BY
Presented by
e d a l i h P
, 3 2 2 1 y Jul
m o r f a s i g h n i t p l ee
r G
I
COME OUT and DINE IN
A delicious array of fine menu items awaits you at Table 31. Come enjoy the beautiful ambience and cuisine of one of Philadelphia’s finest dining treasures. For reservations, please call 215.567.7111. PROUD SPONSOR OF QFEST 2012 LOCATION | 1701 JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103 HOURS | Monday – Friday Lunch - 11:30 - 2:30 PM, Dinner - 5:00 - 11:00 PM | Saturday 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
2
Philadelphia QFEST
2012
Presenting Sponsors
Official Sponsors
Partner Sponsors
TC A
T H E
Stimulus Colors:
CO N TA R I N O
A S S O C I AT I O N
A very special thanks to all of our sponsors
PATRON Sponsors
Mauckingbird Theatre Company
Animation & Visual Effects Architecture Arts Administration Dance Design & Merchandising Digital Media Entertainment & Arts Management Fashion Design Film & Video Game Art & Production Graphic Design Interior Design Interior Architecture & Design Music Industry Photography Product Design Screenwriting & Playwriting Television Television Management Web Development & Interaction Design www.drexel.edu/westphal
3
is proud to hydrate the
4
Table of Contents Programmer’s Note.......................................7 Parties and Events.......................................12 Qfest Awards & Juries................................16 Honorees Rose Troche............................................18 David Ross...............................................19 Ellen Ratner.............................................20 Special Programs........................................21 Opening Night Film......................................25 Closing Night Film........................................27 Centerpiece Screenings.............................31 QFest Essentials: Festival Basics...........................................41 Ticketing Info.............................................42 Calendar.....................................................44 Shorts Programs..........................................49 Best of US and World Cinema...................54 Staff and Volunteers....................................84 Index..............................................................86
proud to support
philadelphia QFest
TD Bank embraces diversity in our workplace, within our communities and with all our Customers. Fostering diversity is a journey. Join us.
6
WELCOME from the Artistic Director
7
Like clockwork, every December for the past 18 years, I begin compiling all the possible feature films for the upcoming QFest and always panic. Will there be enough quality films to fill our 11-day festival? And every year the answer is “Yes!” Especially this year, we sadly had to reject several outstanding films because of slotting restraints. The 55 features from 26 different countries represent, to me, some of the best in international LGBT films for 2012. I can relax now; December is a long way off! We aim to interest all parts of the LGBT community with our films, special events and parties. Promoter Dan Contarino has joined our team and we have created exciting parties and gatherings including the Closing Night Party at SugarHouse. But for many it’s the films that excite and there are plenty of those. My personal favorites? Well, I love ‘em all, but to narrow the selection... FOR THE BOYS: North Sea Texas, an achingly beautiful film on the pain and excitement of first love; the hilarious French Jewish comedy Let My People Go! and the sexually explicit San Francisco hipster drama I Want Your Love. FOR THE GIRLS: Cloudburst is exceptional, Jack and Diane is downright strange (for me, in a great way, for others, less so); and former shorts programmer of the festival Cheryl Dunye’s Mommy Is Coming is a very funny and very graphic look at sex, Berlin style. Documentaries are especially strong with the fascinating Vito (who came to TLA on South Street in the mid-1980s to discuss his book, “The Celluloid Closet”) and Jobriath A.D., the eye opening look at a Philly area native who has been lost in history. Every year we uncover common themes which run through several of the selections. This year “gay marriage” is examined – both in serious and comedic ways – in BearCity 2: The Proposal, I Do, Cloudburst, The Marriage and Love Free or Die. Transgendered films are especially strong this year with The Marriage, TRANS, Melting Away and I Stand Corrected — I demand that the gay boys take their eyes off the half naked bodies of many of the pop male films and check out at least one of these! The many aspects of religion and how it affects the community is shown in The Wise Kids (Baptist), Love Free or Die (Anglican), Taking a Chance on God (Catholicism) and in a more comedic fashion in Tennessee Queer. And if I were giving out awards, my acting selections would include: BEST ACTOR: Haley Joel Osment for his hilarious performance as a hot pants and cowboy-boots-wearing darling in Sassy Pants; BEST ACTRESS: Olympia Dukakis is a hoot as the swearing-like-a-sailor curmudgeon who grabs her gal and runs off to marry her in Cloudburst. And MOST ADVENTUROUS FILM would go to the 1950s stylized black and white drama, Joshua Tree, 1951: A Portrait of James Dean. Like the LGBT world, there is complete diversity in our offerings — you should find a few films that strike your interest. And my final recommendations are for a section of our audience we keep quiet about... the straight crowd! Every year I am asked which films are appropriate for moms or dads. This year, I can whole heartily suggest Sassy Pants; Elliot Loves; Cloudburst; Au Pair, Kansas; A Force of Nature; Let My People Go! and Positive Youth. But please, despite the appearance of 77-year-old director Wakefield Poole, don’t take mom or weak-hearted dad to Dirty Poole – leave that for the die hard fans!
Why should you become a member of the Philadelphia Cinema Alliance? Good question! Here are our answers. • To support the non-profit organization that brings you QFest, the one and only area Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. • Your donation helps to pay for the films, the theaters, the staff and best of all, the parties! • To provide funding so that QFest can continue in the future • To get discounts on tickets for QFest • To get advance ticket sales for QFest • To get a tax deduction Because it’s the right thing to do for a good cause! How can you join? Call us or go online! www.phillycinema.org or 267-765-9800, ext 4.
What are your membership options? Glad you asked!
$60 • Movie Buff
$300 • Cineaste
$150 • Film Fanatic
$500 • Star
Get member pricing on tickets: $1 off regular tickets $5 off opening and closing $25 off all access badges ($30 tax deduction) Get all member pricing plus 10 pass ($60 tax deduction)
Get all member pricing plus 10 pass and 1 opening and 1 closing night ticket combo ($125 tax deduction) Get all member pricing plus All Access Badge ($225 tax deduction)
“JOIN THE ALLIANCE!”
8
Must be 21 or over.
suGARHOuse CAsINO pROuDLy suppORts tHe pHILADeLpHIA QFest
lGBT “O l “OuT” uT” ON ThE rIVEr aT a
Must be 21 or over.
Thursday, July 5 2PM - 9PM Let loose and show your true colors at SugarBeach for an Over the Rainbow beach party! • COLORfuL COCktaiLS at the tiki BaR • DRAG BINGO • MIss’D suGARHOuse DRAG QueeN COMpetItION
VIsIt suGARHOuseCAsINO.COM FOR FuLL eVeNts sCHeDuLe
Must be 21 or older.
9
10
wE HAVE pARTIES! In Celebration of the 18th Philadelphia QFest 2012
OUR SANCTIONED BEST EVER INDOOR-OUTDOOR PARTIES (at the two most prominent & most sought-out locations in the city. . . rain or shine) THURSDAY, JULY 12
ELLIOT LOVES AFTER-PARTY @ TABLE 31
TD Bank Presents the Official Opening Night Gala Party Table 31, 9:30 pm to 12:30 am
Get your glam outfits ready for the 18th annual Opening Night Elliott Loves After-Party presented by TD Bank, situated under the stars at the city’s tallest skyscraper located in the heart of Center City, The Comcast Center. QFest is arriving at the city’s sexiest centerpiece bar and restaurant, Table 31. The red carpet is being rolled out as Table 31 opens up this indoor-outdoor space to host the exclusive celebrity gala. Appearances include director Opening Night Admissions: Terracino, joined by actress Elena Goode (Ma), and young Elliott star Quentin Araujo. Savor the tastings Combination Ticket for Film & Party inspired by Chef Chris Scarduzio’s Table 31. Quench your thirst by our sponsors: Smirnoff Vodka, Coors $40 Public • $35 PCA Members Lite, Barefoot Wines, Smart Water, Vitamin Zero & Vitamin Water (three complimentary drinks from our • 21+, ID Required generous sponsors). Philly’s legend-in-the-making DJ Jimmy (Dimitrios) DePre will set his unique, dramatic Film Only $15 • all ages layering sounds from his extensive collection of oldies & today’s house music. No smart phone app needed; Party Only $35 Public • $30 PCA just request any song and he knows it. The Drag Mafia Army with Godfather Brittany Lynn will be parading Members • 21+ ID Required around... Park, Walk, Transit & Cab Availability. Film & Party Free with All-Access Badge
Table 31 @ Comcast Center: 17th St. & JFK Blvd., Indoor & Outdoor Our opening and closing night galas are brought to you by our QFest 2012 Presenting Sponsors:
Special Thanks to our Opening Night Gala Sponsor
As well as: TC A
T H E
CO N TA R I N O
A S S O C I AT I O N
SUNDAY, JULY 22
BEARCITY2: THE PROPOSAL AFTER PARTY @ SUGARHOUSE CASINO Official Closing Night Gala Party SugarHouse Casino, 9:30pm to 12:30am “Lights, Camera, Action …With Some Drama,” it’s QFest’s most twisted and ballsy spin ever as BearCity2 : The Proposal” takes over SugarHouse! Let the dice roll as bears, cubs and everybody who likes to howl wuff, shake up some fur on the dance floor. Drag Mafia will be in attendance under the helm of Mr. Telly “Style” Simmons. Sponsor “Mandance: Rehoboth”presents DJ Stephen Durkin. SugarHouse is throwing in the gaming (well sort of) & a refinery of food tastings. Enjoy Smirnoff Vodka, Coors Lite, Closing Night Admissions: Barefoot Wines, Smart Water, Vitamin Zero & Vitamin Water (three Combination Ticket for Film & Party complimentary drinks from our generous sponsors). But that’s not over “till the bears come marching Outta Bike $35 Public • $30 PCA Members Stop.” Following the official Closing Party at SugarHouse is an after-after party (11:30pm to 2:00am) from the boys • 21+, ID Required over at Bike Stop to raise funds for our partner, “Liberty Bears,” with DJ Barney Medunic. Reschedule your beach Film Only $15 • all ages day because it’s now “Waterfront Day.” Unlimited free parking is available, the Sugar Express has a 10 pm., driveParty Only $25 Public • $20 PCA by on Market (between 5th & Doc Street (parallel to Market Street), and the trolley & SEPTA stops right across the Members • 21+ ID Required street. If all fails, meet a new friend & share a cab. Film & Party Free with All-Access Badge SugarHouse Casino, 1001 N Delaware Ave., Indoor & Outdoor
Sheraton Society Hill Hotel Welcomes 18th Philadelphia QFest 2012, July 12-23 Discover the newly, totally-renovated hotel in charming Society Hill, Philadelphia.
Enjoy dinner at our new restaurant, Taste. We are Proud to be a “Host Hotel� Corporate Sponsor.
One Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 215.238.6000 www.sheraton.com/societyhill
14
QFEST TURNS 18 WITH
As Madonna’s worldwide tour “break boundaries” including “Old Is Younger Than Ever”, QFest is now grown up after 18 HARD EARNED YEARS and is the largest and best-attended LGBT Film Festival on the East Coast. And YOU know it wouldn’t be a festival without hot, and we mean HOT parties, FABULOUS receptions and special guests If your single, or even if you are coupled up, make sure you mark the dates July 12-23 in your social calendar.
FRIDAY THE 13TH: THE CONTROVERSIAL SHOWING Beauty Movie Premiere After Reception TAVERN ON CAMAC 9:00pm – 2:00am Fitting for the 13 , without another Mike Myers replay, well this is a real thriller. This controversial & shocking film will definitely be the talk of the night, Directed by 27-year-old Oliver Hermanus, shot in South Africa. Tavern on Camac hosts the post film premiere on all three levels: Terra, Ascend & the Piano Lounge. th
No Cover, 243 S. Camac Street, 215-545-0900
SATURDAY, JULY 14: THREE WAY NIGHT OUT Dinner & Drinks in honor of Dirty Poole (Work In Progress) CAFE NOLA 7:00pm – 10:00pm Join The Godfather of Gay Adult Film-Making Wakefield Poole and Director Jim Tushinksi following the premiere of DIRTY POOLE: (Work In Progress). You won’t be disappointed. Fabulous drink & dinner deals @ this New Orleans Eatery. Don’t be surprised if “Beads” are XXX-posed.
OFFICAL WATERING HOLES: TWO LANDMARKS ! TAVERN ON CAMAC: GAYBORHOOD CENTRAL The Tavern Group’s Stephen Carlino, Dennis Fee & gang is keeping “Uncles Bar & Inn’s” legacy alive this summer with fabulous renovations. Festival goers are encouraged to visit The Official Gayborhood Watering Hole during the entire festival at their sister location,“Tavern on Camac”. Open from 4pm–2am daily. 243 S. Camac Street, 215-545-0900
MAC’S TAVERN: OLD CITY HISTORIC DISTRICT The Star of It’s Sunny In Philadelphia FX Fame, Rob McElhenny & the infamous new hotspot, Mac’s Tavern, will become a bit gayer this summer as popular bar/restaurant is The Official Old City Watering Hole. Open from 11am – 2am daily. 226 Market Street, 267-324-5507
SUNDAY, JULY 15
Way Gay Sing-Along: Live Showcase ASCEND @ TAVERN ON CAMAC 9:00pm – 2:00am RuPauls’ Drag Race cannot compare to Philly’s infamous drag queen of the Mafia’s Gayborhood, Ian Morrison/ Brittney Lynn ala “Drag Mafia” mc & host of the “KARAOKE OF THE WANNABE STARS” with his own campy version of “Way TOO Gay Sing-A-Long”. This “DIVA” has to spend hours to prepare his show so look for the “Drag Mafia Soldiers” cause havoc & entertain you at the theater. Presented by “Brittney Lynn’s DRAG MAFIA”
Presented & Hosted By Erik Schut, tlagay.com & QFest.
No Cover, 243 South Camac Street, 215-545-0900
Call for Dinner Reservations 414 South 2nd Street (between Lombard & Pine) : 215-574-1687
MONDAY, JULY 16 & TUESDAY, JULY 17
Stud Life Movie Party Women’s Gala AROUSE @ VOYEUR 10:00pm – 2:00am JJ is a lesbian & Seb a gay man are “besties” working together & playing together. But when JJ falls for Elle the split of attention begins. Mates B4 muff? What would you do? You decide while you join the “Stimulus Tour” for the post premiere bash featuring Director CAMPBELL X.,direct from London! The DJ’s & drama under the masterminds of Morgan Levine & Amber Hikes will keep you out to the wee hours. $10.00 Cover, Call for Membership Info for Voyeur 1221 St. James Street, 215-735-5772
Two World Premiering After-Parties Saltwater & Men Next Door: One Location TAVERN ON CAMAC 9:00pm – 2:00am Aussies, Rugby Players & DJ Jimmy DePre With that said, this will definitely be a journey – not to be missed following the Saltwater screening join director Charlie Vaughn & stars Ronnie Kerr & Bruce L Hart. Guests from Men Next Door where not confirmed as we went to print. Come mingle with the stars. Ascend, Terra, Upstairs, All Rolled into One: Three Levels. No Cover 243 S. Camac Street, 215-545-0900
Dish the dirt & reviews at our sponsored watering holes & no cover! GAYBORHOOD: TAVERN ON CAMAC: 243 S. Camac Street, 4pm – 2 am OLD CITY: MAC’S TAVERN: 226 Market Street. 11am – 2 am
WEDNESDAY, JULY 18 Optimal Sport Health Club Open House Two Film Screening After-Parties: Our Paradise plus Nate & Margaret OPTIMAL SPORT HEALTH CLUB 9:00 pm – Midnight There’s a new gym in the gayborhood. This VIP special event invites all festival ticket holders, VIP badge holders, gym members & event guests. The place is so fab we decided to bring two film afterparties to this shindig “Our Paradise” & “Nate & Margaret” . The hottest trainers will be your tour guides and you will be able to get up close and personal with Nate & Margaret director Nathan Adloff Featuring an Open Bar by QFests’ Sponsors. Say hi to owners Jeff Shablin, Yul Giraldo & Domenic Gallelli. Tony Fisher will greet @ the Door. Sponsored by Breaking Glass Pictures & The Contarino Association
TC A
No Cover, 1315 Walnut Street (Juniper St Entrance): 215-735-1114 T H E
CO N TA R I N O
A S S O C I AT I O N
MORE PARTIES & EVENTS THURSDAY, JULY 19
SATURDAY, JULY 21
Bad Boy Street North American Gala Party with Director Todd Verow fresh from NYC: Cafe Nola Goes Gay
SISTERS NIGHTCLUB 9:00pm – 2:00am
Celebrity Womens’ Festival Main Event After-Party All Star Gala: A Perfect Ending
CAFE NOLA 10:00pm – 2:00am Following the screening of Bad Boy Street, Todd Verow’s sexy love story featuring the hunkiest & sexiest cast filmed. DJ’s Reenie Kane & Zathan Radix set the tone for this Headhouse Square Haunt. “Drag Mafia” divas will be “Sparking It”! Presented by The Contarino Association & Twisted Life
15
TC A
T H E
CO N TA R I N O
A S S O C I AT I O N
$5.00 Cover, 414 S. 2 (between Lombard & Pine) 215-574-1687 nd
FRIDAY, JULY 20 “Up Close & Personal” with David W. Ross, recipient of QFest 2012 “Rising Film Star Award”
Join Denise Cohen & her army of fabulous staff as they host the most anticipated women’s party for QFest. A Perfect Ending listed on ELLEN’s Top 20 list, will soon be one of your favorites!. Celebrity guests in attendance: Director Nicole Conn, Executive Producer Marina Rice Bader, Lead Actress Barbara Nevin, and Producer Melanie Rice. DJ’s spin on both levels & plenty of skin to keep you dancing till the wee hours. Free Cover with QFest VIP Badges or tix stubs. 1320 Chancellor Street: 215-735-0735
Annual Showcase Men’s Event: “Project GoGo Boy” World Premiere Tour Kick-Off I-CANDY NIGHTCLUB 9:00pm – 2:00am
The Prime Rib Private Room 9:00pm – 11:00pm QFest 2012 hosts a benefit evening for 25 guests who would like to meet David W. Ross, in a private room, with an intimate setting, at one of the city’s swankiest locations, The Prime Rib, 1701 Locust St., The Radisson Warwick Hotel, off Rittenhouse Square. In celebration of his award and his credits as a first-time screenwriter and producer in addition to starring in I Do, guests will enjoy cocktails, a three-course dinner from a select menu, wine, a champagne toast, and a personal photo of yourself with Mr. Ross for a keepsake of this unique evening. Jackets and ties are not mandatory. Advance tickets are $100 per person with proceeds benefiting QFest 2012.
Images © Cocky Boys
Look no further, the drama would not be complete without Erik Schut & Dan Contarino returning this year with a new twist—more beef in the right places all designed to make your candy “Sticky & Sweet” & ”Rock Hard”. This year’s QFest invites you to I-Candy, the hottest new spot in the Gayborhood, that will be filled to the rafters with madness & mayhem on 3 levels. The Cocky Boys’ World Tour Exclusive “Project Go-Go Boy” will feature live-andin-person appearances by Cocky Boys’ Exclusives JAKE BASS & MAX RYDER, along with some very special surprise guests. (You never know who else the boys may bring with them!) XXX-VIP begins @ 9pm. The candy flows @ 11pm
Call QFest Box Office For Reservations (267-765-9800, ext. 4) or www.qfest.com • 1701 Locust Street @ The Radisson Warwick Hotel
Presented by Cocky Boys, tlagay.com & The Contarino Association
Plunge with Stimulus: Black, Blues and Other Hues After-Party
SUNDAY JULY 22
NORTH SHORE BEACH CLUB, Piazza at Schmidt’s, 10:00pm – 2:00am Morgan Levine & Amber Hikes are at it again hosting another womens’ night out, join special guest directors Tiona M. of Burning Cigarettes, and director Robert Phillipson of T’Aint Nobody’s Bizness: Queer Blues Divas of the 1920’s. Celebrity Lifeguards will take care of you at Philly’s Newest Resort. Hungry? Check out the Cuban fare next door at “Havanna” $10.00 Cover, 1031 Germantown Avenue, 215-600-2584
Call for Cover: 254 S 12TH Street, 267-324-3500
The Force Of Nature & A Perfect Ending Pre-Screening Gala SHERATON SOCIETY HILL 2:30pm – 4:30pm Join QFest for a finale reception featuring Barbara Gittings Award Recipient Ellen Ratner and Director Nicole Conn (on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of Claire of Moon and her new film A Perfect Ending). Mix & mingle with special guests in glamour in Society Hill RSVP & VIP: Dock Street (Off 2nd & Walnut), 215-238-6000
OFFICIAL BEVERAGE SPONSORS OF QFEST PARTIES
When The Bears Come Marching In: The Last Shout BIKE STOP: 11:00pm – 2:00am
Present your festival tix stub, VIP Laminate or Event Guest List Sign-Ins to receive fabulous complimentary special drink tastings or reduced drink specials from QFests’ 2012 Proud Sponsors featuring COORS LIGHT & SMIRNOFF VODKA,.
Get your leather chaps & jockstraps ready as the staff at Bike Stop will keep you filled up & during your cruise on all three levels following the Sugar House Main Event Bear City 2: The Proposal ” Closing Party. This event will help raise funds for Liberty Bears, hosted by Director Tom Caggiano & his partner William DeTurck. Music to be featured by nationally-known leather/bear circuit DJ Barney Medunic. It’s going to be so hot—some may even check their clothes upon arrival. Who knows?
(Contact the venues, promoters or check out the party ads for times & prices or phillycinema.org for updated information.)
Call For Cover: 206 South Quince Street (between 11th & 12th) 215-627-1662
16
2012 qFest Awards & Juries
Jurors will confer the awards on Sunday, July 22, 7:30 pm, at the Ritz East One in Old City, prior to the East Coast premiere of BearCity2: The Proposal. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:
Audience Awards: Best Short Film Best Documentary Film Best Comedic Film Best Feature Film
Jury Awards: Best Short Film Best Documentary Film Best Feature Film First-Time Director
Head of Jurors Brian Gannon, an award winning shorts film producer, has been working in Philadelphia’s video production community for 20 years, serving as everything, from a production assistant to producer and director. He is an editor for Center City Film and Video, working on a variety of projects including short films and TV programming.
Feature Film Jury Keith Brand, an associate professor in the Radio Television and Film Department of Rowan University, also had been the host/ producer of “Sleepy Hollow” on WXPN FM for the past 26 years.
Adah Bush, a long time festival attendee and passionate filmgoer, works in vaccine contracting, doing various volunteer projects in Philadelphia. She returns this year as a juror.
Ed Hall, a freelance graphic designer, works with many of the LGBT communitybased non-profit organizations and has served as a QFest volunteer, staffer and now a first-time juror.
Documentary Film Jury
Short Film Jury
Jhett Bond, a professional videographer, has volunteered for QFest for several years and returns as a juror. To her, a great film includes: love and lovingness, fear that is overcome, poetry of motion/words/ expression, a sense of place, and a renewal of spirit.
Frank Danay is a professional writer who earned his BS in Film Studies from Boston University who is returning juror at QFest. Mel Orpen, the producer of Faggist.com: The Birth of America’s First Social Network (QFest 2011) and contributor to the global documentary feature film, One Day On Earth, now tours with It Gets Better—Philly’s Video to create safe schools for LGBT youth.
Adam Hymans helps philanthropists with donor-advised funds and endowments at The Philadelphia Foundation. His interest in film draws from a background in cultural anthropology and German cultural studies. Kris Mohfanz has worked both in film and television for several years. He served as the First Assistant Director for What Happens Next (the opening night of QFest 2010). He is currently the TV Producer at Impax Marketing Group, producing commercials for national clients.
