| Outfest Wednesdays December
Wednesday, December 1 - 7:00 & 9:00 PM [Spielberg Theatre]
OutFest Wednesdays
Day With(out) Art/World AIDS Day Screening
In collaboration with: National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
PILLS PROFITS PROTEST: VOICES OF GLOBAL AIDS
ACTIVISTS, 2003, 60 min. Dir. Anne-christine d'Adesky & Ann T. Rosetti. Building
on historic achievements of the 1980s and 1990s, contemporary AIDS activists are
courageously expanding the discourse, forcing an acknowledgment that AIDS is a global
crisis. In a sweeping feat of storytelling, this rousing documentary shows the
international coordination of grassroots activists in the streets, mobilizing governments
to address the AIDS pandemic. Tracing international dynamics like lightning bolts, the
film illustrates the effects of movements in India on victories as far away as Brazil,
South Africa and other parts of the developing world. This upbeat, fascinating portrait
shows the changing face of AIDS politics and activism worldwide.
PLUS SHORT: "Books Of James", 2002, 17
min. Dir: Ho Tam. A personal journey through the writings and drawings of New York artist
and ACT UP activist James Wentzy.
Wednesday, December 8 – 7:30 PM
OutFest Wednesdays
LOVE IN THOUGHTS (WAS NÜTZT DIE LIEBE IN GEDANKEN), 2003,
90 min. Dir. Achim von Borries. A sumptuous period film that mixes fragile idealism
with reckless hedonism, LOVE IN THOUGHTS (as its title suggests) is intensely sensual and
intelligent. Set in 1927 during Germany’s decadent Weimar period, two handsome
students, intellectual Paul (Daniel Bruehl) and libidinous, bisexual Guenther, idealize
their concept of pure love. They form a suicide club, promising to kill themselves and
anyone responsible for their loss of love. During a typically boisterous weekend orgy of
sex, drugs and absinthe, the alluring, free-spirited Hilde snares Paul. But when Hans, an
old flame she shares with Guenther, swings by, the lines of love get crossed, putting the
two suicide club members to the test. Based on an infamous true story, this debut feature
from the co-writer of GOODBYE LENIN is a visually stunning and unsettling romance.
Wednesday, December 15 - 7:30 PM
OutFest Wednesdays
AUNTIE MAME, 1958, Warner Bros., 143 min. Dir. Morton
DaCosta. We're thrilled to ring out another year with an Outfest holiday tradition,
the AUNTIE MAME extravaganza! Beloved comedienne and camp icon Rosalind Russell
(GYPSY) commands center stage as eccentric socialite Mame Dennis, who throws the best
parties and throws back the stiffest martinis you’ve ever seen. America's favorite
rich (and eccentric) relative, acting as a protector to a lonely young nephew, bravely
faces the ravages of poverty, snobby stuffed shirts and romantic rivalry to emerge like a
phoenix from her own ashes. Join a high-spirited audience of Mame-lovers as we celebrate
the glory of Rosalind Russell and a magnificent supporting cast in this raucous, riotous,
interactive screening of a movie masterpiece. This outrageous and evergreen portrait of
fabulousness is a queer classic to end all queer classics! Discussion
following with actresses Joanna Barnes, Jan Handzlik and Pippa Scott.
6:30pm Pre-Screening Open Bar Reception Hosted By: Absolut
November
Wednesday, November 3 – 7:30 PM
Outfest Wednesdays
KINSEY, 2004, Fox Searchlight, 118 min.
Dir. Bill Condon. Academy Award-winner Bill Condon (writer/director of GODS AND MONSTERS,
writer of CHICAGO) explores the life of the pioneer of human sexuality research, Alfred
Kinsey (Liam Neeson). Spanning six decades from his childhood in the early 1900s to his
death in 1956, the film turns the microscope on the man whose landmark studies on the
sexual behaviors of the common man rocked a nation. The powerhouse cast includes Laura
Linney, Chris O’Donnell, John Lithgow, Timothy Hutton and Gore Vidal. Discussion following with Cast & Crew.
