New York, NY — The 36th annual NewFest LGBTQ+ Film Festival, held in New York City, recently concluded by honoring a diverse array of films and filmmakers who have made significant contributions to LGBTQ+ storytelling. The festival showcased 143 films, demonstrating the vibrancy and expansiveness of queer cinema today.
At the Nitehawk Cinema in Brooklyn, filmmakers, journalists, and cinephiles gathered for the Filmmaker & Awards Brunch where the much-anticipated festival awards were announced. The festival jury, comprised of prolific LGBTQ+ artists, activists, and entertainment professionals, chose the winners from a compelling lineup.
The festival’s top prize, the Grand Jury Award for U.S. Narrative Feature, was bestowed upon “Ponyboi,” a trans neo-noir thriller directed by Esteban Arango. River Gallo, who not only wrote and produced the film but also starred alongside notable actors such as Dylan O’Brien and Indya Moore, received high praise for the film. The jurors highlighted “Ponyboi’s” adept blending of personal narrative with thrilling elements, marking it as a milestone in cinematic storytelling.
The international counterpart of the Grand Jury Award went to Brazilian filmmaker Marcelo Caetano for his romantic drama “Baby,” which had its North American premiere at NewFest. The film was lauded for its engaging depiction of unconventional, relatable characters in search of connection.
Documentary storytelling was also prominently featured, with “Reas” receiving the Grand Jury Award in the Documentary/Nonfiction category. Directed by Lola Arias, “Reas” was recognized for its creative amalgamation of documentary, musical theater, and traditional narrative that explores the lives of individuals who have experienced incarceration.
A special highlight of this year’s festival was the recognition of Colman Domingo, who was honored with the 2024 Voice & Visibility Award for his enduring contributions to the stage, screen, and queer communities of color. His accolade was celebrated during a notable event on October 12, which featured an engaging conversation with the lauded actor and playwright.
A notable emerging talent recognized at the festival was Taylor James, who received the NewFest + Vimeo First-Time Short Filmmaker Award for his short film “ILY, BYE.” His acute sense of comedy in his narrative debut was both celebrated and recognized as a sign of great potential in future projects.
Furthermore, the festival debuts set the stage for NewFest’s commitment to foster emerging talents, with awards like the NEWFEST36 EMERGING BLACK LGBTQ+ FILMMAKER AWARD highlighting exceptional new voices like Sekiya Dorsett for “Caribbean Queen” and Natalie Jasmine Harris for “Grace.”
Additionally, the festival included audience awards in various categories, underscoring the community’s role in shaping the landscape of queer cinema. Among these, “Duino,” directed by Juan Pablo Di Pace and Andrés P. Estrada, won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature, confirming its emotional and historical impact on festivalgoers.
NewFest’s dedication to showcasing the breadth and diversity of LGBTQ+ cinema not only celebrates the art form but also the stories and voices that drive the community forward. As the festival curtains close, the spirit of NewFest is set to influence film enthusiasts and filmmakers, encouraging a future rich with diverse and compelling queer narratives.
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