OutFest Shares Announces ‘Colin Higgins’ Grant for Young Gay New Filmmakers

Outfest has announced a partnership with the Colin Higgins Foundation. 

Above:Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

The partnership sees the launch the “Colin Higgins Youth Filmmaker Grant,” a new initiative centered on providing LGBT youth filmmakers with financial support to continue their work. Eligible applicants must be LGBT filmmakers under the age of 25 who currently reside in the U.S.

Above: Colin Higgins with actress, Jane Fonda on the 9 to 5 set

Outfest said in statemement:

For 2022, three filmmakers will be selected as “Colin Higgins Youth Filmmaker Grant” recipients and will each receive a $15,000 grant to support their professional development in the film industry. In addition, the winners’ new short film will be showcased at Outfest Los Angeles, the largest film festival in LA and the most widely-recognized LGBTQ+ film festival in the world, taking place July 13-22, 2022.

The grant is named after the late Colin Higgins, the acclaimed screenwriter and director responsible for such classic films as Harold and Maude, 9 to 5, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. After being diagnosed with HIV in 1985, he founded the Colin Higgins Foundation as a means of supporting LQBTQ youth in underserved communities. Over the last 24 years, the Foundation has awarded over 660 grants, totaling nearly $6 million, through its Colin Higgins Youth Courage Awards and other initiatives.

Above: Colin Higgins with actors Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn on the set of Foul Play

Outfest Artistic Director Faridah Gbadamosi said:

“We are so happy to be working with The Colin Higgins Foundation to create this important opportunity for young filmmakers, Outfest is committed to building up the next generation of queer storytellers.”

Above: Actors, Bud Cort, Ruth Gordon, and Colin Higginsill on the set of Harold & Maude

James Rogers, board president of the Colin Higgins Foundation adds:

“Our stories matter — now more than ever. At a time when the mere mention of sexual orientation or gender identity is being outlawed in schools in Florida and with lawmakers in 14 other states rushing to pass the same restrictive and abusive legislation, we have a responsibility to amplify the voices of queer youth.  I know Colin would be proud of this new generation of filmmakers and their commitment to sharing their stories with courage, candor, and integrity.”

Outfest’s Summer Filmfestival begins July 14.

Above: Photo by Avel Chuklanov on Unsplash

About Outfest Los Angeles

Outfest Los Angeles is the largest film festival in LA and the most widely recognized LGBTQ+ film festival in the world. Each summer, Outfest LA brings together thousands of filmmakers and film lovers alike for world-class film screenings (in-person and virtual), workshops, panels, award-winning programming, awards, parties, and more. Outfest LA not only creates visibility for the LGBTQ+ community but also supports emerging queer artists and storytellers and continues through their careers.

About Colin Higgins Foundation

The Colin Higgins Foundation is dedicated to supporting LQBTQ youth in underserved communities and the programs and organizations that foster and build their leadership and empowerment.  Since 1988, the Foundation has awarded over 660 grants. In addition to recognizing the exemplary achievements of individual youth through the Colin Higgins Youth Courage Awards, the Foundation has also supported the work of numerous organizations such as The Trevor Project, the Lesbian and Gay Immigration Rights Task Force, the Japanese-American Citizens League, the Audre Lorde Project, FAMILIA: Trans Queer Liberation Movement, and more. For more information on the Colin Higgins Foundation, visit www.colinhiggins.org.