SHORTS: I LIKE ME FOR ME

In partnership with the NYC Department of Education

For the fifth consecutive year, NewFest is delighted to collaborate with NYC’s Department of Education and participating schools on an inclusive shorts program — curated specifically with LGBTQ+ youth and teen audiences in mind.

These affirming short films from emerging filmmakers give young queer folks the opportunity to see themselves reflected on screen. This year’s lineup includes inspirational stories about budding feelings, navigating gender and religion, and the importance of speaking up for yourself.

The in-person screening of this program on Thursday, October 20 at 4pm is open to LGBTQ+ students/staff and GSAs and is free to register. Please contact gsafilm@newfest.org to request registration form and more information.




THE BIRTH OF A BEAUTIFUL BUTCH
Dir. Gia-Rayne Harris, USA, 3 min
On the day of school pictures, Alex has to choose between standards imposed on her or embracing of her authentic self.


LUCKY FISH
Dir. Emily May Jampel, USA, 8 min
Two Asian-American teenagers meet in the bathroom of a Chinese restaurant.


BEAST
Dir. Urvashi Pathania, USA, 9 min
A non-binary South Asian teenager uses Bharatanatyam dance to explore their gender identity.


ALL I EVER WANTED
Dir. Erin Lau, USA, 15 min
Rom-com obsessed teen Christine has always longed for the picture-perfect romance… but she’s soon confronted with the fact that her ideal prince charming might actually be a princess charming instead.


THE SPIRIT GOD GAVE US
Dir. Michael Donte Jemison, USA, 20 min
Two young men fall in love while volunteering as ushers for their Baptist church


HIDDEN
Dir. Mathilde Suissa, USA, 10 min
Maureen catches her daughter with someone she doesn’t expect.

This program will be followed by a Q&A.

PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH