Qfest 2013

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A very special thanks to all of our sponsors Patron Sponsors

Mauckingbird Theatre Company

Table of Contents Programmer’s Note.......................................7 Parties and Events.......................................12 Qfest Awards & Juries................................16 Special Programs........................................22 Opening Night Film......................................23 Closing Night Film........................................25 Centerpiece Screenings.............................29 QFest Essentials: Host Hotels.................................................39 Festival Basics...........................................41 Ticketing Info.............................................42 Calendar.....................................................44 Shorts Programs..........................................48 American Independents.............................50 International Queer Cinema.......................63 Philly Centric.................................................72

c Animation & Visual Effects c Architecture c Art & Art History c Arts Administration c Dance c Design & Merchandising c Interactive Digital Media c Entertainment & Arts Management c Fashion Design c Film & Video c Game Art & Production c Graphic Design c Interior Design

The Documentary Tradition.......................74

c Interior Architecture & Design

Staff and Volunteers....................................84

c Music Industry

Index..............................................................86

c Product Design

c Museum Leadership c Photography c Screenwriting & Playwriting c Television Management c TV Production & Media Management

www.drexel.edu/westphal

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WELCOME from the Artistic Director

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Every year, when I begin compiling the list of programming possibilities for the upcoming film festival, I become anxious that there will not be enough films to fill our slots; that funding will dry up and the LGBT filmmaking community will follow the money and make heterosexual movies. But every year, when the onslaught of submissions overtake my desk and I begin to watch them, I calm the fuck down, knowing that there will be another festival filled with fascinating, entertaining and challenging features and documentaries.

And what should you see? Well, everything. But if that isn’t in the cards, let me offer a few opinionated highlights. Let’s start with sex. For the guys, the World Premiere screening of Road Strip, the documentary on two CockyBoys models is certain to delight (and they’ll be here to present the film); there is also the shorts program, Cruising for Sex; the controversial James Franco/Travis Matthews film Interior. Leather Bar. (certain to excite and infuriate the audience); Truth a psycho-sexual thriller starring Sean Paul Lockhart (Brent Corrigan); a super hot romance set in Cuba, The Last Match and Mr. Angel, the eye-opening documentary on the life of trans porn star Buck Angel.

For the women, the selections are admittedly thin this year compared to previous festivals but the programming team of Carol Coombes and Kelly Burkhardt choose quality over quantity with some of the stand-out being the Pratibha Parmar’s enthralling documentary Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth; Jamie Babbit’s thriller Breaking the Girls, the super hot French import Bye Bye Blondie, the crowd-pleasing Canadian film, Margarita and the provocative historical documentary Lesbiana: A Parallel Revolution.

And personal favorites? Well, my taste is admittedly a little offbeat, but I absolutely love the enchanting Spanish coming-ofage drama Animals; the stylish and witty Love Will Tear Us Apart; the wild cross-dressing comedy First Period; the sexy and blood-soaked Violence of the Mind; the political drama (and follow-up to our 2009 hit, Shank ) Cal; the incredibly entertaining bio-doc, Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia and finally, In Bloom, a knowing look at a modern gay romance.

Since it was such an outstanding year for documentaries, we make that category its own section with many thoughtprovoking films on subjects ranging from serious topics like religion, politics, AIDS and marriage equality to more pop themes such as disco and Divine. Don’t miss the double feature of Fall to Grace and The Battle of amfAR where former New Jersey governor Jim McGreevey will be on hand at the Q&A. We don’t list expected guests in the printed guide (the reason being a near riotous audience years ago when actor Keifer Sutherland was a no-show) but there will be over a hundred, so please check the website for confirmed guests.

And don’t miss our opening and closing bookend films: the raucous teen comedy G.B.F. which opens the festival and the seductively entertaining modern film noir Hot Guys with Guns directed by Doug Spearman (of “Noah’s Arc” fame.) Over-all?

The best line up of films ever. Did I ever say that before?

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!”

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yes, WE THROW PARTIES! In Celebration of the 19th Philadelphia QFest 2013

OUR SANCTIONED BEST EVER INDOOR-OUTDOOR PARTIES For the first time ever, both the opening and closing night parties have been inspired by the premieres of entertaining films with our events team creating “theme-events”, G.B.F. (Gay Best Friend) with a mock prom theme on opening night and Hot Guys with Guns with a spoof murder mystery thriller.

Both venues for these parties are also new spaces for QFest events. Lit Ultra Bar, with its all-white leather décor with a dash of ’90s accessories seems like a perfect match for prom queens and their faux dates, their best gay boyfriends; Underground Arts, with its cavernous atmosphere and dark corners enhances plenty of hot gay guys with guns in pursuit of criminals and murderers and sexy suspects of all kinds.

THURSDAY, JULY 11

G.B.F Opening Night Party @ LIT ULTRA BAR Lit Ultra Bar, 9:30 pm to 2:00 am Presenting Sponsors: TD Bank, tlagay.com, Lit Ultra Bar, Tavern on Camac, U Bar, Underground Arts

Lit Ultra Bar features ‘90s chic swanky white leather, with state-of-theart dance and lighting system in a fully renovated dance club.

“Prom Night Gone Wild” is the party theme in celebration of the premiere of G.B F. Brittany Lynn will be performing along with the Drag Mafia. Hot body dancers and special guests will excite the crowd dressed in their prom night finery. Wear white if you’re so inclined as your fashion statement Enjoy a guest DJ, dancing, two drink tickets, champagne, drink specials, tasty treats, beverage tastings and the fierce competition for the crowning of the Prom Queen with her Best G. B. F. The red carpet will be rolled out for the film’s guests: Paul Iacono, Xosha Roquemore, and Taylor Frey. Don’t miss the special Mini Cooper display inside and outside the club!

Opening Night Admissions: Combination Ticket for Film & Party $40 Public • $35 PCA Members • 21+, ID Required Film Only $15 • all ages Party Only $25 • 21+, ID Required Film & Party Free with All-Access Badge

Lit Ultra Bar, 460 N. 2nd St. Philadelphia • www.litultrabar.com This year’s opening and closing sponsors welcome you to both fun-filmed-night-out theme parties

SUNDAY, JULY 21

HOT GUYS WITH GUNS Closing Night Party @ UNDERGROUND ARTS Underground Arts, 9:30pm to 12:30am Presenting Sponsors: TD Bank, tlagay.com, Lit Ultra Bar, Tavern on Camac, U Bar, Underground Arts

Closing Night Admissions: Combination Ticket for Film & Party $40 Public • $35 PCA Members • 21+, ID Required Film Only $15 • all ages Party Only $25 • 21+, ID Required Film & Party Free with All-Access Badge

Try to stay out of the line of fire when the sexy agents, heavily armed, are in hot pursuit of glamorous damsels (and some gay men) in distress. Brittany Lynn hosts the evening of Drag Mafia (will they have guns, too?) in the madcap caper a la “Charlie’s Angels” with a twist. Guest DJ, live music from the Philadelphia Freedom Band ensemble, dancing, drink specials, finger foods, surprise gifts, local celebrity performances, will all be at Philly’s most talked about new venue, Underground Arts!

Come mix and mingle with director Doug Spearman and his Hot Guys with Guns posse.

Don’t miss the special Mini Cooper display inside and outside the club!.

Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St. Philadelphia • www.undergroundarts.org

OFFICIAL QFest 2013 WATERING HOLES

TAVERN ON CAMAC: GAYBORHOOD CENTRAL Stephen Carlino, Dennis Fee and staff invite everyone to visit two of The Official QFest 2013 Gayborhood Watering Holes. This summer everyone is welcome to enjoy the airy, light, cool and totally renovated U Bar. Visit the ever-popular entertainment complex, Tavern on Camac, with its piano bar, upstairs dance club, Ascend. Or, for quieter moments, the cozy downstairs bar and inviting restaurant, Tavern, introducing new executive chef Mackenzie Hilton with her own signature menu items. Festival goers at either venue are bound to meet a visiting actor from Los Angles or a shorts film maker from New Jersey.

Both properties open from 4pm-2am daily. Serving food late night.