Judith Redding has had her award-winning short films screened at national and international film festivals and broadcast on American Public Television. She is the co-author of Film Fatales: Independent Women Directors which profiles 33 of independent film’s finest.
First-Time Director Jury Paul Fitzgerald is a three-time Emmy nominee who freelances as a videographer, editor and producer. Regrets, a short film he produced and edited, premiered at QFest 2011 and is still showing at film festivals worldwide. Joe’l Ludovich is an award winning producer and filmmaker. Her independent films have screened locally and across the country. She currently teaches at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. Tiona McClodden, a first time juror, is a documentary and experimental filmmaker with a love for foreign films and visual arts.
QFest 2011 Award Winners Audience Awards:
Jury Awards:
Best Short Film: I Don’t Want to Go Back Alone directed by Daniel Riberio. Best Documentary Film: Married in Spandex directed by David Gallagher. Best Comedic Film: Eating Out: Drama Camp directed by Q. Alan Brocka. Best Feature Film: Gun Hill Road directed by Rashaad Ernesto Green.
Best Short Film (tie): The Queen directed by Christina Choe and The Kiss directed by Ashlee Page. Best Documentary Film: Wish Me Away directed by Bobbie Birleffi and Beverly Kopf. Best Feature Film: Tomboy directed by Celine Sciamma. First Time Director: Romeos directed by Sabine Bernardi
17
18
Awards & honorees QFest 2012 Artistic Achievement in Directing: Rose Troche + Career Tribute Interview Saturday, July 21 • 4:45 • Ritz East Theater 2
Rose Troche is an award winning writer-director-producer whose first feature Go Fish (co-written and co-produced with the film’s star, Guinevere Turner), premiered to critical acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival in 1994. Made on a shoestring budget and shot in black-and-white, the story line orbited around a group of lesbian friends searching for love in all the right and wrong places and was a shining example of the New Queer Cinema movement. Go Fish resonated with a generation of young lesbians, and is widely considered a milestone lesbian film. Go Fish was followed by the British comedy, Bedrooms and Hallways (1998) that dealt with the fluidity of sexuality and went on to win the audience award at the London Film Festival. Troche went on to adapt and direct the A.M. Homes book of short stories, The Safety of Objects, (2001), starring Glenn Close and Patricia Clarkson. She then set her sights on television and worked on the Emmy Award-winning series “Six Feet Under” (2002) and shortly after directed the pilot of the first lesbian television series for Showtime. Set in L.A. with hints of “Sex and the City,” the working title, “Earthlings” as it was first known, was soon replaced with a new, hipper, and now iconic title. Yes, you’ve guessed it, “The L Word.” She continued on the series as a writer, director and co-executive producer for four seasons. Troche also directed the pilot of the popular teen series “South of Nowhere” (2005) where she contributed as a consulting producer and director. Troche has also worked on, “Ugly Betty” (2009) and “Law & Order” (2009-2010) and has most recently completed work on a limited series for Rodrigo Garcia and Jon Avnet’s digital channel WIGS (2012). While the trajectory of Troche’s career has taken her steadily forward, it’s also taken her full circle. In March of this year, Troche confirmed rumors that she was in discussion with Guinevere Turner to start work on Go Fish 2.0 (working title). While her newest project Concussion (2012), written and directed by first-time filmmaker Stacie Passon and produced and mentored by Troche, won’t be completed until the fall, QFest audiences are in for a treat. The festival has secured permission to show some sneak peek clips of Concussion as part of a special tribute to honor Troche as the recipient of QFest 2012 Artistic Achievement. Join us on Saturday July 21st at 4:45pm in Ritz East 2 as we honor Rose Troche PLUS stay for her special 90 minute on-stage interview with film journalist Gary Kramer. The interview will include selected clips (including some never before seen shorts) to highlight Rose Troche’s extensive body of film and television work. —Carol Coombes
Philadelphia QFEST2012 Rising Film Star Award: David W. Ross Friday, July 20 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 1
The multi-talented, model-handsome, openly gay David W. Ross stands in a unique position as an award recipient in the annals of QFest since the festival had to modify the category, establishing a new award name. Because of his early success as a “teen-heartthrob” as a member of the popular British boy band, Bad Boys, Inc., his “rise” came at the ripe age of 17 when he was discovered by producer Ian Levine and hurled into fame and fortune with five top-of-the-charts singles, including “More to This World.” His stardom ultimately afforded him the opportunity to move from London to Los Angeles and realize a dream come true. There he transitioned from a musical career to professional modeling, all the while with an eye towards pursuing his interests in acting on the big screen. Landing the role of Gary in the Sundance 2006 award-winning breakout film, Quinceanero, about the gentrification of L.A.’s Echo Park and the coming of age of two teenagers, was a turning point for Ross who says that he was inspired to write his own film. He admits to teaching himself how to write from the book, “Screenwriting For Dummies,” resulting in the semi-autobiographical, I Do, a “family drama” about the challenges of same-sex, bi-national couples victimized by marriage inequality and unfair immigration policies in modern day America. (He shared the fact that the making of I Do was both heartbreaking and bittersweet as he lost a lover to a harsh and insensitive bureaucratic system.) In addition to being the screenwriter, Ross stars in, and serves as producer of I Do alongside coproducer Stephen Israel and director Glenn Gaylord (Eating Out, All You Can Eat.). Beyond its entertainment value, he hopes that his feature film will provoke discussion, awareness and action among the LGBT community and their allies in response to laws and lack of freedoms that directly affect people’s lives. QFest 2012 is pleased to bestow the Rising Film Star Award to David W. Ross prior to the Centerpiece, East Coast Premiere screening of I Do at 7:15 p.m., Friday, July 20, at the Ritz East 1. —Thom Cardwell There will be a VIP reception benefitting the Philadelphia Cinema Alliance held at Prime Rib from 9pm-11pm, see page 15 for details.
Sponsored by:
19 19
20
Awards & honorees
Barbara Gittings Award: Ellen Ratner + Screening Sunday, July 22 • 4:30 • Ritz East Theater 2 It is common knowledge that long-time Philadelphia native Barbara Gittings played a major role in laying the groundwork for LGBT activists today. She has diligently marched in picket lines for equality, attended hearings to change policies and above all touched thousands of LGBT lives. It is once again our honor to present the Barbara Gittings Award at the 2012 Philadelphia QFest. When selecting this year’s recipient, it was unbeknownst to us that this person worked side by side with Gittings back in the early 1970s! This serendipitous fact certainly makes our choice even more special. With her electric smile, poignant prose and tireless determination, Ellen Ratner embodies everything that Barbara Gittings stood for. She is a passionate philanthropist, LGBT activist, Network Bureau Chief for Talk Radio News Service and Chief Political Correspondent for Fox News. Yes, that Fox News–the demonstratively conservative, right-winged news organization. She is on the front lines every day vigorously working to make sure the voice of the underdog is heard on over 400 radio stations across the country. Being an award-winning journalist is only half of what Ms. Ratner tackles on a daily basis. With a few key people including her long-time partner Cholene Espinoza, she has founded three non-profit organizations: Pride Institute–a drug and alcohol treatment center for the LGBT community in Minneapolis; the Marsha Barbour Community Center–a post-Katrina community center in Pass Christian, MS; and Goats for the Old Goats–a nonprofit that helps fight hunger and provides a safe haven for enslaved people of South Sudan. It is Philadelphia QFest’s privilege to announce this year’s Barbara Gittings Award to Ellen Ratner. This out lesbian is undoubtedly an unwavering force dedicated to doing good throughout the world and an inspiration to mankind. —Kelly Burkhardt
Following the Presentation of the Award we will screen:
A Force of Nature Philadelphia Premiere USA 2011, 46 min
Academy Award winning director Barbara Kopple brilliantly captures the vivacious energy, immeasurable magnetism and the infectious personality of journalist and humanitarian, Ellen Ratner. Celebrating a remarkable and dedicated human being, A Force of Nature follows award-winning news analyst, humanitarian and proudly out lesbian Ellen Ratner. She describes herself as difficult and pushy, but really she is one hell of a individual dedicated to making a difference in the world. From the newsroom at Talk Radio News Service to the convention floor as chief political correspondent for Fox News, she diligently speaks her mind. She challenges everyone around her whether they are liberals, conservatives, staff or her brothers! The beauty of this fantastic documentary is it allows us to experience what makes this dynamo tick. Whether Ellen is sharing a tender moment with her partner, decorated US Air Force pilot Cholene Espinoza, or kissing goats (literally), the 2012 Barbara Gittings Award recipient is certainly a force to be reckoned with. —Kelly Burkhardt Director: Barbara Kopple Producers: Suzanne Mitchell, Barbara Kopple Cinematographers: Gary Griffin, David Sosnow Editor: William Davis Print Source: Cabin Creek Films
Barbara Kopple’s Filmography: [Selected] Woodstock: Now & Then (2009); Shut Up & Sing (2006); Havoc (2005); Bearing Witness (2005); My Generation (2000); Out o’ Time (1999); Friends for Life: Living with AIDS (1998); Woodstock ‘94 (1998); Wild Man Blues (1997); American Dream (1990); Harlan County U.S.A. (1976)
Sponsored by:
Barbara Gittings
Special programs
Dirty Poole: A Work in Progress Saturday, July 14 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 2
21 21
The Way Gay Sing-along Sunday, July 15 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 2
Work-in-Progress Screening! USA 2012, 90 min
Special Program Runtime: 90 min
Join iconic porn director Wakefield Poole and filmmaker Jim Tushinski as they present exerpts from Dirty Poole, a documentray on Poole’s life and work. Q&A to follow.
Brittany Lynn hosts this spectacular sing-along program featuring classic outand-proud music videos of the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and today. Brittany—and her Drag Mafia—will lead the whole audience as everyone sings together with these all-time favorite gay icons: Queen, Elton John, Wham!, Donna Summer, The Village People, Erasure, Cher, Stevie Nicks, Prince, Culture Club, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, k.d. lang, Morrissey, Madonna, and The Weather Girls. So Relax and Let’s Get Physical, ‘cause it is totally gonna be Raining Men (and Women) all up in this theatre! Think mass karaoke! Curated by Clinton McClug.
Director/Producer Jim Tushinski (That Man: Peter Berlin) presents sections from Dirty Poole, his new documentary-in-progress, which tells the remarkable story of gay liberation and independent filmmaking pioneer Wakefield Poole, director of the classic gay porn films, Boys in the Sand and Bijou. In the early 1970s, anyone making, promoting, or appearing in what the American government considered pornography could be prosecuted and serve extended jail time. Wakefield Poole became internationally famous for making artistic and sexually explicit gay films that also made more money than many Hollywood movies. Filled with gorgeous archival footage, excerpts from Poole’s lushly photographed films and entertaining and illuminating interviews with Poole’s contemporaries and colleagues, Dirty Poole is a story of artistic integrity and disappointment, self-destruction, love, sex, fortitude, reinvention and musical comedy. Director Tushinski and Wakefield Poole will be on hand to screen completed sections of the documentary. They will also discuss the film and take questions from the audience. —Erik Schut Director: Jim Tushinski Producer: Jim Tushinski Print Source: Gorilla Factory Productions
Jim Tushinski’s Filmography: That Man: Peter Berlin (2005) Program includes the short:
In Search of Avery Willard (USA, 2012, 23 min, Cary Kehayan) Through interviews, photographs and rarely-seen clips, this documentary seeks to tell the story of unique (but largely unknown) photographer, filmmaker, writer, publisher and proud pornographer Avery Willard—whose homemade queer films have gone unseen since the 1970s.
After the show, you can keep the fun flowing at the Way-Gay Sing-A-Long: Live Showcase Ascend @ Tavern on Camac 9:00pm – 2:00am (see page 14 for more details) Sponsored by:
Brittany Lynn
THE NEW ISSUE OF G PHILLY IS HERE!
Request your free issue today! Visit g-philly.com. PHILADELPHIA MAGAZINE’S
G-Philly.com
Supporting LGBTQ for more than 20 years! Proud Sponsor of
Philadelphia Qfest 2012 Enjoy Barefoot and Have a Great Time! 800.750.8828
24
barefootwine.com
Opening Night
25 25
Elliot Loves Thursday, July 12 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Saturday, July 14 • 2:45 • Ritz East Theater 1 Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 92 min
From the creative mind of Terracino, comes this wildly entertaining NYC tale of wide-eyed Elliot, a gay young man seen both as an inquisitive 10-yearold boy with an intense relationship with his mother and as an idealistic, 21-year-old searching for love in all the wrong places. Director Terracino, Actress Elena Goode (Ma) and lead-actor Quentin Araujo (Elliott) will be in attendance to introduce the film and host a Q&A Writer/director Terracino is back with his first film since his award-winning 1995 short My Polish Waiter. We’re happy to say that Elliot Loves was worth the 17-year wait! This adventurous Latino romantic drama, set in the Dominican American area of upper Manhattan, skips back and forth in time while using both live-action and animation. Terracino’s feature debut concerns Elliot— played as an adult by Fabio Costaprado and as a 10-yearold by Quentin Araujo, both talented newcomers. Elliot is handsome and charismatic, but unlucky in love. He can’t seem to hold down a relationship for more than a few weeks. The problem isn’t due to a lack of effort on his part—Elliot falls in love easily and devotes himself entirely to his male companions. Why is it, then, that none of the hunky guys that he attracts seem to desire the same level of commitment? Things look promising with Joe (Monte Bezell), a confident, slightly older stud, until it turns out (very awkwardly for Elliot) that he’s already in a relationship, albeit an open one. Even more promising is Kiko (Jermaine Montell), a stunningly sexy young go-go dancer who gives his attention to Elliot—for a little while, at least. Maybe Elliot’s need for affection has something to do with his childhood. Raised by an emotionally erratic single mother, Elliot was without a positive male role model. His mother’s boyfriend was borderline abusive. The film features a smart and subtly heartbreaking scene where Elliot’s mother (played by stunningly beautiful “As the World Turns” veteran Elena Goode) pulls him out of school in the middle of the day to share a meal at a diner and talk about all of the lavish prizes she could have won if only she had been a contestant on that day’s episode of “The Price is Right.” Both Elliot and his mother are dreamers. They idealize the world around them and fantasize about their potential for happiness—often finding themselves disappointed when reality sets in and things don’t go the way they had planned. As Elliot’s heart is repeatedly broken in the present, the film flashes back to situations in the past that fueled his need for a dependable partner. These may seem like heavy themes, but Elliot Loves examines them with a consistent optimism that stays true to the characters and a refreshingly light-hearted touch that manages not to betray their poignancy. Featuring captivatingly nuanced performances from the primary cast and a bold, frenetic style from a filmmaker that has been absent from the festival scene for far too long, Elliot Loves earns its spot as our Opening Night selection. —Robert O’Neill Director: Terracino Cast: Quentin Araugo, Fabio Costaprado, Elena Goode, Robin de Jesus, Jermaine Montell, Erin Fogel, Tillman Norsworthy, Elaine del Valle, Guillermo Iván Screenwriter: Terracino Producer: Terracino Cinematographer: Saro Varjabedian Editor: Lyndon McCray Print Source: TLA Releasing
Elliot Loves is Terracino’s feature debut. Sponsored By:
TC A
T H E
CO N TA R I N O
A S S O C I AT I O N
Philadelphia is Magnifique
Sofitel Philadelphia 120 south 17th street - philadelphia, pa 19103 tel: 215 569 8300 www.sofitel.com 800 sofitel
International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association
26
Closing Night
27 27
BearCity 2: The Proposal Sunday, July 22 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 1
East Coast Premiere USA 2012, 110 min
BearCity 2: The Proposal, the sequel to the awardwinning breakout hit BearCity (2010) is a romp full of fur, fun and family as the bears realize that marriage is much more than just the freedom to say “I do.” Kathy Najimy plays den mother to the returning cast of bears, boys and cubs, for a Bear Week bachelor party in Provincetown! The bears (and their bear-loving cubs) of the hit BearCity are back in Philly with this raucous, bitingly funny and romantic sequel! Top bear Roger (Gerald McCullouch) pops the big question to his twink bf Tyler (Joe Conti) and they decide to have the marriage in Provincetown during Bear Week. And with their wild, hard-partying den of NYC friends in tow, they head up to P-Town and to Rose’s (Kathy Nijimy). And there, midst the sea of horny men, clothes are shed; dramas unfold; feelings are hurt and sex raises its ugly head. Will all this commotion and eye candy threaten the impending ceremony? It doesn’t help when the engaged couple are jealous of each other — Roger for the “woof woof” attention Ty receives and Ty for the appearance of Roger’s hunky ex. Will things be made right in time for the wedding? And will poor twink-seeking twink Simon find anyone amidst the bevy of fur? A buoyant comedy that features many of the original cast members and several funny cameos (Kevin Smith, Jason Stuart, Varla Jean Merman, Frank DeCaro). A fitting conclusion to our 18th year! —Raymond Murray Director: Douglas Langway Cast: Kevin Smith, Kathy Najimy, Richard Riehle, James Martinez, Stephen Guarino, Gerald McCullouch, Jason Stuart, Mike Ruiz, Joe Conti, Jeffery Roberson (as Varla Jean Merman), Brian Keane, Frank DeCaro, Will Bethencourt, Gregory Gunter, Blake Evan Sherman Screenwriter: Douglas Langway Producers: Jim Lande, Tracy Utley Cinematographer: Michael Hauer Editor: Douglas Langway Print Source: SharpLeft
Douglas langway’s Filmography: BearCity (2010); Raising Heroes (1996)
Sponsored By:
TC A
T H E
CO N TA R I N O
A S S O C I AT I O N
Centerpiece Screenings
31 31
Beauty Skoonheid Friday, July 13 • 9:30 • Ritz East Theater 1 Tuesday, July 17 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 1 East Coast Premiere South Africa 2010, 99 min
Provocative and haunting, this powerful sophomore effort from South African Oliver Hermanus centers on a closeted family man leading a double life who obsesses over his oldest friend’s son. Set in the beautiful backdrop of South Africa, Beauty is an intimately intense portrait of Francois (the amazing Deon Lotz) who is a dutiful, middle-aged husband and father. He fumes with resentment longing for the past, his loveless marriage and harboring a secret of being attracted to other men. However, that does not stop the family man from sneaking off to an isolated farmhouse to partake in an orgy with other white, married men. While hosting his daughter’s wedding, charming, young and studly Christian (Charlie Keegan) approaches the proud father and something snaps inside Francois. He embarks on a dark, unwavering journey of obsession that leads to a shocking and graphic conclusion. Lotz is utterly amazing as Francois who subtly fills with bitter jealousy and tragically unravels in front of our eyes. Winner of the Queer Palm D’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, Beauty exposes the ugliness within a homophobic society by challenging us to feel the struggle and self-loathing of a vastly complex character. (English and Afrikaans with English subtitles) —Kelly Burkhardt Director: Oliver Hermanus Cast: Deon Lotz, Charlie Keegan, Michelle Scott Screenwriters: Oliver Hermanus, Didier Costet Producer: Didier Costet Cinematographer: Jamie Ramsay Editor: George Hanmer Print Source: TLA Releasing
Oliver Hermanus’s Filmography: Shirley Adams (2009)
Sponsored By:
32
Philadelphia QFEST2012
Cloudburst Friday, July 13 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Sunday, July 15 • 12:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Philadelphia Premiere Canada 2011, 93 min
Gay filmmaker Thom Fitzgerald’s bright, breezy and tender road movie stars Olympia Dukakis and Brenda Fricker as a pair of geriatric lesbians who hit the highway, picking up a hunky young hitchhiker along the way. In this uproarious comedy-drama, Oscar®-winning actresses Olympia Dukakis (Moonstruck) and Brenda Fricker (My Left Foot) star as Stella and Dot, a lesbian couple for over 30 years. When Dot’s granddaughter schemes to take over her Maine home and send her grandmother to a nursing home, the two instead embark on a Thelma & Louise-style road trip to Nova Scotia to be legally married. Along the way they pick up an impressionable young hitchhiker. Will this new family be able to cross the boarder and tie the knot? As Stella, Dukakis gives a virtuoso performance as a crotchety old bull dyke, battling the narrow minded and cursing like a sailor. Adapted from director Thom Fitzgerald’s own stage play, the film is riotous, poignant and profane and is a touching examination of the true nature of love and commitment. —Noelle Reilly Director: Thom Fitzgerald Cast: Olympia Dukakis, Brenda Fricker, Ryan Doucette, Kristin Booth Screenwriter: Thomas M. Harting Producers: Thom Fitzgerald, Doug Pettigrew Cinematographer: Thomas M. Harting Editor: Angela Baker Print Source: Priapistic Pictures Inc
Thom Fitzgerald’s Filmography: 3 Needles (2005); The Event (2003); The Wild Dogs (2002); Beefcake (1998); The Hanging Garden (1997)
Sponsored By:
Centerpiece Screenings
33 33
I Do Friday, July 20 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Saturday, July 21 • 2:15 • Ritz East Theater 2 East Coast Premiere USA 2012, 95 min
Openly gay and ruggedly handsome, David W. Ross (Quinceañera, 2006) — QFest 2012 Rising Film Star recipient — has come a long way from his days as a teen heartthrob in the British boy band; Bad Boys, Inc. In his newest endeavor I Do (which he scripted), Ross is commanding as Jack Edwards, a British gay man living in New York while working as a freelance photographer. David W. Ross will be in attendance to introduce the film and host a Q&A with the audience Seven years after the tragic death of his brother, Jack’s life is consumed with raising his niece, Tara, with his sister-in-law Mya (indie actress Alicia Witt). When the renewal of his work visa is denied, deportation to his native England seems imminent. The quick solution is a duplicitous marriage to his best friend Ali (Jamie-Lynn Sigler of “The Sopranos”) to secure his green card. Mindful of immigration and custom enforcement (ICE) questioning, Ali moves into Jack’s apartment. When he falls head-over-heels in love with Mano (a sexy U.S.born Latino architect, tensions bubble to the surface between Ali and Jack. Prodded by her ex-girlfriend, Ali grows increasingly bitter about the arrangement she has entered into with Jack. She has every right to be mindful of the discriminatory DOMA laws (The Defense of Marriage Act which defines marriage for federal purposes as unions exclusively between a man and woman), when ICE officials storm into their apartment (they don’t need a search warrant!), and Jack is nowhere to be found. Tough grilling by federal authorities settles it for Ali, she’s had enough, and soon files for divorce from Jack. As Jack searches for a new wife, the situation becomes even more challenging when Mano must return to Spain for a family crisis and Jack is forced to make a heart-breaking choice in order to live his life. Timely and complex, this brilliantly structured family drama, directed by Glenn Gaylord, cleverly dramatizes the choices same-sex bi-national couples have to make. In the absence of federally recognized marriage equality for LGBT people living in America, how far would you go for love? —Carol Coombes Director: Glenn Gaylord Cast: Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Alicia Witt, Maurice Compte, David W. Ross, Grant Bowler, Patricia Belcher, Jessica Tyler Brown, Mickey Cottrell Screenwriter: David W. Ross Producers: Stephen Israel, David W. Ross Cinematographer: David Maurice Gil Editor: James Cude Print Source: Neo Film
Glenn Gaylord’s Filmography: Eating Out: All You Can Eat (2009); Lez Be Friends (2007); Camp Michael Jackson (2005); Boychick (2001 - short)
Sponsored By:
34
Philadelphia QFEST
2012
North Sea Texas Noordzee Texas Saturday, July 14 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Saturday, July 21 • 2:30 • Ritz East Theater 1 Philadelphia Premiere Belgium 2011, 96 min
A teenage boy is in love with his “straight” best friend in this tender, romantic tale from director Bavo Defurne. Belgium-born filmmaker Bavo Defune has been making gay themed short films that have played festivals since the early 1990s, and they have proven to have been amazing training ground. This film—a tender, sexy and sensitive tale of a boy who falls hard for his best friend—may not be just the hit of the festival, but may well become a gay film classic of first love. Set in a Belgium costal town in the 1960s and ‘70s, we are introduced to eightyear-old Pim who lives with his buxom, man-hungry exbeauty queen mom. He is a quiet, introverted boy who is immersed in a fantasy world. Fast forward several years. Pim, now a teenager, remains a quiet dreamer and is secretly and madly in love with his neighbor and best friend, Gino—an assured, motorcycle driving dark-haired boy. The two fool around sexually, but for one it is love; for the other, some fun relief before he finds the right girl. As Pim’s mother boozes it up and takes in different men (including the macho gypsy, Zoltan), and Gino begins seeing a girl, Pim either needs to toughen up and face reality or sink. Just when his life looks darkest, things begin to change. With terrific acting, amazing set design and wardrobe, and a tender story of innocence and love, this languid romantic drama will entrance the entire audience. (Dutch with English subtitles) —Raymond Murray Director: Bavo Defurne Cast: Eva van der Gucht, Luk Wyns, Thomas Coumans Screenwriters: Bavo Defurne, Yves Verbraeken Producer: Yves Verbraeken Cinematographer: Anton Mertens Editor: Els Voorspoels Print Source: Strand Releasing
North Sea Texas is Bavo Defurne’s debut.
