Palm Springs International Film Fest hosts “Gayla! Party” to celebrate LGBTQ+ films and filmmakers
The Palm Springs International Film Festival teamed up with local radio station KGAY 106.5 to highlight and celebrate queer cinema, talent, and filmmakers during its "Gayla!" Party this year. The special event was held in downtown Palm Springs at Reforma.
The event gives LGBTQ+ directors, producers and actors the chance to interact and collaborate throughout the evening.
Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein was also in attendance. He says Palm Springs is the absolute perfect place to celebrate and uplift all of the different types of films.
"What we know in Palm Springs is that diversity is important to creating a really robust community," said Bernstein. "We celebrate diversity here. And by having the Gayla! event here really reflects how our city can embrace the diverse community that we are."
It's also an opportunity for filmmakers to share their unique experiences with other creators from around the world.
Janis Pugh, the writer and director of "Chuck Chuck Baby", came all the way from the United Kingdom to attend the event. Pugh says nights like this are so important because they create a space for Queer voices to be heard.
"You make the film because you want to say something about the world," said Pugh. "If you've got nothing to say, don't make anything. But if you've got something to say make it and be bold and brave." Pugh says "Chuck Chuck Baby" is a complex film about love, loss, music, and female friendship. Pugh hopes it inspires people to find strength, joy, and bravery in difficult situations.
"And I think for me, this is a film that is really truly about love," Pugh reflected. "We all need to open our hearts a little bit, open our fences, open our barriers, and just love. Love everyone. Simple as that."