243 S. Camac St., 215-545-0900, tavernoncamac.com & ubarphilly.com

MAC’S TAVERN: OLD CITY HISTORIC DISTRICT The Star of “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia,” Rob McElhenny & the infamous new hotspot, Mac’s Tavern, will become a bit gayer this summer as the popular bar/ restaurant is The Official Old City Watering Hole. Outof-towners will mix and mingle with locals to discuss films at QFest or even talk about sports. Serving food late night. Open from 11am-2am daily.

226 Market St., 267-324-5507, macstavern.com Friday July 12,

WHERE I AM, Post-Screening Reception Knock, 9pm-11pm Following the screening of Where I AM, festival goers can meet and greet the real life subject of director Pamela Drynan’s documentary, Philadelphia novelist Robert Drake, who survived a brutal hate crime in Ireland.

Filmmaker and artist, now Drake’s caregiver, Butch Cordora, will also be in attendance at Bill “Woody’s Wood’s Knock, Drake’s favorite spot in Philadelphia. Drink specials and complimentary appetizers.

225 S 12th St. (215) 925-1166, knockphilly.com Saturday July 13

THE HAPPY SAD After-Screening Centerpiece Reception Tavern on Camac, 9:30pm-12:30am QFest 2013 is pleased to honor cast members Leroy McClain, Cameron Scoggins, Ken Urban and producer/director Rodney Evans (Brother to Brother) and currently visiting professor at Temple University in a meet-and-greet. The Happy Sad, about the lives of two couples—one black and one white—who collide as they navigate open relationships and sexual identity will resonate with many viewers.

243 S. Camac St. (215) 545-0900, tavernoncamac.com 13

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but wait, there’s more

Saturday July 13

Friday July 19, 2013

WHO’S AFRAID OF VAGINA WOLF Arouse Presents: The V Party

Visit Baltimore presents I Am Divine Drag extravaganza!

Voyeur Nightclub 10pm-3:30am Red carpet style in honor of QFest! AROUSE will keep your head spinning with incredible music, delicious drinks, and the beautiful LGBTQ crowd who will be partying until 3:30am at Voyeur Nightclub, Philadelphia’s premier after hours club! Director/ actor Anna Margarita Albelo will be the honored guest. She will be bringing her vagina costumes from the movie that guests can wear for a fun photo opt with friends! $10 before 1:30am.

Tavern on Camac, 11:30pm-2am The extravaganza will be simply divine in honor of the internationally recognized drag superstar, Divine, the subject of I Am Divine, Jeffrey Schwartz’s documentary about the collaborative creation she shared with gay filmmaker John Waters. Producer Lottie Phariss Knowles will be in attendance. Come as your own version of the iconic Divine for the fierce Divine looka-like contest, hosted by Brittany Lynn and the Drag Mafia. Or dress as your favorite Waters film character! End the evening by having your picture taken with Divine as a forever keepsake!

1221 St. James St., 215-735-5772, voyuernightclub.com Thursday July 18

Romeo Romeo and Tumble Down Joint After-Party Tavern on Camac, 9pm-2am Join us for an amazing night of dancing combined with a playfully seductive burlesque show and cabaret including performance art and live music with Philly’s multi award-winning Liberty City Kings Drag & Burlesque. New York-based cabaret singer Lexy Casano-Antonellis from the film Romeo Romeo will perform! The special guest list includes director Lizzie Gottlieb, producer Eden Wurmfeld, and subjects Jessica Casano-Antonellis and Lexy Casano-Antonellis from Romeo Romeo and from Tumble Down, writer/director/producer Todd Verow.

243 S. Camac St. (215) 545-0900, taverononcamac.com

243 S. Camac St. (215) 545-0900, tavernoncamac.com Friday, July 19

Stimulus Presents Queeradelphia Splash Party North Shore Beach Club, 10pm-2am Plunge hosted by Stimulus Philly at North Shore Beach Club is the only 21+ private swim party for the LGBTQ community! PLUNGE is the QFest after-party you’ve been asking for! Stimulus is at it again hosting another memorable women’s night out! Come join Queeradelphia, Philly’s finest Stimulus Colors: local filmmakers. Be sure to wear your sexiest suit - it’s guaranteed to be a wet and wild time! $10 all night 1031 Germantown Ave., (215) 600-2584, northshorebeachclub.com

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Saturday July 20, 2013

McGreevey Benefit Sofitel Philadelphia Hotel, 4pm-6pm Philadelphia Cinema Alliance, the nonprofit that produces QFest 2013, will host a benefit at the postscreening reception of director Alexandra Pelosi’s documentary for HBO, Fall to Grace, about ex NJ Governor Jim McGreevey who broke the silence and made history with his “I am a gay American.” Guests, donors, sponsors and dignitaries will meet-and-greet McGreevey at this special event while supporting QFest and an LGBT cultural arts nonprofit.

Donation: $25 per person, complimentary appetizers, drink specials at a cash bar.

120 S 17th St (215) 569-8300, sofitel/philadelphia.com Saturday July 20, 2013

Sisters hosts Chastity Bites Sisters 11pm-2am The Virgin never lasts till 2am! Join Denise Cohen and her army of fabulous staff as they host the most bloody of a good time women’s event! Chastity Bites will bring out the sexy and sassy vampire fantasy in us all! Celebrity guests in attendance will include: director John V. Knowles and writer Lottie Pharriss Knowles. DJ spins on both levels & plenty of $4 vampire cocktails will keep you going till the wee hours. $3 Happy Hour 9-11pm, Free cover with QFest VIP badges or tix stubs.

1320 Chancellor St., (215) 735-0735, sisternightclub.com

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2013 qFest Awards & Juries Jurors will confer the awards on Sunday, July 21, 7:15 pm, at the Ritz East in Old City, prior to the Philadelphia Premiere of Hot Guys with Guns (see page 25).

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 short film producer and 20-year veteran of Philadelphia’s video production community. He is an editor for Center City Film and Video, working on a variety of projects including short films and TV programming. He has served as the Head of Jurors for QFest for several years.

Feature Film Jury Vince Austin-Cole, a long time volunteer and juror at QFest, brings his passion for film viewing as a serious avocation. He averages seeing at least 30 LGBT feature and documentary films each year. He enjoys evaluating all aspects of the filmmaking process, from screenplay to production.

Steve Randisi is a life-long film historian and free-lance writer of celebrity interviews for these publications: Films of the Golden Age, Classic Images, Scarlett Street among others. He has also made contributions to numerous books pertaining to classic film and television history.

Judith Redding’s award-winning short films, screened at national and international film festivals, have been broadcast on American Public Television. She is the coauthor of Film Fatales: Independent Women Directors, which profiles 33 of independent film’s finest.

Documentary Film Jury

Short Film Jury

Gary Hines, former host of “The Catacombs,” an online radio show and film reviewer for the Men of All Colors Together organization, serves as the Co-Chair of the Liberty City (LGBT) Democratic Club and works with The Brothers Network and The Black Gay Men’s Leadership Council.

Jhett Bond, a Philadelphia native and part-time videographer, has volunteered for the festival many times over the years, including as a juror.

Joe’l Ludovich is an award-winning independent film/television producer and Associate Professor in Communication at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. She has received numerous awards, including three Mid-Atlantic Emmy nominations, several Telly and Communicator awards and a Pennsylvania Association for Broadcasters Award.

Kelly McQuain is a professor at Community College of Philadelphia, where he teaches courses in creative writing and film studies. A twotime recipient of fellowships from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, he has contributed fiction and poetry to “Men on Men,” “Bloom,” “Assaracus” and “The Harrington Gay Men’s Fiction Quarterly.”

Michael Busza, an undergraduate filmmaker at Temple, created the university’s first full-length web series “One of the Guys,” a sitcom about three gay men and their straight roommate. He is the recipient of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Scholarship, the Jonathan R. Lax Gay Men of Philadelphia Scholarship, and the inaugural Temple University Marc David LGBT Scholarship.

Byron Lee, a doctoral candidate in Media & Communication at Temple University, is researching and teaching LGBTQ identity and images in media. His most recent project, soon to be published in a professional journal, will focus on masculinity in bareback pornography.

