Beginning April 22, the OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Miami is back – bigger, brighter, and in person. OUTShine, one of the world's major LGBTQ+ cultural festivals, returns for its 24th edition to bring the community together via outstanding social events and programming that inspire, entertain, educate, and foster a sense of belonging. Throughout Miami-Dade County, over 45 international feature and documentary screenings, panel discussions, three shorts programs, exclusive virtual showings, breathtaking venues, Cocktails & Cinema Happy Hours, and amazing parties will take place through May 1. Patricia Velásquez, a Venezuelan actress, model, and philanthropist, will be honored with a Vanguard Award during the festival.

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“This year’s OUTshine Film Festival theme is ‘Find Yourself Here.’ Audiences of all ages and backgrounds can find themselves represented and reflected in our films and can enjoy this experience with friends and family to spark meaningful conversations,” said Mark Gilbert, board chair and interim executive director of OUTshine Film Festival. “Additionally, for the first time, in partnership with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, we’re reaching out to Latin American visitors with special travel packages to connect them via culture and film to our already diverse Hispanic community and word-class attractions and hospitality.”

The program kicks off on April 22 at 7 p.m. at the Black Archives - Historic Lyric Theater, a festival first, with the South Florida premiere of the African-American comedy-drama "B-Boy Blues" (2021), based on James Earl Hardy's revolutionary and adored classic novel from 1994. When a college-educated writer from Brooklyn and a homeboy-bike messenger from Harlem fall in love, class and culture clash. This unashamed celebration of African-American homosexual males has been described as "Moonlight" meets "Queer As Folk," and it will leave you wanting more. A pre-event Filmmakers Soirée will be held at 5:30 p.m. for Producer Circle Members and Sponsors. Following the screening, there will be an opening night celebration with special guest of honor and Vanguard Award recipient Patricia Velásquez. Velásquez is most recognized for playing Anck-su-namun in the films "The Mummy" (1990) and "The Mummy Returns" (2001). She has also appeared in a number of other films and television shows, including "The Curse of La Llorona" (2019) and "Arrested Development" and "The L Word." She is the creator of the Wayuu Taya Foundation, which helps Venezuelans who are stranded near the Colombian border. She is a Goodwill Ambassador for the Organization of American States and was named a UNESCO Artist for Peace.

The next night, at 8 p.m., OUTshine will focus on romance with its Ladies Spotlight Film, "Anas in Love," at Regal Cinemas South Beach (2021). Anas, who is 30-and-broke, is the protagonist of this romantic French comedy. She has a boyfriend, but she isn't sure if she still loves him. She meets Daniel, who falls in love with her right away. Daniel, on the other hand, lives with Emilie, whom Anas also has feelings for. Attendees can enjoy an after-party following the screening.

Enjoy a sensory overload at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens on April 28 at 8 p.m. during the South Florida premiere of the festival's Centerpiece feature, "Girl Picture (Työt Työt Työt)" (2022). This Sundance Film Festival Audience Award winner follows three young women in Finland as they grow up. It is the narrative of three exhilaratingly headstrong individuals striving to pull their ambitions from reality while redefining relationships and sexuality in the process. There will be an after-party.

On April 30, at 8:30 p.m., at Regal Cinemas South Beach, it'll be an evening of passionate romance as two young men forge a bond neither of them anticipates or knows how to manage in the Australian movie "Lonesome" (2021). This film depicts two individuals who seek not just sexual gratification but also acceptance and a meaningful bond, and takes audiences on a fascinating, hedonistic, sensuous trip.

The North American premieres of "All Our Fears" (2021), a Polish drama directed by Lukasz Ronduda, and "Swing Ride (Calcinculo)" (2022), an Italian-Swiss drama from Chiara Bellosi, as well as the U.S. premiere of "What We Know (Lo Que Sabemos)" (2021), a Catalan romance directed by Jordi Nunez, are among the highlights. "The Divide" (La Fracture) (2021), a French Comedy-Drama directed by Catherine Corisini and winner of the Cannes Film Festival's Queer Palm (Best LGBT Film), "Finlandia" (2021), a Spanish romance from Horacio Alcala, "Framing Agnes" (2021), a Sundance Next Innovator award-winning trans documentary from director Chase Joynt, and "Private Desert (Deserto Particular)" (2021)

The Closing Night feature "Cop Secret" (2021), an Icelandic action comedy, and OUTshine's annual audience film awards banquet begin at 6 p.m. on May 1 at the Sandrell Rivers Theater.

"As part of our inclusive objective, we've reduced entrance packages and are giving special pricing and at-home viewing choices to alleviate the financial strain for all," Gilbert said. "It's critical to us that these shared artistic pursuits build a sense of belonging."

Lexus, Gilead, and Miami-Dade County present the 24th annual OUTshine Film Festival Miami, which is OUTrageous, OUTspoken, and OUTstanding.

Individual film tickets are now available for purchase online, starting at $8, with group discounts and special offers available. Parties and special events can be found here.