With no affirmation that Outfest is returning this year because of financial reasons (it ran 43 years, the longest running and largest LGBTQ+ film festival in the southland, while Frameline just finished its 49th year), a new LGBTQ+ film festival is starting in September to be held at the Landmark Sunset Theatres in West Hollywood – the CinePride Film Festival.

The four-day filmfest will showcase films that challenge, inspire, and redefine queer cinema. It is more than just a screening event — it’s a platform for visibility, dialogue, and a community-driven movement that uplifts diverse voices and is committed to fostering the next generation of storytellers. From powerful narratives to thought-provoking documentaries and innovative shorts. It will also have panels, filmmaker Q&As, networking events, and the prestigious CinePride Awards.

The CinePride Awards: Best Narrative Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short, Best Web Series or TV Pilot,, Best Micro-Content, Best Lead Performance, Best Supporting Performance, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Audience Choice Award, Emerging Filmmaker Award, Trailblazer Award, Brian Anderson Memorial Award, and Social Impact Award.

Filmmakers will get the opportunity to connect with influential figures in entertainment, gain international exposure, and be a part of a festival that values authenticity, excellence, and impact.

Whether you’re an emerging artist or an established director or producer, CinePride is the place to showcase your work, spark conversations, and celebrate the power of queer storytelling. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable experience — where cinema meets pride, and every story matters.

The CinePride Film Festival is headed by Executive Director Cecilio Asuncion and the festival board includes transgender model Arisce Wanzer, Mano Y Mano Media founder Winston Emano, San Francisco LGBT Center founder Sabrina Riddle, Miguel Santos (Programming Director, COO of Whoopi Goldberg’s All Women’s Sports Network), and Michael Daly (Development Director, bringing his experience as an experiential marketing consultant).

An electrifying lineup of groundbreaking films has already been selected and will soon be announced at www.CinePride.org