QFest 2012 Award Winners Audience Awards:

Jury Awards:

Best Short Film: Tsuyako, directed by Mitsyo Miyazaki Best Documentary: TRANS, directed by Chris Arnold Best Comedic Film: Let My People Go!, directed by Mikael Buch Best Feature Film: Cloudburst, directed by Thom Fitzgerald

Best Short Film: Prora, directed by Stephane Riethauser Best First Time Director: Negar Azarbayjani, director of Facing Mirrors Best Documentary: Love Free or Die, directed by Macky Alston Best Feature Film: Keep the Lights On, directed by Ira Sachs

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Fiscal Sponsorship • Festival Distribution • Digital Distribution • Educational Distribution/Licensing

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OPENING NIGHT

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G.B.F. Thursday, July 11 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Saturday, July 13 • 2:45 • Ritz East Theater 1 Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 98 min

The Festival opens with Darren Stein’s hilarious high school comedy about a shy gay teen who becomes the object d‘accessory for three scheming beauties who desperately need a Gay Best Friend to complete their look.

In a festival brimming with queer high school tale (Animals, First Period, Geography Club, Monster Pies), what better way to launch our 12-day orgy of queer filmgoing than with Darren Stein’s (Jawbreaker) hilarious Another Gay Movie-meets-Clueless, candy-colored high school comedy set in a world where being gay is cool and snagging one as a G.B.F. insures instant popularity?

Cute but slightly geeky Tanner (Michael J. Willet, “The United States of Tara”) and his flamboyant best friend Brent (Paul Iacono) are closeted gay guys who find their secret in jeopardy when word spreads in the school that having a G.B.F. is all the rage. Enter the school’s three battling beauty queens who want one, not just for fashion tips, mall shopping and latte-gossiping, but to be the envy of all the other girls. There is the icy blond Fawcett, the sleek Caprice, and the “girl next door” Mormon Ashley. They find their man in the recently outed Tanner.

It soon becomes an all out battle to win him over, as the girls resort to all kinds of schemes, cajoling and manipulation to win his favor. While Tanner is femininely assaulted and begins to turn into a Bravo gay, it puts strains on his friendship with his friend Brent. Infused with wit and over-the-top comedy, G.B.F. is a hoot and features hilarious cameos including Natasha Lyonne as Ms. Hoegel, the school’s hippyish counselor; Megan Mullally as Brent’s “with it” mom, seemingly oblivious to her fey son’s gayness; and Jonathan Silverman as Tanner’s sex-obsessed dad. —Raymond Murray Director: Darren Stein Cast: Michael J. Willett, Paul Iacono, Megan Mullally, Natasha Lyonne, Sasha Pieterse, Andrea Bowen, Xosha Roquemore, Molly Tarlov, Evanna Lynch, Joanna ‘Jojo’ Levesque, Rebecca Gayheart, Jonathan Silverman, Horatio Sanz Screenwriter: George Northy Producers: Stephen Israel, Richard Bever, Darren Stein, George Northy Cinematographer: Jonathan Hall Editor: Phillip J. Bartell Print Source: The Film Collaborative

Sponsored by:

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CLOSING NIGHT

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Hot Guys with Guns Sunday, July 21 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 90 min

We conclude our festival with this wildly entertaining modern film noir which mixes dry gay wit with action and intrigue as two gay hunks team up to solve a series of robberies. “Noah’s Arc” actor Doug Spearman’s directorial debut is an unqualified winner.

It is not often a gay independent film comes along that combines fast-paced action, sly humor, a bevy of sexy studs, a witty script with top notch acting and direction, but Hot Guys with Guns, stylishly directed by Doug Spearman (Chance in “Noah’s Arc”) is just that. Not trying to over-sell this film, but fans of Mickey Spillaine, Sam Spade, Donald Stratchey and such films as Chinatown and The Thin Man series will love this intoxicating mix of gayness and modern film noir.

Part time actor and full time waiter Danny (Marc Anthony Samuel), still in love with his ex, rich party boy Pip (Brian McArdle), attends a private eye class in preparation for a cop role for which he is auditioning. But when Pip becomes a robbery victim of the “gay sex party bandits,” the two men – despite their unresolved sexual tension - team up as amateur sleuths to solve the crime. As they delve into Hollywood’s gay power world, guns are shot, bodies drop and the two find themselves in one hot gay mess but remain determined to uncover the culprits.

Hot Guys with Guns has a script that pops with gay wit and cultural references (“Cops? I am a black man in east L.A. with a dead Mexican on the floor with no head, we can’t call the cops!”) as well as a memorable cast of supporting actors ­— Joan Ryan as Pip’s needy and boozy mom, Trey McCurley as Pip’s red headed boy toy, Alan Blumenfeld as Jimmy, the hard-nosed P.I. instructor, and Darryl Stephens as a friend with a dark secret.

If there is any justice in the world, we’ll be premiering the sequel in 2014! —RM Director: Doug Spearman Cast: Marc Anthony Samuel, Brian McArdle, Alan Blumefield, Joan Ryan Screenwriters: Kelly Jones, Doug Spearman Producer: Doug Spearman Cinematographer: Kelly Jones Editor: Scott Draper Print Source: Doug Spearman

Sponsored by:

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CENTERPIECE SCREENINGS

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Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth Saturday, July 20 • 6:45 • Ritz East Theater 1 Sunday, July 21 • 2:15 • Ritz East Theater 2 East Coast Premiere USA 2013, 84 min

Alice Walker: Beauty In Truth is a feature documentary which that tells the compelling story of an extraordinary woman’s journey from her birth in a paper-thin shack in cotton fields of Putnam County, Georgia to her recognition as a key writer of the 20th Century.

Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth is a dazzling, courageous portrait of author, poet, gardener, human rights activist, self-confessed renegade, Alice Walker. Four years in the making, director Pratibha Parmar richly details the extraordinary life of a living legend. The eighth child of sharecroppers, Walker’s journey from Jim Crow era Georgia to the front lines of the black civil rights and feminist movements make for compelling viewing. She literally put her body on the line for peace and justice, during some of the most turbulent years of profound social and political changes in United States history. While Walker’s body of work spans over four decades, she finally rose to national prominence in 1983 as the first black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in fiction for “The Color Purple.” Her close circle of friends, interviewed in the documentary, include: Angela Davis, Danny Glover, Jewelle Gomez, Quincy Jones, Melvyn Leventhal, Yoko Ono, Sapphire, Sonia Sanchez, Stephen Spielberg and Gloria Steinem. Showing no signs of slowing down (she’s from a generation of “walkers”), Beauty in Truth rightly positions Walker as a key literary figure in 20th century American culture. —Carol Coombes Director: Pratibha Parmar Cast: Alice Walker, Steven Spielberg, Quincy Jones, Yoko Ono Screenwriter: Pratibha Parmar Producers: Shaheen Haq, Pratibha Parmar Editors: Paul Monaghan, Pratibha Parmar, Linda Peckham Print Source: Kali Films Ltd

Sponsored by:

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Philadelphia QFEST2013

Animals Thursday, July 18 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Friday, July 19 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 2 Philadelphia Premiere Spain 2012, 91 min

A Spanish teenager is forced to abandon the safety of childhood (and his walking, talking teddy bear) for the troubling world of adulthood, sexuality and responsibility in this wildly original story.

Stylishly shuttling between fantasy and realism (think David Lynch meets Donnie Darko), Animals is an intoxicating blend of genre and a coming-of-age film as it explores that exciting but troubling moment when sexuality enters into a youth’s world. Marçal Forés’ first feature film from Spain follows Pol (Oriol Pla), a 17-year-old student teetering between the childhood universe of imagination (as evidence by his best friend, his opinionated Englishspeaking teddy bear Deerhoof) and the adult world of reason, responsibility and sexuality. Attending an English-language high school, Pol abandons his platonic relationship with his girlfriend for Ikara (Augustus Prew), a mysterious and moody new boy in the school.

But this is far from a simple teen romance as Pol struggles with his developing sexual drive in his relationship with Ikara as well as his love/hate affair with the plain-speaking, drums-beating bear of his safe childhood.

With gorgeous cinematography, pulsating soundtrack and several strong supporting cast members, especially Dimitri Leonidas as Pol’s needling gay friend and Martin Freeman (of “The Office” and The Hobbit) as his sympathetic teacher. A refreshingly original film. (Catalan with English subtitles) —RM Director: Marçal Forés Cast: Oriol Pla, Augustus Prew, Dimitri Leonidas Screenwriters: Marçal Forés, Aintza Serra, Enric Pardo Producers: Sergi Casamitjana, Lita Roi, Aintza Serra Cinematographer: Eduard Grau Editors: Jordi López, Elena Rui, Bernat Vilaplana Print Source: Artsploitaiton Films

Program includes the short:

The Wilding (Australia, 2012, 16 min, Grant Scicluna) Winner of the 2012 Iris Price for Best Short. Malcolm and Tye are in love. Their relationship, however, must be confined within the four walls of their cell in a juvenile detention centre. When Malcolm is offered a shot at parole, his actions inadvertently mark Tye as a target. As the bullying escalates, Malcolm is torn between his chance for freedom and protecting the one he loves.

Sponsored by:

CENTERPIECE SCREENINGS

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Five Dances Monday, July 15 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Saturday, July 20 • 12:15 • Ritz East Theater 2 Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 83 min

An exceptionally talented young dancer finds love and friendship when he moves from his troubled home in Kansas to pursue his dreams in New York City.

With the aid of internationally renowned choreographer Jonah Bokar, writer/director Alan Brown has crafted an elegant, incredibly moving “coming out” romance that is sure to please fans of his previous feature (the beloved Shakespeare adaptation Private Romeo) while bringing in new fans as well. Five Dances aims to entrance, and it succeeds with high-flying, pirouetting colors. Though his overbearing, emotionally fraught mother demands that he return home to Kansas, Chip, a talented and completely adorable young dancer (played by “Newsies” breakout star Ryan Steele, making his feature film debut), has come to New York determined to live out his dreams. The problem: he has nowhere to live. Sleeping on the floor of his rehearsal space, Chip is throwing his body, heart and soul into a new dance production that is set to open a prestigious NYC ballet festival. Chip isn’t the most naturally social member of the group. Though he has a great deal of warmth and longs for new friends, he’s shy and seems to be bottling up a few secrets from a sheltered upbringing. As he bonds with the four other members of his troupe - particularly Katie (Catherine Miller), who takes him in and lets him crash on her couch until he can work out a new arrangement; and Theo (Reed Luplau), a cute, openly gay fellow dancer who develops an almost immediate crush during their intimate and thrillingly sensual rehearsals - Chip begins to open up and start seeing possibilities for a new, much happier life in the big city.

—Rob O’Neill Director: Alan Brown Cast: Kimye Corwin, Reed Luplau, Catherine Miller, Luke Murphy, Ryan Steele Screenwriters: Alan Brown, Tracy Utley Producer: Agathe David-Weill Cinematographer: Derek Mckane Editor: Jarrah Gurrie Print Source: TLA Releasing

Program includes the short:

Sabbatical (USA, 2012, 12 min, Glenn Kiser) Phillip and Sam grapple with the concept of taking time apart from each other, and dealing with the consequences of coming back together after a mutually agreed-upon separation.

Sponsored by:

32

Philadelphia QFEST2013

The Go Doc Project Sunday, July 14 • 9:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Tuesday, July 16 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 1 Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 95 min

Adroitly blending fiction and documentary, this lusty tale of sexual obsession and filmmaking features a college student who begins filming the life of a sexy go-go boy.

This sly, sexy romantic comedy blends fiction with documentary footage as it follows an internet porn-addicted college student’s struggles to make a film on a go-go dancer he is cyber-obsessed over. Geeky cute and shy, Doc (Tanner Cohen) loves to jerk off to porn and especially loves one internet “star” in particular: the hunky “Go.” Desperate to meet him in person, Doc pretends to be a documentary filmmaker wanting to film him. After the affable Go (actual go-go dancer Mathew Camp) surprisingly agrees to be the subject of his imaginary film, Doc now actually needs to make a movie. So with camera in hand, he follows Go through New York City’s nightlife, his apartment and even inside his bathroom while he showers. When the two, responding to the escalating sexual tension, hook up, it further complicates matters and the outcome of the film Doc is making. Voyeurs and film romantics will love this lusty, inventive tale of one young man getting his object d’lust.

—RM Director: Cory Krueckeberg Cast: Tanner Cohen, Matthew Camp Screenwriter: Cory Krueckeberg Producer: Tom Gustafson Editor: Cory Krueckeberg Print Source: Speak Productions

Sponsored by:

CENTERPIECE SCREENINGS

33

The Happy Sad Saturday, July 13 • 7:30 • Ritz East Theater 2

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 86 min

Rodney Evens (Brother to Brother) directs this witty look at two couples (one white and straight; the other black and gay) as they attempt to redefine their ideas of sexual identity and emotional fulfillment.

Lust, sexual identity and a wandering eye combine to create a real cluster fuck of a situation for four young people as this witty drama, produced and directed by Rodney Evans (Brother to Brother), delightfully demonstrates.

The story follows two couples, one white and straight(ish) the other black and gay. There is musician Stan, whose cheeriness is wiped off his face when his girlfriend Annie announces that she needs a break in their relationship, while longtime lovers Aaron and Marcus face a rocky road when Marcus announces he wants an open relationship. The cracks in these two relationships soon allow a cavalcade of bed-hopping rencounters as various sexual couplings are played out. Annie beds a girlfriend, only to find she prefers Stan; while bi-curious Stan hooks up with Marcus much to the frustration of Aaron, who, in turn, reevaluates his belief in monogamy. The Happy Sad is a thoroughly entertaining drama about redefining one’s sexuality and the desperate search for elusive happiness. Director Evans, a visiting professor at Temple University utilized many of his students in the making of the film which also features indie rock songs by The Whiskey Collection, whose lead singer is actor Cameron Scoggins —RM Director: Rodney Evans Cast: LeRoy McClain, Sorel Carradine, Charlie Barnett, Cameron Scoggins, Maria Dizzia, Sue Jean Kim, Hector Falcon-Villa, Dita Gruze, Alexandra Peck, Brandon Watz, Joseph Kraemer, Astin Sullivan, Max Joslyn, Jamie Harrold, Michael Nathanson Screenwriter: Ken Urban Producers: Rodney Evans, Tory Lenosky, Esra Saydam Cinematographer: Arlene Muller Editor: Tchavadar Georgiev Print Source: Miasma Films

Program includes the short:

Ageless (USA, 2012, 4 min, Heath Daniels) Take a look at love, sex and relationships through the eyes of two different men; one in his 50’s, the other in his 20’s. Despite the difference in their years, their common struggles prove to be ageless.

Sponsored by:

34

Philadelphia QFEST2013

Who’s Afraid of Vagina Wolf?

Saturday, July 13 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Sunday, July 14 • 2:30 • Ritz East Theater 1 East Coast Premiere USA 2013, 90 min

A woman on a mission should not be stopped, especially when she’s wearing an oversize vagina costume!

In this comedic semi-autobiographical examination of one woman’s mid-life crisis, Anna, a Cuban-American filmmaker (played by the director) comes to the realization, the day after her fortieth birthday, that she’s sacrificed her love life for her film career, and now doesn’t have either. Its time to light a fire under her derrière if she wants to get a girl and make a film that will change her life forever. Eager to win the affection of sultry wunderkind Katia, Anna comes up with a plan to write a lesbian remake of Edward Albee’s cult classic “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” with Katia in the lead. Though Anna’s best friends Chloe (Carrie Preston, “True Blood”) and Penelope (Guinevere Turner, Go Fish, Owls) are willing to help with the feature production of Who’s Afraid of Vagina Wolf, it’s on the understanding that Penelope can channel Martha, the role Elizabeth Taylor played. With cast and crew, including Julia, a sweet Texan cinematographer in place, production commences. Lesbian on-set drama soon ensues as egos clash and jealousies surface. Will Anna have to wait another year to get a girlfriend and make a film?

—Carol Coombes Director: Anna Margarita Albelo Cast: Anna Margarita Albelo, Guinevere Turner, Janina Gavankar, Carrie Preston, Agnes Olech, Celeste Pechous, Joel Michaely, Gloria Sandoval, Drew Droege Screenwriter: Michael Urban Producers: Anna Margarita Albelo, Nicolas Brevière, Christine Treibel Cinematographer: Alison Kelly Editor: Aleshka Ferrero Print Source: Film Collaborative

Who’s Afraid of Vagina Wolf? is Anna Margarita Albelo’s debut.

