Stories Worth Seeing: Denise Hinds Talks the Power of Queer Film and What’s Ahead for Newark’s LGBTQ Film Festival
"These are our stories, you don’t see them on TV, but here, you do," says Denise Hinds, Board President of Newark LGBTQ Community Center. Catch our full interview about the upcoming Newark LGBTQ Film Festival, May 1–4, and why this year’s lineup is bigger, bolder, and more beautiful than ever.
From tender coming-of-age tales to gripping stories of love, identity, and legacy, Newark’s LGBTQ Film Festival is back and bigger than ever. Taking place May 1–4, this third annual celebration of queer cinema promises to deliver an unforgettable lineup of films that reflect the complexity, joy, and resilience of LGBTQ communities, both locally and globally.
We caught up with Denise Hinds, Board President and a longtime board member of the Newark LGBTQ Community Center, to discuss the festival’s growth, the stories that moved her this year, and what makes this event a cultural anchor for the city.
“We started with a simple idea: give our community a platform to be seen and heard,” Denise shared. What began as a small showcase has now evolved into a full-scale, multi-day festival that draws emerging and seasoned filmmakers from around the world. This year’s submissions feature an exciting increase in Caribbean voices. “As someone from Trinidad, it means a lot to see our stories represented with authenticity,” she said, highlighting Caribbean Queen, a standout short about a non-binary teen dreaming of becoming queen of the West Indian Day Parade.
The festival selection process is deeply intentional, with a volunteer committee, including students, screening dozens of films. “We welcome young voices into the curation,” Denise explained. “Some of us are old school, but these students bring fresh insight that helps expand our lens.”
Expect a vibrant mix of shorts, features, animations, and even a touch of horror. From Blue Boy, an intimate portrait of a young Indian American wrestling with identity, to The Aunties, a documentary following an elder lesbian couple who started a farm on land once walked by Harriet Tubman, the lineup reflects a kaleidoscope of queer experiences.
As Denise put it, “These are our stories. You don’t see them on TV. But here, you do.”
The festival is more than just screenings. It’s a gathering. A celebration. A homecoming. Volunteers can sign up for just two hours and receive complimentary access to events, along with a limited-edition festival T-shirt. For young media makers like those in Newark Stories’ queer media cohort, it’s also a hands-on learning experience. This year, fellows will attend screenings, interview guests, and document community reactions live.
Whether you're a longtime supporter or first-time attendee, there's a place for you. “There’s something for everybody,” Denise emphasized. “We want people to come, connect, and be inspired.”
🎧 Listen to the full interview:
🎟 Get involved:
Visit www.newarklgbtcenter.org to view the full festival schedule, purchase tickets, or sign up to volunteer.
Follow @newarklgbtfilmfestival and @newarklgbtcenter on Instagram for real-time updates and stories behind the scenes.