OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival, internationally acclaimed as one of the largest LGBTQ+ cultural festivals in the world, will open its Fall Edition with a screening of Young Hearts (Belgium/Netherlands, 2023), a profound story exploring first love on Thursday, October 17 at 7 p.m. at Regal Dania Pointe, at 125 Sunset Drive in Dania Beach.
This year’s newly revised festival celebrating queer culture runs through November 3 and will offer 62 acclaimed features and shorts including premieres and documentaries from 25 countries that inspire, entertain and educate to cinema enthusiasts in both Broward and Miami-Dade counties during one run.
Fourteen-year-old Elias (Lou Goossens, in a breakthrough performance) lives a carefree life in his charming Belgian town until the arrival of Alex, a cool new neighbor. As Elias’s feelings for Alex deepen, he embarks on a journey of self-acceptance and emotional discovery, making for a touching and rewarding experience. Filmed beautifully in the Belgian countryside, Young Hearts is a refreshing exploration of first love. Writer/director Anthony Schatteman’s feature debut delivers a unique story that resonates on multiple levels: a balm for those whose initial queer experiences were traumatic, a mirror for today’s LGBTQ+ youth, and a hopeful message for parents of future generations.
In Dutch and French with English subtitles, the film runs 97 minutes.
An afterparty at the Dania Improv will take place immediately following the screening.
Tickets for the Opening Night Film + Afterparty are $75 (plus service fee). Ticket subscription packages and individual tickets are on sale now for the OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Fall Edition. For a full schedule of films, parties and special events or for more information, visit outshinefilm.com.
This year’s OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival fall edition is sponsored, in part, by Twist Night Club, Lexi Goza State Farm, Funding Arts Broward, Broward County Cultural Division, The Our Fund Foundation, OutClique, HotSpots and It’s Happening Out, OUTSFL, Skirt Magazine, Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami Beach, Prevention 305 and Gilead.