Wednesday, November 10 – 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM
Outfest Wednesdays
15, 2003, 93 min. Dir. Royston Tan. A fast
paced, visually explosive and shocking film that chronicles five angst-ridden teenage boys
in Singapore. Mixing documentary realism, dreamy fantasy sequences and rapid montages, Tan
constructs a world that ranges from beautifully choreographed dance/fight scenes to
painful images of self-inflicted tattoos and piercings. The intimate, at times homoerotic,
friendships between the boys provide security and meaning as they grapple with life on the
streets. [Spielberg Theatre]
Wednesday, November 17 – 7:30 PM
OutFest Wednesdays
POSTER BOY, 2004, USA, video, 98
min. Dir. Zak Tucker, Scr: Ryan Shiraki & Lecia Rosenthal. What if Jesse Helms had a
gay son? First-time director Zak Tucker spins this intriguing premise with the story of
Henry, a cute, closeted gay undergrad experimenting with the joy and freedom of sex. The
problem? Henry’s father, a conservative Southern senator in the election fight of his
life, decides to use his son as the "poster boy" for his family values campaign.
Tension escalates when Henry meets Anthony, a radical ACT UP activist, and a wary
relationship blossoms. Henry chooses the ultimate public moment - his father’s big
speech on campus - to resolve his life’s contradictions once and for all. Shot in
striking verité style, with a superb cast that includes Karen Allen as Henry’s
life-beaten mother, POSTER BOY puts one troubled family at the heart of family values.
Winner: Outfest 2004 Jury Award, Outstanding Screenwriting
October
Wednesday, October 27 – 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM
Outfest Wednesdays
Funny Girls’ Shorts
– Whether they're looking for love or seeking ridiculous revenge, these funny
ladies will charm and delight you. Drawing from the humor of everyday life, this
distinctly original program includes stories of a faked orgasm, a misplaced cockroach, a
fortuitous traffic jam and sex education over breakfast! [Spielberg Theatre]
Wednesday, October 20 – 7:30 PM
Outfest Wednesdays:
HELLBENT, 2004, 84 min. Dir. Paul
Etheredge-Ouzts. With a wicked sense of humor, eye-popping production design and
ultra-gory special effects, writer/director Paul Etheredge-Ouzts’ HELLBENT takes the
horror genre to a new homo height. In this haunting debut feature, handsome boy-next-door
Eddie and his three best friends immerse themselves in the swirling, fantasy-filled world
of the annual West Hollywood Halloween Carnival. Packed with surprises and propelled by an
explosive gay punk soundtrack (including performances by Nick Name and Pansy Division),
HELLBENT keeps the thrills, chills and laughs coming at breakneck pace. Bring a friend to
hold onto and prepare yourself for an enjoyably scary night. Discussion
following with director Paul Etheredge-Ouzts and cast.
Wednesday, October 13 screening
is not at the Egyptian.
Wednesday, October 6 – 7:30 PM
OutFest Wednesdays:
Special Pre-Release Screening! STAGE BEAUTY, 2004, Lions Gate, 105 min. Dir. Richard Eyre.
In 1660s London, women are forbidden to appear on stage and Edward "Ned"
Kynaston (Billy Crudup) is England's most celebrated leading lady. A committed star, Ned
maintains his feminine identity offstage and an aristocratic boyfriend (Ben Chaplin). When
King Charles II (Rupert Everett) suddenly allows real women to tread the boards, Ned
becomes a nobody virtually overnight while Maria, his lovelorn young dresser (Claire
Danes), rises to stardom. Cast out of the spotlight, Ned seems headed for burlesque
obscurity until Maria takes it upon herself to restore his sense of self. STAGE BEAUTY is
a witty, moving exploration of gender and identity onstage and off.
Wednesday, October 13
OutFest Wednesdays will take place off-site on this date. Please
check www.Outfest.org for info.
