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Reel Affirmations celebrates 30 years of queer filmmaking
‘Not only have we survived … we thrived’
Reel Affirmations, the District’s international LGBTQ film festival, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. For Kimberley Bush, the occasion represents a triumph.
“Not only have we survived the incredibly substantial funding challenges, we thrived,” Bush, the executive director of the D.C. LGBTQ+ Community Center and director of arts and cultural programming, said in an interview with the Washington Blade. “We’re still standing there proudly. We’re standing prominently.”
Hosted by the Center, the festival will feature more than 50 films from 22 countries, running from Oct. 20-22. Screenings will be held at the Eaton Hotel and virtually for those who cannot attend the festival in person. There will be D.C. premieres of several documentaries, shorts, and feature films.
There will also be retrospective screenings of past festival favorites, like the 1996 coming-of-age comedy-drama, “Beautiful Thing,” and John Cameron Mitchell’s groundbreaking 2006 film “Shortbus.”
General admission tickets begin at $15 for live screenings and $10 for virtual screenings. There will also be Q&As with filmmakers after several of the live showings.
The early years
Reel Affirmations began back in 1991 and was hosted by the nonprofit One in Ten, a D.C. LGBTQ arts organization. The festival went dark in 2013 and 2014 but was revived when the D.C. LGBTQ+ Community Center picked up the program in 2015. Bush spearheaded the resurgence of Reel Affirmations at the center.
Bush has been involved with the festival for decades. She got involved with One in Ten in 1996 and held many roles, including as a film programmer and film traffic coordinator at the beginning of her time there. Later, she served as the film festival director, the director of marketing and held a position on the board of directors.
“I have a deep, deep history with the film festival and a deep, deep love,” she said.
When the festival started, queer representation in movies was especially scarce in the mainstream films screening in theaters. It was incredibly important to Bush to be a part of an effort to boost and celebrate LGBTQ visibility in film. But when she went to meetings for the festival, there was still a gap.
“I didn’t really see a face that looked like mine, the face of a Black woman,” Bush said.
So she fought for more representation in the festival for marginalized and underrepresented LGBTQ people. She launched an African-American and women’s film screening series, for example.
“I knew I wanted to see reflections of my race and gender,” Bush said, “and I knew that our community wanted that as well.”
A crucial gathering place
Given D.C.’s large LGBTQ population, it is important to have safe spaces like Reel Affirmations, Bush said. Being in a space with fellow LGBTQ film lovers and meeting queer filmmakers is incredibly affirming, and makes people feel less alone.
And the fact the festival takes place in the nation’s capital as several states introduce anti-LGBTQ laws, and as several countries abroad grapple with political distress in regard to LGBTQ rights, is a meaningful symbol.
“It’s important to see positive affirming life stories from all over the globe,” Bush said.
André Hereford, programming chair of Reel Affirmations, agreed with that sentiment. The festival taking place in the District also speaks to the queer-friendliness of the city, he said.
“We have this space to freely tell our core stories and show them to people,” said Hereford, who’s been involved with Reel Affirmations since 2015. “It’s a celebration.”
There’s something for everyone
Reel Affirmations received an influx of submissions this year — about 230. This gave Hereford and the programming team a “luxury of choice.”
It’s hard for Hereford to choose which screening he’s most excited about. But he’s looking forward to bringing back past films to give people the opportunity to see a classic queer film on their list, he said.
“These films represent quality and, in some sense, gay history,” Hereford said.
He’s also looking forward to showcasing several D.C. premieres, including “Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn” — a documentary following Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who ran for Senate in 2022. Kenyatta was the first openly LGBTQ person of color to be elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2018.
“It’s a fantastic political documentary,” Hereford said. “It’s really exceptional in terms of the insight into what it takes to really run a campaign.”
Tim Harris, director of the film, said he’s honored the documentary will be featured at Reel Affirmations, especially because it’s an LGBTQ-specific film festival.
“The way that the queer community has embraced the film and responded to the film is so meaningful,” Harris said. “And I think they’re the audience that needs to see this right now. Especially Black gay men, I think, are really seeing themselves in Malcolm’s story. He’s inspiring people.”
