Fusion Film Festival Spotlights Multicultural LGBT Films and Honors Wilson Cruz
March 10, 2010
Fusion Film Festival, a program of Outfest and the nation’s only multi-cultural LGBT film festival starts tomorrow with panel discussions and screenings on Saturday, March 13th, with a closing gala to honor actor and activist Wilson Cruz.
The festival will screen a variety of films from shorts to features at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. Included in Saturday’s schedule is a retrospective screening of the 1960’s film Portrait of Jackson, a nonfiction film that follows the life and times of Jason Holliday, a gay hustler in 1960s Manhattan. The film is directed by Shirley Clarke, a pioneer of avant-garde film making who has influenced filmmakers and artists for over 40 years.
Also in Saturday’s line-up is the Rodney Evans‘ short, Billy and Aaron, part of the Fusion 2 Shorts that begins at 6:00 pm. Rodney Evans LGBT-centered film, Brother to Brother was nominated for Outstanding Film–Limited Release GLAAD Media Award in 2005.
For those interested in learning more about getting involved in the entertainment industry, Fusion is holding a public event on Thursday, March 11th titled “Want to Work in the Entertainment Industry?” where executives, programmers, and marketing experts share their experiences and knowledge about working “outside the set.” Reservations are required, so be sure to email your name to FusionThursday@outfest.org.
There will be an additional series of lectures reserved exclusively for filmmakers, screenwriters, and producers of color on Friday, March 12th, which includes topics such as networking and writing for film. Reservations are required.
Click here to register online.
Wilson Cruz is the recipient of the Fusion Achievement Award
Saturday’s Fusion’s Gala starts at 8:30 pm, with a special screening of Quentin Lee’s film, The People I’ve Slept With, starring out actor Wilson Cruz. Cruz is the recipient of this year’s Fusion Achievement Award, which honors role models within the LGBT community. Wilson Cruz will also be co-hosting the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on April 17th alongside Candis Cayne.
GLAAD members can receive a discounted ticket price for the Fusion Festival: $7 (originally $10) for all screenings and $15 (originally $20) for the Gala by clicking here and entering an access code of fusion5. Mention GLAAD and also receive discounts when you order by phone, (213) 480-7088, or when you purchase screening tickets in person on Saturday at the Egyptian Theater after 2:30pm.
Related Posts:Fish Out of Water Premieres at Rhode Island International Film Festival
August 6, 2009
Director Ky Dickens teams up with Golden Globe music nominee Kaki King on the feature-length documentary, Fish Out of Water, to challenge often-quoted texts from the Bible used by anti-gay conservatives against LGBT people.
Inspired by Dickens own coming out experience, the film features an animated version of the filmmaker Ky and her biblical entourage as they take a surprisingly fun and insightful look at interpretations of Biblical text. Theologians and community members from across the country are also interviewed about why they want to open the church doors to LGBT people.
Fish out of Water received rave reviews at its world debut at Outfest in Los Angeles last month.
The movie premieres at the Rhode Island International Film Festival on August 8 at the Bell Street Chapel in Providence. Click here to reserve your tickets.
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Ptown Diaries Screening at Outfest: Saturday July 18
July 15, 2009
Ptown Diaries, the new documentary from director Joseph Mantegna and narrated by Tony-winning actor Alan Cumming, has been added to the Outfest schedule and will be screening this Saturday at 3:30 at the Red Cat Theatre in Downtown LA.
Ptown Diaries
Ptown Diaries, narrated by award-winning actor Alan Cumming, takes an in-depth look at Provincetown, Massachusetts and how it came to be “the” travel destination for throngs of gay and lesbian vacationers. This film festival favorite documentary identifies Ptown as the gay capital of the Northeast and a place of refuge throughout its history starting with early pilgrim settlements. The documentary demonstrates how the keystone of the town – freedom – has allowed it to develop into a culturally rich area where famous artists, musicians, authors and playwrights launched their career and transformed popular culture.
In addition to Cumming, the film features Michael Cunningham, Lea Delaria, Hedda Lettuce, David Mitchell and many of Ptown’s colorful residents. Ptown Diaries also examines Provincetown’s rich artistic history with writers and playwrights such as Norman Mailer, Tennessee Williams and Eugene O’Neill.
A week after the Outfest screening, Ptown Diaries will be having its world premiere on Logo’s Real Momentum on Saturday, July 25. Visit the Logo website for airtimes.
