QFest LGBTQ Film & Digital Media Festival will premiere a diversity of important LGBTQ films from the U.S. and around the globe on Fri., Sept. 22 at the Showroom Cinema in Asbury Park.  After a six-year hiatus, the festival will kick-off its 3rd season with an opening reception and screening of subjects as broad as an animated short about a transgender pirate, to a documentary about legendary lesbian author and activist, Urvashi Vaid (who recently passed away). 

The festival will continue with additional screenings, along with a Meet the Filmmaker brunch and awards ceremony, on Sat., Sept. 23, and Sun. Sept 24, at QSpot LGBTQ Community Center in Asbury Park.  Over 20 films will be screened at this year’s festival, many of them followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with the filmmakers and subjects. 

This year’s festival highlights LGBTQ artists and individuals addressing an onslaught of anti-LGBTQ legislation, rising hate crimes, drug addiction and dating in the age of hook-up apps. Of particular note are two powerful documentaries about extraordinary working professionals and the profound consequences they suffer as a result of living their truths in Russia and Iran.

QFest, the original annual LGBTQ film & digital media festival in New Jersey, is produced by QSpot, one of the largest LGBTQ community centers in the state. QFest strives to support and promote LGBTQ film & digital media, the individuals who create it, and the people and stories they highlight. For tickets and a complete listing of this year’s films and screening schedule, visit QFestNJ.org.