The OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Miami Returns April 22

The following is a press release from OUTShine:

Internationally acclaimed as one of the largest LGBTQ+ cultural festivals in the world, OUTShine returns to unite the community through premier social events and programs that inspire, entertain and educate. More than 45 international features and documentary screenings, three shorts programs, exclusive virtual showings, picturesque venues, Cocktails & Cinema Happy Hours, and incredible parties make this year a must-see, must-do!

This year's festival will also honor Patricia Velásquez, a Venezuelan actress, model, and philanthropist, with its Vanguard Award. Velásquez is best known for her portrayal of Anck-su-namun in "The Mummy" (1990) and its sequel, "The Mummy Returns" (2001). She has been in numerous other films, including "The Curse of La Llorona" (2019), and television shows, including "Arrested Development" and "The L Word." She is the founder of the Wayuu Taya Foundation, which is dedicated to aiding Venezuelans struggling along the Colombian border. She was appointed the UNESCO Artist for Peace and is a Goodwill Ambassador at the Organization of the American States.

"This year's OUTshine Film Festival theme is 'Find Yourself Here.' Audiences of all ages and backgrounds can find themselves represented and reflected in our films and can enjoy this experience with friends and family to spark meaningful conversations," said Mark Gilbert, board chair and interim executive director of OUTshine Film Festival. "Additionally, for the first time, in partnership with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, we're reaching out to various Latin American visitors with special travel packages to connect them via culture and film to our already diverse Hispanic community."

This year's festival opens in spectacular style on April 22, at 7 p.m., at the Black Archives – Historic Lyric Theater, with the South Florida debut of the African-American comedy-drama "B-Boy Blues," based on the 1994 groundbreaking, and beloved classic book by James Earl Hardy. Class and culture clash when a college-educated journalist from Brooklyn and a homeboy-bike messenger from Harlem fall in love. Described as "Moonlight" meets "Queer As Folk," this unapologetic celebration of African-American gay men will leave you wanting more. An opening night party will follow the film.

The next night, at 8 p.m., at Regal Cinemas South Beach, OUTshine focus on romance with its Ladies Spotlight Film, "Anaïs in Love." This romantic French comedy follows 30-and-broke Anaïs. She has a lover, but she's not sure she still embraces him. She meets Daniel, who immediately falls for her. But Daniel lives with Emilie – whom Anaïs also falls for. This is the story of a restless young woman. And the story of a profound desire. Post-viewing, attendees can enjoy an after-party.

On April 28, at 8 p.m., enjoy a feast for the senses at Miami Beach Botanical Gardens during the premiere of the festival Centerpiece film, "Girl Picture (TYOT TYOT TYOT)". This Sundance Film Festival Audience Award winner follows three girls coming of age in Finland. It paints a heartwarming story of friendship, and of three exhilaratingly headstrong individuals trying to wrestle dreams from reality and redefining relationships and sexuality along the way. In Finnish-French with American subtitles. An after-party will follow.

For the Men's Spotlight film, it's an evening of erotic romance on April 30, at 8:30 p.m., at Regal Cinemas South Beach as two young men make a connection neither of them expects or knows how to navigate in the Australian feature "Lonesome." This film takes audiences on a thrilling, hedonistic, erotic journey depicting two characters who not only seek sexual fulfillment, but also acceptance and a meaningful bond.

OUTshine wraps it all up on May 1 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Sandrell Rivers Theater with the Closing Night film "Cop Secret," an Icelandic action comedy, and its annual film awards soiree.

Gilbert added, "As part of our inclusive mission, we've lowered admission packages, and we're offering special pricing and at-home viewing options to reduce the financial burden for all."

OUTrageous, OUTspoken, and OUTstanding, this year's OUTshine Film Festival Miami is presented by Lexus, Gilead and Miami-Dade County.

Tickets start at $8 for individual films, with group discounts and additional offers available. For more information and to purchase tickets and packages, visit www.outshinefilm.com.

This story is part of our special report: "OUTshine 2022". Want to read more? Here's the full list.