There is a significant milestone for inclusivity in Hollywood as the Los Angeles LGBTQ Film Festival will open and close with movies created by transgender filmmakers for the first time ever. The festival will kick off with Aitch Alberto’s Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, and conclude with Sav Rodgers’ Chasing Chasing Amy.

Both directors, Alberto and Rodgers, share a connection as alumni of Outfest artists’ development programs. In 2007, Alberto participated in the Outfest Screenwriting Lab, which inspired him to become a mentor for young and aspiring filmmakers. On the other hand, Rodgers, took part in the Outfest Outset Filmmaking Lab and Mentorship Program, as well as the Screenwriting Lab.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a coming-of-age story that follows two teenagers navigating their lives and identities after meeting during the summer. The lead roles are Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales, and the rest of the cast features Eugenio Derbez, Eva Longoria, Veronica Falcon, and Kevin Alejandor. 

Chasing Chasing Amy, explores the impact of Kevin Smith’s legacy on Rodgers’s life and how it alters his life trajectory. The cast includes Kevin Smith, Joey Lauren Dams, Jason Lee, Guinevere Turner Racster, and more. The world premiere of the film will be held at Tribeca Festival in June. 

The Los Angeles LGBTQ film festival, which celebrates and honors trans filmmakers, is a step towards inclusivity in Hollywood and the fight for recognition within the LGBTQ community. Damien Navarro, the executive director of Outfest, commented on this achievement. 

 “The power of filmmaking can inspire, uplift, and unite audiences, and this is something that our community needs now more than ever as our rights are being attacked and restricted across the country, to make history while we celebrate the power and creativity of our community with these two incredible filmmakers gives us hope that our voices can encourage future generations of artists.”