The festival kicks off with "BEST OF THE FEST 1," a captivating compilation of short films that will leave you entertained and inspired. Featuring two films from France, a heartwarming Irish comedy exploring the journey of coming out and family secrets, a poignant family drama set in China by an American filmmaker, a thought-provoking political drama from Colombia, a delightful comedy from the UK, and a touching story from Slovakia about found gay families, this program is a must-watch. You can stream "BEST OF THE FEST 1" from June 14 to June 25, allowing you to enjoy these remarkable stories from the comfort of your own home.
Following this program, the festival presents "BEST OF THE FEST 2," shining a spotlight on four women-focused films from the US and the UK. These films delve into unique experiences and narratives that will resonate with audiences. Additionally, an Australian drama will explore the struggle for societal acceptance among a group of gay men in post-gay marriage Australia. "BEST OF THE FEST 2" will be available for streaming from June 21 to July 2, providing a chance to delve into these powerful stories.
For those seeking an immersive cinema experience, the festival offers a special one-night-only, in-person screening of the homoerotic Argentine feature, HORSEPLAY. This screening will take place at Facets, located in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, on Thursday, June 22 at 7 pm. HORSEPLAY invites you into the scorching Argentine Summer, where a group of friends indulges in holiday festivities, drinks, parties, and the creation of provocative videos. However, beneath the surface, a rare mix of homophobia, jealousy, and violence begins to emerge. Don't miss this powerful and thought-provoking film that explores complex human dynamics.
As June comes to a close, the festival will conclude with "BEST OF PRIDE FILM FESTIVAL." This program will showcase shorts from the US that touch upon aging and family issues, as well as a Vietnamese film exploring health concerns and the world of dating apps. Two additional films, yet to be announced, will further enrich this selection. You can stream "BEST OF PRIDE FILM FESTIVAL" from June 28 to July 10, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in stories that highlight various facets of the LGBTQ+ experience.
To wrap up the summer program, the festival presents the 2022 feature film MINI-DV from Israel. Directed by Shauly Melamed, this film expands upon the filmmaker's 2019 short. Through the use of home videos shot when he was only 14 years old, Melamed takes us on a nostalgic journey, revisiting his childhood and weaving a compelling narrative. Catch MINI-DV on the streaming platform from July 5 to July 16, and discover the power of personal stories brought to life on the silver screen.
To ensure accessibility, the festival offers various options for film screenings. Individual film tickets for both streamed and in-person screenings are available for $12. Alternatively, you can opt for a monthly membership pass, priced at $10, granting you access to short and mid-length programs at no additional cost. Members can also enjoy feature-length films for only $7 per film. Don't miss your chance to witness these extraordinary cinematic experiences!
Tickets for individual programs are now on sale at https://www.goelevent.com/OpenSpaceArts/e/Search, while membership passes can be purchased at https://www.goelevent.com/OpenSpaceArts/Membership/Sale.
For more information about the festival, including the full lineup and updates, visit www.pridefilm.org. Join the Pride Film Fest and embark on a journey through the vibrant and diverse world of LGBTQ+ cinema this Pride Month!
