Do LGBTQ+ Films/Filmmakers/Audiences Still Need LGBTQ+ Festivals?

This is a free event. No tickets or reservations are required. There are no geo-blocking restrictions. This event can be seen worldwide.

TIME: Tuesday, August 17 at 7:00 pm – 7:45 pm (EST)

LENGTH: 45 minutes

LINK: CLICK HERE

Simply click on the link above on Tuesday, August 17 at 7:00 pm (EST) to view the Panel Discussion.

This program includes a live chat so that you can submit questions to the artists.

Note: The link will redirect you to our YouTube Channel

After the live event is over, the recorded video will be available to watch by clicking on our YouTube Channel. 

Synopsis of the panel discussion topic:

Historically, LGBTQ+ festivals were the only option for queer story tellers. With mainstream distribution options available today, why do filmmakers continue to submit to film festivals such as OUTSOUTH? Panelists will discuss if LGBTQ+ audiences are necessary for LGBTQ+ filmmakers and what would happen to LGBTQ+ filmmakers if festivals like OUTSOUTH did not exist. 

This discussion is open to audience questions about the topic. Filmmakers will offer their opinions and experiences related to the topic discussed. OUTSOUTH is always happy to have filmmakers share their stories and enlighten audiences about the challenges and thrills of filmmaking.

Artists on the panel:   

Tennessee Martin is a Southern screenwriter from a big family (1 of 10 siblings in fact) who studied Digital Film & Visual Art at Stephens College, the second oldest women's college in the nation. She has worked on hit shows such as Lucifer on FOX, Training Day for CBS, and Family Crimes for Starz. Previously, she was at Starz as the Coordinator in Original Programming where she spearheaded the creation of the “Starz -- Beyond Gender Casting Database” giving visibility to Trans and Non-Binary actors in the industry. Now, Tennessee serves as Coordinator for Carmi Zlotnik, Head of Operations at Apple TV+. Tennessee co-founded the LadyParts Collective, an all-female theater company, and was selected to participate in the Inc Program writers incubator for women in 2020. Her first macabre short film Hangry directed by Bola Ogun won Best Horror at Toronto International Women Film Festival, but not one to be pinned down to a genre, she also has a Christmas feature full of heart and fabulous drag queens ready to be produced. Through her work she hopes to inspire women and queer people to speak up and push back. She enjoys painting, restoring her motorcycle, training in Jiu Jitsu and telling punny “dad” jokes - though her only child is a succulent named Cash.

Mark J. Parker wrote, directed, and produced the short thrillers Family History (2020), Sticks (2016), and Twin (2021) and hosts the Release Date Rewind podcast. Career highlights include the TV series What Would You Do?, 30 Rock, Ugly Betty, Celebrity Ghost Stories; films Marley & Me, How Do You Know; talk shows Live! With Regis & Kelly, Extra, and Wendy Williams. mjp-pov.com

Tom Ciuba is an avid entertainment enthusiast. He has worked in communications for 13 years. The short film Family History marks his filmmaking debut as co-producer. Other past passion projects include entertainment podcast Add This to Your List and TV blog Save It for the Commercial Break – serving as co-creator and co-producer on both. He currently lives in Connecticut with his husband and dogs.

Aliza Brugger is an award winning, Los Angeles / New York City based director, screenwriter and producer originally from Nebraska. She received her MFA in filmmaking from Columbia University where she wrote, directed, and produced features, TV pilots and short films that have screened in festivals all over the world. Aliza enjoys exploring themes of sexuality, female connection, nature, and dystopia. Her goal as a filmmaker is to create stories that connect viewers to the image, to each other and to the world. Her film, Roadkill, screens at OutSouth. www.alizabrugger.com & @alizabrugger

A creative hybrid, Jeffrey Lindsay Relf is a writer/director/producer hailing from Chicago, Illinois. After receiving his B.A. in Fashion, from New York’s Pratt Institute, he worked for top luxury companies until relocating to Los Angeles, where he began costuming film for directors Reggie Rock Bythewood, William Shatner, and Trey Haley. He wrote, directed, and produced the short film “Jesus Children of America” shot with the iPhone (runtime 15-minutes). He was selected for CMG/Festival de Cannes’ short film-makers program, where his short screenplay “Baggage” was produced and premiered during Cannes 2019. He’s recently packaged his first docuseries project “Immeasurable: The Color of Fashion”, (represented by CAA) which was an official recipient of the 2020 CNN/Film Independent Docuseries Fellowship, as well as securing a Film Independent 2021 Fiscal Sponsorship for his short screenplay "Crystal" starring Trans-model Arisce Wanzer. Last year, Relf garnered a Bronze Lens Award for producing the winning “Best Short Film” category with “Catching Up”, directed by Fowzi Adelsamad. His film, Another Xmas Dinner, is playing at OutSouth. @anotherxmasdinner

Lisa Cordileone is an actor, writer, and producer based in LA focused on telling stories about women, LGBTQ+ and STEM industries. The feature comedy Freelancers Anonymous screened internationally. Premiere: Inside OUT Toronto & Frameline42 (Castro Theatre). Selected as one of 22 films earning the ReFrame Stamp, a mark of distinction demonstrating success in gender-balanced productions. Easy Abby (Abby) has had 50 million views and is available on Revry TV - featured in The Advocate, OUT Magazine, Buzzfeed & Huffpo. Lisa is a graduate of ECU with a BFA in Acting and The Second City Chicago Improv and Music Improv Conservatories.