A defining queer rom-com is heading back to where it all began.
The Broken Hearts Club will celebrate its 25th anniversary with an outdoor screening in West Hollywood Park on April 25, bringing together cast members and creatives for a one-night-only reunion that doubles as a community fundraiser.
The event, presented by Street Food Cinema and Pride House Los Angeles/West Hollywood, includes a live conversation with Billy Porter and Zach Braff, alongside writer-director Greg Berlanti and producer Mickey Liddell. Media personality Jess Cagle will moderate the discussion.
Proceeds from the evening will support Pride House LA/WeHo and Team OutAthlete Fund, both focused on advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports.
A West Hollywood Story That Still Hits Home
Released in 2000, The Broken Hearts Club arrived at a moment when queer stories rarely received wide studio backing, especially in the romantic comedy space. The film follows a tight-knit group of gay friends navigating love, ambition and disappointment in West Hollywood, anchored by a chosen-family dynamic that still resonates today.
The ensemble cast includes Timothy Olyphant, Justin Theroux and Jennifer Coolidge, with John Mahoney as the group’s bar-owning mentor figure. For several actors, the film marked an early career moment before mainstream success.
Shot in and around West Hollywood, the movie captured a specific era of queer nightlife and friendship. Over time, it’s grown into a cult favorite, less for grand plot twists and more for its emotional familiarity. For many viewers, it feels less like a movie and more like a memory.
From Sundance Debut to Cult Classic
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival before its theatrical release, launching Berlanti’s directing career. He would later become one of television’s most prolific producers, but this project remains a cornerstone of his work for its focus on LGBTQ+ relationships.
Its legacy is tied to visibility, but also to tone. Rather than centering trauma, the story leans into humor, friendship and the messy reality of dating within a close social circle. That balance helped it stand out, and keeps it relevant.
More Than a Movie Night
The anniversary screening isn’t just a nostalgic revisit. It’s also a preview of what’s to come for Pride House LA/WeHo, which is planning a major presence during the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Organizers aim to turn West Hollywood into a global hub for LGBTQ+ sports culture, with programming that spans watch parties, performances and community events. This screening serves as an early example of that mission in action, blending entertainment with advocacy.
What to Expect at the Event
Street Food Cinema is known for turning screenings into full experiences, and this one follows suit. Guests can expect food vendors, music and an open-air setup that encourages early arrival.
Attendees are advised to bring blankets or low chairs and settle in before the film begins at sunset. The cast conversation adds a rare layer of context, offering behind-the-scenes insight and a look back at how the film came together.