Related Posts:Todd Holland Clarifies Statements From Outfest
July 14, 2009
GLAAD reached out to Todd Holland following his statements at Outfest. Todd requested to clarify his remarks and asked that GLAAD distribute the following statement on his behalf:
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As an openly gay man in Hollywood, I know firsthand the tremendous challenges that people throughout the industry face in terms of being open about who they are. For people who know me, they know that I believe it’s important for people to live openly and authentically, and I am sorry for my poorly chosen words at Outfest. At the end of the day, I hope my comments do not prevent us from having honest, thoughtful conversations about the significant barriers that make being an out actor in Hollywood an ongoing obstacle.
Outfest Begins Tonight
July 9, 2009
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.The Opening Night Gala is tonight at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles and features La Mission, a powerful film from writer/director Peter Bratt. The film stars Peter’s brother, Benjamin Bratt, as Che, a former inmate and recovering alcoholic who reacts violently when he discovers his beloved son Jesse is gay.
The film premiered earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival and the cast participated in a Q&A at the Queer Lounge, a program of GLAAD:
In related news, Variety printed an excellent article about the prominence of lesbian films at this year’s Outfest:
Chasity Kershal Hammitte in Mississippi Damned
“We have two centerpieces geared toward women, Tina Mabry’s ‘Mississippi Dammed’ and Lucia Puenzo’s ‘El Nino Pas,’” says Outfest exec director Kirsten Schaffer. “And the Legacy Project gala is ‘Choosing Children’ (1984), which is more oriented toward lesbians. We also have Nancy Kissam’s ‘Drool,’ which was a huge success at Slamdance this year. And there’s ‘Ghosted’ from Monika Treut, who has a huge lesbian following.”
Diversity is key at Outfest, yet it’s an uphill battle for women, if only because there are always so many gay-male pics to contend with. “Any year we have the opportunity to highlight films by female directors we do,” says Schaffer. Last year, “there were definitely films that were lesbian, but they tended to be international and smaller films.”
Tickets are still available for numerous screenings and may be purchased at the Outfest website.
Related Posts:Hannah Free, starring Sharon Gless, Closes Frameline Film Fest This Weekend
June 25, 2009
Sharon Gless, star of Cagney & Lacey and Queer as Folk, stars in Hannah Free, a moving lesbian love story spanning decades which will be the gala closing night film at Frameline, the San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival on June 28 before screening at other festivals around the country.
Gless stars as the older Hannah, who as a girl growing up in a small Midwestern town fell deeply in love with another girl named Rachel. As the girls grew older, the took different paths: Hannah passionately embraced her sexual orientation, while Rachel became a strong but quiet homemaker. Yet through marriage, World War II and other trials, the two women maintained their love affair. Hannah Free is directed by Wendy Jo Carlton and written by Claudia Allen (based on her acclaimed stage play).
Gless and Rosie O’Donnell will be on hand to present the film, along with the rest of the film’s cast.
To purchase tickets for the Hannah Free and the closing night party, please visit the Frameline website. For additional screening information, including Outfest, visit the film’s official website.
Hannah Free
Frameline Closing Night Film
Castro Theatre
Sunday, June 28 at 7:30pm
Outfest/Frameline33 Screening: Two Spirits
June 17, 2009
On July 16, GLAAD will be partnering with Outfest to present a fascinating new documentary – Two Spirits: Sexuality, Gender, and the Murder of Fred Martinez. The film will also be showing at Frameline33, the San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival, this Sunday, June 21.
Filmmaker Lydia Nibley explores the cultural context behind a tragic and senseless murder. Fred Martinez was a Navajo youth slain at the age of 16 by a man who bragged to his friends that he “bug-smashed a f**.” But Fred was part of an honored Navajo tradition – the “nadleeh”, or “two-spirit”, who possesses a balance of masculine and feminine traits. Through telling Fred’s story, Nibley reminds us of the values that America’s indigenous peoples have long embraced.
Tickets for Outfest went on sale this week and can be purchased by visiting www.outfest.org/fest2009. As a member of GLAAD you are eligible to receive a $1 discount on each ticket purchased for this film for the Outfest screening!
Two Spirits: Sexuality, Gender, and the Murder of Fred Martinez
Outfest in Los Angeles
July 16, 2009 at 7pm, Fairfax 1 theatre
Outfest is a leading showcase for diverse, international lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) film and video. Outfest produces the oldest and largest continuous film festival in Los Angeles, the only LGBT weekly screening series in the country as well as the only LGBT people of color film festival. Since 1982, Outfest has presented more than 4,000 film and video titles for audiences of well over half a million people. Outfest 2009 features 160 films and videos from 20 countries and runs from July 9th – July 19th.