Sponsored by:

www.philapark.org

PHILADELPHIA

Parking Authority

Salutes with

the 19th Philadelphia

QFest 2013

For customer service issues, contact us on

or

@PhilaParking

36

Philadelphia QFEST2013

Bear City Book Reading

Beautiful Something Script Reading

Saturday, July 20 • 5:15 • L’etage Join us for a late afternoon of sexy, furry fun with Lawrence Ferber, author of “BearCity: The Novel,” now in print from Bear Bones Books, and Doug Langway, director of the smash hit comedy film BearCity. “BearCity: The Novel” follows the funny, romantic and often dramatic adventures of a tight-knit pack of (twolegged) bears, cubs and friends in New York City as they gear up for a big party weekend. The reading will be followed by a Q&A and book signing. Free and open to the adult public.

Lawrence Ferber is a travel and entertainment journalist whose articles have appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Passport and Fodors.com. He wrote and directed the short films Birthday Time and Cruise Control (available on the DVD Two Brothers & Two Others), and is co-writer/ co-creator of the 2010 gay romantic comedy BearCity, for which he and Doug Langway won Outfest’s Outstanding Screenwriting Award. He lives in New York City. Doug Langway cowrote and directed the award-winning feature-length films, BearCity and BearCity 2.

facebook.com/phillyQfest

Saturday, July 13 • 5:15 • L’Etage Edgy, absorbing and carnal, Beautiful Something follows four gay men spanning different generations as they navigate one sublime night in Philadelphia, filled with hot hook-ups, lingering resentment and falling in love. Cute, twenty-twoyear-old writer Brian continually crashes and burns with each guy he has sex with, but does not understand why. The stunningly gorgeous Jim is not afraid to break hearts except when it comes to his forty-something lover and world-renown metal sculptor Drew, who can’t seem to look past his latest masterpiece. Lastly there’s Bob, a successful Broadway producer in his mid-sixties who leads a double life of attentive husband as well as sugar daddy to the young men he picks up. While all four comb the streets looking for connection, they oftentimes settle for hot sex - except that tonight is different. Award-winning director Joseph Graham (Strapped, Vanilla) is back with a raw and honest character study that is set in our own backyard, and unveils the City of Brotherly Love like you’ve never seen it before.

Join director Joseph Graham, producer and QFest programmer Kelly Burkhardt and local Philly actors on Saturday, July 13th at 5:15pm for a special staged reading at the intimate L’Etage nightclub.

for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com

SPECIAL PROGRAMMING

37

RoadStrip Saturday, July 20 • 9:30 • Ritz East Theater 2 World Premiere USA, 82 min

Two of last year’s most-talked about special event guests make a triumphant return to QFest – this time as the subjects of a very special world premiere event. RoadStrip follows CockyBoys models Max Ryder and Jake Bass as they travel across this great land of ours from New York to Palm Springs in a rented RV. We soon see what happens when cameras are on them 24/7 and the line between reality and fantasy becomes increasingly blurred. It also heralds an entirely new genre in gay filmmaking. Having just launched their careers, the two adorable young ‘uns had barely shaken the eggshells from their tender shoulders when their prior film Project Gogo Boy took the gay adult world by storm, racking up a mountain of awards and instantly catapulting both models and studio to the forefront of the industry. This time you’ll see not only the two in so-hot-it-hurts sexcapades, you’ll be witness to interpersonal relationships flowering and unraveling, highly personal interviews, and one of the most revealing —and sidesplitting— desert “trips” ever taken. In RoadStrip, CockyBoys writer/director Jake Jaxson, along with his partners-in-business-and-in-life Benny Morecock, and R.J. Sebastian (who also lensed), creatively fuses gay pornography along with experimental art, cinema verite and raunchy reality, and have fashioned one of the season’s most visually arresting and exciting (s)experiences. —Erik Schut

This event features special guests live and in person. See page 19 for after party details.

Attending this very special world premiere event in person for a Q&A will be CockyBoys models Max Ryder, Jake Bass, Levi Karter and Ricky Roman, along with studio owners Jaxson, Sebastian and Morecock. Moderating the entire panel will be PAPER Magazine Editorial Director, fashion icon and wellknown lover of all things gay porny Mickey Boardman.

Immediately following the Q&A you’re invited to come to Voyeur Nightclub for RoadStripping with the CockyBoys – a night of debauchery certain to go down in party infamy. Admission is a mere $10 for members and $15 for guests. Come get loose with fabulous drink specials from 10pm to midnight and watch in slackjawed awe as the CockyBoys get cocky right before your eyes — all under the deeply delicious and sleek swirling beats of Philly’s very own DJ Carl Michaels. Voyeur is located at 1221 St. James Street (between 12th & 13th and Walnut & Locust Streets).

Sponsored by:

Festival Host Hotels

39 39

SPEND THE DAY WATCHING FILMS! ENJOY THE NIGHT PARTYING! STAY OVERNIGHT AT ONE OF THE QFest 2013 OFFICIAL FESTIVAL HOTELS! When you book hotel accommodations for this year’s summer film festival, please take advantage of special room rates at QFest 2013 “Host Hotels” by following the directions or 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 to Philadelphia’s Gayborhood, where a number of special events for QFest 2013 will take place, the hotel has majesty with its sweeping glass edifice. Guests can enjoy cocktails and food at the popular Standing O Bar. The hotel offers guests a complimentary fitness center, rooftop atrium pool and sundeck.

For QFest 2013 Room Rates, depending upon availability, Call 215-893-1600 or online philadelphia.doubletree.com

Sofitel Philadelphia 120 South 17th Street, Rittenhouse Square, 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 2013 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. The chic restaurant, serving French-inspired food, is enhanced by the inviting setting. Celebrated celebrity executive chef Jim Coleman oversees the kitchen and the creation of his signature seasonal menus.

For QFest 2013 Room Rate: $155 per night, plus tax Call 215-569-8300 or online at sofitel-philadelphia.com Code: Q-Fest

Upstairs Inn at U Bar 1220 Locust Street, Philadelphia Gayborhood, Center City Centrally located in the heart of Philadelphia’s “The Gayborhood” on the corner of Locust St and historic Camac St., the Upstairs Inn at U Bar is an inviting, friendly Bed and Breakfast, where each room has its own character. Just downstairs is the totally renovated, attractive U Bar where out-of-towners mix and mingle with the locals. The Inn is close to the renowned piano bar, Tavern on Camac, with three floors of entertainment, including dancing the night away with popular name DJs at Ascend. For quieter moment, enjoy drinks at the cozy downstairs bar and dining at Terra, tasting the food by new executive chef Mackenzie Hilton. History buffs are within walking distance of America’s first independently owned gay bookstore, Giovanni’s Room, and historic sites like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Christ Church. The city’s shopping hub and performing arts district are a few blocks away. All accommodations feature top quality bedding and furnishings with private baths, cable TV, WiFi, and a small refrigerator. Guests are offered a newly expanded continental breakfast.

For QFest 2013, rates are $125 for standard rooms and $150 for deluxe rooms, Call 215-546-6660 or online at ubarphilly.com

The University of the Arts proudly supports

Qfest uarts.edu

The University of the Arts’ history as a leader in educating creative individuals spans more than 130 years.

Qfest_ad2012.indd 1

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH, 2013 Hundreds of salons up and down the East Coast will be volunteering their time and skills for HopeCuts. Services being offered will be at discounted rates with proceeds from the day benefiting research, treatment and education programs at City of Hope.

For more information, to find a participating HopeCuts salon near you, or if you are a salon and wish to join the HopeCuts family of supporters, visit www.hopecuts.org or call 800-344-8169

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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

$11

$10

Opening and Closing Night Film Only

$15

$15

(film only, on sale day of show based on availability)

Sales Locations STARTING JUNE 21

Online: www.qfest.com

By Phone: 267.765.9800 x4 10am-6pm Weekdays

Parties, Events & Combos (must be 21 years+ for all parties)

STARTING JUNE 24

Opening Night Combo (Film & post-screening party)

$40

$35

Opening Night Party Only

$25

$25

Closing Night Combo (Film & post-screening party)

$40

$35

Noon-3pm and 5pm-8pm Mon-Fri Noon-6pm Sat & Sun

Closing Night Party Only

$25

$25

1315 Spruce St. Philadelphia, PA 19107

The William Way Community Center

Giovanni’s Room

Passes and Badges Festival 10-Pass Not valid for Opening and Closing Nights

$100

$90

All-Access Badge (First come, first served)

$270

$250

11:30am-7pm Mon-Sat 1pm-7pm Sun 345 S 12th St. Philadelphia, PA 19107

Service Fees: There is a $1.25 fee per ticket on all advance sales and $5.00 fee per badge or 10-pass. Fees waived for PCA Members. (Join the Alliance!)