September
Wednesday, September 15 – 7:30 PM
OutFest Wednesdays:
"Best of the Fest: Favorites from Outfest 2004"
"Noah's Arc," 2004, Tall
Skinny Black Boy Productions, 60 min. Dir. Patrik-Ian Polk. Winner: Outfest 2004
Special Programming Award, Freedom Award! A fresh new television series from
Patrick-Ian Polk, acclaimed director of "Punks," "Noah's Arc" follows
four friends living the gay life in L.A. Struggling screenwriter Noah embarks on a new
love with successful screenwriter Wade. HIV/AIDS counselor Alex keeps it real with his
clients, but struggles to do the same with his boyfriend Trey. Ricky owns a trendy
clothing store on Melrose and is the playboy of the foursome, while college professor
Chance has recently created a family with his partner Eddie. Throw in Chance's amorous
teaching assistant, Ricky's hot new store clerk and Romeo, a flamboyantly fabulous fashion
designer, and you've got the makings for delicious drama, delightful comedy and steamy
sexuality! [Presented in collaboration with: At The Beach Los Angeles Black Pride and In
The Meantime Men's Group, Inc.] Discussion following with
director Patrik-Ian Polk.
Wednesday, September 22 – 7:00 & 9:00 PM [Spielberg Theatre]
OutFest Wednesdays:
"Best of the Fest: Favorites from Outfest 2004"
A FINE STATE THIS IS, 2003, Underdog
Productions, 54 min. Dir. Jessica Chandler. Winner: Outfest 2004 Grand Jury Award,
Outstanding Documentary Feature! A portrait of the artist with multiple personality
disorder, A FINE STATE THIS IS captures the many alters cohabiting within lesbian artist
Deborah Fargo Whitman, who has had celebrated solo exhibitions at the Whitney and
prestigious New York galleries. An endearing six-year-old girl named Genie, a gay teen
named Anton, a little boy named Wiley, an alcoholic, an ape and dozens of others live
separate yet harmonious lives inside Deborah's body. Without dwelling on clinical
evaluations or details of childhood abuse, director Jessica Chandler deftly captures the
individual personalities as they emerge. Spiked with captivating visuals of Deborah's art
and the healing images of the alters' paintings, this is a mesmerizing film whose whole is
undeniably greater than the sum of its parts. Plus the short: "Confession: A Film About Ariel Schrag,"
2003, 23 min. Dir. Sharon Barnes. Ariel Schrag, a 23-year-old comic book artist, shares
her wise and refreshing ruminations on growing up dyke in NYC.
Wednesday, September 29 – 7:30 PM
OutFest Wednesdays:
"Best of the Fest: Favorites from Outfest 2004"
DORIAN BLUES, 2004, Day Dreamer
Films, 88 min. Dir. Tennyson Bardwell. Winner: Outfest 2004 Audience Award, HBO
Outstanding First Narrative Feature! Dorian is a high school senior with issues. He
has a biting gay sensibility in a family consisting of a conservative father, a hunky jock
brother and an emotionally crippled mother. When Dorian finally finds the courage to come
out, he is mortified by his father's reaction and temporarily attempts to transform
himself into the straight man that society will accept. A handsome therapist, a
swing-dancing hooker and departure for college in the Big Apple help Dorian overcome his
anxieties. But in this hilarious debut feature, Dorian's problems are far from over, as
his newfound world of freedom (and puppy love!) come face to face with the realities of
adult life. Discussion following with Chris Dallman (Andrew)
and Sian Heder (Ellie). [Post-screening open bar reception hosted by: Absolut.]
June
Wednesday, June 2 – 7:30 PM
Pre-Release Screening!! DE-LOVELY, 2004, MGM, 124 min.
Dir. Irwin Winkler. This spectacular, star-studded musical bio-drama peers into the
complex heart of legendary composer Cole Porter ("Anything Goes," "Kiss Me
Kate"). Porter (the sublime Kevin Kline) narrates his life as if it were one
magnificent stage show. Using elaborate musical numbers, he tells his elegant, extravagant
and complicated story, which includes his marriage to Linda Lee Porter (a stunning Ashley
Judd), who cherished and supported him through a procession of gay lovers. With onscreen
musical performances by contemporary rock and pop stars including Alanis Morissette,
Sheryl Crow and Elvis Costello, DE-LOVELY is a sparkling celebration of Porter's musical
genius as well as a stirring exploration of the artist's creative and personal journey.
