Get ready for a vibrant celebration of queer storytelling at NewFest 2024, where desi talent shines bright! This year’s lineup is packed with must-see films, thought-provoking shorts, and powerful documentaries that explore the rich and diverse narratives of South Asian voices within the LGBTQ+ community. From the world premiere of A Nice Indian Boyto intimate shorts like Amma’s Pride, and the captivating documentary on ALOK, NewFest offers an unforgettable showcase of identity, culture, and resilience. Whether you’re attending in person or streaming from home, there’s something for everyone!
A NICE INDIAN BOY (Opening Night Film + Party)
Love gets complicated when Naveen, a soft-spoken doctor, falls for dreamy Jay at a hospital photo day. But as their relationship blossoms, the challenge of earning his family’s approval looms large. Directed by Roshan Sethi, this heartwarming rom-com is anchored by stunning performances from Karan Soni, Jonathan Groff, Sunita Mani, and Zarna Garg. Stick around for the opening night party to keep the celebrations going!
📅 Oct 10, 2024
🕒 7:00 PM
📍 SVA Theatre
🎉 Afterparty at Slate (54 W 21st St) 9:30 PM – 12:30 AM
ALOK: Screening & Conversation
Join us for an intimate look at Alok Vaid-Menon, the internationally celebrated nonbinary author, poet, and comedian. This captivating short documentary by Alex Hedison dives deep into Alok’s bold self-expression, following their journey as they shatter societal norms and inspire viewers to embrace identity beyond the binary. With appearances by cultural icons like Dylan Mulvaney and Chani Nicholas, and executive produced by Jodie Foster, this film is a profound portrait of modern identity. Stick around after the screening for an engaging conversation with Alok, Hedison, and the film’s producers.
📅 Oct 13, 2024
🕒 2:00 PM
📍 SVA Theatre
FRIENDS OF SOPHIA (Episodic Showcase)
Set in a dystopian future, Friends of Sophia gives us a glimpse into a world where towering buildings and a harsh contract rule society. Starring Indian-American actor Vishaal Reddy, this episode follows Dosso, a man trapped in a system where forbidden relationships with androids are ruthlessly punished. Catch this first taste of the series in the episodic showcase and discover five different queer worldviews that will leave you wanting more.
📅 Oct 20, 2024
🕒 4:00 PM
📍 The Center
SHORTS: LET’S DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN – YOUNG CLAUDE
In this tender short, directors Adithi Chandrashekar and Jerre Dye take us back in time with Claude, who recalls a poignant childhood visit to a grocery store with their father. Through memory, Young Claude explores the intricate bond between parent and child, and the humanizing realization that even heroes have flaws.
📅 Oct 19, 2024
🕒 12:45 PM
📍 Nitehawk Prospect Park
SHORTS: LOVE IS STRONGER THAN SHAME – AMMA’S PRIDE
This moving story follows Srija, a trans woman in India, as she fights for the legal recognition of her marriage. With unwavering support from her mother, Valli, Srija’s journey through love, acceptance, and legal battles shines a spotlight on family bonds and resilience in the face of adversity.
📅 Oct 20, 2024
🕒 1:00 PM
📍 The Center
SHORTS: QUEER TEEN MOXIE – BLUE BOY
A young Indian-American boy, after experiencing a mystical vision, believes he’s the reincarnation of the Hindu god Krishna. The real revelation? He’s gay. Directed by Nik Dodani, this short offers a humorous and heartwarming twist on identity and self-discovery.
📅 Oct 10 – 22, 2024 (Streaming)
WOMEN’S NIGHT OUT (Screening + Party)
Grab your tickets for this empowering night showcasing the bold perspectives of women filmmakers. Among the highlights, Farah Jabir’s Kasbi explores a middle-aged Pakistani housewife’s self-discovery, while Zari by Shruti Parekh brings to life a cross-cultural connection in the bustling streets of Delhi. Celebrate after the screening with a lively party!
📅 Oct 12, 2024
🕒 7:00 PM
📍 SVA Theatre
THE QUEEN OF MY DREAMS (Virtual Exclusive)
Azra, a graduate student in Toronto, returns to her family in Karachi after a relative’s sudden death. As she reconnects with her roots and the love story of her parents, The Queen of My Dreams takes us on a journey through three decades of a Pakistani-Canadian family. Filled with humor, romance, and a touch of Bollywood fantasy, this vibrant dramedy is a festival favorite that explores mother-daughter bonds and cross-cultural connections.
📅 Streaming Oct 10 – 22, 2024 (Virtual NewFest Pride Encore)
