New LGBTQIA+ Film Series ‘Queer Rhapsody’ to Launch in Los Angeles Featuring Over 50 Films

A new LGBTQIA+ film series titled “Queer Rhapsody” will launch in Los Angeles from July 19 to July 28, 2024. Organized by May Hong HaDuong, director of the UCLA Film & Television Archive, the series aims to create spaces for communal engagement amidst current societal challenges faced by queer communities. The event will be held at five venues: the Hammer Museum in Westwood, Vidiots in Eagle Rock, the American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre, Los Feliz 3 in Los Feliz, and the Broad in downtown Los Angeles.

“Queer Rhapsody” will showcase over 50 films, including eight feature films and several hybrid works blending fiction and documentary. The series will open with Drew Denny’s documentary “Second Nature,” narrated by Elliot Page. Other notable features include “The Queen of My Dreams” by Fawzia Mirza, Susie Yankou’s “Sisters,” and Patiparn Boontarig’s “Solids by the Seashore.”

The series features prominent documentaries such as Julia Fuhr Mann’s “Life Is Not a Competition, but I’m Winning,” Jules Rosskam’s “Desire Lines,” and Elizabeth Purchell’s “Ask Any Buddy.” Additionally, a prom-themed party will follow the screening of “Darby and the Dead,” directed by Silas Howard.

Organizers refer to “Queer Rhapsody” as a film series rather than a festival to foster a spirit of conversation and community, rather than competition. Unlike many events that take place during June’s Pride Month, “Queer Rhapsody” is intentionally scheduled for July to allow for broader engagement beyond a single month. The programming team includes Martine McDonald, Moi Santos, Daniel Crooke, and filmmaker Natalie Jasmine Harris, who also has a short film included in the series.

There is no indication yet whether “Queer Rhapsody” will become an annual event, but the focus for now is on serving the community during this unique time. HaDuong emphasizes that the aim is to center filmmaking, spaces, and stories to serve the community effectively.