Wednesday, June 9 – 7:00 PM & 9:00
PM [Spielberg Theatre]
TOTALLY SEXY LOSER,
2002, 75 min. Dir. Jason Schafer. What do you get when you cross a studly, self-centered
commitment-phobe with an adorable co-dependent doormat? Let's just say the answer to
"Can this marriage be saved?" becomes pretty clear-cut in this darkly wicked Los
Angeles comedy from first-time director Jason Schafer (screenwriter of TRICK). On the
night that Jeremy tells Chip that he wants to break up - moments after they've had sex, no
less - Jeremy thinks back on their relationship and where it all went wrong. Was it doomed
from the start? Are they both at fault? Check out this brutally funny examination of
modern gay-boy love and sex to find out. TOTALLY SEXY LOSER: it's a movie about someone
you know.
Wednesday, June 16 – 7:00 PM & 9:00PM [Spielberg Theatre]
INCIDENTAL JOURNEY, 2001, 61 min. Dir. Jofei
Chen. Set in picturesque rural Taiwan, INCIDENTAL JOURNEY is a romantic tale of chance
encounters and new beginnings. Ching, a beautiful young woman living in New York, returns
to Taiwan to reunite with her lover, only to discover she is now with another woman. On a
remote road, the distraught Ching crosses paths with Hsiang, a nomadic artist on her way
to visit her former girlfriend. When Ching's car leaves them stranded, Hsiang invites
Ching to join her for the weekend. A bittersweet bond unites these two quite different
women, resulting in a chance for both to break away from their haunted pasts.
Wednesday, June 23 – 7:30 PM
DIE MOMMIE DIE!, 2003, Sundance Channel, 90 min.
Dir. Mark Rucker. An outrageously funny showcase for the singular talents of
screenwriter/drag diva/leading lady Charles Busch, DIE MOMMIE DIE! is an exquisite send-up
of Hollywood conventions and American propriety. The delightfully naughty and convoluted
narrative, borrowed from the Greeks by way of George Cukor, finds Busch as one-time
chart-topping singer Angela Arden, miserably married to Hollywood producer Sol Sussman and
mother to a nasty daughter (Natasha Lyonne) and a trampy son (Stark Sands). Sol abruptly
ends Angela's affair with notoriously endowed out-of-work actor Tony (Jason Priestley),
leading to a deadly encounter with a rat poison-laced suppository, a fight for Sol's
estate and both kids bedding Tony. Mark Rucker's directorial debut is a stylish
tour-de-force that frames Busch's Angela in the Technicolor splendor that suits her legend
most.
Wednesday, June 30 – 7:30 PM
Newly Restored Print! ALL ABOUT EVE, 1950, 20th
Century Fox, 138 min. Dir. Joseph L. Mankiewicz. A scintillating showbiz yarn laced with
bitchiness and back-stabbing, Joseph L. Mankiewicz's multi-Oscar-winning masterpiece pits
middle-aged Broadway mega-star Margo Channing (glorious Bette Davis in her greatest role)
against smooth-talking, two-faced wannabe Eve Harrington (a perfectly evil Anne Baxter). A
timid, mousy fan who ingratiates her way into Margo's inner circle, ambitious Eve wastes
no time stealing Margo's spotlight and her man. Never fear: Margo takes nothing lying
down, and Bette's arsenal of immortal lines is unmatched - not to mention costuming and
make-up that cemented her place as a drag icon. A superb supporting cast (including
Celeste Holm, George Sanders, Marilyn Monroe and hilarious Thelma Ritter) brings New
York's theater set to life with razor-sharp precision and dialogue that glitters with
sophistication and cynicism. If you've never seen it before, "Fasten your
seatbelt..."
May
Wednesday, May 5 – 7:30 PM
Inaugural Outfest Wednesday Screening!!
Sponsored by IN Magazine Los Angeles.
