Merci Docteur Rey directed by Andrew Litvack

with reception to follow

  It's not easy for a young, sexy Parisian boy to be the only son of a world-famous narcissistic opera diva (played by Academy Award Winning Actress Dianne Wiest)…Or to look for Mr. Right on chat lines…Or to witness a murder in the heat of passion...But when his long-lost father pops back into the picture, that's the last straw! There's only one thing for a young gay boy to do: seek professional help.

  Unfortunately, the professional in question - a certain Dr. Rey - has just made her final exit. And one of her patients, a washed-up actress who has come totally unhinged, decides to stand in for her, leading young Thomas (Stanislas Merhar) into a maelstrom of off-the-wall encounters and mistaken identities... that is, until his past finally catches up with him.  MERCI DOCTEUR REY is Merchant/Ivory’s eclectic and farcical romp through the streets of Paris—a hodgepodge of mistaken identities, restless male hustlers, a lesbian sidekick thrown in, Alice B. Toklas brownies and moral (not oral) narcissism. Add one Vanessa Redgrave (playing herself!) and MERCI DOCTEUR REY has all the makings for an elaborate, dramatic, and worldly cinematic experience—typical of this celebrated production team of Merchant/Ivory.

  Opening Night Gala hosted at Jim Fresard Automotive Dealerships following the screening! Join special guests from the film as the evening rolls on with laughter, amazing hors d’oeuvers and hot fun! Catering and support generously provided by Fandangles, The Detroit Eagle and Monster Energy Drinks.

My Life On Ice

directed by Olivier Ducastel & Jacques Martineau

  The newest film from the makers of The Adventures of Felix, My Life on Ice is a disarmingly simple and intimate portrait of adolescent desire and self-awareness, featuring 16-year-old "Etienne", a cute would-be ice-skating champion.  Set against the backdrop of rural France, "Etienne", with digital camera in hand, takes viewers on candid trip exploring his own desires and the possibility of love between two men.

  An intriguing, excellent adventure not to be missed!

Jim in Bold

directed by Glenn Holsten

  Philadelphia filmmaker Glenn Holsten’s documentary takes a glimpse into the tragically short life of Jim Wheeler, a young and openly gay Pennsylvanian teen-ager who took his own life in 1997.  Inspired by Jim Wheeler’s heart-felt writings, three youth embark on a road trip from Utah to Oklahoma and Nebraska to Delaware where they find acceptance and tolerance while interviewing gay and lesbian youth of all ages, shapes and sizes.     Jim in Bold is a visual diary with the hopeful message of tolerance, displaying a world that Jim Wheeler only dreamt and wrote about in his poems.

  Also playing with this screening is Fade to Pink directed by Patrick David, USA, 2002, video, 13 minutes.

  A humorous exploration into gender identity that follows a pair of ordinary, brown cowboy boots that dream of becoming pink, high-heel pumps.

  Also playing with this screening is Through Their Eyes directed by Danielle Burke, April Caudill, Charles Cupp, Britney Rowlette, USA, 2002, video, 20 minutes

Queer youth from Appalachia discuss the uniqueness of growing up queer in an isolated, rural community.

FREE SCREENING TO YOUTH21 AND UNDER Youth Tickets available only at the door or through Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community Center.

YOUTH AFTERPARTY

Dildo Diaries

directed by Laura Barton and Judy Wilder

  Also playing with this screening is Masturbation: Putting the Fun Into Self-Loving directed by J.T. Tepnapa, USA, 2002, video, 8 minutes

  Dr. Winston, sidekick Billy and local boys show simple step-by-step instructions on how to masturbate in this parody of 1950s teen health films. Too funny to miss!

This screening may sell out so get your tickets today!

Transfixed (Gender Bias) directed by Francis Girod

  TRANSFIXED is an unconventional, if not a bit naughty, Belgian murder mystery involving a (and possibly the first!) transsexual super-sleuth “Bo Ancellin.”

Mango Kiss

directed by Sascha Rice

  MANGO KISS is a sexy and sultry look into the newfound love and delicious new life of “Sandra” and “Lou.” Submitting to new forms of passion in their kinky, gorgeous circle of friends, “Sandra” and “Lou” find themselves in the middle of an erotic love quadrangle, which culminates in an ultimate soul bearing game of spin-the-bottle.  With all of the players in attendance, will our lovers get off on a dominatrix “hit,” an innocent “peach kiss” or the full-on wetness of a passionate “mango kiss”? When the party’s over, and all of the girls go home, 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.