Other documentaries include “Out of Uganda,” which follows the experience of young LGBTQ Ugandans who are fighting to survive against oppression, discrimination and violence. “Coming Around,” directed by Sandra Itäinen, shows the life of a queer Muslim woman from Brooklyn grappling with the intersections of her faith, identity, and the choice to come out to her devout mother.
There are also several feature film screenings over the three-day festival. “All the Colors of the World Are Between Black and White” by Nigerian director Babatunde Apalowo spotlights navigating queer relationships in spaces where homosexuality is taboo. The much-anticipated film “Our Son,” directed by Bill Oliver and starring Billy Porter and Luke Evans, will make its D.C. debut following its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival this past summer.
Reel Affirmations will also showcase several shorts including “Safe Word,” which features two men navigating their Dom-sub relationship. The short premiered at the GALA Hispanic Theatre in November 2022, and D.C.-based director Christopher Cunetto said he’s looking forward to the full circle moment of screening the film at another D.C. film festival nearly a year later.
“We’re just really excited to be coming home,” Cunetto said.
Looking forward
Reel Affirmations has survived funding challenges and changes in host organizations. It used to be a 10-day festival, which Bush hopes to revive one day.
The D.C. LGBTQ+ Community Center is in the process of moving into a larger space, where Bush would like to bring the festival in future years. She also wants to bring back monthly screenings, known as Reel Affirmations XTRA, once the center relocates.
“Venue space rental expense here in D.C. is exorbitant and cost prohibitive,” Bush said.
This is a bigger problem for several arts and film organizations, Bush said. It squashes the ability for artists to showcase their work, she said.
Many film festivals have shuttered permanently due to funding challenges, but even after going dark for a couple of years, Reel Affirmations is still standing. And Bush is proud of that.
“I’m very, very proud to have been part of the movement to keep our cinematic LGBTQ-wide stories visible, and out there, and accessible,” Bush said.
To register for screenings and to learn more about the festival, visit reelaffirmations2023.eventive.org/welcome.
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Summer in the City: Free exhibits, movies, more fill D.C.’s calendar
America 250 celebrations continue
From late-night museum visits and outdoor jazz concerts to free movie screenings and America250 exhibitions, Washington’s summer calendar is packed with events that don’t charge admission. Here’s a look at some of the free activities happening across the District through September and beyond.
Museum exhibitions
The Renwick Gallery is presenting State Fairs: Growing American Craft, an exhibition that looks at unique and unconventional crafts from the 19th century to the present. It will run until Sept. 7, and admission is free.
The Arts and Industries Building, located next to the Smithsonian Castle, is presenting the exhibition Voices and Votes: Exploring Democracy Across America. The exhibition features the development of American independence and what that has meant over time, beginning with the Revolutionary War. Admission to the museum is free, and the exhibition runs until Sept. 7.
The National Gallery of Art presents Dear America, an exhibit featuring more than 100 pieces of work, including letters, photographs, and drawings that depict American landscapes and depictions of freedom. The exhibition will run until Sept. 20.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts is exhibiting Burnished: Pueblo Pottery until Sept. 27. The exhibit features pottery from the Southwest, and while most of the pottery belongs to women artists, a few also reflect those who have advocated for women.
Extending past this summer, the exhibition ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa will be at the National Museum of the American Latino until July 2028. The exhibition shows how Afro-Cuban music has become a staple in the U.S. Admission is free.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library will feature the exhibition District Vibes / American Pride: How DC Changed American Culture, which will highlight all of the ways D.C. has impacted American life. The exhibit will run until Sept. 27.
At the Folger Shakespeare Library, the exhibit Imagining Shakespeare: Mythmaking and Storytelling in the Regency Era will be on view through Aug. 2. All the portraits on display come from the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery in London.
The United States Botanic Garden will be open until 8 p.m. on Aug. 20 and Sept. 17, as part of America’s State Flowers: An America250 Celebration. The evenings will include live music, mocktails, ice cream, and snacks.
The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden will have extended hours, staying open until 8 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday until Sept. 3.
