NewFest Steps In: New York Film Festival Offers Free Access to Arizona Residents After Phoenix Cancellation
New York, NY – October 6, 2024 – In a powerful display of solidarity, the New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival (NewFest) announced today it will provide complete virtual access to its 2024 programming, free of charge, to residents of Arizona. This swift response comes after the cancellation of the Desperado LGBTQ+ Film Festival in Phoenix, a casualty of recent executive actions restricting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
A Lifeline for Queer Cinema in Arizona
The Desperado festival, a beloved annual event held at Paradise Valley Community College, announced in July it would suspend its 2026 edition. Organizers cited new federal restrictions eliminating DEI programs in public institutions, jeopardizing crucial federal funding – including scholarships and support for over 300 jobs – vital to the university district. The cancellation sent ripples through Arizona’s LGBTQ+ community and the broader film world.
NewFest, the largest LGBTQ+ Film Festival in the United States, is stepping up to fill the void. From October 9th to 21st, Arizonans will have access to over 130 films, including 100 short films, through the newly established “Arizona Queer Films Access Initiative.” This initiative isn’t just about showing movies; it’s about preserving a vital space for queer storytelling and community building.
“We Refuse to Stay Silent” – NewFest’s Stand Against Restrictions
“Like the largest LGBTQ+ Film Festival in the country, we have the responsibility of being present when access to queer stories is threatened,” stated a NewFest spokesperson. “We refuse to stay with a crossed arms at the attempts to silence the queer voices.” This sentiment underscores a growing concern within the LGBTQ+ community about the increasing legislative and executive actions targeting DEI programs and, by extension, the visibility and support of queer culture.
The current restrictions stem from actions taken by former President Donald Trump, beginning in February, which aimed to eliminate DEI positions within the federal government and discourage private companies from adopting similar practices. These measures directly impact educational institutions in Arizona, forcing them to re-evaluate their programs and funding sources. The actions also revisit and potentially weaken the protections afforded by Executive Order 11246, signed by Lyndon B. Johnson, which prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, sex, or national origin.
The Broader Context: DEI Under Fire and the Future of Queer Spaces
The cancellation of the Desperado festival is not an isolated incident. Across the country, DEI programs are facing increased scrutiny and legal challenges. Critics argue these programs promote reverse discrimination, while supporters maintain they are essential for creating inclusive and equitable environments. The debate highlights a fundamental tension between individual liberties and the collective need to address systemic inequalities.
For the LGBTQ+ community, the erosion of DEI initiatives represents a direct threat to hard-won gains in representation and acceptance. Film festivals like Desperado and NewFest play a crucial role in amplifying queer voices, fostering community, and challenging societal norms. They provide platforms for emerging artists, offer safe spaces for dialogue, and contribute to a more inclusive cultural landscape.
Hope Remains: Desperado’s Resilience and NewFest’s Support
Despite the current setback, the organizers of the Desperado festival remain optimistic about the future. “We are very grateful for this opportunity that Newfest gives us,” they stated. “We are adapting to the new challenges, but our vision remains the same: to celebrate queer cinema, build community and support LGBTQ+ artists and audiences.”
NewFest’s initiative is a powerful reminder that even in the face of restrictive policies, queer culture will continue to find ways to thrive. It’s a testament to the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and the unwavering commitment of organizations like NewFest to championing queer stories and ensuring they reach audiences everywhere. Access details for the Arizona Queer Films Access Initiative can be found on the NewFest website. This isn’t just a film festival; it’s a lifeline, a statement, and a beacon of hope for a community facing unprecedented challenges.
