Outfest Begins Tonight

Outfest, the 27th Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, begins tonight and features 182 films from 25 countries over the span of 11 days.

Pansy Division Co-Founder Tells All

Jon Ginoli, the openly gay guitarist and co-founder of the queercore punk band Pansy Division, is currently on a nationwide book tour, promoting his autobiography. Deflowered: My Life in Pansy Division delves into the reasons why Ginoli felt compelled to live authentically in the punk rock scene of the early ’90s.

Photo Finish From Successful Queer Lounge

From a press conference with Jim Carrey about his new film I Love You Phillip Morris, to a look at the homophobia in communities of color in La MISSION, to a viewing party of the inauguration, the GLAAD Queer Lounge, sponsored by ABSOLUT Vodka, during Sundance and Slamdance was a resounding success.

Here at glaadBLOG you’ll [...]

Lee Daniels Film Scores Triple Crown at Sundance

One of the most talked about films of the 2009 Sundance Film Festival is Push: Based on the novel by Sapphire, from out director Lee Daniels. And now both the jury and audience have spoken: The film has been given three top honors at the Festival’s closing awards ceremony.

Glenn McQuaid Sells the Dead… And His Movie

Irish filmmaker Glenn McQuaid sat on a Queer Lounge panel this week to discuss his film, I Sell the Dead and to generously give tips to filmmakers just starting out. The panel was sponsored by Film Independent and provided a lively atmosphere for the packed house.

Steak House Serves Up the Meat of the Biz

Producer Steak House is currently at Slamdance with her film, Weather Girl. She sat on a panel at Queer Lounge this week to discuss her methods, in the hopes it might help audience members understand the work behind producing a film. Hint: A trust fund may help, but it’s not essential.

The Women Behind Mississippi Damned Talk About Their Careers

Writer/Director Tina Mabry and Producer Morgan Stiff sat on a Queer Lounge panel this week to discuss how they got their start as filmmakers. One important tip? Never be afraid to ask for anything for FREE. You’ll be surprised what you’ll get!

Tze Chun Helps Budding Filmmakers

Tze Chun, director of Sundance’s Children of Invention, sat on a Queer Lounge panel this week designed to help filmmakers who are just starting out. We’ve assembled the best of his answers. We hope this helps you get your foot in the door!

Cherien Dabis on How She Got Started

Writer/Director Cherien Dabis (Amreeka) sat on a Queer Lounge panel this week entitled, “Road to Park City and Beyond: Launching Your Film Career.” It took her five years to perfect the script. Do you have what it takes to be a Sundance filmmaker?

What’s in Store for LGBT Film Festivals?

While film festivals like Sundance face an uncertain future in the current economic climate, queer film festivals like Outfest and Newfest face even more significant challenges as they struggle to hold onto sponsors, attract younger audiences, and face competition from increasingly inclusive mainstream fests.

Navigating Hollywood with LGBT Content

For many filmmakers — novices and seasoned vets alike — presenting their LGBT-inclusive film to big-name distributors can be a daunting task. For many, it seems impossible that their gay film will ever hit theaters. For those in doubt, Queer Lounge assembled a group of experts who have beaten the odds and gotten their LGBT [...]

Feel Like an OUTSIDER?

Queer Lounge hosted a panel this morning entitled, “The Outsiders: Forming Identities from the Margins.” It was a fascinating hour, moderated by Kyle Buchanan, film critic for The Advocate, and featured Mary Jane Sklaski and David Brind (Dare), Lee Daniels and Gabourey Sidibe (Push) and Steve Kelly (City Rats).

Kyle Buchanan’s Take on Sundance 2009

Kyle Buchanan, film critic for The Advocate, has moderated two panels for Queer Lounge this week, lending his unique insight and expertise to all who attended. Of course we wanted to pass on his riches to you! Watch our interview with him as he gives us the run-down on which Sundance movies to look out [...]

David Brind Dares Us to See Dare

Screenwriter David Brind stopped by Queer Lounge today to talk about Dare, his new film now screening at Sundance. Though Dare has a gay character and addresses gay themes, Brind doesn’t classify it specifically as a “gay movie.” Find out why by watching our interview.

Benjamin Bratt, Peter Bratt & More Talk Up La MISSION

Brothers Benjamin and Peter Bratt visited the Queer Lounge yesterday with their cast and crew in tow, to talk up their new Sundance film, La MISSION. The movie addresses homophobia in ethnic communities and machismo culture, and promises to be an emotional and powerful film.