LGBTQ stories are at the forefront of the 41st Miami Film Festival, taking place from April 5-14.

Leading the offerings is the North American premiere of "Lady Like," a poignant documentary on Lady Camden's journey from "RuPaul's Drag Race" fame to confronting her traumatic past. The premiere includes a Q&A with director Luke Willis and Lady Camden at the Miami Beach Bandshell on April 12.

Some of the following films include post-screening discussions with filmmakers and subjects (all theaters are in Miami unless noted otherwise):

• “Fallen Fruit” - Chris Molina's debut feature navigates the complexities of adulthood through Alex's eyes, offering an intimate portrayal of queer relationships in Miami. April 5, @ Coral Gables Art Cinema; April 10, @ Silverspot Cinema 11.
• “The Queen of My Dreams” - Fawzia Mirza explores identity and acceptance in a story that intertwines Bollywood fantasy with the reality of a Pakistani Canadian lesbian. April 6, @ Silverspot Cinema 12.
• “Vera and the Pleasure of Others” - A provocative tale by Romina Tamburello about a teenager's clandestine exploration of sexuality. April 6 @ Koubek Center.
• “All The Silence” - Diego Del Rio's film dives into the deaf community, highlighting the challenges and resilience of a CODA navigating her own hearing loss. April 6 @ Silverspot Cinema 16.
• “Days of Happiness” - Chloé Robichaud's tale of love, music, and personal growth, set against the backdrop of Montreal's classical music scene. April 7 @ Silverspot Cinema 16; April 14 @ Coral Gables Art Cinema)
• “Toll” - Carolina Markowicz's dark comedy addressing societal norms and the quest for acceptance, through a toll booth attendant's unconventional journey. April 10 @ Silverspot Cinema 11.
• “Happy Clothes: A Film About Patricia Field” - Michael Selditch's tribute to the iconic costume designer's influential career and unique vision. April 12 @ Regal South Beach 17; April 14 @ Silverspot Cinema 12.
• “Merchant Ivory” - Stephen Soucy's definitive tribute to the legendary filmmaking partnership, featuring insights from James Ivory and notable collaborators. April 13, @ Coral Gables Art Cinema.

OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival

Save the dates of April 17 – May 4 for the return of the OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival spring edition! Internationally acclaimed as one of the largest LGBTQ+ cultural festivals in the world, this season’s OUTshine line-up hits Miami-Dade and Broward counties with thought-provoking, inspiring, entertaining, and educational star-studded features, documentaries, and shorts including premieres from 20 countries. The films playing in Broward include:

• “Accidental Friends” - Takes the focus as both an international premiere and this season’s Centerpiece Film screening at 7:30 p.m. on April 24 at Regal Dania Pointe. In this “Odd Couple”-style comedy, two roommates with contrasting lifestyles, must cohabitate despite their differences. Over time, they learn to understand and appreciate each other beyond prejudice. The film is directed by Max Nardari. An afterparty will follow at Bowlero (also at Dania Pointe).
• On April 26, “Hot Milk” - an emotional family drama set amidst picturesque Almería, Spain, will screen for the ladies and “Midas Man” (UK, 2024) starring Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Brian Epstein, the visionary who shaped music history by launching The Beatles' meteoric rise, will screen for the men beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Paradigm Cinemas: Gateway. Afterparties will take place at neighboring hotspots The Well and LIT.
• An April 27 Drag Brunch, themed after the cult film “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” will take place at The Well. Later that evening will be the closing night in-person film “Four Mothers” at Savor Cinema. Directed by Darren Thorton, this comedy centers on a shy, commitment-phobic gay novelist living with his elderly mother. When his friends take off for PRIDE weekend, he finds himself caring for four eccentric, combative, and wildly different women in this hysterical, and possibly too-close-to-home charmer. The awards night soiree will immediately follow. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit outshinefilm.com.