Outfest is back from the brink.
Following a tumultuous spell that saw the organization on the verge of collapse after a unionization attempt by its staff followed by mass layoffs and a lawsuit filed by its former leader, the Los Angeles LGBTQ film festival confirmed its return today. The relaunch comes complete with a newly elected board of directors, the re-hiring of “key staff members” and the creation of a new event, OutfestNEXT presented by HBO Max. The event, said to be in “final planning stages,” will be a four day screening series set for Nov. 6-9.
Of the new hires, Outfest didn’t confirm a specific number but stated that staffers have been hired across programming, development, communications and operations with an eye to “rehire other key roles” as the organization moves forward with plans to relaunch signature programs next year. Those include the rebirth of its marquee event, Outfest Los Angeles and Outfest Fusion, the BIPOC film program.
Outfest collaborated “closely” with Queer Filmworkers United on restaffing, a significant move that can be traced back to the events of September 2023. That’s when Outfest’s 12 staff members attempted to unionize by offering a request for voluntary recognition of QFU, an effort that didn’t materialize as nearly half of the staff was laid off in short order followed by the exit of executive director Damien Navarro.
“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,” said Outfest interim executive director Christopher Racster. ”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.”
Added QFU’s Daniel Crooke: “What an extraordinary moment for the queer and film communities in Los Angeles. We at Queer Filmworkers United — the former and current staff union of Outfest — are excited by the fresh approach taken by Christopher and the new board of directors in bringing our beloved organization back to life. We are greatly encouraged by their commitment to fostering a mutually respectful workplace, as demonstrated by their voluntary recognition of our union.”
Lucas Bailey has been elected as the new president of Outfest’s board of directors. In a statement, he says that his new board has been filled with “new, vibrant” voices that represent a cross section of the arts and entertainment communities. Per Outfest’s website, the board consists of treasurer Jordan Barillas, Amir Moini, Yemi Adegbonmire, Kelly Balch, Jeffrey R. Epstein, Nick Francescon, Stephen Macias, Mike Rose and Zackary Drucker.
“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,” said Bailey. “We are inspired by the knowledge that our community has overcome countless obstacles in the past by standing together.”
Deadline first reported the news of Outfest’s relaunch.