Sponsored By:
we’re non-profit, on purpose !
CONgRaTULaTIONS TO OUR FILMS aT QFEST:
OTHER TFC FILMS INCLUDE:
August, Codependent LesbiAn spACe ALien seeks sAme, eyes Wide open, gAyby, LeAve it on the FLoor, mosQuitA y mAri, the oWLs, undertoW, united in Anger, We Were here, Weekend
Suzanne E. Petruzel, GRI Sales Associate
Fox & Roach, REALTORS® At the Rittenhouse 210 W. Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19130 Cell 610.659.8030 Direct 215.790.5671 Bus 215.546.0550 suzanne.petruzel@prufoxroach.com An Independently Owned and Operated Member of BREA Affiliates, Inc. Not affiliated with Prudential. Prudential marks under license
Now open at the Dark Horse Pub Come Join the Party!
(Thu, Fri & Sat 9-11pm) 421 South Second Street 215.350.2115
www.jollyspianobar.com
Through July 15, 2012 ALSO ON VIEW HAUNTING NARRATIVES Detours from Philadelphia Realism 9201 Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill 215-247-0476 • woodmereartmuseum.org Salvatore Pinto (1905-66). Beach Scene, 1935. 40 x 50 in. Courtesy of the Estate of Salvatore Pinto
37
where gay men play
EntEr to
win!
EntEr to win a triP for 2 o n
thE
indEPEndEnc E caribbEan cr uisE! Go online t o enter & see
Presented by
38
official rules
and
tLagay.com/cruise13
Festival host hotels
39 39
SPEND THE DAY AND STAY THE NIGHT AT THE QFest 2012 OFFICIAL FESTIVAL HOTELS! When you book hotel accommodations for this year’s summer film festival, please take advantage of special room rates at QFest 2012 “Host Hotels” by contacting the properties directly and using the codes listed below.
DoubleTree by Hilton 237 South Broad Street, Center City Views of the Delaware River and Philadelphia’s downtown cityscape, warm signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies upon arrival and high-speed internet access are among the many amenities that guests are afforded at the recently upgraded DoubleTree by Hilton. Centrally located along the city’s Avenue of the Arts and within walking distance of a few blocks to Philadelphia’s Gayborhood where a number of special events for QFest 2012 will take place, the hotel has majesty with its sweeping glass edifice. Guests can enjoy cocktails and food at Standing O Bar or first-class dining at the Balcony Restaurant overlooking the hotel’s mezzanine. The hotel offers guests complimentary fitness center, rooftop atrium pool and sundeck. QFest 2012 Room Rate: $109 per night, plus tax. Call 215-893-1600 or online philadelphia.doubletree.com Code: QFS
Sheraton Society Hill One Dock Street at Second and Walnut Streets, Old City The totally-renovated hotel is nestled in the charming Society Hill neighborhood celebrated for its 19th century architecture and its cobblestone streets. Conveniently located from Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the Betsy Ross House, guests can literally fall out of bed and be at the Ritz Theaters for film screenings at QFest within minutes. Amenities are many, including views of Society Hill, the Delaware River or Penn’s Landing, a new fitness facility sponsored by Core Performance, indoor heated pool, high-speed internet access, in-lobby Starbucks and valet parking (with surcharge). Guests will appreciate the stylish ambiance that the hotel’s major redo now projects with spectacular décor in the lobby, hotel rooms and suites, Taste Restaurant, mixing the old with the new, and touches of—what else—but historic Philadelphia at its finest! QFest 2012 Room Rate: $209 per night, plus tax and $259 for Sheraton Club Members with special amenities, plus tax. Call 215-283-6000 (Ask for Reservations) or online sheraton.com/SocietyHill Code: QFEST
Sofitel Philadelphia 120 South 17th Street, Center City The blending of French elegance with American style distinguishes the Sofitel Philadelphia, an upscale boutique hotel, that serves as the cornerstone of the new French Quarter in Center City, steps away from fashionable Rittenhouse Square. The four-star Philadelphia hotel is conveniently located adjacent to the shopping hub of many of Philadelphia’s flagship stores and within walking distance of Philadelphia’s Gayborhood where a number of special events for QFest 2012 will take place. Guests can enjoy the contemporary comfort and convenience of the bar at Liberte Urban Chic Lounge where award winning mixologists shake-and-stir artisanal cocktails and the chic restaurant that serves French-inspired food is enhanced by the inviting setting. QFest 2012 Room Rate: $145 per night, plus tax for Superior King Rooms; and QFest Package, $225-290 per night, plus tax, with many amenities, from complimentary breakfasts to complimentary QFest cocktails and more. Call 215-569-8300 or online at sofitel-philadelphia.com Code: Q-Fest
Calling all Band geeks The Philadelphia Freedom Band is a group of people who love to play music in large and small ensembles. Many of us played instruments in our high school and college bands. Others are professionally trained musicians. We’ve come together to practice our skills and perform for the public. The band is a place where anyone – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or straight – can enjoy the beauty of playing music with friends. We welcome anyone who wants to play: • Concert band • Jazz ensemble
• Brass5 • Marching band
• Color guard • Volunteer as a Band Aid
www.philadelphiafreedomband.com • info@philadelphiafreedomband.com • facebook.com/philadelphiafreedomband
BILL CURRY & NICK VENTURA's LANDMARK VENUES
JOIN US BEFORE & AFTER THE FILMS : BLOCKS AWAY FROM THE RITZ THEATRES “proud supporters of the 18th annual qfest”
CAFE NOLA headhouse sq
COPA south st
MONKEY BAR old city
SAVE THE DATES : OFFICIAL QFEST EVENTS : CAFE NOLA : HEADHOUSE SQ SAT JULY 14TH “WAKEFIELD POOLE” @ 7PM : THURS, JULY 19TH “BAD BOYS” @ 9PM brought to you by the boys from:
The Contarino Association, Twisted Life, Qfest & tlagay.com
coming this summer our newest creation “REDWOOD” on south street
FESTIVAL BASICS
Get the most out of your Festival experience
41 41
The Golden Rule: Many screenings sell out
Especially the Opening, Closing and Centerpiece films – Plan your Festival schedule ahead of time, and buy tickets as early as possible – or better yet, buy a badge. But remember – After show time, no one (including badge-holders) is guaranteed a seat!
Ticket Sales...
Getting Here...
Day of show tickets are only available at the venue
Arrive at the theater early
If you want to buy a ticket for a same-day movie, go straight to the place where that movie will be shown. The tickets for the entire day go on sale one half-hour before the first show of the day at that venue. Theater box offices are Cash Only Check your wallet or visit the closest ATM before arriving at the movies – venue ticket sales are cash only. Advance ticket pickup If you order your tickets in advance, all of the tickets you purchase will be available for pickup at your first movie’s screening venue. If you don’t pick them up there, you must call the Festival Box Office to re-route the tickets to your next venue – this will not happen automatically.
Keep on top of breaking Festival News Sellouts, screening, event and guest updates are posted and announced regularly at:
To start the film on time, we must seat as many people as possible quickly. Allow plenty of time for your transportation, especially on weekend nights. The Festival Map on the next page shows theaters, party venues, discounted parking and Septa subway stops. Remember your umbrella The Festival attracts thousands of people, so don’t be surprised by lines that extend outside – and prepare accordingly.
At the Theater... Seats cannot be held You must be present to take a seat. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no “standing room” admission at any Festival film or program. We do not show any previews Screenings start within five minutes of the scheduled time – however, the Festival cannot be held accountable for late starts.
www.qfest.com
We take movies seriously
The site features real-time interactive features such as user reviews and personalized Festival calendar options.
Please unwrap noisy wrappers, silence your voices and communication devices to ensure a quality audience experience.
Daily E-Newslines
The venues are staffed by volunteers...
We send you breaking Festival news and announcements via e-mail every morning before breakfast. Festival Hotline 24-hour automated information is available at 267-765-9800 x701.
...who can answer many of your questions and make the festival possible by donating their time. Please be patient, and don’t forget to thank them for their efforts.
42
Get Your
Tickets Here! General PCA Admission Members
Single Tickets Regular Screenings
$10
$9
Opening and Closing Night Film Only
$15
$15
(film only, on sale day of show based on availability)
Parties, Events & Combos
Sales Locations STARTING JUNE 22
Online: www.qfest.com By Phone: 267.765.9800 x4
Limited tickets get your now!
(must be 21 years+ for all parties)
STARTING JUNE 25
Opening Night Combo (Film & post-screening party)
$40
$35
Opening Night Party Only (Cash only at the door)
$35
$30
The William Way Community Center
Closing Night Combo (Film & post-screening party)
$35
$30
Noon to 3:00pm and 5:00pm to 8:00pm daily
Closing Night Party Only (Cash only at the door)
$25
$20
1315 Spruce St. Philadelphia, PA 19107
Passes and Badges Festival 10-Pass Not valid for Opening and Closing Nights All-Access Badge (First come, first served)
$90
$85
$260
$235
TLA VIDEO Noon to 8:00pm daily 763 Lancaster Ave. Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 610.520.1222
Service Fees: There is a $1.00 fee per ticket on all advance sales and $5.00 fee per badge or 10-pass. Fees waived for PCA Members. (Join the Alliance!)
TICKETS ARE CHEAPER FOR PCA MEMBERS SO JOIN THE ALLIANCE! see details page 7
IMPORTANT! AFTER SHOW TIME, NO ONE CAN BE GUARANTEED A SEAT (INCLUDING BADGE HOLDERS)
Festival Map Film Venues 1. Ritz East (125 S. 2nd St.)
2. Ritz at the Bourse
Spring Garden St.
4
N
(400 Ranstead St.)
Party Venues 3. Table31
I-676 Race St.
(1701 John F Kennedy Blvd.)
3
t.
5
Spruce S
t.
I-95
2
t.
1
us Blvd .
St.
Walnut S
t. Broad S
17th St.
Chestnut
Columb
5. William Way Community Center
(Delaw
Market S
Ticket Sales
(1315 Spruce St)
are Ave .)
Arch St.
5th St.
(1001 N. Delaware Ave)
8th St.
4. SugarHouse
Ben Fr
anklin
Bridge
Advance Sales All advance orders for weekday shows must be placed by 3:00 on the day of the movie or event, orders for Saturday and Sunday must be purchased by 10am of the same day. All of your tickets will be waiting for you at the venue of your first screening. Phone/internet Badge orders are available for pickup at the Ritz East beginning Opening Night.
ONliNE (Credit card sales only) www.qfest.com BY PHONE (Credit card sales only) Call 267-765-9800 x4 Noon-8pm daily iN PERSON (All payment methods) See Advance Sales Locations (at left)
Same Day Sales (Venues only) Cash Only Sold only where the film is shown. Subject to availability. Go to the venue where the film will be shown no earlier than one half-hour before the first Festival screening of the day to purchase same day tickets.
Some important Details
Celebrating 15 years of food and friends.
Avoid Sellouts – Plan your Festival ahead of time and purchase tickets as early as possible. Or better yet, buy a badge. Please arrive early – After show time no one, not even a badge holder, is guaranteed a seat. Refunds – All sales are final. No refunds are available unless a screening is cancelled. Exchanges – All exchanges must be processed in advance. If your tickets are already printed you must make your exchange in person. There are no same-day exchanges or exchanges for past events. We cannot process exchanges online. Lost tickets cannot be replaced. Screening updates and ticket availability information is regularly updated on our website at www.qfest.com and on our Festival hotline: 267-765-9800 x701.
How Badges Work All-Access Badges are available in limited quantities. Badge holders must be present at least 20 minutes prior to screenings. They will receive their tickets in a designated VIP line. Badges include admission to all films, including Opening and Closing Night films and parties and access to other select parties.
Join us.
Phone/Mail/Internet badge orders can be picked up at the Ritz East from Opening Night on. If you wish to provide your own passport-sized photo (email jpeg file to jbendik@phillycinema.org)
How Passes Work Your 10-pass vouchers must be redeemed for tickets to the films of your choice. You can do this when you purchase in aDVanCE (recommended) or at the door (see Same Day Sales). Online buyers: Any un-redeemed passes will remain on your account UNTIL your first TICKET pickup at will call — at which time the leftover passes will also be given to you.
avoid Sellouts! Yes, we said it again. To check for screening updates and ticket availability, call the Festival Hotline at 267-765-9800 ext. 701, or dial ext. 4 to speak to a service representative.
Private Dining | Catering Special Events | Restaurant & Bar 306 market street 215 625 9425 • forkrestaurant.com
44
QFest 2012 Calendar of Screenings Ritz East Theater 1
Thu July 12
7:15 Elliot Loves (Opening Night)
Ritz East Theater 2
Ritz at the Bourse
9:30pm-1:00am Opening Festivities at Table 31 (pg.12)
(92 min, pg.25)
5:00 5:00 Joshua Tree, 1951...James Dean Melting Away (105 min, pg.59)
Fri July 13
7:15 Cloudburst 9:30 Beauty 12:30 Woman’s Lake 2:45 Elliot Loves
Sat July 14
5:00 naked as we came 7:15 North Sea Texas 9:30 The Men Next Door 12:15 Cloudburst
Sun Jul 15
7:00 Let My People Go! 9:15 Vito 5:15 My Best Day
Mon Jul 16
(93 min, pg.32) (99 min, pg.31) (87 min, pg.82) (92 min, pg.25) (84 min, pg.71) (96 min, pg.34) (90 min, pg.68) (93 min, pg.32)
(88 min, pg.74)
9:15 Jack and Diane 12:15 Positive Youth
(84 min, pg.71) (93 min, pg.58)
5:15 Heavy Girls 7:15 The Wise Kids 9:30 Loose Cannons
(85 min, pg.71)
2:30 Unfit: Ward Vs. Ward 7:00pm-10:00pm (107 min, pg.58) (90 min, pg.79) Dirty Poole After-party at Cafe Nola (pg.14) 5:00 4:45 Dirty Poole: A Work in Progress Mary Marie (90 min, pg.21) (97 min, pg.67) 10:00pm-2:00am Stud Life Woman’s Gala 7:30 7:15 at Arouse (pg.14) Stud Life Saltwater (83 min, pg.76) (88 min, pg.74) 9:00pm-2:00am Saltwater & Men Next 9:45 9:30 Door After-party My Best Day Loose Cannons (85 min, pg.71) (110 min, pg.65) at Tavern on Camac (pg.14) 12:15 The Marriage
5:00 Jack and Diane
(91 min, pg.66) (83 min, pg.76) (93 min, pg.58)
12:00 The Wise Kids 2:15 Heavy Girls 4:30 TRANS
9:30 Jobriath A.D. 5:00 The Marriage
(107 min, pg.58)
9:15 Melting Away
7:15 Vito
(95 min, pg.81) (76 min, pg.56) (98 min, pg.78) (93 min, pg.65) 9:00pm-2:00am Way Gay Sing-along Showcase at Tavern on Camac (86 min, pg.67) (pg.14)
6:00 United in Anger: History of ACT UP (90 min, pg.80) (91 min, pg.66)
7:15 7:00 8:15 Joshua Tree, 1951...James Dean Love Her or Leave Her (shorts) Tennessee Queer (105 min, pg.59) (96 min, pg.51)
5:00 Beauty
(95 min, pg.81) 9:00pm-2:00am Beauty Reception at Tavern on Camac (pg.14) (110 min, pg.65)
12:15 Turtle Hill, Brooklyn (85 min, pg.74) (78 min, pg.79)
7:15 7:00 The Way Gay Sing-along Love Free or Die (96 min, pg.60) (90 min, pg.21) (93 min, pg.80)
(76 min, pg.56)
2:30 Jobriath A.D.
9:30 9:15 First Contact (shorts) Speechless (88 min, pg.50)
Tue Jul 17
(86 min, pg.67)
7:00 naked as we came
2:30 2:30 The Men Next Door Stud Life (90 min, pg.68) 4:45 Saltwater
Parties and Events
(90 min, pg.78)
(92 min, pg.76)
5:15 6:00 Love Her or Leave Her (shorts) Tennessee Queer (99 min, pg.31) (96 min, pg.51) (90 min, pg.78) (93 min, pg.80)
7:15 Woman’s Lake
8:15 Another Movie Of Love (87 min, pg.82) (108 min, pg.54)
9:30 9:15 Dangerous Sex (shorts) Love or Whatever (92 min, pg.49) (84 min, pg.66)
Ritz East Theater 1
Ritz East Theater 2
Ritz at the Bourse
Parties and Events
5:00 5:00 6:00 A Family Affair (shorts) Love or Whatever Audre Lorde - The Berlin Years (107 min, pg.50) (84 min, pg.66) (84 min, pg.55)
Wed July 18
7:15 Our Paradise 9:30 Zenne Dancer 5:00 Nate & Margaret
Thu July 19
7:15 I Stand Corrected 9:30 I Want Your Love 5:00 I Stand Corrected
Fri July 20
9:30 Sassy Pants
2:30 North Sea Texas 4:45 Our Paradise 7:00 Keep the Lights On 9:30 Men to Kiss 12:30 Men to Kiss
Sun Jul 22
Mon Jul 23
(78 min, pg.72)
8:15 Mommy Is Coming
(84 min, pg.70)
9:15 Turtle Hill, Brooklyn (104 min, pg.82) (78 min, pg.79)
(78 min, pg.72) (98 min, pg.57) (75 min, pg.57) (82 min, pg.57)
5:00 Speechless 7:00 Mixed Kabob 9:15 Let My People Go! 5:15 Zenne Dancer
(92 min, pg.76)
5:00 Mary Marie
7:15 Forbidden Fruit (shorts) (96 min, pg.69) (83 min, pg.51) (96 min, pg.60) (104 min, pg.82)
9:15 Bad Boy Street
(96 min, pg.55)
5:00 Bad Boy Street
(96 min, pg.55)
7:15 Black, Blues and Other Hues (shorts) (91 min, pg.49) (94 min, pg.54) 9:30 9:45 Mommy Is Coming Dangerous Sex (shorts) (84 min, pg.70) (87 min, pg.75) (92 min, pg.49)
12:00 12:15 Taking a Chance on God Kiss Me (110 min, pg.75) (55 min, pg.77) (96 min, pg.34)
2:15 I Do
(95 min, pg.33)
(101 min, pg.59) (103 min, pg.68)
7:00 A Perfect Ending 9:30 Au Pair, Kansas
(114 min, pg.73) (94 min, pg.54)
10:00pm-2:00am Bad Boy Street Gala at Cafe Nola (pg.15) 9:00pm-11:00pm VIP Reception David Ross at Prime Rib (pg.15) 10:00pm-2:00am Black Blues and Other Hues After Burner at North Shore Beach Club (pg.15)
(105 min, pg.60)
2:30 Molly’s Girl
4:45 5:00 Rose Troche Tribute + Interview Facing Mirrors (100 min, pg.72) (90 min, pg.18)
9:00pm-Midnight Our Paradise & Nate & Margaret After-party at Optimal Sport Club (pg.14)
(97 min, pg.67)
7:15 7:30 I Do (plus Rising Film Star Award) Au Pair, Kansas (120 min, pg.33)
12:15 Somefarwhere
Sat Jul 21
(100 min, pg.72)
7:00 Nate & Margaret
(120 min, pg.) (102 min, pg.56)
7:15 I Want Your Love 9:30 Surprise Screening
(75 min, pg.57)
9:00pm-2:00am Celebrity Women’s Gala for Perfect Ending at Sisters (pg.15)
( min, pg.83)
9:00pm-2:00am Cocky Boys Project Go-Go at I-Candy (pg.15)
12:00 12:15 First Contact (shorts) Molly’s Girl (103 min, pg.68) (88 min, pg.50)
(120 min, pg.) 2:30pm-4:30pm Pre-Screening Gala at Sheraton Society Hill 2:45 2:15 2:30 a(pg.15) Mixed Kabob A Perfect Ending Facing Mirrors (96 min, pg.69) (114 min, pg.73) (102 min, pg.56) 9:30pm-2:00am 4:30 5:00 5:00 When the Bears A Force of Nature plus: Sassy Pants Love Free or Die Come Marching In (87 min, pg.75) Gittings Award: Ellen Ratner (93 min, pg.65) at Bike Stop (pg.14) (90 min, pg.20) 7:15 7:15 9:30pm-12:30am Somefarwhere Closing Night Film 7:00 Closing Festivities (110 min, pg.75) BearCity 2: The Proposal Kiss Me at SugarHouse Casino (110 min, pg.27) (105 min, pg.60) (pg.14) 6:15 Festival Favorites 8:30 Festival Favorites
(pg.83) (pg.83)
6:15 Festival Favorites 8:30 Festival Favorites
(pg.83) (pg.83)
6:15 Festival Favorites 8:30 Festival Favorites
(pg.83) (pg.83)
Proud to support
The Gym of Choice for Philadelphia’s Gay & Lesbian Community!
215.985.4092 46
204 S. 12th Street 12streetgym.com
777 South Broad St. (Broad and Catharine) 267.687.2170
The Stage is set for a memorable experience! 2012 James Beard Award Semifinalist- “Best New Restaurant”
“Tashan is cooking some of the most exciting food to debut this year.” City Paper
“...shattering the clichés with thrilling results.” Excellent .
Craig Laban– The Philadelphia Inquirer
“Sublime Surprises” Excellent.
Philadelphia Magazine
47
The University of the Arts proudly supports
Qfest uarts.edu Qfest_ad2012.indd 1
COME OUT... SAVE THE DATE
OUTFEST BLOCK PARTY 2012
SUNDAY OCT 7
The University of the Arts’ history as a leader in educating creative individuals spans more than 130 years. 6/12/12 2:25 PM
PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE 2012 QFEST
OUTFEST PHILADELPHIA “EAST COASTS LARGEST”
VENDOR & SPONSOR
INFORMATION www.phillypride.org
Shorts Programs
Polaroid Girl
The Men’s Room
Black, Blues and Other Hues
Dangerous Sex
Friday, July 20 • 7:15 • Ritz at the Bourse
Tuesday, July 17 • 9:30 • Ritz East Theater 1 Friday, July 20 • 9:45 • Ritz East Theater 2
Shorts • Program Runtime: 91 min
Journey through tales of lust and longing. This sultry collection depicts memorable women of color, from 1920s blues singers who belted out songs that echoed the trials and triumphs of their lives, to modern day sisters trying to handle the intricacies of present day life. —Suzi Nash
Cross Your Fingers (UK, 2011, 17 min, Yun Joo Chang) Traditional meets punk in this urban South London tale of opposites attracting.