Bulgarian Lovers directed by Eloy de la Iglesia

  It is the turn of the millennium…time to party…and nowhere else were the parties hotter than Madrid, Spain. With no shortage of sexy boys, hunky men and lusty queens to fill the backdrop, the story between the sensual and strikingly handsome Bulgarian “Kylil” (Ditrán Biba) and wealthy “Daniel” (Fernando Guillén Cuervo) unfolds.

  “Daniel” is lust at first sight and he quickly invites Kyril into his bedroom and into his life. Lured by desire, “Daniel” is persuaded to help young “Kylil” escape his mysterious past. In the process, “Daniel” falls desperately in love, a fever that leads him deeper and deeper into “Kyril’s” unscrupulous intentions.     Director Eloy e la Iglesia delivers a sensual journey with BULGARIAN LOVERS involving the Spanish Mafia, drug smuggling, sex and even a tad of realism thrown in for good measure.   Also playing with this screening is The Moment After directed by Gerald McCullough, USA, 2002, video, 13 minutes

  Written and directed by Gerald McCullouch (C.S.I.), as “Tracey” and co-starring international Latin heartthrob Gabriel Romero, The Moment After is the story of learning to say “yes” to life, love and oneself. But, the question is…Is it's too late?

Hooked directed by Todd Ahlberg

  Within the gay culture, online cruising - going online to meet other men and arranging an immediate, real-time sexual encounter - is rapidly emerging as a prime pastime. The implications of this game range from simple, "no-strings", libido-fulfilling sex to deeper, darker issues concerning how gay men relate to other men, as well as to society in general.

  HOOKED is a candid and sexy look at the "lighter side" of the phenomenon on-line cruising. What about “cruising” is so seductive, alluring, and, for many, so habit-forming? From "stats," techniques and liars to the thrill of the anonymous hook-up, the online cruising realm has its own set of rules, and HOOKED dives right into them!

  Ultimately, HOOKED’s progression forces pondering of how the online cruising realm, (or technology in general), with its appeal of instant connection and gratification, influences attitudes toward sex and intimacy.

  Also playing with this screening is Looking for Mr. Right: the Bigger the Better directed by Timothy Smith, United Kingdoms, 2002, video, 15 minutes

    What is beauty? Twink, Muscleboy, Circuit Queen or Bear… This powerful documentary explores the notion of gay male body image and examines the idea of contemporary male beauty within the gay scene.

BOYS AFTERPARTY

(see the film festival guide) 

Breakfast at Tiffany's directed by Blake Edwards

  Based on Truman Capote's 1958 novella of the same title, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S (1961) is the story of a woman on her own making her way in the big city.

The Edge of Each Other's Battles: The Vision of Audre Lorde directed by Jennifer Abod

  African-American lesbian feminist Audre Lorde (1934-1992), author of 15 books of poetry and prose was a visionary spokesperson who openly challenged racism, sexism, classism and homophobia.  

  THE EDGE OF EACH OTHER’S BATTLES: THE VISION OF AUDRE LORDE, is a powerful documentary that includes interviews from Audre Lorde supporters who attended the historic 1990 four-day "I Am Your Sister” conference; organizers Jacqui Alexander and Angela Bowen; and Lorde herself. Her appearance at the conference was one of the last public appearances before succumbing to breast and liver cancer in 1992.

  An empowering, inspiring and celebratory testament to the person and legacy of “warrior woman” Audre Lorde, THE EDGE OF EACH OTHER’S BATTLES, is a film so powerful that it is not to be missed.

Dangerous Living: Coming Out in the Developing World directed by John Scagliotti

  The explosion of homosexual activism in developing parts of the world, is due in part to HIV/AIDS crisis and access to popular media and the Internet. But such activism comes at a price, as shown in DANGEROUS LIVING, a globetrotting documentary that highlights inspirational LGBT “movements” in evolving countries. By using the arrest of 52 men in Cairo for participating on a floating disco as the fulcrum, director John Scagliotti explores the pleasures and perils of being queer in such far away places as Pakistan, Honduras, the Philippines, and Namibia.

  DANGEROUS LIVING drives home that even if queer rights is a western idea, homosexuality certainly is not. In fact, as one activist provocatively quips, “Perhaps it’s homophobia that’s been imported from the developed world.”