IMPORTANT! AFTER SHOW TIME, NO ONE CAN BE GUARANTEED A SEAT (INCLUDING BADGE HOLDERS)

TICKETS ARE CHEAPER FOR PCA MEMBERS SO JOIN THE ALLIANCE! see details page 7

Festival Map Film Venues 1. Ritz East N

4

(400 Ranstead St.)

l

Party Venues 3. Lit Ultra Bar

I-676 Race St.

(460 N 2nd St.)

4. Underground Arts

t.

5

Spruce S

t.

6

I-95

2

t.

1

us Blvd .

St.

Walnut S

t.

17th St.

Broad S

(345 S 12th St.)

Chestnut

Columb

5. William Way Community Center

(Delaw are

Market S

Ticket Sales

6. Giovanni’s Room

Ave.)

Arch St.

(1200 Callowhill St.)

(1315 Spruce St.)

3

Callowhil

5th St.

2. Ritz at the Bourse

Spring Garden St.

8th St.

(125 S. 2nd St.)

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. Email a jpeg photo of yourself saved as YOURNAME.jpeg to jbendik@phillycinema.org. You may also pick up your badge in advance at the William Way Community Center.

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 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.

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.

44

QFEST2013 Ritz East Theater 1

7:15 Thu G.B.F. July 11 (Opening Night) 5:00 Meth Head

Fri 7:15 July 12 Where I Am 9:30 Truth

Calendar of Screenings

Ritz East Theater 2

(108 min, pg.58)

9:30pm-2:00am Opening Festivities at Ultra Lit Bar (pg.12) 5:00 Beyond the Walls

(89 min, pg.)

12:15 Interior Leather Bar

(75 min, pg.70)

9:30 Meth Head

(108 min, pg.)

12:15 The Secret Disco Revolution (93 min, pg.56) (90 min, pg.81)

2:30 2:30 TWO: The Story of Roman & Nyro Where the Girls Are (shorts) (85 min, pg.49) (91 min, pg.82) 5:00 Geography Club

7:15 7:30 Who’s Afraid of Vagina Wolf?

The Happy Sad (90 min, pg.)

9:45 First Period

12:15 12:15 Gore Vidal: The United States...

Truth (89 min, pg.76)

(95 min, pg.55) (90 min, pg.33) (90 min, pg.54) (100 min, pg.60)

4:45 The New Black 7:15 Solo 9:30 The Last Match 12:00 Breaking Through

(74 min, pg.80) (85 min, pg.69)

(84 min, pg.76)

2:15 Undressing Israel: Gay Men...

(93 min, pg.53) (83 min, pg.82)

4:45 Valentine Road

4:30 Troubled Youth (shorts) (91 min, pg.49) (85 min, pg.69)

(88 min, pg.83) (92 min, pg.52)

9:15 The Go Doc Project 5:15 C.O.G.

9:30 Hawaii

(95 min, pg.31) (102 min, pg.65)

5:00 The Go Doc Project 7:15 Monster Pies 9:30 Lose Your Head

7:15 Out in the Dark

(96 min, pg.68)

7:00 Margarita

9:30 9:15 Cruising for Sex (shorts) Petunia (96 min, pg.48) (95 min, pg.32) (92 min, pg.52)

7:15 Five Dances

5:00 Solo

(99 min, pg.32) (95 min, pg.67)

(107 min, pg.66)

5:00 First Period 7:00 Free Fall 9:15 Birthday Cake 5:00 Free Fall 7:15 Birthday Cake 9:15 Beyond the Walls

(100 min, pg.54)

5:15 Aleksandr’s Price

(90 min, pg.67) (104 min, pg.58) (108 min, pg.50)

7:15 Sexual Tension: Violetas (100 min, pg.64) (94 min, pg.68) 9:15 The Secret Disco Revolution (90 min, pg.81) (95 min, pg.51) (100 min, pg.64)

5:15 Out in the Dark

(96 min, pg.68)

7:15 Lesbiana: A Parallel Revolution (95 min, pg.51) (63 min, pg.78) (98 min, pg.63)

9:15 The Invisible Men

9:30pm-12:30am Happy Sad Reception at Tavern on Camac (pg.13)

10:00pm-3:30am Arouse Present the V Party at Voyeur (pg.13) (94 min, pg.66)

2:30 2:30 Who’s Afraid of Vagina Wolf?

The Deception (90 min, pg.34)

7:00 C.O.G.

Tue Jul 16

(98 min, pg.63)

5:15 Two Mothers

7:00 7:15 Interior Leather Bar Breaking the Girls (69 min, pg.73) (93 min, pg.56) (83 min, pg.51) 9:00pm-11:00pm Where I am Reception 9:15 9:30 at Knock (pg.13) The Deception Aleksandr’s Price (100 min, pg.60) (93 min, pg.53) (110 min, pg.50)

Sat 5:00 July 13 Gore Vidal: The United States...

Mon Jul 15

Parties and Events

(98 min, pg.23)

12:30 Boy Meets Boy (shorts) (95 min, pg.48) 2:45 G.B.F. (98 min, pg.23)

Sun Jul 14

Ritz at the Bourse

(68 min, pg.77)

Ritz East Theater 1 5:00 Petunia

Ritz East Theater 2 (104 min, pg58.)

5:00 Silent Youth

7:15 7:00 Wed Love Will Tear Us Apart Cal July 17 (86 min, pg.57) 9:30 Four 5:00 Monster Pies

Thu 7:15 July 18 Animals 9:30 The Last Match 5:15 Where I Am 7:30 Fri In Bloom July 19 9:45 I Am Divine 12:00 Pit Stop

Sat Jul 20

(89 min, pg.64)

7:00 Two Mothers

9:15 9:15 Boy Meets Boy (shorts) Mr. Angel (104 min, pg.55) (95 min, pg.48)

(95 min, pg.67) (106 min, pg.30) (94 min, pg.66) (69 min, pg.73) (87 min, pg.56) (86 min, pg.77) (80 min, pg.59)

5:00 Lose Your Head 7:00 Romeo Romeo 9:15 Tumbledown 5:00 Animals 7:15 Big Gay Love 9:30 Capital Games 12:15 Five Dances

(107 min, pg.66) (76 min, pg.80) (88 min, pg.60)

5:00 In the Name Of 7:15 Pit Stop 9:15 Hawaii 5:00 Cal

(83 min, pg.51) (75 min, pg.70) (68 min, pg.79)

(96 min, pg.65) (80 min, pg.59) 9:00pm-2:00am Romeo Romeo & Tumbledown after-party at Tavern on Camac (pg.14) (107 min, pg.65)

10:00pm-2:00am Stimulus Queeradelphia Splash Party 7:00 at North Shore Queeradelphia (shorts) Beach Club (pg.15) (101 min, pg.50) (80 min, pg.72) 9:15 11:30pm-2:00am The DL Chronicles Returns I Am Divine Drag (80 min, pg.54) (97 min, pg.52) at Tavern on Camac (pg.15) (106 min, pg.30)

(95 min, pg.31)

12:15 Silent Youth

(89 min, pg.64)

(92 min, pg.69)

(xx min, pg.37)

12:00 12:00 Southern Baptist Sissies Capital Games (135 min, pg.59)

12:00 Married and Counting (97 min, pg.52) (93 min, pg.78)

5:00 I Am Devine

6:15 Bye Bye Blondie 8:15 Chastity Bites

9:30 Chastity Bites

11:00pm-2:00am Sisters hosts Chastity Bites at Sisters (pg.15) (95 min, pg.53)

9:15 9:30 Southern Baptist Sissies RoadStrip (135 min, pg.59)

2:15 2:15 Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth Born This Way (87 min, pg.56) (84 min, pg.29) (86 min, pg.77)

7:15 Closing Night Film Hot Guys with Guns (90 min, pg.25)

Mon Jul 22

(92 min, pg.69)

5:00 Breaking the Girls

Parties and Events

2:15 2:30 2:30 Fall to Grace/Battle of AmfAR Love Will Tear Us Apart Before You Know It  (min, pg.74) (86 min, pg.57) (110 min, pg.75) 4:00pm-6:00pm Jim McGreevey Benefit 4:45 4:45 4:45 at Sofitel (pg.15) Bye Bye Blondie The Rugby Player Big Gay Love (97 min, pg.63) (80 min, pg.81) (101 min, pg.50) 10:00pm-2:00am RoadStripping with 6:45 7:00 7:15 the Cocky Boys Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth Geography Club It Had to Be You at Voyeur (pg.19) (84 min, pg.29) (95 min, pg.55) (75 min, pg.72)

2:45 In Bloom

Sun Jul 21

Ritz at the Bourse

(87 min, pg.63)

4:30 The Way to Kevin 6:45 Margarita

(90 min, pg.73) (90 min, pg.67)

4:30 Soongava - Dance of the Orchids (85 min, pg.70) 7:00 Leather

9:00 9:15 Violence of the Mind Tumbledown (103 min, pg.)