The Bus Pass (USA, 2010, 3 min, Narissa Lee) On the way home from work, a woman sees the girl of her dreams. Will she dare take the plunge and ask for her number? Or will she let life and a chance for love pass her by?
Bumming Cigarettes (USA, 2012, 24 min, tiona.m.) While waiting for the results of an HIV test, Vee bums a cigarette from Jimmy, the self-proclaimed mayor of the streets. Sometimes the simplest act can create a bond between strangers. The film was shot on location in Philadelphia and explores themes of HIV/AIDS within the Black LGBT community. It is the first short narrative fiction film from tiona.m., whose last film, the feature-length documentary, black./womyn.: conversations with lesbians of African descent was awarded this festival’s Audience Award for Best Documentary in 2008.
Polaroid Girl (USA, 2012, 17 min, April Maxey) A quirky and timid aspiring photographer discovers her inner courage after meeting a woman in a vintage camera shop. Can she get the shot and the girl?
T’Aint Nobody’s Bizness: Queer Blues Divas of the 1920s (USA, 2011, 29 min, Robert Philipson) The blues produced some kick-ass women who weren’t afraid to flaunt their fluid sexuality. Divas such as Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, and Ethel Waters sang their way to fame, fortune while creating a few scandalous moments. In their lifestyle and music, these strong, independent women survived hardships and were unapologetic about their unconventional choices in clothes, recreational activities and bed partners.
@qfest
49
Shorts • Program Runtime: 92 min
Sure, sex can be a pleasurable act bonding the love of two people...oh, but not in these shorts! —Raymond Murray
Bug Chaser (USA, 2011, 20 min, Ian Wolfley) Something really strange is happening to Nathan’s body after a one-night stand. He has a growth that keeps getting larger and larger, and poor Nathan resorts to all kinds of measures to figure out what is happening. A creepy sexual horror film that may have you swearing off sex forever... or at least until the credits roll! Candy (USA,
2012, 8 min, Mark Bessenger) A man trolls a phone sex line for a partner and connects to college student Vic. But while interested, Vic is too nervous to accept, prompting the caller to take matters into his own hand. Shocking and quite mean!
The Men’s Room (USA,
2011, 15 min, Jane Pickett) Propelled by desire and excited by the thrill of doing something dangerous, a young man nervously enters a park’s cruisy men’s room in search of a quick one. But the man in the adjoining stall may be more than he bargained for.
My Night with Andrew Cunanan (USA,
2012, 11 min, Devin Kordt-Thomas) A young man encounters the notorious killer (R.I.P. Versace) prior to his murderous spree in a San Francisco bar and decides to pursue him.
Transsexual Dominatrix (USA,
2011, 4 min, Shawna Virago) San Francisco musician, filmmaker and LGBT activist Shawna Virago shows off her dominant side in this funny, sexy and empowering music video that celebrates and fetishizes male-to-female confidence.
Consentement (France, 2012, 15 min, Cyril Legann) A man staying in a hotel suite tries to bribe the hot, young concierge into performing sexual favors. But when the man’s aggressive fantasies start taking a sinister turn, the concierge shifts the power dynamic to give his sinister benefactor a taste of his own medicine. Performance Anxiety (USA, 2012, 15 min, Reid Waterer) Relentlessly funny, Reid Waterer (director of the award-winning hit You Can’t Curry Love) focuses on two straight actors who have to navigate their way through a graphic gay sex scene. How do they do it? They man-up and act, of course—and make it look pretty damn sexy!
for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com
50
Philadelphia QFEST2012
Time Out
Prora
A Family Affair
First Contact
Wednesday, July 18 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 1
Monday, July 16 • 9:30 • Ritz East Theater 1 Sunday, July 22 • 12:00 • Ritz East Theater 2
Shorts • Program Runtime: 107 min
The complexities of familial bonds when gayness enters the scene is the theme of these shorts which focus on coming out, tensions and acceptance. —Raymond Murray
Fallen Comrade (USA, 2012, 11 min, James Valdez) A surefire tearjerker, this drama follows Alex and Julien, two attractive young soldiers who met during boot camp and fell deeply in love — only to be torn apart, far too soon, by war.
Time Out (India, UK, 2011, 13 min, Rikhil Bahadur) A 13-year-old boy, on the verge of adolescence, begins to become interested in girls. He idolizes his older brother, the captain of his high school basketball team. But the boy accidentally sees something that quickly challenges his beliefs and his feelings for his role model.
Absence of Love (USA, 2012, 26 min, Billy Gerard Frank) Marc Damon Johnson, (“Army Wives,” “Law & Order”) and Ernest Waddel (“Law & Order SVU,” “One Tree Hill”) star in this drama about a gay man who returns home to Atlanta for his minister father’s funeral and must deal with his long estranged brother. The film captures the alienation and homophobia within African American families. Inspired by the work of James Baldwin.
Pride (USA, 2011, 22 min, Marc Saltarelli) On the morning of his annual gay pride party, Stephen is forced to take in his homophobic father who disowned him more than 20 years ago. His father, now suffering from Alzheimer’s, gets a unique crash course in all things gay from Stephen’s eclectic mix of friends who uncover the seeds of the pair’s turbulent relationship.
Groom’s Cake (USA, 2012, 35 min, Chad Darnell) Two men decide to film the three days leading up to their wedding, only to discover their adoption process has been approved and their baby is arriving the next day. A funny faux documentary starring Peter Paige (“Queer As Folk”), Rib Hillis, Chad Darnell, Candis Cayne and Jennifer Gimenez.
facebook.com/QFestPhilly
Shorts • Program Runtime: 88 min
Be they sexy, romantic or exuberantly musical, these shorts all explore the excitement and tensions created when young men explore their budding sexuality. —Raymond Murray
Shabbat Dinner (USA, 2012, 14 min, Michael Morgenstern) What began as a typical boring Shabbat dinner changes into something more exciting for young William Shore when his parents invite another couple and their nerdy—but strangely interesting—son to their apartment. Prora (Switzerland, 2012, 23 min, Stéphane Riethauser) Sensitive, mildmannered Jan has secret feelings for his extroverted, straight buddy, Matthieu. When the two spend the afternoon horsing around on the beaches of Prora and wandering about an abandoned Nazi military complex, things take an unexpectedly intimate turn that threatens their friendship. Bald Guy
(Norway, 2011, 12 min, Maria Bock) Jonas’ parents don’t mind that he’s gay. The fact that he made out with a bald guy, though, sends them way off the rails—inspiring a comically absurd musical sequence that captivates their entire neighborhood.
Wild Imaginings
(Australia, 2011, 10 min, Daniel Monks) Sam is conflicted about his sexuality and the feelings that he has for his best friend. He can’t even seem to find peace in his dreams—where he tries and fails to “go straight” with an imaginary female. As his dream quickly morphs into a nightmare, Sam starts to learn that the subconscious is a sacred realm where he can express his fantasies freely.
Utopia (France, 2012, 21 min, Manfred Rott) Unsure if he is really gay, Thomas doesn’t know exactly what he wants from his first date with Julien—a cute boy he’s been chatting with online. But as they wander around the suburbs of Paris in search of their own private utopia, Thomas begins to let his guard down—and Julien is more than happy to help bring him out of his shell. 33 Teeth (USA, 2011, 8 min, Evan Roberts) Eddie is a hormonal 14-year-old boy living in the suburbs with his single mother. One day after school, he accidentally spies his attractive older neighbor, Chad, stepping out of the shower and measuring himself with a comb. Not long afterward, Eddie is the victim of a verbal slur by a friend of Chad’s, inspiring Eddie to enact some creative retaliation.
Shorts Programs
Candy Apple Red
Chloe Likes Olivia
Forbidden Fruit
Love Her or Leave Her
Thursday, July 19 • 7:15 • Ritz at the Bourse
Monday, July 16 • 7:00 • Ritz East Theater 2 Tuesday, July 17 • 5:15 • Ritz East Theater 2
Shorts • Program Runtime: 83 min
Oscar Wilde once said, “I can resist everything but temptation.” We challenge you to resist these maidens looking for love in all the right places. The temptations are great, from schoolyard crushes to secret desires. Sometimes you just have to pick that apple! Or should it be a peach? —Suzi Nash
Shorts • Program Runtime: 96 min
The Maiden and the Princess
Tsuyako
(USA, 2011, 18 min, Ali Scher) Emmy kissed a girl…and she liked it! This shocking event leads Emmy into a fairytale of discovery where she creates her own happy ending.
Girl Scouting (USA, 2011, 12 min, April Maxey) Angie thought becoming a lesbian would be easy, aspecially after having so many explicit lesbian dreams while sleeping with her boyfreind. But things don’t turn out quite the way she imagined after a visit with her friends to a lesbian bar.
Fluid (USA, 2011, 17 min, Dara Sklar) Angie has a secret she’s been keeping from her tea-drinking, flag football buddies. Which team is she playing for?
Candy Apple Red (USA, 2011, 15 min, Todd Norris) Temptation looms when Emily, a shy photographer in a loveless relationship, turns her lens on Lisa, an outgoing massage therapist. Lisa takes a hands-on approach, and Emily discovers dormant feelings developing faster than her prints.
Connected (USA, 2012, 7 min, Adam Marcus) When Deb invites a beautiful tarot reader to her home, she has no idea what the cards have in store for her.
After Lunch (Brazil, 2010, 13 min, Rodrigo Diaz Diaz) Ever share a secret dream with your BFF? In this hilarious romp, Andrea describes her erotic dream to an old friend while their husbands watch soccer on TV. Reality blurs with fantasy as Nana tells Andrea she can top her dream with one of her own.
51 51
Life isn’t always fair, as the women in these films discover. Sometimes fate can be turned ever so slightly in your favor. Love her or leave her? The choice is never easy. —Suzi Nash (Japan, 2011, 21 min, Mitsuyo Miyazaki) Based on real events from the director’s family history, this period drama is the story of a factory worker in postwar Japan who must chose between duty and family or love and freedom.
Chloe Likes Olivia (Denmark, 2011, 19 min, Mette Kjærgaard) Chloe is in love with Olivia, but Olivia is in a relationship with Andrea, who is waiting at home. A love triangle unfolds that forces Olivia to make a choice—when is enough, enough?
Always Again (UK, 2011, 6 min, Estel Camprecios) Kim just got engaged. When a customer at work tells her that her fiancé is a lucky man, she corrects his gender assumption. But her boss and her partner, Julia, think she doesn’t need to shout it to the world. What’s a proud bride-to-be to do?
Out of Bounds (USA, 2011, 17 min, Nicholas Paul Ybarra) Rose and Samantha are in love. One problem, Rose lives at home with her conservative mother. Can she keep her relationship a secret? Will the out, loud and proud Samantha agree to be relegated to the “friend” position?
Sugar Cookie (USA, 2012, 22 min, Jena N. Serbu) Infidelity and sexual hijinks infiltrate a lesbian couple’s Philadelphia home in this well-made, fun potboiler. Popular Philly DJ, April, has a secret admirer but at home LBD (lesbian bed death) is taking a toll on her relationship with Mae. And it doesn’t help that her girlfriend has invited an annoying nymphet to stay with them.
Adele’s Riddle (Spain, 2011, 11 min, Rubén González Barbosa) Carolina follows hints left by her lover for a daytime rendezvous. But when she unravels the puzzle, will she understand what Adele wants from her, or will she remain clueless?
@qfest
for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com
TWO FILMS … ONE NIGHT... GUEST STARS ...
Philadelphia's professional gay theatre company
Mauckingbird OPTIMAL QFEST OPEN HOUSE PARTY WEDNESDAY JULY 18 : 9PM - 12AM SPONSORED BY SMIRNOFF & COORS LIGHT
A PUBLIC OFFERING FOR ONE SPECIAL NIGHT
“Gay or not Gay, this is simply good theater.” – Philadelphia Magazine
www.mauckingbird.org
215.923.8909
52
53
54
Philadelphia QFEST2012
Another Movie Of Love
Au Pair, Kansas
Otra pelicula de amor Tuesday, July 17 • 8:15 • Ritz at the Bourse
Friday, July 20 • 7:30 • Ritz East Theater 2 Saturday, July 21 • 9:30 • Ritz East Theater 2
U.S. Premiere Chile 2011, 108 min
Philadelphia Premiere USA 2011, 94 min
From the New Chilean Queer Cinema movement comes this tantalizing drama of two teens who reunite one summer, leading to a strong friendship and possibly much more. A love story depicting self-discovery and the loss of innocence.
A recently widowed woman, living on a buffalo ranch in central Kansas, hires a Norwegian soccer player as a male au pair to help raise her two young sons.
Those looking for an action packed romance with tons of sex can skip Another Movie of Love, but for those who desire a tantalizingly teasing tale centering on the increasingly intimate relationship of two handsome young men, this film is made for you. Made by and with young Chileans, this indie drama begins when former childhood friends Diego and Sebastian meet up again as teenagers. They soon resume their friendship—hanging around, smoking pot, drinking, swimming, taking pictures, exploring and talking about sex. Diego, who is more accepting of his attraction, is still afraid of making the first move despite nights sleeping with Sebastian in their underwear as well as the “accidental” touching and drunken spooning. Soon an increasingly palpable sexual attraction begins. Will love develop or are they destined to remain just friends? Similar in structure and theme to the 2010 Argentinean hit, Plan B, Oyarce’s film is a beautiful and hopeful tale of young love that will enthrall, excite, frustrate and challenge you. (Spanish with English subtitles) —Raymond Murray Director: Edwin Oyarce Cast: Aquiles Poblete, Beba Koenig-Robert, Mara Solís de Obando Screenwriter: Edwin Oyarce Producers: Constanza García, Edwin Oyarce Cinematographers: Luis Díaz, Nicolás Videla Editor: Edwin Oyarce Print Source: Frenesí Films
Another Movie of Love is Edwin Oyarce’s debut.
In this winning and wholesome comedic family drama, Traci Lords stars as Helen, a single mother from Kansas who owns and manages a buffalo farm. She is still grieving the death of her husband Charlie (Stephen O’Mahoney). The couple were more like best friends than lovers. Charlie was gay, but conflicted about his sexuality. He married Helen, and they produced two sons, Atticus and Beau (Spencer Daniels and Kendall Ryan Sanders). In her alone time, Helen still has imaginary conversations with Charlie, unable to let go of his spirit. Nevertheless, he is gone and the practicalities of running a farm and raising two children are daunting. Helen is in need of a little help. She hires Oddmund (Håvard Lilleheie), a Norwegian soccer player who travels to America through an international au pair program. A handsome, enthusiastic young man, Oddmund cuts past some initial friction and charms his way into the family while unintentionally stirring up a wealth of intrigue and gossip within their small town. Though trustworthy and well-intentioned, Oddmund’s understanding of American social taboos is severely underdeveloped. A simple misunderstanding soon snowballs into a scandal when the locals begin to suspect that his relationship with young teen Atticus might be less than pure. Soon, it is up to Helen and her sons to stand up for their new family friend and clear his name. With a gorgeous rural setting and an endless selection of hilarious one-liners, Au Pair, Kansas, like its eponymous character, aims to win your heart. —Robert O’Neill Director: J.T. O’Neal Cast: Traci Lords, Håvard Lilleheie, Spencer Daniels, Kendall Ryan Sanders, Peter Murnik, Stephen O’Mahoney, Cher Ferreyra Screenwriter: J.T. O’Neal Producers: Joan Jerkovich, Catherine A. McCabe, J.T. O’Neal Cinematographer: Marco Fargnoli Editor: Brad Roszell Print Source: AP Kansas, LCC
Au Pair, Kansas is J.T. O’Neal’s debut. Sponsored by:
facebook.com/QFestPhilly
Best of US & World Cinema
Audre Lorde - The Berlin Years 1984 to 1992
Bad Boy Street
Wednesday, July 18 • 6:00 • Ritz at the Bourse
Thursday, July 19 • 9:15 • Ritz at the Bourse Friday, July 20 • 5:00 • Ritz at the Bourse
55 55
rue des mauvais garçons
East Coast Premiere Germany 2011, 84 min
A revealing look at poet and activist Audre Lorde during her many travels to West Berlin to lecture and visit friends. One gets a rare glimpse of the head-strong but self-effacing woman. In 1995, the first year of our festival, one of the hottest tickets was a documentary that excited our audiences—A Litany for Survival: the Life and Work of Audre Lorde. Now, 18 years later, and 20 years since her death, we are excited to present this German documentary which covers the many trips this great Afro American poet and writer made to Berlin. Describing herself as ‘a lesbian, a feminist, black, a poet, mother and activist,’ Lorde’s influence had spread far from the US, and she had become a frequent visitor to Europe, especially West Berlin. Dagmar Schultz, the film’s director, met Audre in 1980 and the two soon became fast friends. Using home movies, interviews with students who she influenced and reminiscences from her many German friends, we get a glimpse of the many sides of Lorde—her fast-thinking, analytical mind, her musings as well as her personal life relaxing with friends. For any fan of Audre Lorde, this film is essential viewing; for people who may not be familiar with her and her work, the film makes a perfect introduction. “What I leave behind has a life of its own. I’ve said this about poetry; I’ve said it about children. Well, in a sense I’m saying it about the very artifact of who I have been.” – Audre Lorde (English and German with English subtitles) —Raymond Murray Director: Dagmar Schultz Producer: Dagmar Schultz Cinematographers: Dagmar Schultz, Michael Seidel, Ika Hügel-Marshall Editor: Aletta von Vietinghoff Print Source: Dagmar Schultz
Audre Lorde - The Berlin Years 1984 to 1992 is Dagmar Schultz’s debut.
North American Premiere USA 2012, 80 min
Two men—quite dissimilar in age, nationality and emotional stability— embark on an unconventional romance in this Todd Verow drama set in Paris. Filmmaker Todd Verow abandons his home base New York City for the City of Light–Paris in this sexy drama of two very different men thrown together by fate. The story begins one evening when Claude (Yann deMonterno) happens upon a young man passed out on a side alley. With no ID, he decides to take him to his apartment to safely sleep it off. Awakening the next morning the hunky young man returns the favor by immediately going down on his sleeping host–and this begins the unconventional relationship between fortysomething Claude and twenty-something Brad, an American actor. With that unconventional first date, the two–despite their age difference, nationalities and Brad’s personal demons-tenuously begin to get to know one another and possibly find love. An accomplished, serious gay romance featuring an especially touching performance by deMonterno as a man whose stable life is upended by the presence of either the love of his life or just a sex-filled mistake. (English and French with English subtitles) —Raymond Murray Director: Todd Verow Cast: Yann deMonterno, Florence d’Azemar, Kevin Miranda Screenwriter: Todd Verow Producers: James Derek Dwyer, Todd Verow Cinematographer: Todd Verow Editor: Todd Verow Print Source: TLA Releasing
Todd Verow’s Filmography: [Selected] Bottom (2011); Leave Blank (2010); Deleted Scenes (2010); The Final Girl (2010); The Boy with the Sun in His Eyes (2009); Between Something & Nothing (2008); Vacationland (2006); Anonymous (2004); Against (2001); A Sudden Loss of Gravity (2000); Little Shots of Happiness (1997); Frisk (1995) Program includes the short:
Sponsored by:
@qfest
Last Man Out (USA, 2012, 16 min, David M. Young) A lonely and sexually-repressed middle-aged accountant decides to escape the city and venture out to a harbor island. There, he discovers an abandoned Civil War fort that is haunted by the ghost of a Confederate prisoner. For better or worse, long-forgotten spirits are going to be set free.
for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com
56
Philadelphia QFEST2012
Facing Mirrors
Heavy Girls
Aynehaye Rooberoo
Dicke Mädchen
Saturday, July 21 • 5:00 • Ritz at the Bourse Sunday, July 22 • 2:30 • Ritz at the Bourse
Friday, July 13 • 5:15 • Ritz at the Bourse Sunday, July 15 • 2:15 • Ritz at the Bourse
Philadelphia Premiere Iran, Germany 2011, 102 min
Philadelphia Premiere Germany 2011, 76 min
The first transgendered film from Iran is this excellent character driven drama which features two people of opposite backgrounds and social classes who are accidentally brought together to share a journey.
In this unorthodox quirky gay love story (shot in the style of a homemade movie), two bearish men (“heavy girls”) begin to see in each other the key to other possibilities in life.
Adinah is a young pre-op transman who is running away from a wealthy and influential father. Rana is a religious, traditional mother and wife who is forced to drive a cab. When she picks up Adinah—who is being chased by two men —Rana assumes she is a young man. As the journey progresses, Adinah reveals that he is transsexual. After an initial shock, Rana is able to overcome her discomfort and prejudice, and the two become allies. The situations run from tragic to touching as they forge an unlikely friendship. Sheyesteh Irani, one of the soccer match-crashing girls in Jafar Panahi’s Offside, brings a subtle touch playing the role of Adinah. Common struggles in the trans community—which restroom to use, when is it safe to wear non bio gender clothes—are heightened in the tense Iranian landscape. Winner, 2012 Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature—The Seattle Transgender Film Festival. (Farsi with English subtitles) —Suzi Nash
Sven, a single man in his mid-forties, has shared his entire life with his mother Edeltraut. They inhabit a small Berlin apartment and even share the same bed! During the week while Sven works at a bank, Daniel, a married homecare worker, lovingly cares for Edeltraut who suffers from dementia. One day in a moment of mischievousness, she locks Daniel out on the balcony and disappears. In their search for her, feelings of loss, love, loneliness and romance surface, turning Daniel and Sven’s lives upside down. Winner of a Special Jury Award for Bold Originality at the 2012 Slamdance Film Festival, Heavy Girls is consistently surprising, charmingly innocent and a delight to watch. Ruth Bickelhaupt, director Axel Ranisch’s 89-year old impish grandmother (in her debut role) shines as the playful Edeltraut. Yet, it is the uninhibited Heiko Pinkowski (Sven) who appears in one of the most absurdly innocent nude scenes ever seen, set to a solo violin, that captures the delicate fragility of all of the individual characters in this powerful and intimate film. (German with English subtitles) —Carol Coombes
Director: Negar Azarbayjani Cast: Homayoun Ershadi, Shayesteh Irani, Nima Shahrokh Shahi Screenwriters: Negar Azarbayjani, Fereshteh Taerpour Producer: Fereshteh Taerpour Cinematographer: Tooraj Mansoori Editors: Sepideh Abdolvahab, Negar Azarbayjani Print Source: The Film Collaborative
Facing Mirrors is Negar Azarbayjani’s debut.
