Out Film CT Unveils Full Lineup for 39th Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival

Out Film CT has unveiled the features, documentaries, shorts and special events that will comprise the 39th Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival, running June 12-20, 2026. There will also be a Virtual Encore running June 21-28, 2026, featuring streaming-only exclusives as well as some of the programs screened during the in-person festival.

All in-person screenings are held at Cinestudio on the campus of Trinity College (300 Summit Street in Hartford) except the Closing Night Film, which will be screened with a post-show party at the Connecticut Science Center (250 Columbus Boulevard in Hartford).

Festival Director Shane Engstrom states, "In addition to a stellar lineup of varied features that embrace the spectrum of LGBTQ life, we are delighted to put a real spotlight on short films this year. As our festival is now a nominating festival for the Iris Prize, which is the largest prize in the world for an LGBTQ short, we are elevating the number of short film programs on offer. We're also making an evening of award-winning short films our Centerpiece event, where we will present our very own Iris Prize nominee."

Festival Passes are now on sale. An All-Access FestiPass including all in-person film programs, parties/receptions, and virtual screenings is $125 for individuals and $200 for households. A Five-show Pass good for any combination of five in-person or virtual screenings (with the exception of the Opening and Closing films) is $50 for individuals and $90 for households. A Virtual Encore Pass good for streaming offerings June 21 through June 28 is $60. All Festival Passes can be purchased here.

Individual in-person screening tickets are on sale now at $13 for general admission and $11 for senior citizens. Tickets for the Opening Night Film (In a Whisper) and the Closing Night Film (Departures) including admission to the the post-show party are $30 for general admission and $25 for seniors. Students with ID receive free admission to any in-person screening at the box office. Virtual screenings are $13 for General Admission, $11 for Seniors, $5 for Students and can be pre-reserved now.

Take a look at the full lineup below. In addition to the films and short programs listed, 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.

The 39th Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival Lineup 

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.

Tueday, June 16 at 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.

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