut of NEXT last November, we are back with four-days of independent queer cinema worth clearing your calendar for! Award-winning features and shorts, conversations with the filmmakers behind them, and anniversary screenings of the classics that started it all.

We've been doing this since 1982, when a group of film lovers on the UCLA campus decided queer stories deserved to be seen. That belief that our stories matter, that they heal, that they connect us, is still the whole point.

NEXT is where new voices find their audience and creative futures take shape. In community, in collaboration, and in celebration. See you in July.

JULY DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

‍WHERE IT BEGINS: OUTFEST PRODUCERS LAB

‍New filmmakers, new skills, new stories on the way.

This September, the Outfest Producers Lab debuts and it's bringing the tools, mentorship, and community that emerging queer filmmakers need to make their visions real.

Participants of all experience levels work directly with industry mentors to sharpen their projects, build essential production skills, and grow the professional networks that move careers forward. This is where the next wave of queer cinema gets made.

We're reviewing existing applications first, and will open to new applicants if space remains. Details on dates, times, and existing applicant outreach are coming soon. Stay tuned!

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE OUR YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMMING

With the support of our new board, returning staff, and our longtime sponsors and donors, we have laid a new foundation.Join us in 2026 to celebrate the LGBTQ+ artists and their stories of identity, beauty, struggle and imagination. Your support now will directly impact an even greater expansion of our programming for 2027.

Make a gift or become a member today!

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