Prairie Pride Film Festival in Lincoln returns in person, ‘uplifting’ LGBTQ+ community

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The 13th annual Prairie Pride Film Festival was back in person Friday through Sunday for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Lincoln festival, put on by OutNebraska, was virtual for the past three years.

It was started as a way to showcase the talents of LGBTQ+ people on the silver screen.

It started at the Joyo Theater on Havelock, but this was the first year the festival is in the Ross Media Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“This year being back in person, it’s been great to see community coming together,” said Abbi Swatsworth, the executive director of OutNebraska. “We’ve had a lot of interest in films and I’ve been really pleased with the turnout.”

She also said it’s more important now than ever that the festival takes place.

“Especially in states like Nebraska, where we are facing such difficult situations for our community, to uplift our stories and voices, it’s just very important,” said Swatsworth.

The final showing is Sunday night at 7 p.m., with the movie “Wonderfully Made.”

It explores the aspirations and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ Catholics.