All discussions will be moderated by Patricia Charbonneau, renowned actress and star of the LGBTQ classic film Desert Hearts

The Yellow Sponge is the Dish Sponge (17 mins)
With Writer and Actor Bixby Elliot

The Yellow Sponge is the Dish Sponge is a 2024 comedic short film directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Michele Noble and written by Bixby Elliot, who also stars alongside Alexander Lambie. The 17-minute narrative centers on Jason and Erik, a married couple whose escalating argument over household cleaning—particularly the symbolic yellow dish sponge—unfolds on the day of a big party, humorously exploring deeper relationship dynamics. Premiering at the IFS Los Angeles Film Festival, the film has garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards, including Best LGBTQ Short Film and Best Comedic Performance, and has been featured in over a dozen film festivals worldwide. With its sharp writing, relatable humor, and heartfelt performances, the film resonates with audiences by highlighting the complexities of domestic life and long-term partnerships.

All-American Ruins: Universal Atlas Cement Plant  (12 mins)
With Creator and Actor Blake Pfeil, and Actor Jeremiah Wenutu

Blake Pfeil is an Ambie Award-winning multidisciplinary artist. His current project is All-American Ruins, a multimedia travelog in which Blake fantastically recounts his experiences exploring abandoned spaces through multimodal storytelling. The project has been featured worldwide, most notably On Air Fest, SONOHR Radio & Podcast Festival, Capital City Film Festival, ArchFilm Lund, Eugene Environmental Film Festival, and Melbourne WebFest where it was named Best Nonfiction Podcast. The HUDSY Original All-American Ruins: Universal Atlas Cement Plant explores the healing power of human forgiveness through fantastical queer storytelling. Using personal journals about his experiences exploring modern ruins, Blake shines a light on the cultural, historical and spiritual underbelly of America.

Is Gay Marriage Next? (16 mins)
With introduction from Filmmaker Emily Clark

Is Gay Marriage Next? is a 2024 short documentary directed by Emily Clark that revisits a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history through a personal lens. The film centers on a 2003 Newsweek cover featuring a lesbian couple, Lauren Leslie and Elisabeth Noel Jones, which profoundly impacted Clark, inspiring her to come out as a young woman. Two decades later, Clark reconnects with the couple to explore how their lives—and the broader fight for LGBTQ+ rights—have evolved, especially in light of recent political shifts like the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Through interviews, archival footage, and reflective storytelling, the 16-minute film examines the progress and fragility of marriage equality in America. Is Gay Marriage Next? has been featured at major festivals including DOC NYC and the Woodstock Film Festival, resonating with audiences concerned about the future of LGBTQ+ rights.

One Story at a Time (10 mins)
With Co-Director, and TMI Project Co-Founder and Executive Director Eva Tenuto, and Producer Kashka Glowacka

One Story at a Time is a 2023 short documentary directed by Natalia Iyudin and Eva Tenuto, featuring LGBTQ+ activist and storyteller Celeste Lecesne. Through personal narratives, the documentary highlights the transformative power of storytelling in combating prejudice and fostering acceptance. In this 10-minute film, Lecesne reflects on his journey from a closeted youth grappling with suicidal ideation to becoming a pioneering voice for queer youth. He shares how his off-Broadway solo show, Word of Mouth, led to the Academy Award-winning short film Trevor, which in turn inspired the creation of The Trevor Project—the largest suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQIA+ youth. Now, over 25 years later, Lecesne continues to inspire the next generation to claim their truth and change the world, one story at a time. One Story at a Time serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and the impact of living authentically.

Get ready for a cinematic celebration of resilience, creativity, and hometown heroes as the Lexington Film Festival lights up the Catskills. This isn’t just a film festival. It’s a hometown tribute to resilience, artistry, and the power of storytelling.