Queens World Film Festival Presents: Acceptance: 4 Films About the Courage It Takes to Just Be Ourselves
SAT, JUN 7, 2025
7:00 PM
DATE: Saturday, June 7
TIME: 7:00 PM
General Admission: Free with RSVP! (A $5 Donation is suggested)
A vital cultural institution in Queens, Flushing Town Hall is a Smithsonian Affiliate that celebrates the global communities of Queens and New York City through arts and education programs that reflect the borough’s rich diversity. Queens World is delighted to be part of this exciting initiative and thrilled to be returning to the historic and beautiful theatre at Flushing Town.
Hosted by Katha Cato, Executive Director of Queens World; Donald Preston Cato, Artistic Director; and Gonzalo Casals, Co-Founder of the Culture & Arts Policy Institute, the evening promises engaging conversation, delectable bites, and a heartfelt celebration of LGBTQ+ voices.
“We all need to see ourselves as lovable, capable of love, and being loved,” said Katha Cato. Donald Preston Cato added, “We’ve curated this program to reflect the courage and humanity in stories of self-discovery, featuring Queens World alumni and emerging filmmakers who are making space for truth and vulnerability.”
“Bringing this work to Flushing Town Hall through the film festival is an exciting opportunity to bring the FIlm community into our theatre. We look forward to presenting these pieces to our audiences.” said Ellen Kodadek.
The screening is followed by a post-screening reception and Q&A with the filmmakers.
Featured Films:
North Star (30 min) by P.J. Palmer: A tender story of Queer love and chosen family, this acclaimed short has won over 50 awards worldwide and was first featured at Queens World Film Festival in 2019.
To Have You Here (15 min) by Jen Ackerman: A queer grad student moves in with her devout grandparents, forcing them to confront their conflicting beliefs and discover unexpected common ground in the most unlikely of homes.
Marguerite (30 min) by Marianne Farley: An Oscar-nominated short in which an aging woman reflects on long-buried feelings after discovering something about her nurse's identity.
Zari (19 min) by Shruti Parekh: A coming-of-age tale set in Delhi where tradition and identity collide, sparking a quiet, powerful moment of connection between two young people.
Following the screening, guests are invited to a free catered reception and Q&A with select filmmakers and festival directors, moderated by Gonzalo Casals.
About Queens World Film Festival
Founded in 2011, Queens World champions local and international filmmakers with year-round programming that amplifies diverse voices, explores urgent social themes, and builds community through the power of cinema. The festival is known for its dynamic curation and commitment to showcasing films that are bold, innovative, and impactful.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged.
Visit queensworldfilmfestival.org/the-ways-we-love-screening for more information.
TIME: 7:00 PM
General Admission: Free with RSVP! (A $5 Donation is suggested)
A vital cultural institution in Queens, Flushing Town Hall is a Smithsonian Affiliate that celebrates the global communities of Queens and New York City through arts and education programs that reflect the borough’s rich diversity. Queens World is delighted to be part of this exciting initiative and thrilled to be returning to the historic and beautiful theatre at Flushing Town.
Hosted by Katha Cato, Executive Director of Queens World; Donald Preston Cato, Artistic Director; and Gonzalo Casals, Co-Founder of the Culture & Arts Policy Institute, the evening promises engaging conversation, delectable bites, and a heartfelt celebration of LGBTQ+ voices.
“We all need to see ourselves as lovable, capable of love, and being loved,” said Katha Cato. Donald Preston Cato added, “We’ve curated this program to reflect the courage and humanity in stories of self-discovery, featuring Queens World alumni and emerging filmmakers who are making space for truth and vulnerability.”
“Bringing this work to Flushing Town Hall through the film festival is an exciting opportunity to bring the FIlm community into our theatre. We look forward to presenting these pieces to our audiences.” said Ellen Kodadek.
The screening is followed by a post-screening reception and Q&A with the filmmakers.
Featured Films:
North Star (30 min) by P.J. Palmer: A tender story of Queer love and chosen family, this acclaimed short has won over 50 awards worldwide and was first featured at Queens World Film Festival in 2019.
To Have You Here (15 min) by Jen Ackerman: A queer grad student moves in with her devout grandparents, forcing them to confront their conflicting beliefs and discover unexpected common ground in the most unlikely of homes.
Marguerite (30 min) by Marianne Farley: An Oscar-nominated short in which an aging woman reflects on long-buried feelings after discovering something about her nurse's identity.
Zari (19 min) by Shruti Parekh: A coming-of-age tale set in Delhi where tradition and identity collide, sparking a quiet, powerful moment of connection between two young people.
Following the screening, guests are invited to a free catered reception and Q&A with select filmmakers and festival directors, moderated by Gonzalo Casals.
About Queens World Film Festival
Founded in 2011, Queens World champions local and international filmmakers with year-round programming that amplifies diverse voices, explores urgent social themes, and builds community through the power of cinema. The festival is known for its dynamic curation and commitment to showcasing films that are bold, innovative, and impactful.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged.
Visit queensworldfilmfestival.org/the-ways-we-love-screening for more information.