6:00 In the Name Of

(82 min, pg.75)

(101 min, pg.57) (88 min, pg.60)

6:00 Before You Know It (96 min, pg.65) (110 min, pg.75)

8:15 8:15 Violence of the Mind The DL Chronicles Returns (95 min, pg.53) (103 min, pg.61) (80 min, pg.54)

9:30pm-12:30am Closing Festivities at Underground Arts (pg.12)

IRIS PRIZE Festival

9-13 October 2013 irisprize.org @irisprize /IrisPrizeFestival

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irisprize.org

SPONSORS / NODDWYR Principal funder / Prif Arianwr

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SPONSORS / NODDWYR

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irisprize.org

Principal funder / Prif Arianwr

SPONSORS / NODDWYR 4 irisprize.org SPONSORS / NODDWYR

Principal funder / Prif Arianwr

Funders and Sponsors / Arianwyr a Noddwyr

Produced by:

Principal funder:

Media partner:

Funders and sponsors:

Funders and Sponsors / Arianwyr a Noddw

Principal funder / Prif Arianwr

Funders and Sponsors / Arianwyr a Noddwyr Funders and Sponsors / Arianwyr a Noddwyr

Partners / Partneriaid

Partners / Partneriaid Partners / Partneriaid

l / Partneriaid nd OfficiaPartners a r o s n o p S Proud g Hole of n i r e t a W y t y 11-22. l u J , 3 1 Old Ci 0 2 t s lphia QFe e d a l i h P h t 19 -17 Beers on Tap Media Partners / Partneriaid Cyfryngol Dollars -100 plus bottles from Media Partners / Partneriaid Cyfryngol Media Two Partners / Partneriaid Cyfryngol around the world off all regu-Extensive food menu served larly-priced Media Partners / Partneriaid Cyfryngol until midnight each day drinks all festival long 226 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 with your Open 4pm-2am Monday, VIP badge 11am-2am Tues-Sun or ticket www.macstavern.com stub! @MacsOldCity follow us on Facebook GREEN LAND DESIGN

GREEN LAND DESIGN

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Iris would also like to thank the following individuals for their generous donations to support the 2010 Iris Prize Festival: Iris would also like to thank the following individuals for their generous donations to support the 2010 Iris Prize Festival: Christopher Racster, Archer Productions Ltd., Producer, LA; Andrew Pierce, Journalist, London; Racster, Archer Productions Ltd., Producer, LA; Andrew Pierce, Journalist, London; Christopher Iris would also like to thank the following individuals for their generous do Martin Briggs, Independent Financial Adviser, Cardiff Martin Briggs, Independent Financial Adviser, Cardiff

Christopher Racster, Archer Productions Ltd., Producer, LA; Andrew Pie GREEN Martin Briggs, Independent Financial Adviser, Cardiff

LAND DESIGN

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2010programme_single.indd 4

14/10/2010 05:30

14/10/2010 05:30

2010programme_single.indd 4 Iris would also like to thank the following individuals for their generous donations to support the 2010 Iris Prize Festival: Christopher Racster, Archer Productions Ltd., Producer, LA; Andrew Pierce, Journalist, London; Martin Briggs, Independent Financial Adviser, Cardiff

2010programme_single.indd 4

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Philadelphia QFEST2013

Holden

Chaser

Boy Meets Boy

Cruising for Sex

Saturday, July 13 • 12:30 • Ritz East Theater 1 Wednesday, July 17 • 9:15 • Ritz East Theater 2

Sunday, July 14 • 9:15 • Ritz East Theater 2

Shorts Program • 95 min

From first kisses to long-lasting love connections - and even a break-up or two - our “Boy Meets Boy” program takes a look at different kinds of gay pairings all around the globe. —Rob O’Neill

Looking for some hot man on man action? So are these dudes. These lusty, sex-drenched cautionary tales, both stimulating and shocking, take a look at six different men navigating a world of quick, sweaty flings with strangers. —Rob O’Neill

Barry’s Bespoke Bakery

Only Always You

Shorts Program • 96 min

(Ireland, 2012, 9 min, Denis McArdle) Barry’s Bespoke Bakery is a lavish wonderland of refined wedding cakes owned by the fastidious pâtissier, Barry - where everything has its place... except for his talented employee Brian.

One More Night

(Italy, 2012, 11 min, Giuseppe Bucci) A pair of lovers decide to share one more passionate night together before breaking up and going their separate ways. In the morning, though, we find that their relationship is not exactly what it seems.

Caipirinhas en Ipanema (Spain, 2013, 8 min, Antonio Hernández Centeno) After an argument, Antonio and his boyfriend stop at an outdoor cafe. When his boyfriend goes inside to place an order, Antonio has a chance encounter with a handsome single father and begins wondering about his possibilities for a happy future.

Grotto

(USA, 2013, 7 min, Dave Scala) A 20-year-old boy returns to his hometown after a year of big changes away at school. Reuniting with his friends at a pool party, he finds himself the recipient of an unexpected, but very welcome first kiss.

Holden (Spain, France, 2012, 19 min, Roque Madrid & Juan Arcones) Holden is a young photographer with a severe short-term memory problem. He travels to Paris for a photo session with a successful French actor. Holden falls in love from the very beginning. Both men spend a romantic night together, knowing that it will probably be both their first and last date.

Brighton (United Kingdom, 2013, 27 min, Pierre Stefanos) A man’s journey to the south coast of England becomes complicated when a tourist’s dangerous promise changes both of their lives. This brand new drama comes from director Pierre Stefanos - his film Bedfellows won our Audience Award for Best Short Film back in 2010.

Scaffolding (Spain, 2012, 14 min, Juanma Carrillo) Eduardo, a cranky publicist, and David, a shy literature student, are neighbors in a building under construction. After months of hardly speaking to one another, a scaffold intercedes between them and brings about a strong friendship and an undercurrent of sexual tension. facebook.com/QfestPhilly

(USA, 2012, 8 min, Anthony Aguiar) Jumping back and forth between fantasy and reality, this clever selection follows a gay sketch artist who fantasizes about a straight boy in the distance. He may not be able to kiss the boy in real life, but he can certainly live out his dreams with paper and a pencil.

Little Man (United Kingdom, Israel, 2012, 23 min, Eldar Rappaport) Elliot is unable to form a lasting relationship – he keeps moving on to the next available man. Stuck in an emotional funk, he soon becomes obsessed with a strange neighbor who is making too many loud noises. Frustrated and reaching his limit, Elliot sets out to confront the neighbor and kill whatever is eating him up inside.

Chaser (USA, 2012, 15 min, Sal Bardo) Alienated from his conservative Jewish family and community, a young gay schoolteacher seeks solace in New York’s barebacking scene. Challenging and controversial, Chaser is packed with beautifully photographed carnal imagery you won’t soon forget.

Adults Only

(USA, 2012, 26 min, Michael J. Saul) Visions of a past relationship leave Matthew broken and isolated until an intimate encounter at a porn arcade opens a peephole to unexpected possibilities. This sexy, semi-silent short comes from festival veterans Michael J. Saul (Crush, True Love) and Heath Daniels (Go Go Reject).

The Rookie and the Runner

(USA, 2012, 11 min, Augie Robles) When you’re planning to have an anonymous hook-up in a public place, you have more to worry about than just STDs. There are also undercover cops to avoid. In The Rookie and the Runner, a sweaty jogger gets more than he bargained for when he encounters two handsome strangers.

