Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival announces full lineup for 39th annual event
Out Film CT has finalized the lineup of features, documentaries, shorts, and special events for the 39th Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival. The in-person portion of the state’s longest-running film festival will run from June 12 to June 20, 2026. A online streaming session, titled the Virtual Encore, will follow from June 21 to June 28, 2026, offering streaming-only exclusives alongside selections from the live schedule.
Most in-person screenings are scheduled to take place at Cinestudio, located on the Trinity College campus at 300 Summit Street in Hartford. The single exception is the Closing Night Film, which organizers will screen at the Connecticut Science Center at 250 Columbus Boulevard in Hartford. The science center will also host a post-show party following the final screening.
This year’s event increases its focus on short films because the festival is now an official nominating festival for the Iris Prize, which is the largest global prize for an LGBTQ short film. Festival Director Shane Engstrom stated that the organization is increasing the number of short film programs on display. The festival’s Centerpiece event will feature an evening of award-winning shorts and include the presentation of the festival’s own Iris Prize nominee.
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The 39th Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival Lineup (June 12-20)
Friday, June 12, 7:30pm – Opening Night
In a Whisper
Dir. Leyla Bouzid | 2026 | 111 min | France, Tunisia | French, Arabic
After returning to Tunisia for her uncle’s funeral, Lilia investigates his mysterious death. When she uncovers a family secret, she must confront her own. Opening short: Ronita Rambo; Screening followed by Opening Night Party
Saturday, June 13 at 4pm
We Are Pat
Dir. Rowan Haber | 2025 | 92 min | USA | English
Trans and nonbinary performers use camp and humor to reimagine and reclaim the controversial SNL character “Pat.” Featuring Julia Sweeney, the original and iconic Pat! Opening short: Never Never Never
Saturday, June 13 at 7pm
On the Sea
Dir. Helen Walsh | 2025 | 111 min | UK | English
In this emotionally impactful and erotic drama, a middle-aged mussel farmer and family man finds himself hopelessly drawn to a young drifter. Opening short: A Cold One
Saturday, June 13 at 9:30pm
On the Road
Dir. David Pablos | 2025 | 93 min | Mexico | Spanish
Veneno is a young hustler who services truck drivers at roadside diners. When he hitches a ride with Muñeco, an unexpected intimacy builds between them in this steamy and romantic thriller. Content warning: Explicit sexual content & violence. Opening short:Fragile
Sunday, June 14 at 4 PM
Dreams
Dir. Dag Johan Haugerud | 2024 | 110 min | Norway | Norwegian
After her mother and grandmother read Johanne’s powerful and intimate confession of a crush on her French teacher, she navigates a journey of emotions, love, sexuality, and self-discovery. Opening short: Salsa! There will be a free pizza party between the screening of Dreams and the 7:30pm screening of Dreamers.
Sunday, June 14 at 7:30pm
Dreamers
Dir. Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor | 2025 | 78 min | UK | English
A Nigerian immigrant is placed in a U.K. asylum and removal center. When she searches for the will to battle the system, she finds a kindred spirit who might help her through. Opening shorts:Dandelion & Always Azizam. Includes pre-show pizza party at 6:30pm.
Monday, June 15 at 7:30pm
Men in Briefs: Gay Shorts
The boys are back and the antics are characteristically hot and hilarious. Heated rivalries, buff gardeners, jealousy, deception, romance, and even a surprise visit from Mom. Titles and details available online.
Tue, 6/16, 7:30 PM
Friends of Carol: Lesbian Shorts
Intimate chats on a sandy beach, restaurant conversations that leave you speechless, a surprising new use for garden tools, and so much more. Silly, tender, dramatic and campy. Titles and details available online.
Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30pm – Centerpiece Program
And the Winner Is: Award-winning Shorts
Nothing here but winners! Oscar, BAFTA, Australian Academy, Berlin Crystal Bear, SXSW Grand Jury, and more! Plus, Out Film CT’s nominee for the 2026 Iris Prize. Titles and details available online. Centerpiece Pre-Show Reception at 6:30pm.
Thursday, June 18 at 7:30 PM
Authenticity: Trans and Nonbinary Shorts
Stories that make us ask, what if we lived in a world where everyone could just live their life and follow their dreams? No hassles, no pretending, no secrets, no justification.