Live performances
On Aug. 7, the postgame Nationals concert series will continue with Jordan Davis performing. To see the concert, guests just need to buy tickets to the Nationals game.
Jazz in the Garden will run each Friday until Aug. 14. The event has free admission, but those interested have to enter a lottery due to the high demand for the event.
From May to October, Capital Harvest Market occurs every Wednesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. The market features fresh foods, crafts, and recipes for unique dishes. A full list of vendors is available on Capital Harvest’s website.
Live! Concert Series on the Plaza will feature live performances at Woodrow Wilson Plaza until Sept. 25. The performances run Monday to Friday from 12-1 p.m. Admission is free to the performances.
DowntownDC Live! at Anthem Row is running until July 30, with free performances every Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The final performance will feature HUE and a vintage flea market hosted by Get Flee Marketplace.
Located in Adams Morgan, AdMo Vibe will present live performances every Thursday at 6 p.m. in Kalorama Park. Guests are encouraged to check out Adams Morgan before and after shows, and it is an event for all ages.
Other events
Union Market is hosting drive-in movies on Aug. 8, featuring “Monsters, Inc.”, and Sept. 12, featuring “Wicked.” On Aug. 8, the parking lot will open at 7:30 p.m., with the movie starting at 8:25 p.m. On Sept. 12, the parking lot will open at 6:35 p.m., and the movie will start at 7:30 p.m.
Sunset Cinema at the Wharf will also be available one day a month. On Aug. 12, “10 Things I Hate About You” will premiere, and on Aug. 26, “Project Hail Mary.” No tickets are necessary.
The Library of Congress will also show movies. On Aug. 6, guests are invited to watch “Apollo 13.” The movie will be shown at 8 p.m., with additional live performances beginning at 7 p.m.
For fans of Asian media, the Okaton convention will be at Walter E. Washington Convention Center from July 31-Aug. 2. Festivities will include cosplay contests, skits, live music, and panel discussions.
Washington Spirit’s season also begins in August. The Spirit is Washington’s National Women’s League, with matchups occurring between the San Diego Wave, the North Carolina Courage, the Orlando Pride, and the Bay FC.
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Summer in D.C. brings sports, Restaurant Week, festivals, and more
Summer in D.C. just hits different. Congress is out, school is out, the sun is out, thighs are out. With the skies clearing from Canadian smoke, here are a few ways to stay entertained.
Dining
Summer restaurant week: The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is once again hosting Summer Restaurant Week, Aug. 18-24. This weeklong dining experience showcases the dynamic dining scene of the DMV, including 2026 RAMMY Award-winning favorites (the annual D.C. food awards show that took place June 29). Participating restaurants will offer three-course brunch and lunch selections for $25 or $35 per person, and three-course dinners for $40, $55 and $65 per person.
New Restaurants: A handful of new spots have opened, so the summer is a great time to check them out:
- Oribu: A new Mediterranean-Japanese restaurant in the Grand Hyatt hotel, which just underwent a remodeling effort. The sleek restaurant brings upscale charm, with dishes like Wagyu beef tartare with potato pavé and caviar.
- The Oak Room: A snazzy old-school American grill has just opened in Georgetown, alongside its sister upstairs supper club (Bernadette’s) restaurant, in the old El Centro space.
- Uchi: This showy Japanese sushi-forward chain has landed in Dupont with a chef’s tasting menu of favorites like fatty tuna.
- Kathmandu: Recalling the capital of Nepal, this warm, buzzy subterranean restaurant right in the heart of U Street brings spice, flair, and rare ingredients to its dishes (see: buffalo burgers) and drinks.
Sports
- Washington Spirit Pride Night OUT: On Sunday, Aug. 23, head to Audi Field for a massive, high-energy game following the exciting month of World Cup. The designated Pride Night OUT game promises boisterous crowds plus pre- and post-game community engagements.
- Washington Tennis Open – Now called the Mubadala DC Open, this annual tournament is only combined mens’ and womens’ 500-level tennis tournament in the world. The open is one of D.C.’s longest-standing sports traditions, and will take place at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center July 25-Aug. 2. Naomi Osaka, Venus Williams, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and others are expected to play.
