The 32nd Long Beach QFilm Festival, one of the longest-running LGBTQ+ film festivals in the U.S., kicks off September 4 at the historic Art Theatre of Long Beach with two Long Beach-based films, “Plainclothes” and “Row of Life.”
“Plainclothes” is a ’90s-set erotic drama inspired by an article in the Los Angeles Times about the bathroom entrapment of gay men in Long Beach, which Director Carmen Emmi read as a film major at USC. Lucas (Tom Blyth), a closeted undercover cop, falls for a married man (Russell Tovey) he’s assigned to entrap. “Plainclothes” premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and won a Jury Award. “Plainclothes” simmers with urgency, its story striking a nerve in a time when queer visibility and freedom are at once again under threat.
“Row of Life” is about Long Beach native, former Marine, three-time Paralympian, fourteen-time Guinness World Record setter, and renowned ocean rower Angela Madsen. By chronicling the year leading up to Madsen’s unsupported solo row from Los Angeles to Hawaii, Director Soraya Simi captures both the everyday beauty of a sapphic love story and the fearless tenacity of an athlete. “Row of Life” is a testament to the transformative and affirming power of sports, spotlighting the remarkable life of an unsung gay athlete.
Other feature films include “Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion,” for which the iconic fashion designer has confirmed his attendance, promising a very insightful and entertaining Q&A following the screening. Additionally, “She’s the He” is a queer comedy take on the film “Freaky Friday.” A Saturday family matinee on September 6 will feature the delightful, animated feature film “Hola Frida!” about the childhood and inspirations of the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Featured documentaries include “Just Kids” and the world premiere of “Encuerados.” Narrative features include “The Wedding Banquet” and the not-to-be-missed Irish dramedy “Four Mothers,” which features the legendary Fionnula Flanagan and has been racking up audience awards worldwide.
There will also be seven short film programs, including Student Shorts, Queer and Trans Shorts, Latinx Shorts, Men in Briefs, Women in Shorts, Queermation Animation, and SoCal Local Shorts.
Robert Cano, the Founder and Programmer of the Long Beach QFilm Festival, states, “At this challenging time when our LGBTQ+ rights are being questioned and attacked, it is a vital time to amplify our voices and have our stories, images, and voices seen and heard.”
As the 2nd largest LGBTQ+ cultural event in Long Beach, the Long Beach QFilm Festival features narrative films, documentaries, shorts, special tributes, parties, and panels. The festival reaches thousands of community members a year and serves as an avenue to share stories about the LGBTQ+ community through films. It also brings diverse members of the LGBTQ community together and increases visibility for independent LGBTQ identified and allied filmmakers.
For the full film schedule and film descriptions, please visit www.qfilmslongbeach.com. Festival passes and individual tickets will be available for purchase through the website starting August 11.
Funds raised by the Long Beach QFilm Festival directly support The LGBTQ Center Long Beach, which advances equity for LGBTQ+ people through culturally responsive advocacy, education, programs, and services. With more than 40 years of service to the community, The Center supports over 10,000 people annually through programs that include HIV and STI testing, youth & family services, older adult services, mental health counseling, legal services, domestic violence support, transgender health programs, and weekly support groups.
The Long Beach QFilm Festival is supported in part by a grant from the Arts Council for Long Beach and the City of Long Beach, as well as a grant from the Los Angeles Department of Arts & Culture.
The festival is also sponsored by the Port of Long Beach, Councilwoman Cindy Allen, and the Aquarium of the Pacific.
For additional sponsorship opportunities, please get in touch with Taka Kaguma at tkaguma@centerlb.org.
