LGBTQ+ Programming at the 63rd AAFF

We are proud to announce our special selection of LGBTQ+ films coming to the 63rd AAFF. This year's lineup highlights innovative films that explore themes of identity, gender, sexuality, and the queer experience. In addition to the films, we are excited to announce a new partnership with Uplift, a vibrant LGBTQ+ bar in downtown Ann Arbor, which will serve as a welcoming space for the community for two festival after-parties.

Thursday, March 27, 2025 - OUT NIGHT!

The festival’s LGBTQ+ programming kicks off on Thursday, March 27th with AAFF’s 24th Out Night celebration of queer cinema.

• Roohrangi (Tusharr Madhavv, India, 2025)

  7 PM | Michigan Theater Screening Room

  World Premiere

  Feature film in competition Roohrangi takes the audience on a poetic and intimate journey through the filmmaker’s personal experiences, exploring queer identity through dreams, memories, and the history of a gay-cruising forest reserve. The film delves into the filmmaker’s relationship with his grandfather’s discolored skin, reflecting on beauty, history, and connection across generations.

  
  

• Films in Competition 5: Out Night

  9:30 PM | Michigan Theater Main Auditorium

  This diverse collection of LGBTQ+ experimental short films tackles themes of love, genderqueerness, and self-discovery. Featured films include:

  • Pan & Syrinx (a. laurel lawrence, Canada)

  • The Princess and the Peacock (Daniel Baker-Wells, Germany)

  • Mooncake (Rraine Hanson, USA)

  • Call me Ro (Carolina Meza, Mexico)

  • Les fleurs du mâle (Hadi Moussally, France)

  • a_blurred_fluxx_00.avi (Osadolor Osawemwenze, USA)

  • The Light That Covers the Wounds (Pol Merchan, Germany)

Following the screenings, join us for an after-party at Uplift, a new queer bar in downtown Ann Arbor, where the community can continue to connect and celebrate. Uplift is located at 210 S First Street, Suite 100N, Ann Arbor, MI.

Friday, March 28, 2025 - Feature Film in Competition: A Body to Live In

• A Body to Live In (Angelo Madsen, USA, 2024)

  9 PM | Michigan Theater Screening Room

  Feature film that explores body modification, sexuality, and spirituality. The film examines the legacy of Fakir Musafar’s “modern primitives” movement, following artists and activists who push the boundaries of self-expression and identity.

  
  

  After the film, there will be a discussion between the filmmaker and Gayle Rubin. Rubin is an associate professor of anthropology and women’s and gender studies at the University of Michigan and is one of the foundational theorists of queer studies and feminist theory.

AAFF After Parties at Uplift

Don't miss the after-parties at Uplift on Thursday and Sunday nights. These celebrations provide a space to continue the festival’s festivities and connect with others in the LGBTQ+ community.

This year's LGBTQ+ programming at the 63rd AAFF offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse and thought-provoking films that highlight the queer experience. We hope you’ll join us for these screenings, discussions, and celebrations as part of this special