HARTFORD, Conn. — The Connecticut Out Film Festival celebrated its 38th anniversary with a vibrant screening and after-party at the Connecticut Science Center, showcasing a stunning variety of films over the course of nine days. This year’s festival featured an impressive lineup of 90 films, encompassing features, documentaries, and shorts, highlighted by nearly a dozen in-person screenings at the historic Cinestudio theater on the Trinity College campus.
Shane Engstrom, the festival director, expressed pride in this year’s selection, noting the positive feedback received from attendees. “Every year we strive to curate a lineup that resonates with our audience,” he said. Engstrom’s sentiment was echoed in the results, which showcased a diverse array of talent and storytelling.
“Four Mothers” claimed the Audience Award for Best Feature Film, with its director, Darren Thornton, receiving the Director’s Award for crafting a narrative that was both personal and universally relatable. Engstrom praised Thornton for going the extra mile, particularly in leading an impromptu Q&A session that provided deeper insights into the film.
In the documentary category, “A Culinary Uprising: The Story of Bloodroot” secured the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature. The shorts category was highlighted by “Sorority,” which earned the Audience Award for Best Short. Meanwhile, “Rains Over Babel” received the Jury Award for Best Feature, while “Heightened Scrutiny” was honored with the Jury Award for Best Documentary. Additionally, “Stimulants & Empathogens” took home the Jury Award for Best Short.
The Connecticut Out Film Festival aims to both entertain and educate while fostering community connections through exceptional LGBTQ cinema and other theatrical events held throughout the year. This annual festival stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and representation in the film industry.
The festival has become a significant platform for diverse voices, offering a space for exploration and celebration of LGBT narratives that resonate with a wide audience. As the festival concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of community and appreciation for the art of film.
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