Michael Gamilla, Programming Director for ImageOut Rochester LGBT Film Festival,has sadly passed away on Thursday 9th March 2023. The Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester released a heartfelt post on Facebook to share their deep sorrow and offer condolences to his friends, family and colleagues. During his time at ImageOut, Mr Gamilla was a dedicated member of the LGBTQ+ film community and contributed many hours to advancing their mission.
Keep reading the article to know more about Michael Gamilla and his cause of death.
Who is Michael Gamilla? Know more him
Michael Gamillia, a renowned figure in the LGBTQ+ film community, has regularly served as a juror on multiple international film festivals such as Berlinale, Iris Prize and Inside Out. He was also a judge for the DC Shorts Film Festival and Rochester 24-hour Cinema Challenge. His impact does not stop there; he was presented with the 2011 Little Theatre Friend of Cinema Award in recognition of his impressive accomplishments within the movie industry. In 2015, Empire State Pride Agenda further underscored his remarkable dedication to the LGBTQ+ film industry by bestowing upon him its Outstanding Community Champion award. Furthermore, Rochester LGBTQ+ Together recently chose him to be one of its 2021 ROC Pride MVPs – yet another distinction that attests to Michael’s illustrious career in encouraging multicultural representation through cinema.
More about his career:
Michael Gamilla worked hard as a volunteer for ImageOut, the Rochester LGBT Film Festival, soon after he moved to Upstate New York in 2003. His vision and dedication have encouraged local LGBTQ+ filmmaking through the Flower City Flicks Competition, which he founded. His introducing the hard-hitting, provocative ImageOut There, The Series went further to push boundaries and promote innovative content. He was also instrumental in launching Next Generation, the festival’s youth series, as well as 2021 rolling out First Cut Spring Edition of the festival when most other festivals faced cancellation or postponement due to Covid-19. Michael’s ongoing efforts offer a truly encouraging sign of progress and hope despite these challenging times.
How did Michael Gamilla die? Cause of death
Michael Gamilla has sadly passed away on 9th March 2023, his death was shared by Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester through a Facebook post; “It is with sadness that we share that our former employee, Michael Gamilla, passed away yesterday.”
The cause of death of Michael was not revealed in the post, although his friend Raymond Alikpala has mentioned in post that he has suffered a valiant two-year battle with leukaemia.
We respect the privacy of his family in this difficult time, hope more information on his funeral arrangements will be shared soon.
Also read: How did Alan Ospina from Charlotte NC die?
Tributes extended on social media
Many tributes have been extended on sad demise of beloved Michael, many people have shared tributes on social media posts;
Sam Brett shared a post mourning passing of his friend; “Very heartbroken to hear the passing of my beloved friend Michael Gamilla.”
Rubén Rosario shares memories with Michael in the mournful post, “Someone as fabulous as film festival programmer — and fashion icon extraordinaire — Michael Gamilla cannot be dead.”
We extend condolences to his family and loved ones, his legacy will not go unnoticed in the organization and he will be sadly missed. May he rest in peace. Share your tributes and prayers in the comment box below.