Out In Africa

Gay & Lesbian Film Festival

The Out In Africa South African Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (OIA) was launched in 1994 to celebrate the South African Constitution inclusion of the clause prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

The Festival set out to address the lack of visibility of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex individuals (LGBTIs) in South African social and cultural life after decades of apartheid repression, to counter negative images of LGBTIs that prevail in traditional and religious communities, and to serve as a platform for discussion and debate about the situation of LGBTIs in a newly founded democracy.

The purpose of the Festival is to showcase films from around the world, and to stimulate and promote a home-grown film industry.

As a socially conscious movement with a political purpose, OIA must generate images and representations of its own community that promote a sense of belonging and pride – films that explore a particular identity, lifestyles and concerns.

OIA has organised 5 filmmaking workshops producing South African content – 22 short films have screened at over 52 international Film Festivals.

The Festival assist in the creation of communities, the strengthening of related organisations and ancillary events that include filmmaking workshops, help develop personal growth, leadership skills and career opportunities.

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