Director: Axel Ranisch Cast: Ruth Bickelhaupt, Heiko Pinkowski, Peter Trabner Screenwriters: Heiko Pinkowski, Axel Ranisch, Peter Trabner Producers: Anne Baeker, Dennis Pauls, Heiko Pinkowski, Axel Ranisch Cinematographer: Axel Ranisch Editors: Milenka Nawka, Guernica Zimgabel Print Source: Sehr Gute Filme
Heavy Girls is Axel Ranisch’s debut. Program includes the short:
Plug and Play (Canada, 2012, 3 min, Sean Martin) How do two cute animated gay boys get it on when it’s 2:30 in the morning and one is entranced by his computer?
facebook.com/QFestPhilly
Best of US & World Cinema
57 57
I Stand Corrected
I Want Your Love
Thursday, July 19 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Friday, July 20 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 1
Thursday, July 19 • 9:30 • Ritz East Theater 1 Saturday, July 21 • 7:15 • Ritz at the Bourse
East Coast Premiere USA 2012, 82 min
Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 70 min
This award-winning true life story follows the meteoric rise and internal struggles of King of Prussia native, Jennifer (then John) Leitham, an exceptionally talented, left-handed, upright bassist and recording artist. Over the course of two decades, bass player John Leitham rose in the ranks of the jazz world. Richly resourced clips, interviews and photographs document long stints with the Mel Tormé Orchestra and frequent appearances as part of Doc Severinsen’s “Tonight” show band. From the sanctified stages of Carnegie Hall, The Blue Note, The Hollywood Bowl and everywhere in-between, Leitham has performed with many jazz notables (George Shearing, Gerry Mulligan, Peggy Lee, Cleo Laine, Joe Pass, Pete Rugolo, and Bob Cooper.) In 2001, as his fame, demands, and visibility ratcheted up, so did the urge to break out and embrace “the she” who he always knew he was. With sex-reassignment surgery, Jennifer emerged. Forging a path in the male dominated world of jazz presents many challenges for women. You will be cheering for this Philadelphian virtuoso who has always stood brave and strong (you have to with a heavy instrument wearing heels!), been true to herself, and, above all, remained a unique, creative and passionate musical force. —Carol Coombes
Employing a cast of fearless actors, director Travis Matthews offers up a sexually graphic, but ultimately touching film that follows the bedhopping adventures of a small group of San Francisco hipsters.
Director: Andrea Meyerson Cast: Jennifer Leitham, Doc Severinsen, Ed Shaughnessy, Ginger Berglund, Roy McCurdy, Sweet Baby J’ai Producers: Andrea Meyerson, Kelly Thomas Cinematographer: Adriana Torres Editors: Adriana Torres, Donna Mathewson Print Source: All Out Films
Andrea Meyerson’s Filmography: [Selected] Lip Service (2012); Pride Comedy Jam (2011); Fierce Funny Women (2011); Alec Mapa: No Fats, Femmes or Asians (2009); Laughing Matters... Next Gen (2009); Suzanne Westenhoefer: A Bottom on Top (2007); Kate Clinton: 25th Anniversary Tour (2007); Laughing Matters... More! (2006); Laughing Matters (2004) Program includes the short:
Transpass (USA,
2012, 16 min, Wren Warner) This locally made film effectively touches on a rarely pondered civil rights dilemma: SEPTA’s requirement for a gender sticker on its weekly and monthly transpasses. The film exposes the negative effects of this and one committed group’s (RAGE: Riders Against Gender Exclusion) efforts to have them removed. This complex issue and its effects are shown through interviews, footage of demonstrations, art and music created by people in the trans and queer community in Philadelphia.
@qfest
With the award-winning short film I Want Your Love (a selection from last year’s festival), writer/director Travis Matthews presented something all too elusive in gay cinema: a realistic, completely unsimulated sex scene—as romantic as it was titillating. This year, we’re thrilled to present the filmmaker’s new featurelength adaptation. The drama follows a small group of gay friends centered around a young artist named Jesse. Out of cash, Jesse is reluctantly planning to leave San Francisco, his home city for the past ten years, and return to the Midwest. Above all, he does not want to leave all of his close friends. On his last night in town, his pals decide to throw him a wild going-away party. Soon, flirting ensues, relationship dynamics are questioned and hidden attractions become apparent—leading to several pairings and some incredibly entertaining sex scenes that celebrate the messiness and vulnerability of first-time encounters between friends. While the film features graphic depictions of sex rarely seen outside of pornography—real erections, penetrations and ejaculations included—Matthews injects a lot of humor and heart into the proceedings. The sex scenes feel honest and essential rather than shocking or gratuitous. With a colorful setting, unique cinematography and absolutely charming performances, I Want Your Love is a ground-breaking American indie. —Robert O’Neill Director: Travis Mathews Cast: Wayne Bumb, Peter DeGroot, Ben Jasper Screenwriter: Travis Mathews Producers: Travis Mathews, Jack J. Shamama (Tim Valenti, Executive Producer) Cinematographer: Keith Wilson Editors: Bryan Darling, Travis Mathews Print Source: The Film Collaborative
I Want Your Love is Travis Mathews’s debut. Program includes the short:
Mates (UK, 2011, 5 min, Antonio da Silva) Ever had anonymous gay sex with someone you met online? It’s okay. Most of us have. We just don’t talk about it a lot. This kaleidoscopic short takes a graphic, unsimulated look at several seriously sexy hookups—cross-cutting between scenes of hot, hung men in action. This one is for adults only!
for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com
58
Philadelphia QFEST2012
Jack and Diane
Jobriath A.D.
Friday, July 13 • 9:15 • Ritz East Theater 2 Sunday, July 15 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 2
Saturday, July 14 • 2:30 • Ritz East Theater 2 Sunday, July 15 • 9:30 • Ritz East Theater 2
Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 93 min
Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 107 min
This wildly eclectic contemporary love story between two lonely outsiders is set on the streets of New York. Jack is a skateboard-riding baby dyke, Diane is dazed and confused. With all kinds of strange happenings, this is not your mom’s lesbian romance!
Jobriath A.D., directed by Kieran Turner, is a captivating documentary about the “American David Bowie” and his rise and fall from stardom.
May I go on a limb and state that I can guarantee you haven’t seen a lesbian themed film quite like Jack and Diane. Part dreamlike, part urban romance, part horror, part fairy tale, and part Brothers Quay—the film creates a wholly original tale of teenage lust, fear and love. Blonde with porcelain doll-like fragility, British teenager Diane (Juno Temple) sets foot on the streets of New York in a daze. She is visiting the city to spend a summer week with her aunt. Prone to nose bleeds and easily distracted, the girl seems like a lost soul in the frantic city until she bumps into Jack (Riley Keough), a skateboard-riding, streets-smart tomboy cutie. Their attraction is immediate. From the funky shops and frenzied night clubs, New York becomes their romantic playground. But forces—Diane’s impending return home, and her shocking, magical bodyaltering episodes—work against the emotionally charged lovers. A fast-paced, hip, and weird love story of two beautiful misfits. —Raymond Murray Director: Bradley Rust Gray Cast: Juno Temple, Riley Keough, Cara Seymour, Kylie Minogue, Dane DeHaan, Michael Chernus Screenwriter: Bradley Rust Gray Producers: Jen Gatien, Karin Chien, So Yong Kim, Bradley Rust Gray Cinematographer: Anne Misawa Editors: Bradley Rust Gray, So Yong Kim Print Source: Magnolia Pictures
Bradley Rust Gray’s Filmography: The Exploding Girl (2009); Chinatown Film Project (2009); Salt (2003)
From his youthful days on stage in the original Broadway cast of “Hair” to his ambitious days as an openly gay glam rocker in the early ‘70s, Jobriath was ahead of his time despite his traditional beginnings in King of Prussia. Together with his manager, Jerry Brandt, Jobriath forged ahead creating a pop cultural persona worthy of the likes of Madonna and Lady Gaga. At a time when audiences weren’t ready for his uniquely creative talents burst on the scene as a singer, songwriter, actor and would-be iconic performer. While his legacy may be more celebrated now by such legendary performers as Morrissey, The Pet Shop Boys, Jayne County, Gloria Jones, Jake Shears and Marc Almond (many who pay homage to him in interviews) Jobriath enjoyed no such accolades in his lifetime. His is a cautionary tale of underappreciated talent as well as how fleeting youth, beauty, fame and fortune can be. If in watching this film, you are encountering Jobriath for the first time—that’s the very point. It’s bittersweet to see him in rare archival footage and hearing his friends and colleagues reminisce about him in the past tense. Perhaps Jobriath was ultimately a “performer’s performer” and that’s why he never attained a large public following. —Thom Cardwell Director: Kieran Turner Cast: Jerry Brandt, Jayne County, Dennis Christopher, Joe Elliott, Kristian Hoffman, Gloria Jones, Ann Magnuson, Miss Mercy, Jake Shears, Will Sheff, Joseph Arias, Marc Almond, Heather MacRae (Henry Rollins:Narrator) Screenwriter: Kieran Turner Producer: Kieran Turner Cinematographers: Michael Canzoniero, P.J. Gaynard Editor: Danny Bresnik Print Source: The Film Collaborative
Kieran Turner’s Filmography: 24 Nights (1999)
Sponsored by:
facebook.com/QFestPhilly
Best of US & World Cinema
Joshua Tree, 1951: A Portrait of James Dean
59 59
Keep the Lights On Saturday, July 21 • 7:00 • Ritz East Theater 1
Friday, July 13 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 1 Monday, July 16 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 1
Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 101 min
Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 93 min
Based on real-life events, this sensual, nearly hypnotic bio-pic delves into the charismatic gay life of the iconic screen legend on the brink of superstardom. The rumors swirling around James Dean and his sexual activities are the subject of this fascinating neo-noir feature that blends the brooding tone synonymous with Dean’s style with the gorgeous look of early 1950s cinema. This biopic — starring the striking James Preston (TV’s “The Gate”) — follows the budding actor as he effortlessly navigates finding his place during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Preston vividly captures both the look and charisma of the iconic actor. He bounces back and forth between L.A. and New York and in and out of the beds of honeys, hustlers and Hollywood royalty while intimately living and loving his roommate (based on prolific writer Bill Bast). Both guys and gals who are fans will immensely appreciate the cool style and tone of Joshua Tree, 1951: A Portrait of James Dean. Director Matt Mishory (Delphinium: A Childhood Portrait of Derek Jarman) brilliantly focuses on the breathtaking landscapes of both the California desert and mounds of flesh while vividly captured the essence of Tinseltown’s tragic legend. —Kelly Burkhardt Director: Matthew Mishory Cast: James Preston, Dan Glenn, Dalilah Rain, Edward Singletary, Jr. Screenwriter: Matthew Mishory Producers: Paul Lee, Edward Singletary, Randall Walk, Robert Zimmer Jr. Cinematographer: Michael Marius Pessah Editor: Chris Kirkpatrick Print Source: The Film Collaborative
Joshua Tree, 1951: A Portrait of James Dean is Matthew Mishory’s debut.
One of the exceptional films of 2012, Ira Sachs’s captivating and sexually-charged narrative is about a gay couple’s intimately intense and vulnerable relationship. Ira Sachs (The Delta, Forty Shades of Blue) is not afraid to delve deeply into our effervescent and sometimes carnal nature that makes us tick as humans. Set in New York City in the late ‘90s, Keep the Lights On follows blond and handsome documentary filmmaker Erik (Thure Lindhardt) during his sexual awakening as he finds johns through one-night stands or phone sex chat lines. That is where he meets sweet and sexy literary agent Paul (Zachary Booth) that sparks a hedonistic relationship that goes beyond their occasional hot sex. The couple embarks on an explosive and equally destructive nine-year journey of drug addiction, emotional turmoil and heartfelt sacrifices. What makes this absorbing drama such an essential piece of queer cinema is how brutally honest, raw and unnerving Erik and Paul’s relationship unfolds on screen. Both Lindhardt’s and Booth’s remarkable performances and the film’s razor sharp dialogue perfectly capture the volatile time period when the AIDS crisis loomed heavily over the gay community. The real beauty behind this powerful work is that the storyline is based on Sachs’s life experiences and thus boldly epitomizing “life imitating art.” —Kelly Burkhardt Director: Ira Sachs Cast: Thure Lindhardt, Zachary Booth, Julianne Nicholson, Souleymane Sy Savane Screenwriters: Ira Sachs, Mauricio Zacharias Producers: Marie-Therese Guirgis, Lucas Joaquin, Ira Sachs Cinematographer: Thimios Bakatakis Editor: Affonso Gonçalves Print Source: Music Box Films
Ira Sachs’s Filmography: Married Life (2007); Forty Shades of Blue (2005); The Delta (1996)
Program includes the short:
Contracted (UK, 2012, 12 min, Max Clendaniel, Christian Martin) From the maker of Shank and last year’s F***ked comes this delightful short about a young Hollywood actor and actress—stars of a blockbuster film—who need to keep the image that they are a couple front and center for their fans. But the boy has a wandering eye (and more) which threatens to undermine their well choreographed publicity junket.
@qfest
for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com
60
Philadelphia QFEST2012
Kiss Me
Let My People Go!
Kyss mig
Sunday, July 15 • 7:00 • Ritz East Theater 1 Thursday, July 19 • 9:15 • Ritz East Theater 2
Saturday, July 21 • 12:15 • Ritz at the Bourse Sunday, July 22 • 7:00 • Ritz East Theater 2
Philadelphia Premiere France 2011, 96 min
Philadelphia Premiere Sweden 2011, 105 min
Visually stunning and deftly honest, this captivating Swedish lesbian love story follows two thirty-somethings as their instant attraction ignites a volatile chain reaction of self-discovery. One fateful weekend, a beautiful and dutiful daughter Mia (Ruth Vega Fernandez) begrudgingly attends her father’s birthday/engagement party with her fiancé. She meets and is instantly attracted to the gorgeous and confident Frida (Liv Mjones)—and out lesbian and her future stepsister. When subsequent circumstances throw the two women together alone at a private cottage, neither can help letting her guard down. Frida’s fiery seduction sends uncontrollable shock waves through both women, culminating in an incredibly hot and heavy love scene. But every action has a reaction; the underlying issues that surround this family bubble to the surface. Kiss Me may seem like another “straightwoman-finds-real-love” film, but that is far from the truth. Director AlexandraTherese Keining created an astute, candid and vividly intimate film that is a classic in the making. (Swedish with English subtitles) —Kelly Burkhardt Director: Alexandra-Therese Keining Cast: Ruth Vega Fernandez, Liv Mjones, Lena Endre, Krister Henriksson Screenwriter: Alexandra-Therese Keining Producer: Josefine Tengblad Cinematographer: Ragna Jorming Editors: Lars Gustafson, Malin Lindstrom Print Source: Wolfe Releasing
Alexandra-Therese Keining’s Filmography: Hot Dog (2002)
A wild comedy about a lovesick young man stuck in the craziness of his unconventional French Jewish family. Definitely the feel-good flick of the festival, Let My people Go! is a rollicking candy-colored romantic comedy about a love-lorn gay man and his wildly dysfunctional French Jewish family. Sweet as a button Ruben (Nicolas Maury) is living in Finland and madly in love with his hunky blond boyfriend Teemu. But when a misunderstanding between the two turns into an argument, Ruben soon finds himself returning to Paris and into the not so secure arms of his loving but wacky family. Love sick, he soon has other worries—not the least of which is Rabbi Goldberg, a horny-as-a-teenager 70-year-old who pursues Ruben with the determination of Pepé Le Pew. Will Ruben ever see his beloved? Will his family drive him crazy? Will the Rabbi get his Penelope? All are answered in this funny, heart-warming farce which was co-written by gay screenwriter/ director Christophe Honoré (Love Songs, Ma Mere) and is peppered with a cast of seasoned French and Spanish acting veterans including Carmen Maura (Volver, 800 Bullets, Law of Desire), Jean-Luc Bideau (The Red Violin, Jonah Will be 25 in the Year 2000); Aurore Clément (Paris, Texas; Apocalypse Now), Jean-François Stévenin (Brotherhood of the Wolf, 36 Fillette) and many others. (French with English subtitles) —Raymond Murray Director: Mikael Buch Cast: Nicolas Maury, Carmen Maura, Jarkko Niemi, Jean-François Stévenin, Amira Casar, Clément Sibony, Jean-Luc Bideau Screenwriters: Mikael Buch, Christophe Honoré Producers: Philippe Martin, Géraldine Michelot Cinematographer: Céline Bozon Editor: Simon Jacquet Print Source: Zeitgeist Films
Let My People Go! is Mikael Buch’s debut.
Sponsored by:
facebook.com/QFestPhilly
for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com
EXPERIENCE THE ALL NEW
RESORTS CASINO HOTEL
B The Only Gay Casino Nightclub in Atlantic City!
Live entertainment & drinks open: Mon. 6pM - 11pM • FRI.& SAT. 9pM - 1AM
Believe
DIVAS IN A MAN’S WORLD!®
Celebrity and Female Impersonators “Un-Believable Fun” ~AC Weekly
I
N G O
SPECIAL SUMMER SERIES Play Bingo hosted by Atlantic City’s favorite Divas!
AUGUST 3 & SEPTEMBER 7
Come dressed up in the event theme and you could win prizes including overnight stays, show tickets, dinners and more!
4 BINGO GAMES VALUED AT $250 EACH IN SLOT CASH AND COVERALL $500 IN SLOT CASH!!
RSVP to jballesteros@resortsac.com Donations for the South Jersey AIDS Alliance and AC GLBT Alliance will be accepted.
Book your getaway today, CHeCk out www.resortsaC.Com for room rates! Select dates and based on availability. Room rates exclude taxes, occupancy and resort fees. Must be 21 years or older. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
www.resortsaC.com/lgbt |
7.5x4.75 QFest.indd 1
NJ&PA
/ProBaraC /ProBar | 1133 Boardwalk | atlantic City, NJ | 08401-7329 | 1.800.772.9000
5/31/12 3:30 PM
61
Official d n a r o s n o Proud Sp Hole of g n i r e t a W 12-23. y l u J , 2 1 Old City 0 2 hia QFest p l e d a l i h P 18th -17 Beers on Tap -100 plus bottles from around the world -Extensive food menu served until midnight each day 226 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 Open 4pm-2am Monday, 11am-2am Tues-Sun www.macstavern.com @MacsOldCity follow us on Facebook
62
Two Dollars off all regularlypriced drinks all festival long with your VIP badge or ticket stub! Specially-Priced Smirnoff QFest 2012 Cocktails!
QFEST PREVIEW 18
BARTENDER
TUES JULY 26
COMPETITION 'Q'
“SMIRNOFF WHIPPED & FLUFFED EVENT”
“THE CITY'S ROCKSTARS WITH THE MIX”
PRESS & PUBLIC ALL INVITED
CELEBRITY GUESTS PICK THE BEST
FILM ANOUNCEMENTS PLUS VENUES & SPONSORS
6PM – 10PM & VIP FREE TO ALL SWIM : DANCE : EAT : RAIN or SHINE
QFEST CELEBRITY GALAS DURING THE 2012 FESTIVAL
WAKEFIELD POOLE
DAVID W ROSS
JULY 14 7PM - 10PM
JULY 20 9PM - 11PM
FULL EVENTS TICKETS & INFORMATION : 267-765-9800, EXT 4 : www.qfest.com
dan contarino & kris gage present
“BAD BOYS” official post party
THURS JULY 19 special guests with
TODD VEROW REENIE KANE : ZATHAN RADIX : DRAG MAFIA
doors: 9-2 specials: 9-11 cover: 5 sponsored by: smirnoff & coors lite TWISTED LIFE & THE CONTARINO ASSOCIATION
CAFE NOLA 2nd street (between pine & lombard)
HEADHOUSE SQ
“PROJECT GO-GO BOYS” EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE PREMIERE FEATURING
qfest's largest annual event “unwraps” sat july 21 … stay tuned ...
Best of US & World Cinema
Loose Cannons
Love Free or Die
Mine Vaganti
Sunday, July 15 • 7:00 • Ritz at the Bourse Sunday, July 22 • 5:00 • Ritz at the Bourse
Friday, July 13 • 9:30 • Ritz at the Bourse Saturday, July 14 • 9:30 • Ritz at the Bourse
Philadelphia Premiere USA 2011, 88 min
Philadelphia Premiere Italy 2010, 110 min
A young man’s attempt to come out to his wealthy Italian family becomes upended when his brother beats him to the punch in this very funny comedy. This year we jumped at the chance, after it was unavailable last year, to program this witty and stylish comedy by Ferzan Özpetek (A Perfect Day, Steam: The Turkish Bath). Set in a southern Italy, this comedy centers around the Cantone family whose pasta-producing business has made them quite wealthy. The family’s youngest son Tommaso (Riccardo Scamarcio) has returned for a visit; he has been studying in Rome and secretly living with his boyfriend. He is determined to announce to the entire family that he is gay. And just when he is about to pop the news, his macho older brother, who has been the heir apparent, steps in and announces to everyone that he is gay, a proclamation that promptly gives their bombastically homophobic father a heart attack. Ever the dutiful (and supposedly heterosexual) son, Tommaso reluctantly agrees to run the family business. But when his boyfriend and a group of his ever so campy friends descend for a weekend visit, he must decide to either stay in the closet or be true to himself. Filled with delightfully oddball characters, hilarious homophobic paranoia, some very attractive eye candy and a sharply written script, Loose Cannons is pure entertainment. (Italian with English subtitles) —Raymond Murray Director: Ferzan Özpetek Cast: Riccardo Scamarcio, Alessandro Preziosi, Nicole Grimaudo, Lunetta Savino, Ennio Fantastichini Screenwriters: Ferzan Ozpetek, Ivan Cotroneo Producer: Domenico Procacci Cinematographer: Maurizio Calvesi Editor: Patrizio Marone Print Source: Fandango Portabello International Sales
Ferzan Özpetek’s Filmography: A Perfect Day (2008); Saturn in Opposition (2007); Sacred Heart (2005); Facing Windows (20030; The Ignorant Fairies (2001); Steam: The Turkish Bath (1997)
@qfest
65 65
When Gene Robinson was elected to be a bishop in the Episcopal Church in 2003, he became a leading figure in the contentious battle for equal rights for LGBT Christians. Award-winning filmmaker Macky Alston’s portrait of the man makes for an inspiring film experience. In June 2003, with the election of Gene Robinson, the Episcopal Church came under fire when it became the first branch of Christianity to elect an openly gay partnered person as a bishop. Since that flash point, Robinson has been at the center of the contentious battle for LGBT people to receive full acceptance in the faith. Robinson’s historic elevation has since caused continued controversy within the worldwide Anglican community and he has received a constant stream of death threats. Alston traveled with the bishop from his 2008 civil union, to the Lambeth Conference that same year, to Barack Obama’s inauguration, to the fight for gay marriage in New Hampshire to the 2009 Episcopal General Convention, to the upcoming consecration of the second openly gay Episcopal Bishop, Mary Glasspool. While Robinson never intended to be the poster boy for gay bishops, he has become, through his refusal to be weighed down by the hatred and fear of others, a beacon of hope for Christians who believe that their faith should treat all people with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexuality. —Noelle Reilly Director: Macky Alston Producer: Sandy Itkoff Cinematographer: Tom Hurwitz Editor: Christopher White Print Source: Murphy PR
Macky Alston’s Filmography: The Truth Shall Set You Free (2008); Hard Road Home (2007); The Killer Within (2006); Questioning Faith: Confessions of a Seminarian (2002); Family Name (1997) Program includes the short:
The Confessions of Father John Thomas (Australia, 2011, 5 min, Elka Kerkhofs) A weird, unpredictble and blasphemous (but not for those with a sense of humor!) animated tale of a priest (in the shape of a penis) and his dark secrets….
for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com
66
Philadelphia QFEST2012
The Marriage El casamiento
Love or Whatever
Sunday, July 15 • 12:15 • Ritz East Theater 2 Monday, July 16 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 2
Tuesday, July 17 • 9:15 • Ritz East Theater 2 Wednesday, July 18 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 2
East Coast Premiere Uruguay 2011, 71 min
East Coast Premiere USA 2012, 84 min
In this raunchy comedy, a young therapist is shocked to learn that his long-term partner is having an affair with a woman behind his back. By and large, things are going well for Corey (Tyler Poelle). He’s a successful young therapist who recently purchased a gorgeous set of engagement rings. Corey plans to propose to his long-term boyfriend Jon (David Wilson Page). Jon, however, might not be ready for such an important life-long commitment. In an effort to sow his wild oats, Jon begins having an affair with a woman (Jenica Bergere). Worse yet, it turns out that she’s one of Corey’s patients! The formerly happy couple is soon broken apart and Corey is devastated—that is, until his brassy sister Kelsey (Jennifer Elise Cox) introduces him to the wonders of social media and how easy it is for gay men to get laid these days. Faster than you can log into Grindr, Corey begins seeing a hunky neighbor named Pete (Joel Rush). Pete seems to have everything a young, successful gay guy could ask for, but when Jon comes crawling back for forgiveness, Corey finds himself with a very difficult decision to make. In the raunchy comedic vein of the wildly popular Eating Out series, Love or Whatever is packed with hysterically funny dialog, a stellar cast (which includes plenty of beefy eye candy) and a perfect balance between wild humor and heart-warming romance. —Robert O’Neill Director: Rosser Goodman Cast: Tyler Poelle, Jennifer Elise Cox, Joel Rush, David Wilson Page, Jenica Bergere, Kate Flannery Screenwriters: Dennis Bush, Cait Brennan Producers: Gio Messale, Rosser Goodman, Camillia Monet Print Source: KGB Films
Rosser Goodman’s Filmography: Holding Trevor (2007)
Sponsored by:
facebook.com/QFestPhilly
A hugely entertaining documentary about an elderly Uruguayan couple—the transgendered Julia and Ignacio—who, after 20 years of living together, prepare to get married. This fascinating and emotionally engaging film is one of the most enjoyable films in the festival. We know, if QFest wanted to pack the house, The Marriage doesn’t seem like the film to do it. After all, this Spanish language documentary about an elderly couple, one of whom is transgendered, is not what many of our festival fans like yourself are accustomed to experiencing. You’d probably pass it by for another, potentially more entertaining, film. But that would be your loss. In a Montevideo suburb, far from the cosmopolitan cities where acceptance is easier, live a couple: 65-year-old Julia and 75-year-old former construction worker, Ignacio. What makes them special is that Julia was formerly a man named Oscar. In a solidly working class world, the two make for an amazingly loving (and occasionally quarrelling) couple. We get to take a peek into their lives as they prepare to get married after decades of cohabitation. As they make their preparations, the audience begins to understand that it is people like Julia and Ignacio who are advancing the rights and acceptance of LGBT in this world. (Spanish with English subtitles) —Raymond Murray Director: Aldo Garay Screenwriter: Aldo Garay Producer: Yvonne Ruocco Cinematographers: Germán de León, Nicolás Soto Editor: Federico La Rosa Print Source: Guazú Media
Aldo Garay’s Filmography: El círculo (2008); Cerca de las nubes (2006); The Wait (2002); Mi gringa, retrato inconcluso (2001) Program includes the short:
Neighbors (USA, 2012, 20 min, Rachel Goldberg) Maggie (Kelli Garner, “Pam Am”) is a young artistic woman who is light sensitive and agoraphobic. Essentially a shutin, her only connection to the outside world comes in the form of her neighbor Lamay, a pretty black trans woman with man troubles.
