West Hollywood, California (Thursday, July 9, 2009) - Programming OUTFEST is no easy task, for LGBTQ film audiences are oft considered super discerning and hyper-critical. 
WeHo News. |
A preponderance of film buffs have always been queer, from Bette Davis fans to Kenneth Anger aficionados to Greg Araki acolytes, with a few hundred icons tossed in between.
This year’s slate is varied, challenging, accomplished and promising great treasures scattered amidst just a few formulaic genre pieces.
LA Mission, the opening night film, is a hot ticket, what with Benjamin Bratt in the lead and written and directed by Ben’s brother Peter.
Reflective in ways more of the European concept of LGBTQ film, it tells a tale beyond the usual gay guy with fag hag farce, coming out drama or male hustler fixation prevalent in years past.
French cinema today offers a banquet of gay, lesbian and bisexual characters as adjuncts to a greater whole, not so much as the only storyline in a film.
Courtesy OUTFEST. WeHo News. |
Louis Garrel, French heartthrob, has homosexual relations in many of his film roles, and yet is not pegged to a specific genre. Much of European film is in this new direction.
America is no exception to this exciting development, a mature progression in alternative filmmaking.
This, folks, is news, albeit evident 27 years into OUTFEST.
Kim Yutani, programming director has offered a fine selection of work, and there is a particular strength in documentary film this year, from the basketball themed Lady Trojans/Training Rules double header to George O’Donnell’s much-anticipated web party house doc College Boys Live, said to be surprisingly poignant.
The Platinum Series of edgier fare is always a special treat, and this year’s slate looks inviting and gosh darnit not too avant-garde for the typical viewer.
Courtesy OUTFEST. WeHo News. |
Four In Focus is always reliable as a showcase of important work, year after year.
There’s simply too much goodness going on this year, so just get a pass, support indie/LGBTQ film, and spend some intimate time with a screen full of characters aimed to entertain you in ways you possibly cannot imagine.
Tickets to individual showings are online at OUTFEST.org and it’s worth perusing the site in detail to discover gems in select categories.
Venues have increased this year as well, and the opening night gala at the Orpheum downtown, the awards brunch and closing night gala are always entertaining.
See you there!
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