"Queer Shorts" (approx. 71 min. total) To
celebrate our new collaboration with Outfest and their move to the Egyptian Theatre, we
present our annual program of co-programmed Queer Shorts. This year’s selection
represents some of the best filmmaking of the past year and includes three Los Angeles
Premieres! Jonah Markowitz’s "Hung Up" ( 9 min). A cell phone
catastrophe sends a man on a race to regain his dignity.; Ana Lopez’s "Gay
Girls on the P.L." (8 min). Intrigue and dyke-o-drama reign when three young
girls discover the Party Line.; Eve Bregman’s "Afterschool Delight"
(10 min). Scout and her best friend Angie get trapped in her older brother’s closet.;
L.A. PREMIERE! Michael Apted’s "Lipstick" (10 min). A high
school girl attempts to come to terms with her sexuality.; L.A. PREMIERE! Jowan
Carbin’s "Welcome to Life" (10 min). After a kiss on the playground,
the life and friendship of two boys will never be the same.; Lars Daniel & Kruzkoff
Jacobson’s "Precious Moments" (16 min). Sexy, cautionary tale based
on the true story of a man who had sex with a minor.; LA PREMIERE! Pascal-Alex
Vincents’ "Far West" (8 min). Funny, moving tale of a 19-year-old
pretty party boy who has to spend his holidays at his grandfather’s farm in the
French countryside. Discussion following Jonah Markowitz (Hung
Up), Ana Lopez (Gay Girls On The P.L.) and Eve Bergman (Afterschool Delight), then
join us for a reception. POST-SCREENING RECEPTION HOSTED BY: Absolut
Wednesday, May 12 – 7:30 PM
Outfest Weekly Screening! Special Sneak Preview!
TWIST, 2003, Strand Releasing, 97 min. Dir. Jacob Tierney. This
contemporary telling of Dickens' Oliver Twist follows a pack of teen hustlers on
the rough and tough streets of contemporary Toronto. Dodge (Nick Stahl) is a veteran rent
boy who teaches beautiful young runaway Oliver the tricks of the trade. They live in a
decrepit "den" (run by formidable pimp Fagen) that becomes more of a home than
the one from which Oliver escaped. Oliver struggles to adapt to his new life, as Dodge is
forced to confront the relationships of his past. TWIST is a striking and gritty rendition
of this classic tale.
Wednesday, May 19 – 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM (Spielberg Theatre)
Outfest Wednesdays
NO SECRET ANYMORE: THE TIMES OF DEL MARTIN AND PHYLLIS
LYON, 2003, Jeb, 57 min. Dir. Jeb (Joan E. Biren). Legendary lesbian rights activists
Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon were justifiably asked to be the very first couple wed in San
Francisco this winter. Their political struggle and lifelong commitment to each other date
back to the 1950s, a time lesbians were routinely labeled illegal, immoral and sick. With
boundless determination and five decades of love, they transformed public awareness
through their pioneering work with the Daughters of Bilitis and the National Organization
for Women, among many others progressive organizations. These brave women also fought the
injustices endured by lesbian mothers, battered women and now, the elderly. This poignant
love story gives testament to the impact that individuals – and the social movements
they build – can have on the course of history. Plus short film: "Hubby/Wifey," 2002, 7 min. Dir. Todd Hughes. A modern
lesbian couple shares a fevered dream with their foremothers Gertrude and Alice, of the
joys and trials of gay marriage.
Wednesday, May 26 – 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM (SPIELBERG THEATRE)
Outfest Wednesdays!
MANGO KISS, 2003, Sascha
Rice, 80 min. Dir. Sascha Rice. Sandra and Lou are dazzled by newfound love and their
delicious new life together. They're anxious to please each other yet tempted by the wild
rebel girls in the candy store that is San Francisco. Captain Daddy Lou and Princess
Sassafras agree to search for new forms of erotic passion in their kinky, gorgeous circle
of friends. The ensuing love quadrangle culminates in an ultimate soul-baring game of
spin-the-bottle. With everyone in attendance, will our lovers get off on a dominatrix hit,
an innocent peach kiss or the full-on wetness of a mango kiss? When the party's over, only
brutal honesty can define the difference between non-monogamy and secretive affairs. MANGO
KISS is a vibrant exploration of sexuality within relationships and a highly entertaining
first-feature from talented director Sascha Rice. Discussion
following with Sascha Rice.
Plus short film: "Drama," 2003, 4 min. Dir.
A Rosser Goodman. A cute self-absorbed house sitter hilariously reveals her
irresponsibility. |