Best of US & World Cinema
Mary Marie
Melting Away
Saturday, July 14 • 4:45 • Ritz at the Bourse Thursday, July 19 • 5:00 • Ritz at the Bourse
Namess Ba’Geshem
67 67
Friday, July 13 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 2 Sunday, July 15 • 9:15 • Ritz at the Bourse
Philadelphia Premiere USA 2010, 80 min
Brimming with the power of sheer intimacy between two women teetering on the edge of their sexual awakening, Alexandra Roxo’s debut feature bravely pushes the boundaries of an indescribable love affair. Tender and tantalizing, erotic and innocent, Mary Marie presents the story of lifelong devotion between two women who can neither be fully together nor apart. In the wake of a mother’s passing, blonde and beautiful Mary (co-writer Alana Kearns-Green) and fiery redhead Marie (co-writer/director Alexandra Roxo) retrace their footsteps back to the country house where they grew up. Seduced by the sultry heat of the rural summer, their sisterly affection begins to overflow into unspeakable love. Their forbidden intimacy deepens until a naive handyman troubles the waters, unleashing waves of jealousy and betrayal, and exposing unexpected cruelty. Mary Marie has caused controversy among festival audiences worldwide, while simultaneously charming them with its stunning style and the breathtakingly raw performances by Kearns-Green and Roxo. —Jax Jackson Director: Alexandra Roxo Cast: Alexandra Roxo, Alana Kearns-Green, Timothy Linden Screenwriters: Alana Kearns-Green, Alexandra Roxo Producers: Alexandra Roxo, Alana KearnsGreen, Rachel Earnest Cinematographer: Magela Crosignani Editors: Matteo Marchisano-Adamo, Nida Ball Print Source: TLA Releasing
Mary Marie is Alexandra Roxo’s debut. Program includes the short:
What It Could Be (Brazil, 2011, 17 min, Pedro Paulo de Andrade) Two musicians are working on a song when the mic cord starts picking up some very odd signals. What could it be?
Israel 2012, 86 min
Melting Away, Israel’s first film focusing on a transgendered storyline, is a thoroughly engrossing and heartfelt examination of the complexities of familial relationships. When Schlomo discovers that his teenage son, Assaf, is hiding women’s clothing under his bed, he decides, with his wife Gayla’s silent consent, to teach the young man a punitive lesson. Returning from an evening partying with friends, Assaf shockingly discovers an oversized bag of his clothes abandoned outside the locked gates of his home, just as a storm breaks. Four years later, Schlomo, terminally ill in the hospital, is a shadow of the bullying father he once was. Gayla in a sincere and heartfelt attempt to bring Assaf home, hires a private investigator. His search leads him to Anna, a slim, beautiful cabaret singer and artist, who supports herself by performing in Tel Aviv’s queer Club Maxim. Deep wounds, feelings and truths are about to collide when, a couple of days later, a private pretty nurse turns up at the hospital to care for Schlomo. In 2009, young men and women were injured in a brutal shooting in a Tel Aviv LGBT youth center. Many parents of these youth refused to visit their children in the hospital after discovering that they were part of the queer community. Conceived in response to this violence, Melting Away, like the The Crying Game (1992), is a story that all viewers can take to heart to foster greater understanding and compassion. (Hebrew with English subtitles) —Carol Coombes Director: Doron Eran Cast: Hen Yanni, Yonatan Barak, Limor Goldstein Screenwriter: Billi Ben Moshe Producers: Doron Eran, Leon Edery, Moshe Edery, Bili Ben Boshe Cinematographer: Daniel Kedem Editor: Reut Han Print Source: Go2Films
Doron Eran’s Filmography: Cold Feet (2009); A Wedding Film (2006); God’s Sandbox (2004); Doomsday (1990); Flash (1986)
Sponsored by:
@qfest
for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com
68
Philadelphia QFEST2012
The Men Next Door
Men to Kiss
Saturday, July 14 • 9:30 • Ritz East Theater 1 Sunday, July 15 • 2:30 • Ritz East Theater 1
Männer zum knutschen
World Premiere USA 2012, 90 min
Filmmaker Rob Williams returns to QFest to present the World Premiere screening of his newest film — a romantic comedy about a a man who is dating two men and discovers that they are in fact father and son. Celebrate the World Premiere of a new romantic comedy about finding love a little too close to home, from Guest House Films and the prolific team of writer/director Rob Williams and producer Rodney Johnson (Role/Play, Make The Yuletide Gay, 3-Day Weekend, Back Soon). As he reluctantly celebrates his 40th birthday, gay pilates instructor Doug (played by Eric Dean) finds himself falling for two very different but equally lovable men — Jacob, a secure 50-year-old (Michael Nicklin) who came out later in life, and Colton, an adventurous 30-year-old (Benjamin Lutz, star of last year’s QFest hit The Love Patient) who literally is the boy next door. What he doesn’t know right away is that the two men are, in fact, father and son. How long can Doug juggle both relationships before everyone finds out the truth? The Men Next Door features Mark Cirillo (The Seminarian), Ronnie Kroell (Eating Out: Drama Camp), Christopher Schram (Requited), David Alanson (Bite Marks) and Heidi Rhodes. —Tyler Pirner Director: Rob Williams Cast: Eric Dean, Michael Nicklin, Benjamin Lutz, Heidi Rhodes, Mark Cirillo, Christopher Schram, Devon Michael Jones Screenwriter: Rob Williams Producers: Rob Williams,Rodney Johnson Cinematographer: Paul D. Hart Editor: Mike Justice Print Source: Guest House Films
Rob Williams’s Filmography: Role/Play (2010); Make the Yuletide Gay (2009); 3-Day Weekend (2008); Back Soon (2007); Long-Term Relationship (2006)
Saturday, July 21 • 9:30 • Ritz East Theater 1 Sunday, July 22 • 12:30 • Ritz East Theater 1 Philadelphia Premiere Germany 2012, 83 min
A fast-paced German comedy about a buttoned-up banker who finds his life in a tailspin after meeting the adorable, but unpredictable, performance artist, Tobi. Funny, fresh and unpredictable, this light-hearted romp through queer Berlin and a few of its colorful characters is an absolute delight. New in town, the serious-minded Earnest, a banker, finds his work and personal life thrown upside down after he meets and quickly falls in love with Tobi, a flighty, high energy extrovert and performance artist who lives for the city’s wild nightlife. The two are not exactly a perfect match–actually more like opposites–but they want to make it work and need all the help they can get from Tobi’s coterie of alternative friends. But when Earnest’s friend Uta arrives on the scene she thinks Earnest can do much better and schemes to break them apart–setting off a frenzied battle of the fashionista divas. An adorable, sun-splashed rapid-fire comedy! (German with English subtitles) —Raymond Murray Director: Robert Hasfogel Cast: Frank Christian Marx, Udo Lutz, Alexandra Starnitzky, Sascia Haj Screenwriters: Juergen Hirsch, Frank Christian Marx, Andre Schneider Producers: Udo Lutz, Frank Christian Marx Cinematographer: Till Caspar Juon Editor: Florian Sachisthal Print Source: Ente Kross Film
Men to Kiss is Robert Hasfogel’s debut. Program includes the short: Love & Anger (USA, 2012, 20 min, Brian Benson) This hilarious short (reminiscent of the campy works of John Waters and Charles Ludlam) is a demented, drag fairy tale about the midget-sized Wonderlette — who is treated like trash by her boozy mother. One day her clumsy Fairy Godmother transports her to a far away land where the little tyke can wreck revenge on her mom, the Evil Queen. Sponsored by:
facebook.com/phillyQfest
Mixed Kabob Thursday, July 19 • 7:00 • Ritz East Theater 2 Sunday, July 22 • 2:45 • Ritz East Theater 1 East Coast Premiere Turkey, Belgium 2012, 96 min
Vividly delving into class, culture and bigotry—a hunky, closeted gay Muslim from a traditional Turkish family finds love for the first time with a blond Belgium boy. Happily filled with contradictions, tall, dark and handsome Bram lives a mysterious life in Antwerp that is very different from his conservative, religious upbringing. By day he is the dutiful son and brother, but by night he is a casual drug dealer partying around town and hanging out with the very cute Kevin. Rumors fly around the neighborhood about Bram’s “inclinations,” so his father lays down the law that his eldest son needs to be a role model for his younger brother Furkant who’s a hoodlum turned Islamic fundamentalist. Subsequently Bram flies off to Turkey to meet his future wife (who happens to be his cousin), but not without bringing his newfound friend with him. The platonic friendship with Kevin rapidly turns to a seductive love affair that will shake up everyone’s old-fashioned values! At the center of Mixed Kebab, director Guy Lee Thys paints a rich picture of how race and class affect a simple thing like love in today’s society and that courage and tolerance ultimately triumph over all. (English, Flemish, Turkish, Dutch, French, Arabic with English subtitles) —Kelly Burkhardt Director: Guy Lee Thys Cast: Cem Akkanat, Simon Van Buyten, Gamze Tazim Screenwriter: Guy Lee Thys Producer: Guy Lee Thys Cinematographer: Bjorn Charpentier Editor: Marc Wouters Print Source: TLA Releasing
OPTIMAL SPOR HEALTH CLUBST SALUTES QFEST 2012!
MEMBERSHIP! JUST MENTION THIS AD A PORTION OF EVERY NEW MEMBERSHIP WILL GO TO ONE OF OUR AMAZING LOCAL CHARITIES
Guy Lee Thys’s Filmography: Suspect (co-director) (2005); Kassablanka(2002); Cruel Horizon (1989); The Pencil Murders (1982)
Sponsored by:
@qfest
for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com
70
Philadelphia QFEST2012
Molly’s Girl
Mommy Is Coming
Saturday, July 21 • 2:30 • Ritz at the Bourse Sunday, July 22 • 12:15 • Ritz at the Bourse
Wednesday, July 18 • 8:15 • Ritz at the Bourse Friday, July 20 • 9:30 • Ritz at the Bourse
World Premiere USA 2011, 120 min
East Coast Premiere Germany, USA 2012, 67 min
When an unconventional woman serendipitously hooks up with a lesbian activist, both of their worlds turn upside down in this fun film that has a big heart.
Pioneer filmmaker Cheryl Dunye returns with a sassy, raunchy, romantic sex comedy set in the edgy underground of Berlin where love and taboo affairs collide! Back in 2010 during the festival screening of The Owls, Cheryl Dunye stood in front of a packed crowd and boldly told everyone her next project was queer porn. Some cheered while others were shocked. However you feel, Mommy Is Coming is by far Dunye’s wildest film to date. Cute power femme Dylan (Lil Harlow) and studly hotel clerk Claudia (the sexy Papi Coxxx, Crash Pad Series) are suffering from monogamous relationship blues. Both realize they must embark on a journey of self-discovery. Claudia sets out on a gender-bending rollercoaster—now as Claude—through a subversive Berlin sex club while her lover has threesomes with her best friend (played by the incomparable Jiz Lee.) Everything comes to a climax when Dylan’s mother (world-renown sex educator Maggie Tapert) arrives in town hellbent on releasing some tension, and Claude is just the person to do it! Mommy Is Coming may seem like a frivolous romp with hardcore sex, but it’s also an eye-opening character study of queer relationships that no filmmaker can tackle as aesthetically and provocatively as Cheryl Dunye. (English and German with English subtitles) —Kelly Burkhardt
What happens when you take a right wing, dysfunctional family and subject it to impassioned political activist? Fed up with trying to score a male companion at singles night, feisty, but awkwardly eccentric Molly (Kristina Valada-Viars) rolls up to the bar where she meets gay marriage activist Mercedes (the fiery Emily Schweitz) who was recently dumped. The two spark a passionate conversation that leads to a one-night stand and Molly’s first time with a woman. The next morning Mercedes realizes the horrible mistake she made and quickly tries to shoo her unwanted guest away, but it’s not that easy. Her clingy and desperate newfound friend follows her around… everywhere. What Mercedes doesn’t realize is that Molly is the daughter of a prominent Iowan state senator. She concocts a gutsy plan to meet the senator, but what ends up happening is far more than anyone expects! On the surface Molly’s Girl seems like a film only focused on LGBT issues, but it’s really an insightful and poignant snapshot of today’s American families. —Kelly Burkhardt Director: Scott R. Thompson Cast: Kristina Valada-Viars, Emily Schweitz, Ellen Dolan Screenwriter: Scott R. Thompson Producer: Kimberly Busbee Cinematographers: Kaitlyn Busbee, Aaron S. Riggs Editors: Kaitlyn Busbee, Scott R. Thompson Print Source: TLA Releasing
Scott R. Thompson’s Filmography: [Selected] Sick of Larry (2011); Shy (2010); Entr’Acte (2009); The Danger (2009); Sister Patchouli (2008); Unrelated Events (2007); The Last Bridge Home (2003)
Director: Cheryl Dunye Cast: Papi Coxxx, Lil Harlow, Maggie Tapert, Cheryl Dunye, Stefan Kuschner Screenwriters: Sarah Schulman, Cheryl Dunye Producers: Jürgen Brüning, Cheryl Dunye Cinematographer: Sanne Kurz Editors: Oscar David, Jörn Hartmann Print Source: TLA Releasing
Cheryl Dunye’s Filmography: The Owls (2010); My Baby’s Daddy (2004); Stranger Inside (2001); The Watermelon Woman (1996) Program includes the short:
Polaroid Song (France, 2012, 17 min, Alphonse Giorgi, Yann Tivrier) Sex, drinks and rock and roll! Eighteen-year-old Lise has a dream job photographing up-and-coming rock bands. The three hot girls from the band Periodink give her a lot of candid material and help catapult Lise from adolescence to adulthood. Sponsored by:
facebook.com/QFestPhilly
Sponsored by:
Best of US & World Cinema
My Best Day
naked as we came
Saturday, July 14 • 9:45 • Ritz East Theater 2 Monday, July 16 • 5:15 • Ritz East Theater 1
Friday, July 13 • 7:00 • Ritz East Theater 2 Saturday, July 14 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 1
Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 75 min
Philadelphia Premiere USA 2011, 84 min
Sweet as a mango and hysterically funny from beginning to end, writer/ director Erin Greenwell confidently juggles multiple characters and comedic plotlines in My Best Day, a charming slice of Americana, in which every character is trying to find their place in life over the course of one day.
A family drama Tennessee Williams would certainly enjoy in which repressed anger and sexual tensions explode when a gay brother and sister visit their terminally ill mother and her young house guest.
At Hank’s Refrigeration on the 4th of July, Karen, a cute receptionist unexpectedly gets a call from her long-lost father. She hasn’t seen him or her sister since her parents divorced. With her dykey friend Meagan (Ashlie Atkinson — Another Gay Movie, Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild) posing as a repairperson, they ride on a motorcycle, to her father’s trailer park, hoping for an all-American family reunion. Instead, Karen unexpectedly sets in motion a whole series of crazy events in which she will meet her oddball half-brother, who spends his day fending off bullies to woo the girl he likes; Stacey, her sister who has an out-of-control gambling problem; her dad’s live-in “friend,” Eugene; and a cop searching for his identity. Meagan has her own lesbo-drama. She has to decide between the stability of her longtime girlfriend and the thrill of an affair with a hottie-new date. The film also addresses deeper issues: homophobia, addiction, gambling, and bullying. Greenwell, aided by an excellent cast, pulls it off with aplomb and a stellar firework display. —Carol Coombes Director: Erin Greenwell Cast: Rachel Style, Ashlie Atkinson, Raúl Castillo, Jo Armeniox, Robert Salerno, Harris Doran Screenwriter: Erin Greenwell Producer: Erin Harper Cinematographer: Adam Benn Editor: Babak Rassi Print Source: Erin Greenwell
71 71
Writer/director Richard LeMay’s third film is a entertaining and powerful family drama centering on two siblings, Elliot (Ryan Vigilant, “Gossip Girl”) and Laura (Karmine Alers, Rent), who travel upstate from NYC to visit their dying mother. Their initial plan, to bring their mother back with them, becomes a lot more complicated when they discover she is sharing her home with Ted, a mysterious but handsome young gay man. In this awkward environment, amidst the lush gardens and tranquil fields, new alliances are soon made, secrets are betrayed and love (or lust) is exposed. S. Lue McWilliams is scene-stealing as the mother, a pot-smoking, droll, advice-giving force. Nearing the end, she must accept her notable child-raising faults, a situation that has left her children bitter and resentful. They all are struggling to examine their own hopes and dreams under Lilly’s directive, “We all leave the same way we came in—naked and alone.” —Dudley Best Director: Richard LeMay Cast: Ryan Vigilant, Benjamin Weaver, S. Lue McWilliams, Karmine Alers, Sturgis Adams, Ben Weaver Screenwriter: Richard LeMay Cinematographer: Vitaly Bokser Editor: Alexander Hammer Print Source: Third Day Productions
Richard LeMay’s Filmography: Whirlwind (DVD: Cyclone) (2007); 200 American (2003)
Erin Greenwell’s Filmography: Mom (2006); 21 (2002) Program includes the short:
Do You Have a Cat? (USA, 2012, 10 min, Jason Sax) Marissa loves pussy, but she’s allergic to the feline four-legged friends that lesbians inevitably shack up with. Done with the allergy medication, its time to take a deep plunge into a whole new dating pool! Stereotypes abound in this comedic short that stars Amber Benson (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) as Marissa’s best friend Jess. Sponsored by:
@qfest
for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com
72
Philadelphia QFEST2012
Nate & Margaret
Our Paradise
Wednesday, July 18 • 7:00 • Ritz East Theater 2 Thursday, July 19 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 1
Notre paradis
Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 78 min
Set in Chicago, Nathan Adloff’s debut feature, produced by Ash Christian (Fat Girls, Mangus!), is a smartly written, poignant, dramedy about two oddball best friends and neighbors, Nate and Margaret. Nate (Tyler Ross — see QFest12: The Wise Kids) is a super-cute gay 19-yearold college student studying film. Margaret (Natalie West — Crystal from the TV series “Roseanne”) is a 52-year-old coffee shop waitress, and aspiring stand-up comedian. While she’s had plenty of auditions, her material isn’t tickling anyone’s funny bone, and she’s contemplating quitting. Nate, 30 years her junior, thinks Margaret is hysterical; he’s her number one cheerleader and best friend. Partners in goofiness, they hit up Goodwill stores and flea markets looking for mugs for Margaret’s growing collection, have regular brunch dates at the Breakfast Club and share pizza over wine out of a box (never a bottle). Don’t think that Margaret is a fag hag or the mothering type; the relationship these two friends have is solid and tight. That’s all about to change when Darla (Gaby Hoffmann), Nate’s rebellious classmate, sets him up at a party with James, a ravishing 20-something club-kid. In isolation, one finds inspiration — as Margaret will discover! Described as a gay Harold and Maude (without the sex) this adorable Indie feature proves that age is a state of mind and it’s not the numbers that count; it’s the person inside. —Dudley Best, Carol Coombes “This is a smart, observant movie about two very particular people, and its casting is pitch-perfect.” — Roger Ebert
Wednesday, July 18 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Saturday, July 21 • 4:45 • Ritz East Theater 1 East Coast Premiere France 2011, 100 min
Dark, dangerous and supremely sexy, Our Paradise casts a thrilling glance at the lives of two rent boys in the heart of Paris. Aging prostitute Vassili (Stéphane Rideau, Wild Reeds) stumbles upon an unconscious young trick in a notorious Parisian cruising ground and takes him home to nurse his wounds. It’s not long before the two men discover a burning connection and become lovers and accomplices who swindle clients one by one. However, when Vassilli’s violent past comes back to haunt him, the couple decide to flee the city in hope of finding a place where they can be happy and content forever. But can they truly escape their inner demons? Actor turned director Gaël Morel (Three Dancing Slaves, Wild Reeds) has created a slick, steamy and endlessly captivating thriller that is not to be missed. (French with English subtitles) —Lee Gunther Director: Gaël Morel Cast: Stéphane Rideau, Dimitri Durdaine, Béatrice Dalle Screenwriter: Gaël Morel Producer: Catherine Schwartz Editor: Catherine Schwartz Print Source: Alfama Films
Gaël Morel’s Filmography: Après lui (2007); 3 Dancing Slaves (2004); Les chemins de l’oued (2002); Full Speed (1996)
Director: Nathan Adloff Cast: Natalie West, Tyler Ross, Conor McCahill, Gaby Hoffmann Screenwriters: Justin D.M. Palmer, Nathan Adloff Producers: Ash Christian, Nathan Adloff Cinematographer: Brian Levin Print Source: Breaking Glass Pictures
Nate & Margaret is Nathan Adloff’s debut. Program includes the short:
Cinderella Effect (USA, 2012, 27 min, Shane Morton) Can an idealistic Hollywood newcomer get his man (the irresistible Matthew Montgomery) and succeed? Not if the bitchy, vindictive theater queens have their way! A delightful, romantic musical to soften even the most jaded of hearts
facebook.com/QFestPhilly
Sponsored by:
THE AFTER PARTY Saturday, July 21st Celebrity Guests in attendance will feature Actress BARBARA NIVEN Exec. Producer MARINA RICE BADER Director NICOLE CONN & MELANIE RICE ENTERTAINMENT
A Perfect Ending Saturday, July 21 • 7:00 • Ritz East Theater 2 Sunday, July 22 • 2:15 • Ritz East Theater 2 Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 114 min
It’s hard to imagine that in 1992, when veteran director Nicole Conn’s Claire of the Moon was released, there was not a significant market for lesbian films. Conn (whose film Elena Undone was one of QFest’s 2010 Opening Night selections) is back again with her new sexy romance. In this bold story about the struggles for truth, love and happiness, we are introduced to Rebecca (Barbara Niven), an elegant, prim and punctilious mother to three grown children and wife of a wealthy husband she no longer shares a bed with. Rebecca has an unusual secret, which she’s about to reveal to her lesbian best friends—she’s never had an orgasm! Deciding that she needs a hand locating her G-Spot, her friends hook Rebecca up with Valentina (the iconic Morgan Fairchild) who manages a successful service business, catering to the sexual needs of its clients. While money can’t buy her love, it can buy time. Her needs are attended to by a high-priced bisexual escort. Paris is a stunning sultry, tall brunette with come-to-bed brown eyes, played by out lesbian model and actress Jessica Clark. Initially wary of their age-differences, Rebecca discovers in Paris a passionate, lustful, intoxicating soul mate who offers respite from her home life. Neither of them could have predicted what develops. What starts as a cash transaction between two strangers ends up uniting two souls. Each needs to learn to love themself (and each other) in order to own her past and journey on. A strong supporting cast and astonishing performances by the film’s central leads will enthrall audiences. If ever there were a shrine to be built to honor the goddesses of lesbian cinema, it would surely include Nicole Conn who has dedicated her life to our stories and is already working on the script for her next production. —Carol Coombes Director: Nicole Conn Cast: Barbara Niven, Jessica Clark, John Heard, Morgan Fairchild, Kerry Knuppe, Imelda Corcoran, Mary Jane Wells, Rebecca Staab Screenwriter: Nicole Conn Producers: Janelle K. Eagle, Topher Miller, Barbara Niven Cinematographer: Tal Lazar Editor: Nicole Conn Print Source: Wolfe Releasing
Nicole Conn’s Filmography: Elena Undone (2010); little man (2005); Claire of the Moon (1992) Sponsored by:
@qfest
DJ’s on both floors • Shot Girls & Dancers $3 Happy Hour 9-11pm Complimentary Admission until 11:30pm with this Ad, QFest Badge or Movie Ticket Stub
1320 Chancellor St. 215.735.0735 Located between Walnut & Locust off Juniper or 13th St. Sistersnightclub.com Facebook: Sisters Philly
for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com
74
Philadelphia QFEST2012
Positive Youth
Saltwater
Saturday, July 14 • 12:15 • Ritz East Theater 2
Saturday, July 14 • 7:15 • Ritz at the Bourse Sunday, July 15 • 4:45 • Ritz East Theater 1
Philadelphia Premiere Canada, USA 2012, 42 min (program runtime 85 min)
This centerpiece of this program of shorts on the traumas of being gay and young is the inspiring featurette, Positive Youth, a documentary from Charlie David dealing with young people who are HIV+.
