Dear Cinema Femme Readers,

Let’s celebrate: our talents, passions, our goals, and dreams.

Let’s support: to ensure these dreams are made a reality.

Let’s thrive: in spaces where we belong and can flourish.

I’m thrilled to share with you all our inaugural tentpole article: “13 Safest and
Supportive Cities for LGBTQ+ in Film.” Understanding the crucial intersection of
creative opportunity and inclusive environments, we know that where artists can
thrive matters deeply. In no particular order, we have listed the cities that made
the cut — the Cinema Femme team carefully selected each city based on a list of
criteria including legal protections, industry presence, community resources, and
cultural acceptance.

Also featured are interviews with Grace Field on her role in “Bad B*tch” (a cult
classic — just you wait), Tiffany Tenille on her proof of concept short film “A
Woman’s Body,” and Allie Torem on the themes and making of her film “Don’t Come
Home Before Midnight.” We sit down with journalist, stand-up comedian, writer,
and filmmaker Sara McNair to talk about her experiences in the arts. Recipient of
the Chaz Ebert Award, Lauren Melinda speaks about her film “Before You” and the
mission of Simbelle Productions. And last but not least, contributor Veronica Miles
attends her first Venice Film Festival and documents her experience (including a
run-in with Sofia Coppola!).

Continuous thanks to the CF team, our readers, supporters, and allies. One of
the aspects that I am most grateful for is that Cinema Femme is not only an
organization, a magazine, and a film festival, but also — and overall most important
— a community.

Keep dreaming, keep fighting, and take care of each other.

Sincerely,

Anna Pattison
Editor-in-Chief
Cinema Femme Magazine