OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Spring Edition Returns To South Florida April 17-May 4

Save the dates of April 17 - May 4 for the return of the OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival spring edition! Internationally acclaimed as one of the largest LGBTQ+ cultural festivals in the world, this season's OUTshine lineup hits Miami-Dade and Broward counties with thought-provoking, inspiring, entertaining, and educational star-studded features, documentaries, and shorts, including premieres from 20 countries.

"With more than 40 feature films and over 20 short films representing the filmmaking community worldwide, we have something for everyone," said Allen Martello, executive director, OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival. "Last fall, we received overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding regionally connecting our bi-annual showings and special events. And this year, we're returning with even more star-studded reasons to celebrate diversity and creativity in cinema. From our critically acclaimed opening film to other festival winners to our closing feel-good comedy, we invite our LGBTQ+ audiences and allies to come together in celebration of the triumph of the human spirit."

"On Swift Horses" (USA, 2025) will open the spring festival on Thursday, April 17, at 7 p.m., at Regal Cinemas South Beach (1120 Lincoln Road Mall, Miami Beach). Set in the 1950s, this gorgeous adaptation of Shannon Pufahl's 2019 novel follows a seemingly sensible newlywed Muriel (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and her wayward brother-in-law (Jacob Elordi) as they undertake parallel journeys of risk, romance, and self-discovery. Directed by Daniel Minahan, the film also stars Will Poulter and Diego Calva. An afterparty at The Rum Room will take place immediately following the screening.

The following evening places the focus on Latin filmmaking with the Noche Latina East Coast premiere of "Fine Young Men (Hombres Integros)" (Mexico, 2024) at 7:15 p.m. at Regal Cinemas South Beach. Directed by Alejandro Andrade Pease, this coming-of-age drama about identity follows Alf, a student at a strict Catholic school, who finds himself drawn to Oliver, a charismatic new classmate. As their bond deepens, Alf distances himself from his longtime friends. However, when faced with peer pressure and societal expectations, he betrays Oliver in a desperate attempt to assert his masculinity. An afterparty at Twisted Tonic Rooftop with light bites and an open bar will follow the screening.

This edition, OUTshine has expanded its Men's and Ladies Spotlight Films to both counties. On April 19, the Ladies Spotlight "Sisters" (Canada, 2024), a heartfelt tale of love, identity, and belonging, and the Men's Spotlight North American premiere of "Streets of Gloria (Ruas da Gloria)" (Brazil, 2024), a bold, sultry exploration of love and desire, set against the vibrant yet unforgiving backdrop of Rio's nightlife, will screen beginning at 7 p.m. at Regal Cinemas South Beach. The afterparty for both will follow at The Greystone Hotel. On April 26, "Hot Milk" (United Kingdom, 2025), an emotional family drama set amidst picturesque Almería, Spain, will screen for the ladies and "Midas Man" (UK, 2024) starring Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Brian Epstein, the visionary who shaped music history by launching The Beatles' meteoric rise, will screen for the men beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Paradigm Cinemas: Gateway Fort Lauderdale 1820 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale. Afterparties will take place at neighboring hotspots The Well and LIT.

On April 23, OUTshine presents its South Florida Shorts Showcase with a special Cocktails & Cinema™ reception at 7 p.m. at O Cinema South Beach (1130 Washington Ave., Miami Beach). This bi-annual showing celebrates South Florida filmmakers - from students to seasoned veterans of the industry. This is a combination of queer filmmakers making queer films, queer people behind the camera, and queer actors from South Florida. There will be a Q&A with filmmakers, cast and crew after the screenings plus a Tito's Vodka open bar afterparty.

"Accidental Friends (Amici Per Caso)" (Italy, 2024) takes the focus as both an international premiere and this season's Centerpiece Film screening at 7:30 p.m. on April 24 at Regal Dania Pointe (128 Sunset Dr, Dania Beach). In this Odd Couple-style comedy, two roommates with contrasting lifestyles, must cohabitate despite their differences. Omero's sexual orientation fuels Pietro's homophobia, leading to conflicts. Over time, they learn to understand and appreciate each other beyond prejudice. The film is directed by Max Nardari. An afterparty will follow at Bowlero (also at Dania Pointe).

"Now, more than ever, it's important for us to share the cinematic stories, stars and directors whose creative visions urge us to embrace our differences and foster a sense of unity and belonging," said Joe Bilancio, director of programming, OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival. "We have meticulously curated a glowing roster of award-winning LGBTQ+ films, and we're thrilled to host several premieres that offer thought-provoking viewpoints, dramatic emotional escapes, eye-opening documentaries and situational comedies that promote tolerance, equality, understanding and empathy."

Capitalizing on that sentiment, OUTshine is proud to present the world premiere of the documentary "Latter-Day Glory: The Aftermath of Growing Up Queer in the LDS Church" (USA, 2025). Directors Brandon Deyette and Chucho E. Quintero follow two queer ex-Mormon missionaries embarking on a transformative journey across America, uncovering the devastating effects of religious dogma on LGBTQ+ members of the LDS Church.

This season's North American premieres include the dramatic thriller "Queerpanorama" (USA/Hong Kong/China, 2025), "Becoming Ana (La Mitad de Ana)" (Spain, 2024), an intimate, honest portrait of a mother and child seeking to recognize themselves and each other; "To Live, To Die, To Live Again (Vivre Mourir Renaitre)" (France, 2024), a love triangle shattered by the emergence of the AIDS crisis in the '90s; "Blue For A Boy (Azul de Nino)" (Spain, 2024), the dramatic uncovering of an expected affair; "Some Nights I Feel Like Walking (Mõnel õhtul tahaksin jalutada)" (Philippines/Italy/Singapore, 2025) and "All For One" (France/Belgium, 2025), a queer, feminist retelling of "The Three Musketeers" following four women tasked with protecting the Queen of France.

Other premieres include the first U.S showings of "Who Wants To Marry An Astronaut?" (Argentina, 2024) and "A Night Like This" (UK, 2025), and the first East Coast runs of "The Big Johnson" (USA, 2025), a documentary chronicling the life of Dean Johnson - trailblazing drag queen, rock star, LGBTQI activist, junkie, genius, escort then John Doe; "John Cranko" (Germany, 2024), starring Sam Riley, a dance-infused tribute biopic to the virtuoso choreographer and "Odd Fish" (Iceland, 2024), an endearing dramedy testing the limits of friendship and transformational acceptance.

An April 27 Drag Brunch, themed after the cult film "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar" will take place at The Well, and later that evening will be the closing night in-person film "Four Mothers" (Ireland/United Kingdom, 2024) at Savor Cinema (503 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale). Directed by Darren Thorton, this comedy centers on a shy, commitment-phobic gay novelist living with his elderly mother. When his friends take off for PRIDE weekend, he finds himself caring for four eccentric, combative and wildly different women in this hysterical, and possible too-close-to home charmer. The awards night soiree will immediately follow.

OUTshine At-Home viewing will be available from April 28 - May 4.

OUTrageous, OUTspoken, and OUTstanding, this year's OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival fall edition is Presented by Gilead. The Premiere sponsor is Comcast with Grand sponsors Delta, Google and HotSpots! Happening Out. AHF, FastPrintz and Titos are Major sponsors and Axel South Beach, Hotel Greystone, Twist South Beach, Wilton River Suites, Lexi Goza/State Farm, the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce are Supporting sponsors. Media partners include CultureOwl, Bulletin, #ILoveGayMovies, EDGE Media Network, Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald, OUT SFL, Miami New Times, OutClique, QueerGuru, Skirt SoFlo, WIREMAG, Tampa Bay Gay, Mochee Digital Media, Luminary Catalyst and GPR | Goodman Public Relations. Screening support is provided by The Well, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and Planet Printer.

Ticket subscription packages and individual tickets starting at $15 go on sale March 28. OUTshine passholders and Producer Circle members receive priority advance ticket purchase opportunities. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit outshinefilm.com.

About OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival
The OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival, celebrating its 43rd edition, is a bi-annual film festival with a mission to inspire, entertain, and educate; encouraging a sense of community through international and culturally diverse film, video and other media that offer historical, contemporary and entertaining perspectives on the LGBTQ+ experience. Launched separately - in 1998, as The Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, and in 2008, as the Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival - both were brought together under one brand to become OUTshine Film Festival, underscoring its brightness, broad appeal and dynamic multicultural locations, the nonprofit festival is critically and internationally acclaimed as one of the largest LGBTQ+ cultural arts happenings in the world. OUTrageous. OUTspoken. And OUTstanding in what we deliver. For more information and tickets, visit outshinefilm.com