goes back to 1987, and is now one of the oldest lgbtqia+ film festivals in the world.
1980s
MIX NYC, founded in 1987 by Sarah Schulman and Jim Hubbard as the New York Lesbian and Gay Experimental Film Festival, was born out of the concern that experimental film venues excluded queer work, and the few existing LGBTQ film festivals did not show experimental film. Early festivals premiered films by Su Friedrich, Todd Haynes, Maria Maggenti, and many more. MIX prioritized Black and trans filmmakers from its beginning. Hubbard preserved over 2,000 hours of AIDS films, marking the organization’s commitment to the documentation of queer history.
MIX festival evolved under the leadership of Marguerite Paris and Jerry Tartaglia, inviting guest curators for fresh perspectives. Notable programs included "Our Fanzine Friends" and "Fire," highlighting queer and African diaspora filmmakers.In 1993, Shari Frilot and Karim Ainouz became co-directors, renaming the festival MIX and focusing on queer BIPOC filmmakers. The 10th anniversary in 1996 featured the first queer film festival in Harlem, showcasing influential filmmakers and celebrating ballroom culture.MIX initiated a film preservation project in 1999, ensuring the legacy of queer cinema through initiatives like Memorizing MIX.
1990s
2000s
In 2000, Ioannis Mookas became Executive Director of MIX after Roy and Stanley's departure, overseeing two festivals. The 2003 festival featured the launch of the ACT UP Oral History Project and the premiere of Jonathan Caouette's "Tarnation." In 2004, a large-scale installation titled "Cake," focused on garment workers, was showcased at South Street Seaport. Financial issues pushed the festival to April 2005, leading to new partnerships and a community screening program with BAAD! By 2009, Stephen Kent Jusick transitioned to executive director while Burgess and August Eckhardt became co-directors, continuing the festival's evolution.
In 2010, the festival enhanced its immersive experience under designer Diego Montoya, closing with Bruce LaBruce’s "L.A. Zombie," which sold out despite being banned in Melbourne. By 2011, MIX had moved to a Bleecker Street theater, becoming a refuge for queers from Occupy Wall Street. The 2012 festival ended with "She Said Boom," featuring band member Caroline Azar, and marked a collaboration with Bay Area curators Queer Rebels. In 2014, the focus shifted to the body with films like "Age of Consent." Following financial challenges and internal strife, the festival returned in 2017 and 2018 at the Dreamhouse with notable highlights.
2010s
Today
In 2019, an abbreviated MIX Fest was held at Anthology Film Archives, organized by the Board of Directors to raise funds and awareness for MIX NYC. Board members, including Niknaz Tavakolian, were committed to sustaining the organization, paving the way for a revival. In 2024, queer artists and activists Blake Pruitt and Alex Smith approached Stephen Winter to reignite MIX NYC. A new committee-based organization formed to bring MIX back. Today, the new organization is hosting One-Night Stands, a series of experimental film screenings aimed at reviving the festival for November 2024 and once again fostering a community space for queer experimental film.
