arts_culture
First-Ever Pride Film Fest in Nogales Lights Up This Weekend
The inaugural Nogales Pride Film Fest is set for this Sunday at the Gok Arts Center, showcasing a diverse lineup of seven short films and two feature-length films throughout the day.
The short films include a mix of personal art pieces, documentaries, and a music video, all centered on LGBTQ+ narratives. The feature films, “Clocked” and “CameraChild,” spotlight the work of Southern Arizona filmmakers.
“This festival is not just a film screening; it serves as a crucial community connection,” stated Francisco J. Landin Jr. from the Southern Arizona Film Society. “It affirms the experiences of local artists, ensuring their voices are heard and celebrated.”
The festival is a collaborative effort between the Southern Arizona Film Society, La Línea, and the Gok Arts Center. Admission is free, and the event runs from noon to 8 p.m.
After the screenings, attendees can participate in an evening mixer, featuring local artist Juan Miguel Garcia, who will lead a discussion on LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood. The dialogue aims to address the significance of authentic storytelling and queer visibility in mainstream media.
“We hope to inspire emerging filmmakers in the region by providing a platform for their work,” Landin added. “If we can empower even one artist in Nogales to pursue a film career, then this initiative will have been a success.”