For information on the Frameline33 screening (June 21 at 2:15pm, Victoria Theatre) please visit www.frameline.org
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What’s in Store for LGBT Film Festivals?
January 23, 2009
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.
So what must LGBT festivals do to adapt and thrive? This Queer Lounge panel addresses what’s at stake and features producer/director Lesli Klainberg, the interim executive director of New York City’s Newsfest; Kirsten Schaffer, deputy executive director of Los Angeles’ Outfest; Jennifer Morris, director of programming at San Francisco’s Frameline, Carol Coombes, associate artistic director of the Philadelphia Film Festival and Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival; Paul Rachman, East Coast director of Slamdance, a festival inclusive of LGBT films; and Orly Ravid, co-founder of American Vision and VP acquisitions of Senator Entertainment.
Most of the panel is available below, with analysis provided here.
Unfortunately, the sound was not working at the beginning of the hour, so introductions are cut off, but the discussion remains. Our apologies for any inconvenience.
LGBT Film Fests Prepare for Trying Times, New Directions
January 18, 2009
Representatives from the country’s major LGBT film festivals gathered on Saturday in Park City for a discussion about adapting to fit a changing economy, declining sponsorship and new media. Despite uncertain times, one thing was certain: The LGBT film fest is not going away.
The festival leaders convened at the GLAAD-hosted Queer Lounge for a panel entitled “Trying Times: The future of LGBT Film Festivals,” which featured producer/director Lesli Klainberg, the interim executive director of New York City’s Newsfest; Kirsten Schaffer, deputy executive director of Los Angeles’ Outfest; Jennifer Morris, director of programming at San Francisco’s Frameline, Carol Coombes, associate artistic director of the Philadelphia Film Festival and Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival; Paul Rachman, East Coast director of Slamdance, a festival inclusive of LGBT films; and Orly Ravid, co-founder of American Vision and VP acquisitions of Senator Entertainment.
“Let’s start with the conceit that we believe there should be LGBT film festivals,” said Klainberg. LGBT festivals are particularly important in the rural areas and smaller cities where homophobia continues to be rampant, said Schaffer.
But there was also an acknowledgment that we are in an environment where all festivals are facing declining sponsorships, forcing them to make judicious decisions to continue operating. Newfest will be trimming its program down from 12 days to eight as it makes a highly-anticipated move to screening at the School of Visual Arts theater.
Morris says that due to the economic crunch, Frameline will streamline while phasing out some of its programs. “We are all embracing for what the environment is bringing,” she said. Schaffer added that Outfest has put its regular Wednesday screenings on hiatus, while it will likely reduce the number of programs screened at its June fest by approximately 15%.
“It is a scary time,” Schaffer said. “It’s also a great time for opportunity. We can’t be stagnant.” Schaffer says that to survive the festivals must look at the media environment and change accordingly. “We have to grow and change who we are.”
Ravid suggests new financial models will need to take place for the festivals to survive, and that the festivals should work together as a consortium to acquire films, attain sponsorship and create ancillary revenue through methods such as online distribution.
Saturday at Queer Lounge
January 17, 2009
Join us today for two great panels that all LGBT filmmakers will want to participate in: One on the future of LGBT film fests, the other on the burgeoning market for short films.
TRYING TIMES: THE FUTURE OF LGBT FILM FESTIVALS
Saturday, January 17, 2009, 12:00 PM
Panelists: Kirsten Schaffer (Outfest), Jennifer Morris (Frameline), Orly Ravid (New American Vision, Senator Entertainment), Paul Rachman (Slamdance), and Carol Coombes (Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Film Festival).
Moderator: Lesli Klainberg (Newfest)
While film festivals face an uncertain future in the current economic climate, queer film festivals face even more significant challenges as they struggle to hold onto sponsors and attract younger audiences who are more accustomed to streaming media on their computers. While many mainstream festivals now showcase a robust range of LGBT programming, there is still a need for the LGBT community to hold onto their own festivals even with increasing questions of their financial viability and relevance. Difficult times often inspire great creative innovation, and many festivals are finding ways to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing new media landscape. Join representatives of some of the leading festivals in the country for a discussion of what these 21st century models of film festivals might look like, and how LGBT film can and does influence mainstream film festivals.
SHORT FILMS – YES, THERE IS A MARKET!
Saturday, January 17, 2009, 3:00PM
Panelists: Maria Wolfe (Wolfe Video), Tiffany Shlain (Dir., The Tribe), Joe Wilson (Prod/Co-Dir., Out in the Silence), other panelists TBA.
