For the first time in Puerto Rico, a theater complex will exclusively screen international movies that focus on LGBT (Lesbian, gay, transexual and transgender) issues during the Puerto Rico Queer Filmfest, to kick off today and run through Nov. 18 at the main hall of Fine Arts cinema in Miramar.

“The program of the PRQF is aimed at entertaining, educating and presenting high-quality flicks to all movie buffs,” said Carmen Fraticelli, the event’s producer.

The festival’s full slate includes films from Argentina, United States, Canada, Spain, Germany, Israel, Taiwan and Philippines.

“The slate’s main aim is to show audiences diverse stories that reflect the reality of LGBT communities. There’re topics that appeal to everyone, since we all love somebody, we all laugh, we all suffer the loss of a loved one and we all fight for what we want in our lives,” stressed the festival’s director, Víctor González.

“The PRQF is a nonprofit organization that strives to expose the public to the diversity of LGBT communities through the art of cinematography. We seek to stimulate the curiosity of viewers, make them question themselves and raise awareness about their surroundings. We believe that there are more things that unite us than those that divide us, since essentially we are all equals,” opined González.

According to organizers, a jury will honor the festival’s best movie and short film. There will also be a special prize from the public.

In addition to the official program of the festival, organizers will also screen short film samples.

The PRQF is sponsored by the Puerto Rico Film Commission and homegrown artists such as Elia Enid Cadilla, filmmaker Ramón “Monchy” Almodóvar and professor Rubén Ríos.