Friday, June 19 at 7pm
Eva
Dir. William Reyes | 2026 | 111 min | France, Tunisia | French, Arabic
Eva is a trans woman who is caring for her granddaughter while helping her son pick up the pieces of his life after a tragedy. Mother and son struggle to reconstruct their family bond. Opening short:Zari
Friday, June 19, 9:30pm
My Brother’s Killer
Dir. Rachel Mason | 2026 | 95 min | USA | English
This gay “true crime” story is a fascinating look into the brutal murder of Billy London, a West Hollywood gay adult film performer. After 30+ years, we finally learn whodunnit. Opening shorts: Witness & Exhausted and Sore
Saturday, June 20 at 7pm – Closing Night Film at CT Science Center
Departures
Dirs. Lloyd Eyre-Morgan, Neil Ely | 2025 | 83 min | UK | English
Benji and Jake are two British chaps who meet at an airport gate and then start hooking up secretly each month in Amsterdam. But the strain of secrecy turns the relationship toxic. Opening short:Kiloran Bay (virtual program short: Vestiges). Followed by Closing Night Party.
Virtual Encore streaming June 21-28
3670
Dir. Joonho Park | 2025 | 124 min | South Korea | Korean
In this delicate exploration of identity and belonging, a gay North Korean defector hides his sexuality from fellow defectors while immersing himself in Seoul’s vibrant queer community. Opening short: Fairy Play
Beautiful Evening, Beautiful Day
Dir. Ivona Juka | 2024 | 120 min | Croatia | Croatian
Four close friends who fought the Nazis in World War II have become renowned filmmakers in 1950s Yugoslavia. When their sexual orientation raises suspicions, a Communist Party loyalist attempts to sabotage them. Content warning: Explicit sexual content & violence.Opening short: Apnea
Girls & Boys
Dir. Donncha Gilmore | 2025 | 81 min | Ireland | English
At a party on Halloween night in Dublin, a male rugby player meets a transwoman who is an aspiring filmmaker. Wandering the city streets, their connection deepens as they swap stories and share their dreams and fears. Opening shorts: Precious Fantasy & Anyway, I Piss Sitting Down
Love Letters
Dir. Alice Douard | 2025 | 96 min | France | French
Céline is expecting her first child, but she’s not pregnant. Her wife Nadia is. But before Céline can adopt the baby, she must first collect letters of testimony on her behalf from several people, including her eccentric mother. Direct from the Cannes Film Festival! Opening short: The Loon
Montreal, My Beautiful
Dir. Xiaodan He | 2025 | 116 min | Canada | Chinese, English, French
A middle-aged Chinese immigrant living in Montreal feels bound by duty and trapped in a loveless marriage. But when she meets a much younger and spirited woman, a long-buried desire is awakened. Opening short: Close to September
Tomorrow’s Too Late
Dir. Terry Loane | 2025 | 65 min | UK | English
A successful female British musician, and former X Factor contestant, transitions and risks everything – including their voice – to live authentically as a male performer. Will Dylan’s old fans still love his music in the same way? Opening shorts: Period & The Ties That Bind
It’s Dorothy
Dir. Jeffrey McHale | 2025 | 97 min | USA | English
For more than a century, the adventures of Dorothy Gale from Kansas have enchanted audiences worldwide. This magical mix of cinematic and archival materials is an insightful study of a queer cultural icon and the people she’s inspired. Opening shorts: Arman
Global Entry: Shorts from Around the World
Human experiences spanning six countries on five continents that connect us all. Funny, sad, quirky, heartfelt, dramatic, emotional.
Truth Be Told: Documentary Shorts
Fiction is great, but sometimes we need a dose of reality! These short documentaries tell some fascinating, poignant, and even surprising stories.
Choosy People Chose These: Committee Selects
We asked committee members to pick a short they really wanted you to see. Featuring edgy, creepy and quirky one-of-a-kinds, this eclectic assortment reflects our varied (and questionable) tastes.
In addition to the films and shorts programs listed above, these in-person programs will also be available for at-home viewing during the Festival’s Virtual Encore June 21 through 28: Dreams; Dreamers; Eva; Departures; Men in Briefs: Gay Shorts; Friends of Carol: Lesbian Shorts; And the Winner Is: Award-winning Shorts; Authenticity: Trans and Nonbinary Shorts.
Click here to purchase tickets.
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