Diversity Rules Magazine

The Newark LGBTQ Film Fes val has announced that The Inspec on will be the opening night feature for its first-ever edi on of the fes val, taking place April 14-16, 2023, at mul ple Newark loca ons. The In- spec on will screen on Friday, April 14, 7:15 PM, and be preceded by a free Opening Night Recep on, 5:30-7:00 PM, with both events happening at the Newark Museum of Art (49 Washington St.). In The Inspec on, Elegance Bra on's deeply mov- ing film inspired by his own story, a young, gay Black man, rejected by his mother and with few op ons for his future, decides to join the Marines. But even as he ba les deep-seated prejudice and the grueling rou nes of basic training, he finds unexpected cama- raderie, strength, and support in this new communi- ty, giving him a hard-earned sense of belonging that will shape his iden ty and forever change his life. The film stars Jeremy Pope, Raúl Cas llo and Aaron Dominguez, with along with Bokeem Woodbine and Gabrielle Union. "In the midst of a na onal assault on the rights of LG- BTQ+ BIPOC people, especially Tran adults and Trans youth, it is important that we are inten onal about upli ing the lives and voices of these communi es. Our narra ves are part of the fabric and history of Newark, New Jersey and the United States," said Beatrice Simpkins, Execu ve Director of The Newark LGBTQ Community Center. "This film fes val will lib- erate us, provide a pla orm for crea ve expression, and the telling of the narra ves of our important and diverse lives, while also bringing a focus to the City of Newark. We want to empower LGBTQ+-BIPOC crea ves who use film as their vehicle of ar s c ex- pression and advoca ng for social jus ce, and honor their important contribu on to culture, art, and im- proving the lives of others." In addi on to The Inspec on, the opening night screening will include the short film, Pink & Blue, and conclude with a panel discussion featuring local LGBTQ Veterans touching upon their experiences in the military. Immediately preceding the screening, the Newark LGBTQ Film Fes val kicks off with an Opening Night Recep on. The event, which is free of charge with advance registra on, will feature performer Har- monica Sunbeam, along with music, light bites, and liba ons. Tickets to the Opening Night Screening are $15/gen- eral and $10/students & seniors; admission to the Opening Recep on is free with advance registra on. An All-Access Fes val Pass, good for admission to all screenings and events, is available for $45. For more informa on, and to purchase ckets, fes - val passes and/or register for the Opening Night Re- cep on, visit h ps://www.newarklgbtqcenter.org/ newarklgbtqfilmfes val Presented by the Newark LGBTQ Community Cen- ter, the mission of the Newark LGBTQ Film Fes val is to amplify the voices, vision and works of film that would otherwise struggle to find a mainstream audience, but which have a significant impact in raising awareness around lives and issues of queer people and queer communi es of color. The event, organized in alliance with community partners and major sponsors that include the NJPAC LGBTQ Advi- sory Council, as well as the Newark Museum of Art, North Jersey Community Research Ini a ve-NJCRI, Paramount, RWJ Barnabas, and Rutgers University- Newark, will bring people together while celebra ng the rich history and bright future of ar s c contribu- ons from the LGBTQIA+ BIPOC community in New- ark and beyond. The full Newark LGBTQ Film Fes val line-up and schedule will be announced shortly. Event summary: Newark LGBTQ Film Fes val - Friday, April 14 Opening Night Recep on - 5:30-7:00 PM The Inspec on + panel discussion - 7:15 PM Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington St. Info & Tickets: h ps://www.newarklgbtqcenter.org/ newarklgbtqfilmfes val 14 |Diversity Rules Magazine| Apr 2023 Newark LGBTQ Film Festival Announces Events The Inspection' and A Free Community Reception to Open Newark LGBTQ Film Festival Taking Place April 14-16, 2023, at multiple Newark locations.

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