Robin's Hood directed by Sara Millman

  “Robin” is a beautiful African-American social worker who cares enough for the single mothers, drug addicts, and poor people she helps to bend the rules, opening her up to criticism from her supervisor and leading to increased disillusionment with the system. Sparks fly and passions ignite when she meets “Brooklyn”, a confident white French woman.

  “Robin” playing hard to get at first, eventually gives in to her desires even after she finds out about “Brooklyn’s” sorted past. Can “Robin’s” good heart win out over “Brooklyn’s” dark past?

  Setting a hot love story against a strong dramatic background for her feature debut, Sara Millman has made a quick-paced, sexy and provocative film.

The Path of Love (Tarik El Hob) directed by Remi Lange

  Winner: 2003 OUTFEST Freedom Award; Best Feature, Seattle International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. Also playing with this screening is The Mezzos directed by Michael Irpino and Joe Dietl, USA, 2003, video, 13 minutes

  It's The Sopranos, only gayer! A day in the life of two WoHo hit men.

Lily Festival (Yurisai)

directed by Sachi Hamano

  One of the year's more unusual offerings, Lily Festival is a brightly humorous tale of reawakened elderly sexuality. The setting is a retirement apartment building filled primarily with old ladies. The staid lives of seven of these women are given a sexually-charged jolt when 75-year-old lothario “Mr. Miyoshi” arrives.  The grannies soon turn into giggling, coquettish gals, all of whom wish to capture the eye (and presumably the bed) of the tireless septuagenarian whose charm and smooth-talk make hearts (and more) flutter. As the women vie for his attention, rivalries among the gals are exposed and seductive plots concocted. All the while, as the whirlwind of recharged heterosexual lust encircles the home, two octogenarians also find their sexuality ignited and touchingly fall in love – not with any of the old men but with each other. Their lesbian passion renews their lives in this joyful celebration of rekindled sexuality.

  Female director Sachi Hamano, who has worked primarily in soft-core adult films portraying female sexuality, received partial funding for this film through donations from more than 12,000 Japanese women who support her work. LILY FESTIVAL is film not to be missed!!

Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin directed by Bennett Singer and Nancy Kates

  On the frontlines of the civil rights movement, Bayard Rustin was an activist of extraordinary caliber.  From his collegiate days as a music student captivated by the ideals of communism, to his imprisonment for conscientious objection to WWII, to his crucial role advising Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the tactics of nonviolent resistant, Bayard Rustin was a tireless and courageous organizer determined to hold America to its promise.    Rustin lived as an openly gay man in the 1940s and 1950a and his live, his story stands at the junction of the great struggles for civil, legal and human rights by African-Americans and lesbians and gay men.  

  In a nation still torn by racial hatred and violence, bigotry against homosexuals and extraordinary divisions between rich and poor, his eloquent voice is astonishingly still needed today. This stirring documentary combines the music and story of a unique American life with the rich and fascinating chronicles of the civil rights struggle.

Prey for Rock & Roll directed by Alex Steyermark

  Set against the gritty rock-n-roll music scene in Los Angeles, PREY FOR ROCK & ROLL is the story of “Jacki,” played by the sexy Gina Gershon, and the struggles that face her and the all-girl, high-energy, fictional band Clamdandy.  

  Struggling for years as a local musician, “Jacki” is confronted with a promise she made to herself years ago to quit music if she hadn’t hit the big time by age 40. Though still possessing undeniable sensual appeal to both sexes, she is fearful her advancing age is impeding her chances to make it in the image-driven world of rock.
 

  Dynamic performances and an adrenaline-driven soundtrack, featuring the talents of celebrated music supervisor/producer Alex Steyermark of HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, composed by Lovedog and sung by Gershon, propel the story of “Jacki.”  

  Featuring powerful performances by Gina Gershon, Drea de Matteo, Lori Petty and Shelly Cole, PREY FOR A ROCK & ROLL is a funny, sexy tale of friendship, passion and survival.

Girl's Night OUT!

a series of short films for women

  A collection of lesbian shorts that explore butch, femme and everything between!

(Schedule subject to change)

OUT! In Boys Shorts

a series of short films for men

  A humorous romp through male sexuality from hetro-, metro- and homosexual.

 (Schedule subject to change)

Luster

directed by Everett Lewis

  LUSTER is a hip and refreshingly funny take on today’s queer boy world of lust, sex and unrequited love.

