community
THE LGBT COMMUNITY by chris carpenter
OUTFEST 2018 PROTECTING AND PROMOTING
Trans bodybuilders, controversial photographer Robert Map- plethorpe, teenagers sent to a gay aversion therapy camp and New York’s legendary Studio 54 are just a few of the subjects that will be on view during the 36th Annual Outfest, Los Angeles’ LGBTQ Film Festival, presented by HBO. Outfest Los Angeles is an internationally-renown, non-profit
organization that promotes equality by creating, sharing, and protect- ing LGBTQ stories on the screen the year-round. With two-thirds of the festival’s content this year directed by women, people of color and trans filmmakers, Outfest once again brings together the most diverse and highest-quality LGBTQ films from around the world. “I am incredibly proud of all the ways Outfest Los Angeles continues
to step onto a larger stage,” stated Executive Director Christopher Racster. “This year, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences named Outfest as an Academy Award-qualifying film festival for their Short Film Awards. This recognition acknowledges our long history of discovering extraordinary short films and the talented filmmakers who have used Outfest as a platform to launch their careers.” This year’s festival will also take place in more Los Angeles neighbor-
hoods than ever before. New venues include Plaza de la Raza, the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater, the California African American Museum, Regal Cinemas at LA Live, and Outfest will also return to the newly-renovated, outdoor Ford Theatre for several screenings under the stars. Outfest 2018 opens onThursday, July 12 at the Orpheum Theatre
in downtown LA withStudio 54, Matt Tyrnauer’s vibrantly nostalgic documentary about the famous N.Y.C. dance club. It will close on Sunday, July 22 withThe Miseducation of Cameron Post, Desiree Akhavan’s startling drama about so-called “reparative therapy” that won the Grand Jury Prize winner at this year’s Sundance Film Festival (see interview on next page with Akhavan). In between, the festival will feature five world premieres:Bao Bao,
a deeply felt film from Taiwan (one of several spotlight movies from Taiwan); Bright Colors and Bold Patterns, directed by Michael Urie of Ugly Betty fame and starring the hilarious Drew Droege; Laura Madalinski’s Two in the Bush: A Love Story, the story detailing a polyamorous romance; Tucked, about two drag performers connecting across generations; andRoom to Grow, a documentary exploration into the lives of queer teenagers today. North American and U.S. festival premieres also includeEva & Candela, Sodom,
Canary, Cola De Mono andDaddy Issues. “With 221 films and 13 TV series, this festival’s lineup is bursting at
WITH 221 FILMS AND 13 TV SERIES, THIS FESTI- VAL’S LINEUP IS BURSTING AT THE SEAMS WITH THE MOST AN- TICIPATED QUEER AND TRANS STORIES OF THE YEAR.”
the seams with the most anticipated queer and trans stories of the year,” commented Outfest’s Director of Programming Lucy Mukerjee. “Notable recurring themes in 2018 include escapism and sexual liberation, and we continue to raise the bar in non-fiction storytelling as we shine a spotlight on unsung LGBTQ communities in our documentary competition.” I was privileged to screen three films in advance that I consider
don’t-miss standouts of this year’s fest. Although it will screen on Friday the 13th, you certainly won’t experience bad luck while watching the sexy, biographicalMapplethorpe. British actor Matt Smith ofDoctor Who fame transforms himself physically and vocally to play the gay photographer, who died too young of AIDS complications in 1988, but not before sparking a revolution in the then-conservative art world. Smith and award-winning filmmaker Ondi Timoner provide a no-holds-barred look at the late artist. 1985, screening on Tuesday, July 16, is another significant drama
set during the early years of the AIDS pandemic. Written and directed by Yen Tan, who previously made the gay-themedPit Stop andHappy Birthday, beautifully shot in rare black and white by the single-named cinematographer, HutcH. Cory Michael Smith (who is terrific as the Riddler on TV’sGotham) headlines as Adrian, a closeted young man who returns home for Christmas the titular year, after several years’ absence. He is intent on revealing several secrets to his family, but it won’t be easy. Michael Chiklis (Smith’sGotham co-star) and the ever-lovely Virginia Madsen play Adrian’s struggling parents. My third fave isMan Made, an eye-opening documentary
produced by actress Tea Leoni, about female-to-male trans competi- tive bodybuilders. It will screen onSaturday, July 21. I didn’t know there were such athletes nor that there is an annual competition for them, Trans Fit Con. Director T. Cooper (who is trans himself) follows six competitors in various stages of their transitions, training and personal relationships. Their stories are inspiring and the movie overall is illuminating. To top it off, Florence + the Machine provides a great song over the end credits.
OutFest Los Angelesruns from Thursday, July 12 through Sunday, July 22 throughout the L.A. area. For screening information about the many other offer- ings during Outfest 2018, or to purchase advance passes or tickets go to
outfest.org.
COMING OUT TO
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RAGE monthly | JULY 2018
RAGE monthly | JULY 2018
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