Outfest returns: Here's what to know about new 4-day event OutfestNEXT
Outfest is returning with a bang. After a two-year hiatus, the Los Angeles LGBTQ+ film festival has partnered with HBO Max for a four-day screening event and celebration named OutfestNEXT.
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The L.A.-based nonprofit, which aims to support LGBTQ+ storytellers in the entertainment industry from a local level to a global audience, announced today the "election of a new Board of Directors" and the "rehiring of key staff members" to assist the festival's return.
This big comeback will be presented as OutfestNEXT, a four-day screening event taking place on November 6-9 with new programming initiatives.
Christopher Racster, Interim Executive Director of Outfest, writes in a statement:
> "Outfest was born of the need for our LGBTQ+ community to have a place to safely gather and to support filmmakers who were telling authentic stories. Outfest is being reborn at a time when telling our stories has never been more important. We are re-emerging to ensure that our community is not being erased by those working to deny us equal and civil rights. We are proud and grateful to have our decades long partner HBO Max returning as Presenting Sponsor for the event. Now more than ever, our community needs to come together, and our voices need to be heard."
Outfest has also announced the "rehiring of staff in the programming, development, communications, and operations departments." Additionally, the festival will continue to rehire other key roles as Outfest plans to relaunch its signature programs in 2026, such as Outfest Los Angeles (celebrated LGBTQ+ film festival) and Outfest Fusion (BIPOC-focused film program).
Within this restaffing initiative, Outfest will collaborate with the Queer Filmworkers United union to ensure that team members are supported by the union's guidance.
"What an extraordinary moment for the queer and film communities in Los Angeles. We at Queer Filmworkers United are excited by the fresh approach taken by Christopher and the new Board of Directors in bringing our beloved organization back to life," QFU's Daniel Crooke wrote in a statement. "We are greatly encouraged by their commitment to fostering a mutually respectful workplace, as demonstrated by their voluntary recognition of our union."
Lucas Bailey, Outfest's new President of the Board of Directors, also wrote in a statement:
> "In addition to the rehiring of key staff members, Outfest has also elected a new Board of Directors, filling key board leadership roles with new, vibrant voices representing a cross-section of the arts and entertainment communities. We are humbled to be standing on the shoulders of those who have spent four decades building Outfest. We are committed to rebuilding in the face of the current headwinds facing the arts, QTBIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. We are inspired by the knowledge that our community has overcome countless obstacles in the past by standing together."
**Stay tuned for more updates about the organization and its upcoming programming events atOutfest.org.**
