Since its founding in 1987, Out On Film has grown from a grassroots effort to bring LGBTQ+ films to Atlanta into one of the world’s most respected LGBTQ+ film festivals. Under the leadership of Festival Director Jim Farmer and his dedicated team, the festival has become far more than an annual celebration of cinema. It has evolved into a platform where storytelling, representation, and community come together to inspire meaningful conversations and lasting cultural impact.
The festival returns for its 39th year this September 24 – October 4. The first two announced films are “Test,” a bodybuilding drama from director Sam McConnell, starring writer Brock Yurich, Emmy Award winner Tammy Blanchard, and “Glee’s” Matthew Morrison; and “Dreamers,” a UK asylum-seeking love story by writer/director Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, starring Ronkẹ Adékọluẹ́jọ́ and Ann Akinjirin. This year’s theme, “The World We’re Making” celebrates the idea that queer cinema doesn’t simply reflect the world — it helps shape it. Every screening, every filmmaker, every volunteer, every audience member, every sponsor, and every conversation contributes to building a more connected, visible, and inclusive future. Festival passes on sale now at https://festival.outonfilm.org/.
When the Atlanta Film Society stepped away from producing the festival in 2008, Jim Farmer became part of the team that helped usher Out On Film into a new era. Their vision was clear: create a festival built by, for, and about the local and regional LGBTQ+ community while celebrating authentic and positive representation on screen. Today, that vision has earned international recognition, with Out On Film standing among the most honored LGBTQ+ film festivals in the world.
For Jim Farmer, success is measured by much more than ticket sales or attendance. While audience growth remains important, the true achievement lies in creating opportunities for people to see their own experiences reflected on screen and giving filmmakers, from established directors to emerging voices, a platform to share stories that matter. Every screening becomes an opportunity for audiences to connect, reflect, and engage in conversations that continue long after the credits roll.
The festival’s programming reflects the evolving diversity of LGBTQ+ storytelling. While Out On Film continues to showcase films addressing important topics such as equality, identity, religion, immigration, transgender acceptance, and social justice, it has also expanded to embrace musicals, horror, comedy, documentaries, and nearly every genre imaginable. This evolution reflects Jim Farmer’s belief that LGBTQ+ stories deserve to exist across every corner of cinema, not just within traditional coming-out narratives.
Behind the festival’s continued success is a collaborative leadership philosophy. Jim Farmer credits the strength of Out On Film to a team culture built on respect, shared decision-making, and openness to new ideas. Rather than relying on one individual, the organization embraces consensus, ensuring every voice contributes to the festival’s growth and future direction.
Innovation also remains central to the festival’s mission. By listening closely to audience feedback, expanding diversity within its leadership team, and introducing more interactive and accessible experiences, Out On Film continues adapting to the changing expectations of filmmakers and audiences alike. At the same time, the festival remains committed to nurturing emerging creators, recognizing that today’s new voices will become tomorrow’s industry leaders.
More than three decades after its founding, Out On Film continues proving that film festivals can do far more than entertain. They can build community, amplify underrepresented voices, encourage dialogue, and remind audiences that authentic storytelling has the power to change lives.
As Out On Film continues its journey, Jim Farmer remains committed to the festival’s original mission: celebrating LGBTQ+ stories, supporting filmmakers, and creating a welcoming space where every audience member can see themselves reflected through the transformative power of film.
