Overview

• Outfest announced a four-day screening series and community event called OutfestNEXT set for Nov. 6–9 in Los Angeles.
• HBO Max returns as presenting sponsor, with organizers in final planning stages and additional programming initiatives to be revealed.
• The organization elected a new board led by president Lucas Bailey, with members including Kelly Balch, Jeffrey R. Epstein, Nick Francescon and Amir Moini.
• Key staff have been rehired across programming, development, communications and operations, with plans to restore additional roles.
• Outfest is collaborating with Queer Filmworkers United following voluntary union recognition and plans to revive Outfest Los Angeles and Outfest Fusion in 2026.