Queering the Canon: Besties
Join NewFest and BAM for the fourth edition of this popular annual five-day retrospective series that shines a spotlight on LGBTQ+ films and filmmakers who deserve increased recognition for their contribution to the queer canon.
Featuring a lineup of in-person + virtual screenings + Q&A's!
April 11 – 15, 2024
Start threading those friendship bracelets and prepare for a wild ride through the dynamic joys and complexities of queer-positive camaraderie.
Celebrate the vital and varied roles fellowship plays in LGBTQ+ lives through this retrospective series that spotlights BFFs road tripping, robbing banks, dispensing dating advice, hustling, and more!
Featuring 4K restoration premieres, 35mm prints, guest introductions, and in-person Q&As with legacy queer filmmakers, “Queering the Canon: Besties” just gets you. Gather your trusty pals and immerse yourself in the art of getting by with a little help from your – and our – friends.
Individual Film Ticket — $18 | Discount for NewFest Members
In-person access to a single film
In-Person All Access Pass — $40 | Discount for NewFest Members
In-person access to all five films
GO FISH Reception + Screening Ticket — $125
Access to the pre-screening reception celebrating Rose Troche and Guinevere Turner (in attendance) from 5:30-7:30pm at Peaches Prime (3 minute walk to BAM). Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Includes access to the 8pm GO FISH screening at BAM which will be followed by a moderated Q&A with Rose Troche and Guinevere Turner.
Virtual All Access Pass — $20 | Discount for Members | Free for Membership Plus and above
Virtual access to all five streaming films (excludes GO FISH and SUMMER VACATION 1999); Does not include in-person Q&A’s
All five streaming films are available virtually April 11 at 12 PM through April 15 at 11:59 PM EST.
Streaming anywhere in the United States. Individual tickets are not available for virtual screenings.
* Virtual passes and individual tickets are discounted for NewFest Members. Haven’t joined yet? Become a member today!
LINEUP
GO FISH (1994)
dir. Rose Troche
ON RUSH – How to RUSH at NewFest
Lesbian friendship and community are at the center of director Rose Troche’s sexy and witty landmark debut
Lesbian friendship and community are at the center of director Rose Troche’s sexy and witty landmark debut
GO FISH Pre-Screening Reception
Celebrating Rose Troche & Guinevere Turner
Join us for a special pre-screening reception celebrating Rose Troche and Guinevere Turner (in attendance) from 5:30-7:30pm at Peaches Prime (3 minute walk to BAM). Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Ticket includes access to the 8pm GO FISH screening at BAM which will be followed by a moderated Q&A with Rose Troche and Guinevere Turner.
MY OWN PRIVATE IDAHO (1991)
dir. Gus Van Sant
ON RUSH – How to RUSH at NewFest
River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves star in director Gus Van Sant’s sensitive tale of two young sex workers and a merry band of outsiders
River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves star in director Gus Van Sant’s sensitive tale of two young sex workers and a merry band of outsiders
SET IT OFF (1996)
dir. F. Gary Gray
Frustrated by a system stacked against them, four women (Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Kimberly Elise) join forces to pull off bank robberies in this electrifying drama
SUMMER VACATION 1999 (1988)
dir. Shusuke Kaneko
Four teen boys spend a summer together at a remote boarding school in this beguiling, neo-futuristic tale
I THINK I DO (1997)
dir. Brian Sloan
Two college roommates reunite at their friends’ wedding in this throwback screwball comedy with a queer twist
STUD LIFE (2012)
dir. Campbell X
A terrifically entertaining look at the lives and loves of black butch lesbian JJ and her white gay pretty-boy best friend Seb
GYPSY 83 (2001)
dir. Todd Stephens
Two goth misfits living in Ohio run away to New York City to attend the ultimate Stevie Nicks cosplay event
VIRTUAL PANEL
Best of Besties in LGBTQ+ Cinema
STREAMING
APRIL 11-15
Streaming films do not include in-person filmmaker Q&A’s
Individual tickets are not available for virtual screenings.