Arizona Queer Film Access Initiative
NewFest is providing complimentary virtual access to NewFest37 for Arizona residents who have lost access to their LGBTQ+ film festival
NewFest’s Arizona Queer Film Access Initiative, created in collaboration with Desperado LGBTQ Film Festival, will offer complimentary virtual access for Arizona residents to a curated selection of NewFest’s 37th Annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival, streaming October 9–21, 2025.
This initiative has been launched by NewFest in response to the news that Desperado was forced to cancel its annual event in direct response to President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to end diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at publicly funded institutions. Desperado has historically been hosted by a student organization at Paradise Valley Community College.
“As the country’s largest LGBTQ+ film festival, we have a responsibility to show up when access to queer stories is threatened. This is about visible, pragmatic solidarity—keeping queer stories available to Arizona audiences, honoring the work of partners like Desperado, and standing with communities who rely on these films for connection and visibility. It also means refusing to stand by in the face of attempts to silence queer voices.”
-David Hatkoff, NewFest Executive Director
“Desperado is very grateful for this opportunity presented by NewFest. We are adapting to new challenges, but our vision remains the same and we look forward to gathering again in 2026 to celebrate queer film, build community, and support LGBTQ+ artists and audiences.”
-Dale Heuser, co-coordinator of Desperado.
NewFest37 is in-person and virtual from October 9-21 and will feature more than 130 new films, q&a’s, panels, social events and more.
Additional information on NewFest’s Arizona Queer Film Access Initiative, including participating Arizona-available virtual titles and redemption details, will be shared ahead of the festival.
If you are an Arizona resident and interested in virtual access during NewFest37 submit your interest via the form below.
This initiative has been launched by NewFest in response to the news that Desperado was forced to cancel its annual event in direct response to President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to end diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at publicly funded institutions. Desperado has historically been hosted by a student organization at Paradise Valley Community College.
“As the country’s largest LGBTQ+ film festival, we have a responsibility to show up when access to queer stories is threatened. This is about visible, pragmatic solidarity—keeping queer stories available to Arizona audiences, honoring the work of partners like Desperado, and standing with communities who rely on these films for connection and visibility. It also means refusing to stand by in the face of attempts to silence queer voices.”
-David Hatkoff, NewFest Executive Director
“Desperado is very grateful for this opportunity presented by NewFest. We are adapting to new challenges, but our vision remains the same and we look forward to gathering again in 2026 to celebrate queer film, build community, and support LGBTQ+ artists and audiences.”
-Dale Heuser, co-coordinator of Desperado.
NewFest37 is in-person and virtual from October 9-21 and will feature more than 130 new films, q&a’s, panels, social events and more.
Additional information on NewFest’s Arizona Queer Film Access Initiative, including participating Arizona-available virtual titles and redemption details, will be shared ahead of the festival.
If you are an Arizona resident and interested in virtual access during NewFest37 submit your interest via the form below.