Film students and faculty gathered Friday, April 3, in Kennesaw State University’s Social Sciences Building for a Q&A with Jim Farmer, founder and longtime director of Out On Film, Atlanta’s Oscar-qualifying LGBTQ film festival. .
During the discussion, Farmer spoke about the logistics of organizing a large-scale film festival, particularly one centered on queer filmmakers and storytelling, and the challenges that come with securing funding and industry support.
“We avoided saying LGBTQ in the name of our organization so as to avoid not getting funding from some sponsors,” Farmer said, pointing to the financial barriers that still exist for queer-focused media "he said in response to a student question.
The event served as a precursor to Kennesaw State’s fourth annual film festival, where Farmer also presented awards to student directors for their short films.
Beyond logistics, Farmer emphasized how representation in film has shifted over time, drawing from both his professional experience and personal life. In addition to directing the festival, Farmer has spent more than two decades working as a journalist covering queer arts and culture in Atlanta, helping document the evolution of LGBTQ storytelling.
“I think it’s really important to tell our stories,” he said. “When I was growing up, a TV show or film with a gay character—they always had to die or commit suicide. We need positive portrayals of the LGBTQ community, and these films are being created and they are out there.”
Farmer also shared personal reflections on his relationship with his husband and his journey toward self-acceptance, underscoring the role media can play in shaping identity and community. Jim Farmer’s emphasis on the importance of telling LGBTQ stories directly connects to the impact seen in Heated Rivalry, a series that reflects the kind of progress he describes.
Out On Film has grown into one of the oldest and most respected LGBTQ film festivals in the United States, showcasing more than 150 films annually and drawing filmmakers and audiences from across the country and internationally. Under Farmer’s leadership of more than 15 years, the festival has expanded into an 11-day event and earned Oscar-qualifying status, meaning certain award-winning films become eligible for Academy Award consideration.
As LGBTQ-focused film festivals continue to grow in prominence, events like Out On Film serve not only as platforms for emerging filmmakers, but also as spaces where audiences can engage with stories that have historically been underrepresented.