Festivals
- Afro Plus Fest: This huge, three-day Afro-Caribbean Hip-Hop Festival brings together headliners Davido, Alkaline, and Wizkid, plus Tems and Ayra Starr. The event moves from RFK to the Northwest Stadium Complex for three days, Sept. 4-6.
- Capital Fringe Festival: Running from July 11-21, this massive celebration features dozens of live theater, comedy, dance, and boundary-pushing nighttime performances across multiple DC neighborhoods.
- The National Book Festival returns, with headliners like Cynthia Erivo, and Martin Scorsese. The one-day festival, Saturday, Aug. 22, brings together bookworms and word nerds under the theme “America 250: It’s Your Story.” There are talks, workshops, musical sessions and more.
- All Things Go: A three-day festival Sept. 25-27 at Merriweather Post Pavilion featuring Mitski, Hayley Williams, Brandi Carlile, MUNA, Zara Larsson, Ethel Cain, and many, many more artists. There are single-day and three-day tickets. Featuring and highlighting female artists, the festival has turned into a must-see for many LGBTQ audience members.
- Fuchsia Fest: The inaugural Fuchsia Fest is a new multi-day celebration created to celebrate LGBTQ community and expression, bringing together a mix of community gatherings, entertainment, and nightlife. The event takes place Sept. 18-20 and is hosted by Capital Pride.
Art and Music
- United We Dance: A high-energy rave with house, techno, bass, and festival music, on Aug. 1 at the 9:30 Club.
- The Fray. On Aug. 14, this American rock band famous for How To Save A Life is at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
- Kesha: Kesha’s high-energy The Freedom Tour comes to the D.C. area on Aug. 14 at Jiffy Lube Live.
- ALOK: On Sept. 3 at Lincoln Theater, ALOK (they/them) performs. The poet, comedian, and actor is putting on a new comedy show.
- 2charm, the emerging Australian electronic club-pop duo popular with the queer community, which blends hyperpop and dance music, comes to the Atlantis.
- Sapphic Dance Party: a vibrant, inclusive nightlife and social event designed specifically for queer women, lesbians, bisexuals, trans individuals, and nonbinary folks, at Atlantis on Aug. 21.
- Jazz in the Garden: The most quintessential of D.C. activities returns Friday evenings through Aug. 14. This season’s theme, “American Sounds,” is a nod to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Tunes themes range from Appalachian and Americana to Creole jazz, Hill Country blues, contemporary jazz, and more. Tickets are available through a lottery system a week before each event.
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Tickets on sale for chef Patrick O’Connell’s book launch event
Sept. 18 kickoff to feature José Andrés, Tom Sietsema
Acclaimed chef Patrick O’Connell is preparing to publish his new memoir, “Main, Middle & Gay” in September and he’s launching the book with an event on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. at Lisner Auditorium featuring Chef José Andrés and former Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema.
Tickets for the event go on sale Tuesday, July 21 at Ticketmaster; prices start at $55.
O’Connell, who’s gay, is the pioneering Michelin-starred chef and longtime proprietor of the Inn at Little Washington. He spoke with the Blade about the September event and the launch of his first memoir.
“I’ve known [Andrés and Sietsema] for more than 25 years and I have great respect for them,” O’Connell said. “I felt that it would allow us to add a different dimension rather than just have an interviewer. The chemistry will be fun and lively and unpredictable and exciting. I think we’re all different personalities and we’ll compliment each other.”
O’Connell has published cookbooks but this is his first memoir. The event will feature a short film that will highlight his work and the Inn.
“What I hope to do with the event is bring the book to life visually,” he said. “So we’re producing a short film that will be part of it. Most of the audience will not have read the book so it’ll give them a visual flavor of the book. It parallels the evolution of American cuisine over 50 years. It’s a rare perspective to be in the trenches for that long.”
The book’s title refers to the location of the garage on the corner of Main, Middle, and Gay streets in Washington, Va., where he launched his restaurant that became an international culinary destination.
The Blade will publish the rest of its wide-ranging interview with O’Connell in September in conjunction with the book’s release.
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