Moderator: Roberta Marie Munroe (author, How NOT To Make a Short Film: Secrets From a Sundance Programmer)
Following the bust of the dot-com era, a generation of online filmmakers looking for alternate methods of reaching an audience helped drive the success of user-generated websites like YouTube, Revver and Funny or Die, sending short film submissions to festivals through the roof. At Sundance alone, submissions went up over 60% between 2003 and 2004, but people kept asking, “How will shorts make money?” Through DVD compilations, downloads and even big-screen release, it’s happening. Last year, Magnolia Pictures theatrically released a compilation of the 2008 Oscar® nominated shorts that made an astonishing $500,000 at the box office, while some shorts on iTunes receive residual checks of up to $80,000. Join us for this interactive panel about the current state of the short film market and find out how some filmmakers are using their shorts to raise capital for feature-length versions of their films.
LGBT Film Panels, Prop. 8 Highlight QL Events
January 16, 2009
Join us in Park City this week for a series of exciting panels on the state of LGBT film. All panels take place on the third floor of Queer Lounge, 608 Main Street. And check back here for video highlights after the events.
TRYING TIMES: THE FUTURE OF LGBT FILM FESTIVALS
Saturday, January 17, 2009, 12:00 PM
Panelists: Kirsten Schaffer (Outfest), Jennifer Morris (Frameline), Orly Ravid (New American Vision, Senator Entertainment), Paul Rachman (Slamdance), and Carol Coombes (Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Film Festival).
Moderator: Lesli Klainberg (Newfest)
While film festivals face an uncertain future in the current economic climate, queer film festivals face even more significant challenges as they struggle to hold onto sponsors and attract younger audiences who are more accustomed to streaming media on their computers. While many mainstream festivals now showcase a robust range of LGBT programming, there is still a need for the LGBT community to hold onto their own festivals even with increasing questions of their financial viability and relevance. Difficult times often inspire great creative innovation, and many festivals are finding ways to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing new media landscape. Join representatives of some of the leading festivals in the country for a discussion of what these 21st century models of film festivals might look like, and how LGBT film can and does influence mainstream film festivals.
SHORT FILMS – YES, THERE IS A MARKET!
Saturday, January 17, 2009, 3:00PM
Panelists: Maria Wolfe (Wolfe Video), Tiffany Shlain (Dir., The Tribe), Joe Wilson (Prod/Co-Dir., Out in the Silence), other panelists TBA.
Moderator: Roberta Marie Munroe (author, How NOT To Make a Short Film: Secrets From a Sundance Programmer)
Following the bust of the dot-com era, a generation of online filmmakers looking for alternate methods of reaching an audience helped drive the success of user-generated websites like YouTube, Revver and Funny or Die, sending short film submissions to festivals through the roof. At Sundance alone, submissions went up over 60% between 2003 and 2004, but people kept asking, “How will shorts make money?” Through DVD compilations, downloads and even big-screen release, it’s happening. Last year, Magnolia Pictures theatrically released a compilation of the 2008 Oscar® nominated shorts that made an astonishing $500,000 at the box office, while some shorts on iTunes receive residual checks of up to $80,000. Join us for this interactive panel about the current state of the short film market and find out how some filmmakers are using their shorts to raise capital for feature-length versions of their films.
LGBT CIVIL RIGHTS, FILM ACTIVISM & PROPOSITION 8
Sunday, January 18, 2009, 2:30PM
Panelists: John Cooper (Sundance Film Festival®), Rob Epstein (Oscar® Winning Dir., The Times of Harvey Milk, Celluloid Closet), Rashad Robinson (GLAAD), Matt Coles (ACLU), Dayna Frank (HOMOtracker, F.A.I.R.).
Moderator: B. Ruby Rich (Cultural Critic; Professor UC Santa Cruz)
This past November, the passage of Proposition 8 eliminated the right to marry for gay and lesbian couples in California, prompting swift public marches, boycotts, frustration and determination from local LGBT communities. Prop. 8 is arguably one of the most galvanizing moments in the gay rights movement. As filmmakers, what can we do to further the dialogue? Film and the LGBT movement have had a historical interplay. From the Stonewall Riot of 1969 to the murder of Harvey Milk, from the AIDS crisis to the hate crimes that claimed the lives of Brandon Teena and Matthew Shepard, film has amplified the effects of the grassroots groundswell to these events. This panel tackles the integral roles filmmakers have played in the LGBT movement as well as the emerging power of new media, the blogosphere and social networking sites utilized by the Activist 2.0 generation.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES TO THE SCREEN: NAVIGATING HOLLYWOOD WITH LGBT CONTENT
Monday, January 19, 2009, 3:00 PM
Panelists: Christine Vachon (Prod., Boys Don’t Cry, Motherhood), Ryan Werner (VP of Marketing, IFC), David Permut (Prod., Prayers for Bobby, Face/Off), and Daniel Sladek (Prod., Prayers for Bobby).