World Premiere USA 2012, 88 min
Actor Charlie David (Dante’s Cove, Mulligans) goes behind the camera to make this inspiring documentary on youths living with HIV. In 1981 the disease was initially fatal, but today, while there is still no cure, advances in science and medicine can now keep it in check. David focuses on the lives of four very different HIV+ individuals: a straight 18-year-old First Nations woman living in an impoverished rural town; a gay 25-year-old white urbanite; a spiritual 23-year-old African American; and a 27-year-old club kid jet-setter. Each of them offers a dynamic perspective on the reality of living positive and shows how even a single person can change the world regardless of his or her environment. —Noelle Reilly
This American Indie drama follows several endearing characters as they wade through life seeking happiness, peace and ultimately, love. Will (Ronnie Kerr, Vampire Boys 2, Shut Up and Kiss Me) leaves the Navy after many years, soon reunites with old friends and begins his new civilian life. His friend Rich (Bruce L Hart) tries to set him up with ruggedly handsome Josh (Ian Roberts — a former Australian professional rugby player, actor and model — Cedar Boys, Superman Returns, Little Fish). While there is immense chemistry between the two, timing and certain ideals never seem to align. When a shocking tragedy happens the two are paired up to pick up the pieces and sort through the after effects. Saltwater is a story about men of all ages, finding love, losing friends, navigating their way through life and knowing it’s the journey rather then the destination that’s important. —Tyler Pirner
Director: Charlie David Screenwriter: Charlie David Producers: Carole Aeschelmann, Rowan Nielsen Cinematographer: Nico Stagias Editor: Craig Passfield Print Source: Charlie David
Positive Youth is Charlie David’s debut. Program includes the shorts:
Bosco the Orange (UK, 2011, 3 min, Jason Brown) Bosco has some adventures in online dating when he searches for a “fruit” pick-up. Finding Judy
(USA, 2011, 8 min, Gary Riotto) Find out how a young African American singer’s spot-on impersonation of Judy Garland helped him disarm high school bullies, flummox telemarketers (another kind of bully) and propel him to become a YouTube sensation.
A former career military man re-enters civilian life and soon discovers Mr. Right might be a lot closer than he thinks!
Director: Charlie Vaughn Cast: Ronnie Kerr Screenwriters: Ronnie Kerr, Ian Roberts, Bruce L. Hart, Berna Roberts, Will Bethencourt, Brent Henry, Jonathan Camp, Justin Utley Producers: Charlie Vaughn, Ronnie Kerr Cinematographer: Roger Viloria Editor: Roger Viloria Print Source: Ariztical Films
Charlie Vaughn’s Filmography: Bloody Mary 3D (2011); Vampire Boys (2011)
Hold on Tight (Ireland, 2012, 12 min, Anna Rodgers) Holding hands or kissing in public isn’t for everyone. When it comes to same sex relationships, showing your love outside of the home is sometimes a complicated personal choice. Teens Like Phil
(USA, 2012, 20 min, Dominic Haxton) Inspired by the alarming increase in real-life tragedies involving high school bullying and suicide, this short drama offers a harrowing, but expertly crafted, look at one bully/victim dynamic as well as the denial, sexual confusion and peer pressure that provoke such violent behavior.
facebook.com/QFestPhilly
Sponsored by:
Best of US & World Cinema
Sassy Pants
Somefarwhere
Friday, July 20 • 9:30 • Ritz East Theater 1 Sunday, July 22 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 1
Saturday, July 21 • 12:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Sunday, July 22 • 7:15 • Ritz at the Bourse
Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 87 min
East Coast Premiere USA 2012, 110 min
A wild satire of a teenage girl who runs away from her dominatingly cheerful mom to her gay dad’s trailer home. Dad is living with his martini-swilling, shorty-shorts-wearing boy toy (a hilarious, now grown up Haley Joel Osment (The Sixth Sense).
A young American travels to the dangerous Iraq-Pakistan boarder in search of his missing Marine boyfriend in this ambitious thriller, from veteran filmmaker Everett Lewis.
Filled with belly laughs, a bevy of quirky characters and a scenes-stealing turn by “I-see-dead-people” Haley Joel Osment, Sassy Pants is a riotous satire of suburban Americana. Home schooled by her frighteningly perky, but still-seething-over-her-philandering-gay-ex-husband-and-just-one-brokenglass-from-a-nervous-breakdown mom (a hilariously deranged Anna Gunn), teenager Bethany (Ashley Rickards) decides to run off and live with her dad. Problem is, Dale, her dad (Diedrich Bader) is a trailer home-dwelling used car salesman living with a much younger man — and they might not be ready to house an adolescent girl. When she arrives unannounced, Dale is reluctant, but Chip (Osment) — his lip-pierced, way-fey, shorty-shorts and cowboy bootwearing boy toy lover — welcomes her with open arms. She lands a job (at a teen clothing store called Jail Bait) and, having escaped the stifling world of suburbia, Bethany can finally spread her wings. This very funny satire has several memorable characters, but it is Osment who is seemingly possessed as the cheerful, totally unselfconscious bartender — he is hilarious and completely charming. —Raymond Murray Director: Coley Sohn Cast: Haley Joel Osment, Anna Gunn, Ashley Rickards, Diedrich Bader, Jenny O’Hara, Martin Spanjers, Shanna Collins, Aaron Perilo, Rene Rosado, Drew Droege Screenwriter: Coley Sohn Producers: Pavlina Hatoupis, Adam Wilkins Cinematographer: Denis Maloney Editors: Robin Katz, Kindra Marra Print Source: Sassy Pictures, LLC
75 75
Filmmaker Everett Lewis (a USC Film Studies professor) returns to QFest with this ambitious drama set in the war-torn Middle East. Acting as a travel photographer, handsome young Price (Bryce Blais, Is It Just Me?, The Petty Boys) travels along the dangerous Iraqi border, in search of his Marine Captain boyfriend who has disappeared under mysterious circumstances. But the young man gets more than he bargained for as danger and intrigue lurk in all directions. There is Combs (Dale Dymkoski), a creepy and duplicitous CIA agent; Marwan (Khaled Haider), his strangely friendly tour guide and a variety of homophobic military nationals. In short time, Price grows from a naïve American to a coldly calculating man who will do anything to find the man he loves. With stunning cinematography of the sun-burnt beauty of the villages, desert and historic ruins, this taut thriller features a very attractive cast and a story that will have you guessing until the end. (English and Arabic with English subtitles) —Raymond Murray Director: Everett Lewis Cast: Bryce Blais, Khaled Haider, Dale Dymkoski, Eyad Khalili Screenwriter: Everett Lewis Producers: Azza Hourani, Robert Shulevitz Cinematographer: Sarah Kaskas Print Source: TLA Releasing
Everett Lewis’s Filmography: The Pretty Boys (2011); Lucky Bastard (2010); FAQs (2005); Luster (2002); Skin and Bone (1996); An Ambush of Ghosts (1993); The Natural History of Parking Lots (1990)
Sassy Pants is Coley Sohn’s debut. Sponsored by:
@qfest
Sponsored by:
for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com
76
Philadelphia QFEST2012
Speechless
Stud Life
Wu Yan
Saturday, July 14 • 7:30 • Ritz East Theater 2 Sunday, July 15 • 2:30 • Ritz East Theater 2
Monday, July 16 • 9:15 • Ritz East Theater 2 Thursday, July 19 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 2 Philadelphia Premiere Hong Kong (China) 2012, 92 min
Astonishingly complex, melodramatic, seductive and nuanced, this third gay feature from director Simon Chung (End of Love, Innocent) is cleverly structured and unpredictable. As it unwinds, it will render you speechless. A young man of Western European appearance, (known throughout the film as “the foreigner,” and played by Pierre-Mathieu Vital), is found naked on the banks of a river, in a small picturesque town in southern China. He’s an unusual case for the police. Aside from having no ID, he’s also unable to speak. Unsure what to do with him, they hand him over to a doctor at a local hospital for tests. Here, he meets Jiang (Gao Qilun), a caring, handsome twenty-something nurses’ aide who brings him homemade steamed buns, and starts to create a bond. As the silent foreigner is about to be transported to a mental institution, Jiang, risking everything, whisks him away on the back of his scooter to his uncle’s country home. As feelings and emotions are unlocked, Jiang accidentally stumbles upon the identity of the foreigner whose past is filled with impossible love, revenge, and betrayal. Chung’s assuredly crafted Speechless, with its strong cast, ethereal setting and intricately woven storyline, is not to be missed. Love can speak louder than words. (Mandarin with English subtitles) —Carol Coombes Director: Simon Chung Cast: Pierre-Mathieu Vitali, Gao Qilun, Yu Yung Yung Screenwriters: Lu Yulai, Simon Chung Producer: Simon Chung Cinematographer: Lap Chi Chan Editor: Roddy Law Print Source: Breaking Glass Pictures
Speechless is Simon Chung’s debut.
facebook.com/QFestPhilly
Philadelphia Premiere UK 2012, 83 min
Set in urban East London, Stud Life tells the story of JJ—a black, stonebutch, commitment-phobic lesbian—and her white, best gay-boyfriend, Seb. From the moment JJ (T’Nia Miller) appears on screen, you know she’s a stud. A charismatic wedding photographer, JJ’s in great demand for professional pictures of newlywed couples—gay, straight, lesbian, and trans, …whatever. She’s got swagger, plenty of charm, and confidence to spare. Her camera assistant Seb, (her gay BFF), is so flamingly queer he even paints his fingernails. Tight as tight can be, they work, play and get high together; if only they could find their ideal same-sex partners. When JJ meets “fem” Elle (Robyn Kerr), the chemistry is instantaneous, and JJ is smitten. As their relationship develops, JJ is caught between the demands of her new girlfriend and the needs of her longtime best friend. When Elle reveals a secret, JJ’s tough exterior cracks, revealing a vulnerable person as desperate for love and commitment as anyone else. There’s everything to love in this humorous debut feature from queer black writer/director Campbell X, which brings to the foreground a kaleidoscope of different queer and sexual identities that are rarely seen on screen. Be true to yourself, and buy a ticket! —Carol Coombes Director: Campbell X Cast: T’Nia Miller, Kyle Treslove, Robyn Kerr, Simon Savoury Screenwriter: Campbell X Producers: Stella Nwimo, Nadya Kassam, Lulu Belliveau Cinematographer: Barbara Nicholls Editor: Michele Hickson Print Source: Blackman Vision
Stud Life is Campbell X’s debut.
Taking a Chance on God Saturday, July 21 • 12:00 • Ritz East Theater 2 Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 55 min
Director Brendan Fay’s moving and inspirational documentary chronicles the formative years of the Catholic organization Dignity and its founder Father John McNeill. Extraordinary individuals with religious conviction have had an important role in shaping our country, and the insightful documentary Taking a Chance of God highlights one such individual. During a time when religion and homosexuality were incompatible, Jesuit Catholic priest Fr. John McNeill stood tall and spoke distinctly and eloquently from the pulpit supporting this taboo topic. The sweet-natured 86-year-old recounts his POW days during WWII, his years as a Vietnam peace protestor, gay rights advocate and founder of the New York chapter of Dignity, and devoted partner of 46 years. Faith gave him the courage to risk everything for others. Featuring historic footage and interviews from important gays and lesbians like Bishop Gene Robinson and comedian Kate Clinton, this is a moving documentary about perseverance and acceptance. And above all it demonstrates that it is possible to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender while loving God. —Kelly Burkhardt Director: Brendan Fay Screenwriter: Brendan Fay Producers: Brendan Fay, Ilene Cutler Editors: Dan Messina, Ilene Cutler Print Source: The Film Collaborative
Taking a Chance on God is Brendan Fay’s debut.
@qfest
for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com
78
Philadelphia QFEST2012
Tennessee Queer
TRANS
Monday, July 16 • 8:15 • Ritz at the Bourse Tuesday, July 17 • 6:00 • Ritz at the Bourse
Sunday, July 15 • 4:30 • Ritz at the Bourse
World Premiere USA 2012, 90 min
A crooked politician and a scheming minister work to undermine a town’s first LGBT pride march in this raucous political comedy by first time director Earl Goshorn.
In TRANS, a moving and exceptionally well-researched documentary, we meet a remarkable cast of characters from all walks of life who are willing to tell their stories in the hope that they might one day be able to live ordinary lives.
A Southern comedy about LGBT rights battling it out in an entrenched culture of homophobia? Yes! This World Premiere screening from first time director Earl Goshorn is a charmingly raucous low budget comedy. After a few years up north in New York, “out and proud” Jason (Christian Walker) returns to his Tennessee hometown only to find things are as they always were. That is, gay rights are unheard of. So what better way to ignite the town’s LGBT movement than with a pride parade down Main Street! Easier said than done when a scheming politician (David Caffey) and a holier than thou minister (Jim Eikner), aghast at the prospect of a small town Sodom and Gomorrah, decide to publicly support the march. But this is only a ruse to identify the town’s gay youth and send these teen queers off to an ex-gay camp! Will the dark forces win? Will there even be enough gays in town to march? Will Jason be run out of town before the march? A wildly broad comedy on a topical subject. —Raymond Murray
Seven-year-old Danann Tyler decided at the age of two that she was really a girl in a boy’s body. Lieutenant Commander Christopher McGinn, a Navy flight surgeon selected by NASA to serve on two space missions, embarked on a personal mission of no return. Now with her own practice in New Hope, New Jersey, Dr. Christine McGinn, a renowned transgender surgeon is about to create a medical first. Cris has had a revelation and is about to break the news to his lesbian girlfriend. With her support Cris journeys to the annual Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference for a life-changing experience. Chloe left her small town with her best friend to live in a place where she could start life anew. For Pam and Erica, their dreams could only come true after 50 years of hiding the truth about themselves from those around them. Timely, urgent and deserving of wide-audience appeal, director Chris Arnold’s sensitively constructed TRANS is required viewing for anybody who has ever looked in a mirror and wondered who they are. —Carol Coombes
Director: Earl Goshorn Cast: David Caffey, Jim Eikner, Karen Green, Ann Marie Hall Screenwriter: Mark Jones Producer: Mark Jones Cinematographer: Ryan Parker Editor: Ryan Parker Print Source: 88/3rd Productions
Director: Chris Arnold Producer: Mark Schoen Cinematographers: Bruce Dorfman, Jon Dunham, Jerry Feldman, Jack Foley, Ed Stevens Editor: Chris Arnold Print Source: The Film Collaborative
Tennessee Queer is Earl Goshorn’s debut.
Chris Arnold’s Filmography: The O Tapes (2006)
Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 92 min
Program includes the short:
Spiral Transition (USA, 2010, 6 min, Ewan Duarte) Rachael has been an integrated part of Ewan for 26-years. Now with the 100% blessing of his mother, Ewan finally transitions from daughter to son.
Sponsored by:
facebook.com/QFestPhilly
Sponsored by:
Best of US & World Cinema
Turtle Hill, Brooklyn
UNFIT: Ward vs. Ward
Saturday, July 14 • 12:15 • Ritz at the Bourse Wednesday, July 18 • 9:15 • Ritz East Theater 2
Saturday, July 14 • 2:30 • Ritz at the Bourse
Philadelphia Premiere USA 2011, 78 min
“Who’s the better parent: a convicted murderer or a lesbian?” This question may seem preposterous, but it was pivotal in a bitter custody battle over Mary and John Ward’s 11-year-old daughter, Cassey, that played out in the Florida courts in the mid-‘90s.
79 79
Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 90 min
A birthday party for a 30-year-old brings together a mix of family and friends . . . and a lot of drama. A modern day Boys in the Band. This comedy-drama takes place in a Brooklyn neighborhood where lovers Mateo and Will invite their friends over to celebrate Will’s 30th birthday. Their friends’ (male, female, gay and straight) conversations soon cover a gambit of topics — politics, gay rights, pot laws, long distance marriages, aging and ethnic discrimination. As the party progresses, the alcohol flows, and the piñata isn’t the only thing that gets punched! When things begin to get out of hand, a surprise guest arrives, not at all approving of the proceedings. It is also revealed that both Will and Mateo may have some secrets that threaten their relationship. Will might not be as openly out as he claims, and Mateo may have a wondering eye. Not even a dip in the backyard pool cools thing down. Turtle Hill is a funny, true-to-life look at a couple navigating the ins and outs of a relationship. —Dudley Best Director: Ryan Gielen Cast: Brian W. Seibert, Ricardo Valdez, Holly Lynn Ellis, Adam Harper, Carlos Alberto Valencia, Krista Kujat, Peter Gregus, Chantel Cherisse Lucier, Joie Bauer, Jose Joaquin Perez, Cooper Shaw, Deirdre MacNamara Screenwriters: Brian W. Seibert, Ricardo Valdez Producers: Holly Lynn Ellis, Brian W. Seibert, Ricardo Valdez Cinematographer: Andrew Rivara Editor: Morgan Neville Print Source: Will Pork Productions
Ryan Gielen’s Filmography: Drinking Games (2012); The Graduate (2008)
John Ward, the child’s father, is a convicted felon, who had served jail time for murdering his first wife and is oblivious to the school or grade his daughter is in. His ex-wife, Mary, an out lesbian in a committed relationship, has for years been providing a loving home for her family. Where Cassey should live and with whom seems obvious, but not in Florida! When John Ward sues for custody, the case is heard by an appellate court in Pensacola, Florida. The proceedings are heartbreaking. The case is revisited here through current day interviews with Mary’s children, friends, partner and attorneys. With the aid of photographs, videos and some humorous educational set-ups with school children, we learn how irresponsible it is to take a child away from a stable, committed parent because of sexual orientation. Ingeniously crafted, this award-winning true story is a stark reminder of what can happen when judges bring their own prejudices into the courthouse. While we would all like to think that lesbian and gay parents are treated more fairly today, Mary’s story is a reminder that there is still much more education and work to be done to change hearts and minds. —Carol Coombes Directors: Katie Carmichael, Penny Edmiston, Edwin Scharlau Screenwriter: Penny Edmiston Producers: Katie Carmichael, Edwin Scharlau Editor: Walter J. Collins Print Source: Route 7 Productions
UNFIT: Ward vs. Ward is Katie Carmichael, Penny Edmiston, Edwin Scharlau’s debut.
Sponsored by:
@qfest
for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com
80
Philadelphia QFEST2012
United in Anger: A History of ACT UP
Vito
Monday, July 16 • 6:00 • Ritz at the Bourse
Sunday, July 15 • 9:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Tuesday, July 17 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 1
Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 90 min
Philadelphia Premiere USA 2011, 93 min
Whether or not you are old enough to remember the beginning of the AIDS crisis, this essential documentary chronicles the formation of the radical AIDS advocacy group ACT UP. “Rise up. Fight back. Fight AIDS.” Is just one of the many vigorous chants that was indicative of a volatile time when the LGBT community fought the US government to stop avoiding the epidemic. United in Anger: The History of ACT UP is filled with candid footage of meetings and protests beginning in the spring of 1987. The first organized meetings featured people of all races and classes from the LGBT community who desperately wanted to save lives. Included are well-known speakers like Larry Kramer (Gay Men’s Health Crisis co-founder) and Vito Russo (author of “The Celluloid Closet”) who fervently invoked the masses to fight for change. What makes this extraordinary documentary so special is the rare, contextual interviews of those afflicted with the disease that are unfortunately no longer living. Hubbard and his producing partner, the prolific writer/activist Sarah Schulman, superbly captured a magnetic and significant time that is the precursor to movements like Occupy Wall Street where people simply set out to change the world. —Kelly Burkhardt
Vito, the compelling HBO documentary directed by producer/director Jeffrey Schwarz, profiles the life and times of the celebrated author and activist, Vito Russo.
