2026 Hotter than July: Art & film festival (Honoring Duane Belin)

Join us for an evening celebrating the power, creativity, and diversity of Black LGBTQ+ storytelling at the 2026 Hotter Than July Art & Film Festival.

Hosted by Damon “Magic” Percy, Chris INPAQ Sutton, and Joe Black, this free community event will feature an exciting collection of narrative films, documentaries, visual art, and exclusive Hotter Than July premieres. Through stories of identity, family, culture, love, liberation, and community, the festival highlights filmmakers and artists creating bold work that deserves to be seen.

Official Film Selections

To Move in My Mother’s Prayers
Directed by Diop Russell
A coming-of-age story following a rebellious nonbinary teenager navigating identity, family expectations, and the journey toward self-understanding.

Handwoven
Directed by Dasha Levin, Mason Cazalet, Mihika Das, and Matthew Wisdom
A lyrical documentary following Diné weaver Nikyle Begay as they preserve culture, tradition, and community through their art.

Publicly Released
Directed by Connor Edwards
A heartfelt drama about a rising football player preparing to come out publicly while his boyfriend struggles to take the same step.

SYZYGY
Directed by J. Michael Hayes and Neskeshia Hayes
An Afro-surrealist journey through time and memory that celebrates Black queer joy, love, freedom, and liberation.

Exclusive Hotter Than July Premieres

Heaven in Detroit: A Sanctuary of Sound
Directed by Chris INPAQ Sutton
A celebration of the legacy of Club Heaven and its lasting importance to Detroit’s Black LGBTQ+ community.

Jamaal: Love Code
Directed by Philip Johnson
A new science-fiction series and spin-off of the award-winning 2024 short film Jamaal.

The evening will also honor the life and legacy of Detroit artist Duane Belin, whose Liberal Arts Gallery inspired generations of local artists and creatives.

Friday, July 24, 2026
6:00 PM–9:00 PM

LGBT Detroit – Marvin Lee Building
20021 Greenfield Road
Detroit, MI 48235

Admission is free with RSVP.

Reserve your spot and learn more at HotterThanJuly.org.

Presented by LGBT Detroit as part of Detroit’s longest-running Black LGBTQ+ Pride celebration.