  “Jackson”, a cute, young would-be poet who works in a record store, is at the center of director Everett Lewis’ twisted, who-loves-who comedy. While “Jackson’s” desires rest on the sexy young blonde, “Billy,” who he met at a steamy orgy, “Billy’s” not into him – he’s in love with “Sonny,” (Willie Garson from “Sex and the City”) a musician into the darker side of sexual adventure.     So where’s a boy who wants to be in love to turn?     Well, there is hunky cousin “Jed” (B. Wyatt), who is visiting, and while lustful dreams invade his mind, there’s always that damn incest thing. He could always have “Derek”, a clean-cut, corn-fed jock who obviously likes him, but that might be too vanilla. His best bud and boss, Sam (Shane Powers), might not be so straight after all – but that’s a little intense.  

  LUSTER is a story of a boy with raging hormones and a confused sense of romanticism who finds that getting screwed while in love (with the one who’s screwing you) is not such a simple matter. Set in a seemingly all-queer L.A., Luster is a wildly entertaining ride through clashing worlds of the heart and libido.

You'll Get Over It directed by Fabrice Cazeneuve

    "Vincent” (Julien Baumgartner) is an average high school boy, a good student, and a star swimmer. With his best friend “Stéphane” and his beautiful girlfriend “Noémie,” high school life couldn’t be better...until he meets the new boy in school, “Benjamin” (COME UNDONE’S sexy star Jeremie Elkaim).

   Vincent keeps crossing paths with the new student, until the two finally have an intense, private moment. The next day, “Vincent’s” idyllic life begins to crumble when the school is vandalized with graffiti labeling him a “fag.” With his family and friends by his side, a touching portrayal of understanding evolves as “Vincent” faces the inherent challenge of adapting to life as a young gay man.

  YOU’LL GET OVER IT takes a direct and compassionate look at “Vincent’s” struggle with his sexuality and his new desire with the handsome “Benjamin.”

  Also playing with this screening is Violin Lesson directed by Robert Alan Rackham, USA, 2002, video, 18 minutes.

  A young man comes to terms with his sexuality -- and his attraction to his best friend -- in this lyrical coming-out story.

The Gift

directed by Louise Hogarth

  THE GIFT is a wake-up call to those who think AIDS is over!

  Louise Hogarth's eye-opening documentary sheds light on a controversial subculture that has recently gained national media exposure: "bug-chasers" and "gift-givers." These gay men intentionally seek out HIV infection or willingly infect others with the virus in an attempt to find a sense of community. Hogarth's film spotlights young men like “Doug,” who now regrets the "gift" he so desperately wanted, and “Kenboy,” who holds a "conversion party" where dozens of men attempt to infect him so that he no longer needs to worry about it.     Raising issues of personal choice and public morality, The Gift shines a balanced yet uncompromising light on the effectiveness of HIV-prevention strategies and the mixed messages that continue to dangerously fuel a psychologically complex and potentially deadly game. Evenly presented yet unapologetically honest, Hogarth’s film wades through very tricky and fragile political waters without being preachy or judgmental.     The Gift is a candid and engaging film that must be seen. Also playing with this screening is Does Anyone Die of AIDS Anymore? directed by Louise Hogarth, USA, 2002, video, 25 minutes.

  The answer to this disturbing film's title question is a resounding yes!

  Despite the much-hyped advances in treatment, which, for some patients, have transformed HIV from a death sentence to a chronic illness, tens of thousands of people are still dying of AIDS in the United States. This powerful short film takes viewers on a compelling exploration of the current status of HIV/AIDS treatments.

Laughing Matters

directed by Andrea Meyerson

with reception to follow & special guests from the film

Friday, January 23, 2004 - 8:00 pm

USA, 2003, video, 60 minutes

  Four very driven and very hilarious ladies have won audience hearts with their unique brands of wit.

    LAUGHING MATTERS takes viewers behind the scenes with legendary comedians Kate Clinton, Marga Gomez, Suzanne Westenhoefer and Karen Williams.     Inspired by social conscience and the desire to escape the traditionally sexist, homophobic comedy circuit, these powerful women have succeeded in validating their own careers and providing insight into queer life.

  LAUGHING MATTERS celebrates four courageous lesbian comics, talented women who have made seriously funny contributions to modern culture. Share their victories and laugh with them as they reveal their childhood stories, how they came out and rose to fame, and their unique take on  “post-lesbian-chic” America.

WINNER:

Best Feature Documentary

OUTFEST: Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festival

Best Feature Documentary

ImageOut: Rochester Lesbian & Gay Film Festival.

Director Andrea Meyerson

~~~ An Evening of Drink, Food & Laughs! ~~~