“Heated Rivalry,” Adam Shankman’s drag queen comedy “Stop! That! Train!” starring RuPaul and “I Want Your Sex” from Greg Araki headline this year’s NewFest.
The New York City LGBTQ film festival will kick off Pride month with its five-day program at SVA Theatre May 28-June 1. It will also be available virtually.
“Our community doesn’t wait for permission to celebrate, so we’re starting Pride in May — calendar be damned,” NewFest executive director David Hatkoff said Thursday morning. “NewFest Pride has always lived at the intersection of party and protest, and nothing captures that better than this lineup of anticipated premieres, community gatherings and a free outdoor screening of ‘Heated Rivalry’ at the iconic Pier 17. Five days: in person and virtual, indoors and out, and entirely on our terms.”
Toplining the festival are:
“Stop! That! Train!,” directed by Adam Shankman
Opening Night Film & Party
May 28, 7 p.m.; SVA Theatre
New York Premiere
Step aboard the glitzy Glamazonian Express in this star-studded, riotous ride from director Adam Shankman (“Hairspray”) that queers the parody genre in the grand, outrageous tradition of “Airplane!”. As a catastrophic “Stormaganza” threatens to derail the high-speed train, coach-and-first class stewardesses, scientists and President Gagwell (RuPaul) must work together to prevent disaster.
“The Dads,” directed by Luchina Fisher
May 29, 7 p.m.; SVA Theatre
Also available virtually May 28 – June 1
New York Premiere + Q&A
As anti-trans legislation and hostility escalate in the United States, a group of dads build a nascent movement to support their trans and gender expansive kids in this feature documentary inspired by the eponymous, award-winning short.
“Leviticus,” written and directed by Adrian Chiarella
May 29, 8 p.m.; SVA Theatre
Romance and horror intertwine in this sublime Sundance sensation, as two teenage boys must escape a violent entity that takes the form of the person they desire most — each other.
“Bookends,” directed by Mike Doyle
May 30, 4 p.m.; SVA Theatre
Also available virtually May 28 – June 1
New York Premiere + Q&A
An aspiring novelist moves in with his grandparents after a bad breakup with his boyfriend as the two generations’ life experiences, values, and philosophies collide in exasperating, funny and heartbreaking ways. Featuring wry and heartfelt performances by Academy Award-winner F. Murray Abraham, Caroline Aaron, Noam Ash (who also wrote the screenplay) and Charlie Barnett.
“Barbara Forever,” directed by Brydie O’Connor
May 30, 5 p.m.; SVA Theatre
New York City Premiere + Q&A
A sublimely exhilarating exploration of the life, work, and legacy of iconic, pioneering lesbian filmmaker Barbara Hammer. Recipient of awards at multiple festivals, including Sundance and Berlinale.
“I Want Your Sex,” directed by Gregg Araki
Centerpiece
May 30, 8:15 p.m.; SVA Theatre
New York Premiere + Q&A
The latest film from legendary queer auteur Gregg Araki (“The Doom Generation”) in over a decade, this deliciously diabolical comedy-thriller toys with kinky dynamics, workplace boundaries and the absurdity of the contemporary art world. Starring Olivia Wilde, Cooper Hoffman, Mason Gooding, Chase Sui Wonders and Charli XCX.
“Adam’s Apple,” directed by Amy Jenkins
May 31, 4 p.m.; SVA Theatre
Also available virtually May 28 – June 1
New York Premiere + Q&A
A transgender teen and his mother chronicle their lives, artistically weaving a rare and intimate portrait of a family in transition. Two decades of footage trace a boy’s path to manhood and his parents’ vulnerability as they reckon with change.
Outdoor Screenings:
HBO Max Presents: “Heated Rivalry” Comes Out(side)
May 31, at 7 p.m.; Pier 17 [Free Public Screening]
The smash hit Crave Original, available to stream on HBO Max, will have its open-air debut at Pier 17 with an outdoor screening of an episode of the award-winning series.
“The Britney Griner Story,” directed by Alexandria Stapleton
June 1 at 8 p.m.; Gansevoort Plaza [Free Public Screening]
Also available virtually May 28 – June 1
New York Premiere
This personal and profound odyssey follows basketball star Brittney Griner from her playing career and harrowing imprisonment in Russia through the extraordinary geopolitical battle to secure her freedom. Presented in partnership with Meatpacking Business Improvement District (BID) and Rooftop Films.
The festival will also include a selection of Black queer shorts as well as a NY Liberty Game watch party ahead of the “Britney Griner Story” premiere.
“This year’s unapologetically dazzling NewFest Pride line-up signals a rousing call that contemporary queer cinema is fully alive and thriving,” NewFest director of programming Nick McCarthy, said in part, adding, “Pride is a space to laugh, shout, reflect and — most importantly — gather together as a community to share our stories, engage in dialogue, and create an alchemy of effusive queer energy, insight and bliss.”
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