Silver Pride Cinema Festival returns to Wilmington with ‘Red Carpet Gay-La’

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ film and community is set to return to downtown Wilmington as the Silver Pride Cinema Festival comes back for a two-day event this spring.

Hosted by the Cucalorus Film Foundation in partnership with the Silver Pride Circle of the Cape Fear, the festival will take place May 29–30 at Jengo’s Playhouse.

The festival kicks off Friday, May 29, with a screening of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at 8 p.m. The film, an Australian road comedy, follows two drag queens and a transgender woman on a colorful journey across the Outback.

Opening night festivities begin earlier in the evening with the “Red Carpet Gay-La” at 6 p.m., where guests are encouraged to arrive in drag. The event will include small bites and opportunities to celebrate queer culture and community, with the film screening available both indoors and outdoors at Jengo’s Backyard.

“The opening night Gay-La is all about joy, visibility, and community,” said festival organizer Janyce Jones. “It’s a chance to celebrate queer stories and intergenerational connections.”

Earlier that day, attendees can also take part in a WilmingtoNColor heritage shuttle tour, a 90-minute experience highlighting Wilmington’s Black history and cultural legacy. Organizers say tickets for the tour are limited.

The festival continues Saturday, May 30, with a full lineup of screenings and programming. Featured films include Jimpa, a story of family and identity starring John Lithgow; Barbara Forever, which explores the life and work of pioneering filmmaker Barbara Hammer; and the Painted Bunting Shorts Block, a collection of diverse queer stories spanning genres and generations.

In addition to screenings, the festival will offer a 90-minute directing workshop led by Ingrid Jungermann. Jungermann, who has ties to Wilmington’s arts scene, will guide participants through elements of visual storytelling, from scene analysis to production techniques.

Opening night tickets are $20 and include access to the Gay-La, food, and the film screening. Festival passes and individual screening tickets are available online.

Organizers say the event aims to create a welcoming space for audiences to connect through film while celebrating LGBTQ+ voices and stories.