Director: Jim Hubbard Screenwriters: Ali Cotterill, Jim Hubbard Producers: Jim Hubbard, Sarah Schulman Cinematographer: James Wentzy Editor: Ali Cotterill Print Source: The Film Collaborative
United in Anger: A History of ACT UP is Jim Hubbard’s debut. Program includes the short:
Why We Ride: The Story Of AIDS/LifeCycle
Best known for “The Celluloid Closet” (1981), his seminal work that uncovered stereotypical depictions of gays and lesbians since the beginning of the art of film, few knew there was another side to Vito Russo. While pursuing his interest in film, he became a central figure in the gay civil rights movement of the ‘70s and ‘80s in New York City on all fronts. He was publicly out and visible in his community and in the media. He dedicated himself to causes, helping to found the Gay Activists Alliance, ACT UP (the AIDS activist group) and the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). Rich archival footage, some of it never shown before, and a series of interviews with those closest to Russo — including such leading figures as Larry Kramer, Howard Rosenman, Lilly Tomlin, and former Philadelphian Tommi Avicolli Mecca, among others — Schwarz establishes just how passionate, charismatic and iconic a figure Russo was and has become in the annals of LGBT history. Lost to AIDS at the age of 44 in 1990, Russo’s impact cannot be overestimated. This documentary serves both as a tribute to Russo and an important historic chronicle to share with generations to come. —Thom Cardwell Director: Jeffrey Schwartz Producer: Jeffrey Schwartz Cinematographer: David Quantic Editor: Philip Harrison Print Source: The Film Collaborative
Jeffrey Schwartz’s Filmography: [Selected] Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon (2008); Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story (2007)
(USA, 2012, 13 min, Chase Whiteside, Erick Stoll) Each year 3,000+ cyclists come together from the LGBTQ-straight alliance community to ride together from San Francisco to Los Angeles, down the coast of California. The overarching aim is to raise money for designated AIDS charities, but there are also personal stories here, of survival, loss and reminiscence. Sponsored by:
facebook.com/QFestPhilly
Sponsored by:
The Wise Kids Friday, July 13 • 7:15 • Ritz at the Bourse Sunday, July 15 • 12:00 • Ritz at the Bourse Philadelphia Premiere USA 2011, 95 min
This unique American Indie by Stephen Cone is a coming-of-age story about religious faith and the awakening of sexual identity. Sensitively crafted, Cone’s youthful characters struggle with new discoveries about themselves and their classmates as they grow and develop during the last year of high school and, at the same time, attempt to adhere to the principle beliefs of the Baptist faith. Living in Charleston, South Carolina — with its conservative Southern small-town values — protects their inherent innocence and their unfamiliarity with other worlds beyond their comfort zone. When Tim (Tyler Ross — see QFest 2012 Nate & Margaret), an aspiring filmmaker, comes out of the closet to his best friends Brea (Molly Kunz) and Laura (Allison Torem), there is both a crisis of faith and of relationships. Even more dramatic a struggle is the tension and conflict in the sexual awakening of Austin (Stephen Cone), the pastor’s assistant who has been married to Elizabeth (Sadieh Rifai) for eight years. She becomes aware of her husband’s unusual affection towards Tim. The sexual repression that permeates this film underlines what some people have to go through when they are unable to either express their feelings openly or take covert action in consummating relationships. What makes Cone’s film so memorable and impressive is that he shies away from sarcasm, self-loathing or condemnation. Instead, he remains close to the humanistic side of the challenges life can sometimes bring. —Thom Cardwell Director: Stephen Cone Cast: Molly Kunz, Tyler Ross, Allison Torem, Matt DeCaro, Sadieh Rifai, Stephen Cone Screenwriter: Stephen Cone Producers: Stephen Cone, Laura Klein, Sue Redman Cinematographer: Stephanie Dufford Editor: Stephen Cone Print Source: The Film Collaborative
Stephen Cone’s Filmography: In Memoriam (2011)
Sponsored by:
@qfest
for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com
82
Philadelphia QFEST2012
Woman’s Lake
Zenne Dancer
Frauensee
Zenne
Saturday, July 14 • 12:30 • Ritz East Theater 1 Tuesday, July 17 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 2
Wednesday, July 18 • 9:30 • Ritz East Theater 1 Friday, July 20 • 5:15 • Ritz East Theater 2
Philadelphia Premiere Germany 2012, 87 min
East Coast Premiere Turkey 2012, 104 min
Set on the enchanted lakes north of Berlin, lesbian lovers prepare for a relaxing long weekend until two doe-eyed college girls interrupt their plans.
Highlighted by colorful production design and stunning cinematography, Zenne Dancer is a visual feast that follows several gay men in modern Istanbul.
Strong, quiet Rosa is a devoted fisherman, environmentalist and guardian angel who patrols the Brandenburg lakes. She does not need much to be happy. Her beautiful lover Kristin is a high-powered architect who has returned for the weekend to the serene, remote surrounds, but quickly gets wrapped up in work. It’s painfully clear that they are compatible in the bedroom (as their very hot sex scenes reveal) but on two different emotional planes. This weekend was supposed to clarify and define their commitment. However, a brash, budding lesbian couple shows up, setting a different plan into motion. At first Rosa begrudgingly befriends the flirtatious girls, and the four end up partying all night long. The intense sexual attraction among all of them forces them to re-evaluate their wants, needs and inevitably, their dreams. With a brilliant, evocative tone, Woman’s Lake explores the psyche and drive of these characters. (German with English subtitles) —Kelly Burkhardt
Based on several true stories, Zenne Dancer follows three gay characters navigating their way through an often oppressive and occasionally dangerous atmosphere. Can (Kerem Can) is a proudly flamboyant belly dancer who is dodging the draft and can only go outside in disguise. He plans to convince Turkish Army recruiters of his homosexuality so that he can avoid being shipped off to war in Afghanistan, but he is reluctant to subject himself to the inevitable harassment and humiliation. Daniel (Giovanni Arvaneh) is a middle-aged German photojournalist with soulful eyes that suggest a haunted past. He has been in Istanbul for six months, but still has more to learn about traditional Turkish values. Interested in the culture, attitudes and physique of “zenne” performers, Daniel approaches Can about modeling for a photo shoot. It is through Can that Daniel meets Ahmet (Erkan Avci), the highly revered first-born male of an extremely conservative family. Ahmet’s strict mother— oblivious to his sexual orientation—expects him to marry and produce children. Ahmet, however, soon finds himself falling for Daniel. In their feature-length debut, stylish directors Caner Alper and Mehmey Binay combine both humor and tragedy to show how religious oppression, familial obligations and macho social structures add great pressure to their everyday lives of gay men in Turkey. (English, Turkish and German with English subtitles) —Robert O’Neill
Director: Zoltan Paul Cast: Nele Rosetz, Therese Hämer, Lea Draeger, Constanze Wächter, Thomas Thieme Screenwriter: Zoltan Paul Producer: Clementina Hegewisch Cinematographer: Fabian Spuck Editor: Diana Matous Print Source: Salzgeber & Co. Medien GmbH
Zoltan Paul’s Filmography: Unter Strom (2009); Gone (2004)
Directors: Caner Alper, Mehmet Binay Cast: Kerem Can, Giovanni Arvaneh, Erkan Avci Screenwriter: Caner Alper Producers: Caner Alper, Mehmet Binay Cinematographer: Norayr Kasper Editor: Jasmin Guso Print Source: Özlem Erol
Zenne Dancer is Caner Alper, Mehmet Binay’s debut.
facebook.com/QFestPhilly
IRIS PRIZE Cardiff's International Gay & Lesbian Short Film Prize
Surprise Screening Saturday, July 21 • 9:30 • Ritz at the Bourse
10-14 October 2012
Sneak Peek!!!
Damn! We could not lock this film down by press time so we’ve left a very prominent blank on our Saturday night schedule for this very entertaining film. Check with our website (www.qfest.com) in July when we finally secure the booking and are ready to announce the film.
Festival Favorites Monday, July 23 • 6:15 • Ritz at the Bourse Monday, July 23 • 8:30 • Ritz at the Bourse Monday, July 23 • 6:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Monday, July 23 • 8:30 • Ritz East Theater 1 Monday, July 23 • 6:15 • Ritz East Theater 2 Monday, July 23 • 8:30 • Ritz East Theater 2
irisprize.org
Final Day!
We’ve reserved these six slots for additional screenings of some of the bestreceived and best-attended at the festival. We might even throw in new titles that we get at the last minute. Check the website at www.qfest.com for updates.
4
irisprize.org
SPONSORS / NODDWYR
4
irisprize.org
Principal funder / Prif Arianwr SPONSORS / NODDWYR
4
irisprize.org
Produced by: SPONSORS / NODDWYR
4
Principal funder:
Principal funder / Prif Arianwr Funders and Sponsors / Arianwyr a Noddwyr irisprize.org
SPONSORS / NODDWYR
Principal funder / Prif Arianwr Funders and sponsors:
Funders and Sponsors / Arianwyr a Noddwyr
Principal funder / Prif Arianwr
Funders and Sponsors / Arianwyr a Noddwyr Funders and Sponsors / Arianwyr a Noddwyr
Partners / Partneriaid Partners / Partneriaid
@qfest
for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com iris2012_qfest.indd 1 31/05/2012 13:55:18 Partners / Partneriaid
Partners / Partneriaid
84
QFEST STAFF
Artistic Director......................................Raymond Murray
Program Guide Editor ........................ Jennifer Steinberg
Managing Director & Guest Services..................................... Carol Coombes
Program Guide Sponsorships & Advertising Sales: Thom Cardwell, Dan Contarino
Director of Development.......................... Thom Cardwell
QFest Feature Film Programmers Kelly Burkhardt, Carol Coombes, Raymond Murray
Creative Director.............................................. Eric Moore Director of Production.................................. Claire Kohler Director of Media Relations Megan Smith, Brownstone P.R. Event Consultant....................................... Dan Contarino Film Booker.....................................Jennifer Arndt-Johns Financial/Accounting Staff Jo Borasky, John Chong Head of Jurors.............................................Brian Gannon Hospitality/Events Coordinator..................... Kitty Dorsey Photographers.................Patrick Hagerty, Gail Kamenish Print Traffic Coordinator......................... Malori Holloman Program Cover Design Brian McManus, Gary Swarer Program Design and Graphics........................ Eric Moore
Philadelphia Cinema Alliance Board of Directors Herb Lipton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Board President Raymond Murray. . . . . . . . . . Executive Director John Herzins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer James Houck • Claire Kohler • Irene Lewis Eric Moore • Thom Cardwell
QFest Short Programmers: Suzi Nash, Rob O’Neill QFest Screening Committee: Dudley Best, Thom Cardwell, James Houck, Mario DiMaio, Robert Moran. Ritz Landmark Theatres Tom Beddow, Lisa Bunnell, Bill Giliotti, Lisa Laydon, Shawn Knowles, Joanne Pizzi, Sara Slack Technical Supervisor/Senior Video Projectionist David Burgess Video Projectionists....................................... Daniel Pizza Technologies: Dan Maloney, Lora Nase, Brian Jones Web Design.................................................... John Smith Ticketing/Distribution Manager................Jennifer Bendik Tribute Trailers.......................................... Kelly Burkhardt
The Philadelphia Cinema Alliance
is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to producing and promoting QFest, the largest Gay and Lesbian Film Festivals on the East Coast. This annual festival, now in its 18th year, showcases the best in gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer film from around the world as a way to foster, support and give access to Independent filmmakers and to encourage and nurture younger ones in the art of filmmaking. QFest hosts American and International guests representing all aspects of the industry, hosts educational panels on diversity, financing, screenwriting and distribution. QFest enriches the lives of the region’s growing LGBT community as well as serves the mainstream community though accessibility of the films and opportunities for exchange, awareness and understanding.
We’re Powered Volunteers! 85 85 We are powered by by volunteers! Bruce Alburger, Nick Allin, Craig Alner, Mark Bacher, Sunday Banks, Daniel Bove, Melanie Burnick, Christina Camacho, Diana Carter, Lisa Cervo, Helyx Chase, Crystal Cheepudom, Joanna Corcoran, DeAnn Cox, Delores Cunningham, Lucas DeForest, Andrew Diamond, Patrick DiGiacomo, Gary Dufree, Ray Duvel, Tom Eagan, Cheryl Familant, Diane Floyd, John Gambler, Deb Gowen, Alba Guzman, Rob Hall, Shanna Halpern, Tracey Heckstall, Lindsay Himes, Meg Hlousek, Marianne Iorio, Daryel Jarman, Dan Johnson, Brian Jones, Leora Jones, Alex Kohr, Greg Ludwig, Saad Majidulla, Jeff Meadows, Ad Merrall, MP Moon, Onet Negiz, Quynh-Mai Nguyen, Mikal Odom, Mel Orphen, Joe Orr, Sal Patrone, Melissa Puchek, Thomas Rankin, Michael Richards, James Roberts, Elliot
Robertson, Richard Ross, Roseann Sarkisson, Sandy Smith, Gary Snyder, Kathy Staller, Bonnie Strahs, Adrian Testo, Yulia Violin, Kim Watson, Laura Wesolowski, Kim Wong-Shing, Emma Xu Special Thanks To: Les Anders, Phyllis Bailey, Tony Campbell, Pearl Carpel, William Clinton, Liam Dacey, Jason Friel, Patrick Hagerty, Jeff Jenne, John Joyce, Darren Joyner, Thomas Kenny, Byron Lee, TJ O’Brien, Lisa Poe, Suzanne Rosin, Riff Viana, Jimmy Wall, Shawn Walsh Guest Services: Duncan Busser, Jay Jay Kovaks, Dave Smith, Dan Tharp, P.J. Walking, Mark James Wawrzynski
Special Thanks to all our supporters HOST COMMITTEE Gold: Al Besse & Scott Evers Stephen Carlino & Dennis Fee Tavern on Camac, Uncles, terra David Schellenberg, LinguiSearch Silver: John Herzins & Duane Bumb SUPPORTERS Joel Ballesteros Chris Bartlett Thomas Bell Jaamal Benjamin Jamie Berman Raquel Berman Tommy Berner Courtney Birmingham Tyrone Blakely Heather Bolig Scott Bowen Michelle Bozzi Kelly Burkhardt Tom Caggiano Janice Canfield Marian Conicella James Conway
Norval Copeland Dan Contarino Denise Cohen Derek Curl Bill Curry Mark Dahl William DeTurck Darryl Depiano Jimmy DePre HughE Dillon James Duggan Stephen Durkin Randal Edelstein Orlando Edwards Bill Egan Jill & Michael Feighan Garrett Fardelmann Leo Fox Domenic Gallelli Steve Gantzos Bill Gerhman Yul Giraldo Jeff Guaracino Tony Geistwite Tom Haggerty Ben Haney Amber Hikes Jessica Jenkins Reenie Kane Stephen Kerzner Shireen Kline Gage Kristofer Malcolm Lazin
Bryon Lee Morgan Levine Meryl Levitz Quynh-Mai Nguyen Steve McCann Natalie Hope McDonald Mike McKeown Barney Medunic Michelle Mercier Karl Michelfeder Ian Morrison Brian Naegle Robert Norton Stephen & Tamar Olitsky Lehua Pagett Alan Pentecost Ruth Perlmutter Carmela Pinto Rick Piper Brion Pizzi Robert Pompey Robert Porter Linda Powers Fran Price Heather Quinn Lisa Rafter Zathan Radix Matthew Ray Peter Reynolds Melaine Rice Jim Ross Richard Ross Allen Sabinson
Chris Scarduzio Sean Scott Mark Seaman Jeff Shablin Jennifer Shockley Telly Simmons Karl Staven Glenn StCoeur Vicki Tilton Nick Ventura Karen Vincent Chuck Volz Maria Votlucka Christal Watson Garth Weldon Jolly Weldon Pamela West Andy Williams Richard Wolff Erica Wurster Bruce Yelk Ellen Yin INDUSTRY PARTNERS TLA Releasing Breaking Glass Pictures The Film Collaborative Wolfe Releasing Strand Releasing Music Box Magnolia
86
INDEX
Feature Films Another Another Movie Movie Of Of Love. . Love. . . . . . . . . . . . 54 54 A Ending. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 AuPerfect Pair, Kansas 54 Audre Audre Lorde Lorde -- The The Berlin Berlin Years 1984 to 1992. . . . . . . . . 55 Au BadPair, Boy Kansas Street. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 55 Bad Boy Street. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 BearCity 2: The Proposal. 27 BearCity Beauty. . . 2: . . The . . . .Proposal. . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 31 Beauty. . . . . . .Red. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Candy Apple 51 Black, BluesOlivia and Other Chloe Likes . . . . . Hues. . . . . . . . . 49 51 Cloudburst. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 32 Candy Apple .Red. . Elliot Loves. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 51 25 Chloe Likes Olivia Facing Mirrors. . 56 Cloudburst. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 A Force of Nature. 20 Dangerous Sex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 HeavyLoves. . Girls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 56 Elliot I Do. . . .Mirrors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 33 Facing I Stand Corrected. . 57 A Family Affair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 IFirst Want Your Love. . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Contact. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Jack and Diane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Forbidden Fruit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Jobriath A.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 58 A Force of Nature. Joshua Tree, 1951: A Portrait Heavy Girls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 of James 59 I Do. . . . . . . Dean. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Keep the Lights On . . . . . . . . . . 59 I Stand Corrected. . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Me. . . . . Love. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 60 IKiss Want Your Let My People 60 Jack and Diane.Go!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Loose Cannons . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Jobriath A.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Love Free or Die. . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Joshua Tree, 1951: A Portrait Love or Whatever . . . . . . . . . . . 66 of James Dean. . . . . . . . . . . . 59 The Marriage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Keep the Lights On . . . . . . . . . . 59 Mary Marie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Kiss Me. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Melting Away. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Let My People Go!. . . . . . . . . . . 60 The Men Next Door. . . . . . . . . . 68 Loose Cannons . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Men to Kiss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Love or Die. MixedFree Kabob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 69 Love Her or Leave Molly’s Girl . . . . . . Her. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 70 Love or Whatever Mommy Is Coming. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 70 The Marriage. . My Best Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 71 Mary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 nakedMarie. . as we .came. . 71 Melting Away. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Nate & Margaret 72 The Men Door. . North SeaNext Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 34 Men to Kiss. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 68 Our Paradise. 72 Mixed Kabob . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 A Perfect Ending 73 Molly’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 PolaroidGirl Girl. . 49 Mommy Is Coming Positive Youth . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 70 74 My Best Day. . . Prora. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 50 naked as we Saltwater . . . came. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 74 Nate Margaret Sassy&Pants . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 75 North Sea Texas .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Somefarwhere. . 75
Our Paradise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Speechless. . 76 Stud Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 76 Polaroid Girl. . SurpriseYouth Screening 83 Positive . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 74 Taking .a . Chance 77 Prora. . . . . . . . .on . . .God. . . . . . . . . . 50 Tennessee. . Queer. . 78 Saltwater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Time Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Sassy Pants . . 75 TRANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 78 Somefarwhere. . Turtle Hill, Brooklyn. . . . . . . . . . 79 Speechless. . . . . . . . 76 Unfit: Ward Vs. Ward. . . . . . . . . 79 Stud Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 United inScreening Anger: . . . . . . . . . . 83 Surprise A History of Acton Up. . . . .. .. .. .. . 77 80 Taking a Chance God. . Vito. . . . . . . Queer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 80 Tennessee Woman’s 82 Time Out. . Lake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 The Wise Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 TRANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Zenne Hill, Dancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 82 Turtle Brooklyn. Unfit: Ward Vs. Ward. . . . . . . . . 79 Special United in Programs Anger: A History of ActAward: Up. . . . . . . . . 80 Barbara Gittings Vito. . . . . . . . . . . . . Ellen Ratner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 20 Woman’s Lake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Dirty Poole: The Wise Kids . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 81 A Work in Progress. 21 Zenne Dancer. . . . . .Achievement . . . . . . . . . 82 QFest 2012 Artistic in Directing: Rose Troche + Career Tribute Interview . . . . 18 Special Programs Rising Film Star Award: Barbara Gittings Award: Ellen David W. 19 Ratner . . . Ross. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 The Way Gay Sing-along . . . . . 21 Dirty Poole: A Work in Progress.21 QFest 2012 Artistic Achievement Shorts Programs in Directing: Rose Troche + Career Tribute . . . .. . 18 Black, Blues and Interview Other Hues. 49 Rising Film Sex. Star Award: Dangerous . . . . . . . David . . . . . W. . 49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 A Ross. . Family . .Affair. . 50 The Gay Sing-along FirstWay Contact. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 21 50 Forbidden Fruit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Love Her or Leave Her. . . . . . . . 51 Shorts 33 Teeth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Shorts Absence of Love . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Adele’s 33 TeethRiddle . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 50 After Lunch. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Absence of .Love 50 Always Adele’s Again. . Riddle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 . . . . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. . 51 .50 Bald After Guy Lunch. Bosco Orange Alwaysthe Again. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 74 51 Bug Bald Chaser Guy. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 The Bus Pass . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Bosco the Orange 74 Bumming Cigarettes. . Bug Chaser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Candy Apple Red. . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Bumming Cigarettes. . 49 The Bus Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Candy
Candy. . . . . .Olivia . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 51 49 Chloe Likes Candy Apple Red. . 51 Cinderella Effect. . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Chloe Likes. .Olivia Connected . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Cinderella Effect. . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Consentement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 The Confessions of The Confessions of Father John Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 65 Father John Thomas . . Connected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Contracted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Consentement. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 49 Cross Your Fingers Contracted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Do You Have a Cat?. . . . . . . . . . 71 Cross Your Fingers 49 Fallen Comrade. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Do You Have a Cat?. . . . . . . . . . 71 Finding Judy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Fallen Comrade. . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Finding Judy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Girl Scouting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Groom’s Cake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Girl Scouting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Hold on Tight. . Groom’s Cake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 50 In Search of Avery Hold on Tight. . . . . .Willard . . . . . .. . . . . . . 21 74 Last Man Out. . . . . .Willard . . . . . .. . . . . . . 55 In Search of Avery 21 Love & Anger. . Last Man Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 55 The Maiden and . .the Love & Anger. . . . .Princess. . . . . . . . . . 51 68 Mates . . . . . . and . . . .the . . .Princess. . . . . . . . . . 57 The Maiden 51 The Men’s Mates . . . . .Romm . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 49 57 My TheNight Men’swith Room. . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Andrew Cunanan. . . . . . . . . . 49 My Night with Andrew Cunanan. . 49 Neighbors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Neighbors. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 66 Out of Bounds Out of Bounds . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 . . . . . . . 51 Performance Anxiety Performance Anxiety. 49 Plug and Play. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Plug and Play. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Polaroid Girl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Polaroid Girl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Polaroid Song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Polaroid 70 Pride. . . . Song . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Pride. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Prora. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Prora. . . . Dinner . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Shabbat Shabbat Dinner . . 50 Spiral Transition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Spiral Transition . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Sugar Cookie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Sugar Cookie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 T’Aint Nobody’s Bizness: T’Aint Nobody’s Bizness: Queer Blues Divas Queer Blues Divas of the 1920s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 of the 1920s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Teens Teens Like Like Phil. . Phil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 74 Time Out. . . Time Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 50 Transpass. . Transpass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 57 Transsexual Transsexual Dominatrix Dominatrix . .. . . . . . . . . 49 . . . . 49 Tsuyako . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 51 Tsuyako Utopia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Utopia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 What It Could Be . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Why We Ride: The Story of AIDS/Lifecycle . . . . . . . . . . 80 Wild Imaginings. . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
87
www.philapark.org
PHILADELPHIA
PARKING AUTHORITY
Salutes with
the 18th Philadelphia
QFest 2012 For customer service issues, contact us on 88
or
@PhilaParking
S:10.125�
DO atlantic city.cOM