It’s a significant moment when Richard Gere and Lily Tomlin want to be part of your film lineup.

Their films were recently included in the Love Wins Film Festival 2025, which hosted 60 filmmakers and screenwriters who flew in from Australia, the U.K. and Los Angeles. The festival took place recently over a two-day event, hosted by The LGBT Network in Hauppauge and at Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center in Patchogue,  celebrating unrepresented populations and storytelling that explores identity, resilience, love, family, and freedom.

“We had about 250 people at the LGBT Network; we packed it, and it was our strongest showing ever,” said Love Wins founder Jaret Martino, an actor of films and television, as well as an award-winning director, writer, and producer. “The people from overseas and L.A. got such a warm welcome.”

But also, Martino and his nonprofit have been film festival regulars at Plaza Cinema for several years now, celebrating women’s empowerment, diversity and inclusion and LGBTQIA messages. Martino and Plaza Cinema hosted the authorized documentary of Kellie Maloney, the famous British transgender boxing manager (formerly Frank Maloney). Maloney attended that film festival in 2022, receiving a standing ovation.

“On Sunday, we had C. Fitz. (filmmaker C. Fitz, who directed episodes of “Queen Sugar,” a show created and executive produced by award-winner Ava DuVernay.) We had a really nice turnout at the Plaza. The Retreat (All Against Abuse), HIV Stops With Me, and Ian Wilder (executive director) from Long Island Housing Services attended. People were buzzing with unity and loving it.”

At the conclusion, filmmakers and screenwriters convened at the Jardin Café as they did last year.

Martino was asked how he got Richard Gere and Lily Tomlin to participate.

“Gere is the executive producer of ‘Eyes on Ukraine’ (a short-form documentary that explores what happens when two crises, HIV and war, collide).  As for Lily Tomlin, she starred in ‘An Unexpected Community,’ by director Kathryn L. Beranich.” (The film “Women On The Net” captures a virtual sanctuary launched during the pandemic featuring Tomlin, Kate Clinton, Meredith Baxter.)

“Their teams submitted to the festival,” Martino continued.  “There is a yearlong submission process, then three rounds of selection.”

Martino said nearly 60 socially conscious films were viewed. 

“We make final decisions three months ahead of the festival. The lineup of The LGBT Network films, with three screening rooms, plus the one at Plaza Cinema, focused on immigration and women’s empowerment and rights.”

As in past festivals, the atmosphere was receptive and loving.

“I think the most beautiful part of the festival is that people felt heard. Black, white, Cuban or Asian felt the need to feel the unity and community. That was what people came away [with]. Also, the Q & As were key, where filmmakers meet the audience.”

It’s also fun. There were live performances by  New York Drag Mermaid Belle Noche and Long Island Showgirl LaBelle.

Partner organizations included The LGBT Network, Plaza Cinema, the HIV Stops With Me Campaign, The Retreat—All Against Abuse, Sepa Mujer, and the Huntington Arts Council. Panels featured guests such as Courtney Chase (“Blossom,” “Nick of Time”), Dr. Serghino Walker (LPC, MS), and Dr. Katherine Marshall Woods (licensed media psychologist).

“This is why we do the festival,” Martino said. “It’s the conversations after that start the healing process.

“That’s why we’re here on this planet: To heal our souls.”