Turn up the volume: OutfestNEXT returns to Los Angeles for four days of bold, funny and fierce LGBTQ+ storytelling, bringing filmmakers, panels and fresh premieres to the LA LGBT Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza from July 23–26, perfect for festivalgoers who want new queer voices and star-studded screenings.

Essential Takeaways

  • When and where: July 23–26 at the LA LGBT Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza, a compact, walkable festival layout.
  • Headliner: Gregg Araki’s new feature I Want Your Sex, starring Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman, plus a stacked supporting cast.
  • Scale: 19 features and more than 30 shorts, ideal for discovering emerging filmmakers alongside established names.
  • Festival vibe: Workshops, conversations and community events that feel intimate and welcoming, with a lively, social buzz.
  • Practical tip: Book early, popular screenings and panels sell out quickly, and tickets often come in session bundles.

What’s new this year and why it matters

OutfestNEXT is back with a tighter, festival-friendly format that feels deliberately social and celebratory, not crowded. The festival’s four-day run focuses on new queer work and emerging directors, so you’ll catch films before they hit wider circuits. That sense of discovery is the draw: you’re not just watching movies, you’re seeing where queer cinema is headed next.

The headline film: Gregg Araki’s latest and the star power

Gregg Araki, honoured with an Outfest Achievement Award, opens eyes with I Want Your Sex, a film that pairs festival credibility with recognisable names like Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman. That casting brings mainstream attention without diluting the festival’s indie spirit. If you love seeing established talent support daring, queer stories, this screening is a must.

Shorts, features and the joy of discovery

With roughly 30 short films and 18 other features, OutfestNEXT is stacked for programmers and casual viewers alike. Shorts programmes are where programmers often spot breakout directors, so attend a shorts block if you like seeing rough diamonds. Features offer a mix of comedy, drama and experimental work; organisers have curated a programme that balances emotional range with stylistic risk.

Beyond screenings: workshops, panels and community talks

OutfestNEXT isn’t just a screening schedule, there are workshops and conversations designed for creatives and curious audiences. These sessions let you hear from filmmakers about craft, funding and representation. If you’re a writer or director, bring business cards; if you’re an avid viewer, come ready with questions. The festival’s workshops are practical and often surprisingly candid.

How to plan your visit and what to expect on the ground

The Village at Ed Gould Plaza is compact and pedestrian-friendly, which makes hopping between screenings and events easy. Tickets often sell as packages or single sessions, so decide whether you want a deep-dive day or a bit of everything. Arrive early for popular panels, and factor in time for post-screening conversations, those Q&As tend to be the best part, with filmmakers sharing backstage stories and local reactions.

Why OutfestNEXT matters for queer storytelling now

OutfestNEXT functions as both a launchpad for new talent and a cultural hub for queer community in LA. Festivals like this help diversify the kinds of stories that reach audiences and industry gatekeepers, so supporting them matters beyond a single weekend. Expect personal work, boundary-pushing ideas and a few films that’ll stick with you long after the credits roll.

It’s a small festival with a big mission, show up, watch broadly, and celebrate stories that often don’t get their own spotlight.

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