The Desperado LGBTQ+ Film Festival is back at Paradise Valley Community College’s Center for the Performing Arts, spotlighting this year’s heartfelt theme: Family Matters. This celebration of LGBTQIA+ stories honors the vital role of family—whether biological, chosen, or community—in shaping lives and identities. Through a diverse lineup of films from around the world, the festival explores themes of connection, belonging, and resilience within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Proceeds from the festival support LGBTQIA+ scholarships and diversity initiatives at PVCC, making this event both entertaining and impactful.
For more information, contact Desperado Senior Director Dale Heuser at dale.heuser@paradisevalley.edu.
Festival Highlights
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Opening Night Reception: Kick off the festival on Friday, January 24, with live music from Summer Welch, followed by the screening of Duino and a Q&A with Juan Pablo Di Pace.
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Exclusive U.S. Premiere: Don’t miss According to Otto, premiering Saturday, January 25.
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Sensational Shorts: Sunday, January 26, enjoy seven thought-provoking short films celebrating LGBTQIA+ experiences.
Full Film Lineup
Friday, Jan. 24, 2025
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6:00 PM: Opening Reception with musical guest Summer Welch
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7:30 PM: Duino (Q&A with Juan Pablo Di Pace)
Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025
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1:00 PM: Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story
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3:00 PM: Bulletproof: A Lesbian’s Guide to Surviving the Plot
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5:15 PM: Sally! (Q&A with filmmaker Jorg Fockele)
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7:45 PM: According to Otto (U.S. Premiere)
Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025
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1:30 PM: Animal Pride (preceded by Dragfox and Girl in a Tutu: Susan Rennie Disrupts Art History)
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2:00 PM: Sensational Shorts (7 LGBTQIA+ short films)
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3:45 PM: Gondola
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5:30 PM: Born for You
Additional Events
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Saturday, Jan. 25: 3:00–5:00 PM – CPA Art Gallery Open House with Kevin Bushaw & Marisa D. Skelpsa-Muñoz
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Sunday, Jan. 26: 3:15 PM – Live music by Dawn Bowman in the CPA Lobby