For the first time in 32 years, NewFest, New York City’s preeminent LGBTQ Film Festival, presented by WarnerMedia, is going virtual. Founded in 1988 in the aftermath of the AIDS crisis, the organization aims to ”give voice and visibility to the full scope of the LGBTQ+ experience through films and programs that entertain, educate, and empower.”

Such films have included the culture-defining Paris is Burning in its first world theatrical premiere in the early 1990s, as well as the premier or advanced screenings of other illustrious queer and Hollywood films, such as Boy Erased, Call Me By Your Name, Hedwig & The Angry Inch, Moonlight, Rocketman, and The Kids Are All Right.

This year’s festival occurs between October 16 – 27, 2020 and features more than 120 new films accessible to NewFest ticket holders available on demand for individual tickets or all-access passes at newfest.org. The works span 24 feature films in competition, 14 documentaries in competition, three full-season episodic shows, one global episodic showcase and 10 shorts. Some 63 percent of the films are directed by women and non-binary filmmakers and 76 percent of the content address underrepresented folks, including women, people of color, trans, bi and persons with disabilities.

Director Francis Lee’s much talked about film Ammonite, which features Academy-winner Kate Winslet and multiple-Academy-Award nominee Saoirse Ronan, headlines this year’s festival. Winslet will present Lee with the festival’s inaugural World Queer Visionary Award in advance of the drive-in screening at Queens Drive-In at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. No Hard Feelings, directed by Faraz Shariat, will close the festival with a virtual-only showing on October 27. Shariat’s film won this year’s Teddy Awards, an international film award for films with LGBTQ topics.

“With the Presidential election right around the corner and a Supreme Court seat now open, it is more urgent than ever that queer stories be told and celebrated,” said Executive Director David Hatkoff. “We have created an 11-day event that will meet and speak to this moment, delivering a thought-provoking, inspiring and joyful look at the LGBTQ community and the unique challenges it faces, while also paying homage to the incredible queer legacy that exists in NYC. We can’t wait for audiences around the country to view these incredible films, and hopefully be inspired to raise their own voices in pride and protest on November 3rd and beyond.”

For a full 2020 lineup, visit newfest.org. We’ve included some details on a few standouts that we like.