Moderator: Kyle Buchanan (Film Critic, The Advocate, Defamer.com)
Years ago, it was inconceivable that in suburban America, a cineplex could simultaneously offer the choice of Transamerica, Capote and Brokeback Mountain, each a success in their own right. Though box office profit is crucial, films like these also spark new discussions about the LGBT community and transform American opinion. Yet, LGBT projects have to carefully navigate their way through Hollywood’s cautious approach to get made, and not every one emerges unscathed. The development process might transform once multi-dimensional LGBT characters into neutered or exaggerated caricatures. And in a global economy, studios contemplate international perceptions of LGBT issues. Hear from filmmakers who have successfully navigated LGBT-content films through the development, packaging, financing, marketing, and even Oscar® and Emmy® campaign stages of Hollywood.
La MISSION: A STORY OF CULTURE, CLASS AND INTOLERANCE
Tuesday, January 20, 2009, 1:00PM
Panelists: Peter Bratt (Writer/Director) and cast members Benjamin Bratt, Erika Alexander, Jeremy Ray Valdez, Jesse Borrego and John Amaechi (Consulting Producer).
Moderator: Mike Goodridge (Screen International)
This Sundance Spectrum premiere tells the story of Che, an ex-inmate and working-class single-father who commands respect in San Francisco’s Mission District often through intimidation and fear. Che is a man entrenched in the old world culture of his Latino and Native American communities, who reacts with anger and violence upon discovering his son is gay, and later is forced to confront his own prejudices and demons. Director Peter Bratt teams with his brother Benjamin Bratt to bring this character to life in a powerful performance. The result is a rich film that tackles the topic of homophobia in minority communities and families, as well as the machismo culture. Join the cast and filmmakers for an insightful discussion of the film and the very timely issues around culture and sexual orientation that it addresses.
ROAD TO PARK CITY AND BEYOND: LAUNCHING YOUR FILM CAREER
Co-Sponsored by Film Independent
Tuesday, January 20, 2009, 3:00 PM
Panelists: Steak House (Prod., Weather Girl), Morgan Stiff (Prod., Mississippi Damned), Tina Mabry (Dir., Mississippi Damned), Cherien Dabis (Dir., Amreeka), Tze Chun (Dir., Children of Invention), Glenn McQuaid (Dir., I Sell the Dead).
Moderator: Josh Welsh, (Dir. of Talent Development, Film Independent).
Making a film can be a daunting prospect, but launching an entire career as a filmmaker is typically an even more intimidating and overwhelming proposal. There isn’t exactly a bar exam for first time directors or producers, and with so many associated costs, no one can afford to spend money unwisely in rocky economic times. From film festivals, to production courses and labs, to online and viral marketing, to TV and commercials, there are many ways to get a film career off the ground, but not every plan works for every person. So how do you know what’s the right path for you? With the guidance of Sundance and Slamdance filmmakers, many of whom have participated in Film Independent’s Filmmakers Labe, discover how to kick-start your career and hit the ground running.
THE OUTSIDERS: FORMING IDENTITIES FROM THE MARGINS
Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 12:00PM Noon
Panelists: David Brind (Co-Producer/Writer, Dare), Mary Jane Skalski (Prod., Dare, Mysterious Skin), Lee Daniels (Dir., Push, Shadow Boxer), Gabourey Sidibe (Actor, Push), and Steve Kelly (Dir., City Rats).
Moderator: TBA.
While strides have been made in mainstream acceptance and equality, LGBT youth often still grow up feeling marginalized. As any openly gay person can attest, this may profoundly affect the lives we lead, for both good and bad. One of the most important social contributions of film has been to expose audiences to life experiences far removed from their own and the common ground we all share. This year’s festival films continue that great tradition: Included among the array of outsiders we see are high school students questioning their sexual orientation in Dare, an HIV-positive young girl in Push, and a young man who is both gay and deaf in City Rats. On this panel, filmmakers will discuss how they crafted identities for young characters on the outside looking in.