Your Warmth (Israel, 2012, 13 min, Zvi Ladsman) Young and slightly insecure, Jonathan’s thirst for love brings him to the park for his first experience with another man. He really just wants to be held, but will the selection of men at the park offer him that? What will they take in return?

for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com

SHORTS PROGRAMS

49

Neighbors

Jackpot

Troubled Youth

Where the Girls Are

Sunday, July 14 • 4:45 • Ritz at the Bourse

Saturday, July 13 • 2:30 • Ritz at the Bourse

Shorts Program • 91 min

Shorts Program • 85 min

These shorts running the gamut from heartbreaking to riotously funny, this program examines what it’s like growing up gay today (or, in the case of one film, in 1994). No one ever said it would be easy. —Rob O’Neill

Humor, heartache and some friendly competition take you “Where the Girls Are.” —Suzi Nash

Atoms

(Belgium, 2012, 18 min, Arnaud Dufeys) Hugo, a 34-year-old educator at a boarding school, finds his daily activities constantly disrupted by Jules, a teenager who likes to provoke. When Hugo starts to make more of an effort to reach out to Jules, he finds that the troubled youngster has perfectly good reasons for acting out.

The Package (Brazil, 2013, 18 min, Rafael Aidar) A new student at school, Leandro meets outgoing fellow student Jefferson –­ who introduces him to a new group of friends. As the days go by, the boys hit it off and grow more intimate. Their relationship hits a rough patch, when Jefferson informs Leandro that he is HIV positive.

Barbie Boy

(USA, 2012, 13 min, Nick Corporon) Bobby, a bright, imaginative seven-year-old, likes to play with dolls. One day his father tells him that dolls are for girls, sending Bobby on a personal mission to find out what exactly he should be playing with instead.

The First Time (Sweden, 2013, 9 min, Anders Hazelius) While hanging out with friends at the beach, Alex and Sofia decide to sneak off together and work on losing their virginity. After Alex is unable to perform, Sofia quickly figures out the problem. Luckily for Alex, Sofia is empathetic and doesn’t mind telling a little white lie to protect her friend’s secret.

The Closest Thing to Heaven

(Canada, 2013, 9 min, Ryan Bruce Levey) This touching documentary follows two men who met when they were young and married in 2008 on their 25th anniversary. Sadly, three years into their marriage, one of the men died shortly after his 50th birthday.

Neighbors (Spain, 2012, 15 min, Eli Navarro) Alicia and Paula are willing to share more than a cup of sugar with the new neighbors in this Shakespeare-like farce.

The Kiss (Poland, 2013, 21 min, Filip Gieldon) After an alcohol-induced night out, Emilia, 20, wakes up in a strange apartment and that’s just the start of the strange events that follow.

If I Was a Man (Belgium, 2012, 5 min, Margot Reumon) What would you do? If…

Gay Women Will Marry Your Boyfriends (Canada, 2012, 3 min, Sarah Rotella) Oppose gay marriage? Be careful what you wish for…

F to 7th (Episode 2: “Tweener”) (USA, 2013, 5 min, Ingrid Jungermann) The softball sidelines help a confused lesbian figure out the score.

The Mermaids (Germany, 2012, 36 min, Petra Clever) A nerdy girl believes mathematical equations can help her fit into the world of sports. Will the numbers add up to true love?

Homophobia (Austria, 2012, 23 min, Gregor Schmidinger) In this intense and startling drama, an Austrian military school cadet experiences homosexual feelings towards one of his comrades. The suppressed conflict bubbles up during their last night at the border - where they are socially isolated and armed with loaded weapons.

Jackpot

(USA, 2012, 10 min, Adam Baran) A 14-year-old boy, in 1994, sets off on a quest to retrieve a stash of discarded gay porn magazines and bring it home before anyone finds out. When he runs into trouble with bullies, he has to rely on the help of a mysterious and very confident stranger.

@qfest

for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com

50

Philadelphia QFEST2013

Aleksandr’s Price

Big Gay Love

Friday, July 12 • 9:30 • Ritz at the Bourse Monday, July 15 • 5:00 • Ritz at the Bourse

Friday, July 19 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 2 Saturday, July 20 • 4:45 • Ritz at the Bourse

World Premiere USA 2013, 108 min

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 82 min

The emotionally troubled life of a young male prostitute in Manhattan is explored in this moving drama of sex, loneliness and redemption.

A very funny romantic comedy about one witty but plus-sized gay boy’s attempt to find love in a world filled with superficial hunks.

A young man’s entrapment in the degrading world of male prostitution is the theme of this melancholic indie produced, directed, written by and starring Spanish actor/model Pau Masó. Alexandr is a timid young man and recent illegal Russian émigré, now living in New York. Sensitive and timid to a fault, he soon finds himself all alone after his mother’s sudden suicide. Needing money, he begins dancing in a seedy gay club, a job that both pays well and offers him a feeling of being wanted and desired. The dancing soon evolves into escorting as Alexandr almost reluctantly becomes a prostitute with a steady stream of regulars. But he soon realizes that the physical pleasure does not satisfy his desperate yearning for love. He even fools himself into believing he has found “the one” in the form of one of his customers, a married “straight” man who is actually only interested in his hot ass. Soon his world becomes a series of sexual encounters with none of the emotional comfort he craves. He becomes increasingly troubled and reaches out for help to different men, but is their help real, or just another guy trying to get into his pants? An impassioned, emotional look at one man’s life, the decisions he makes and the price he pays for them. —RM Director: Pau Masó Cast: Pau Masó, Anatoli Grek, Samantha Glovin, Keith Dougherty, Josh Berresford, Terrence Hewitt Screenwriter: Pau Masó Producer: Pau Masó Cinematographer: David Damen Editor: Pau Masó Print Source: Breaking Glass Pictures

In a cinematic gay film world seemingly populated solely by gorgeous buff gay boys, is there any room for a romantic comedy starring a short, plump young man? Yes! Especially if the film, wittily written and directed by Ringo Le, is such an uproarious delight. Jonathan Lisecki (Gayby) stars as Bob, a lovelorn, portly, wise-cracking party planner who is in desperate need of finding Mr. Right. He may just have found that love of his life in the person of Andy (Nicholas Brendon), a sweet muscular chef. But with his catty friends commenting from the sidelines, his overbearing actress mom (the scene-stealing Ann Walker) interfering, and his own doubts, jealousies and fears undermining things, is there any chance for this affair to succeed? At times hilarious as it offers a sharp rebuke to the superficiality of gay men’s body obsession, this fast-paced tale is a refreshingly original story of an odd duck finding love in a pond of swans.

—RM Director: Ringo Le Cast: Jonathan Lisecki, Nicholas Brendon, Ann Walker Screenwriter: Ringo Le Producers: Ringo Le, Quentin Lee Cinematographer: Len Barruso Editor: Augie Robles Print Source: Ringo Le

Program includes the short:

The Immigrant

(Canada, 2012, 20 min, Josh Levy) After being deported to his native Canada, has-been comedian Bob attempts a Hollywood comeback by sneaking across the Mexico-US border. Rejected by his famous friends, penniless and alone, Bob is adopted by a pair of migrant workers who resolve to show him how to make it in America. Starring “Kids in the Hall” Scott Thompson and Dave Foley, Deborah Theaker, Margaret Cho and Michael Cera.

facebook.com/QfestPhilly

for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com

AMERICAN INDEPENDENTS

51

Birthday Cake

Breaking the Girls

Monday, July 15 • 9:15 • Ritz East Theater 2 Tuesday, July 16 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 2

Friday, July 12 • 7:15 • Ritz at the Bourse Wednesday, July 17 • 5:00 • Ritz at the Bourse

East Coast Premiere USA 2013, 86 min

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 83 min

A bitterly funny mocumentary about a gay male couple’s frantic world after they adopt a baby.

Beauty and brains are a lethal combination in this sexy psychological thriller directed by Jamie Babbit (Itty Bitty Titty Committee, But I’m a Cheerleader) and co-written by Guinevere Turner (Go Fish, American Psycho).

In the satiric tradition of Christopher Guest (This Is Spinal Tap, Best in Show), comes this very funny mockumentary about the trials and tribulations of a bickering gay couple who find their world turned upside down after they adopt a baby.

Based on Chad Darnell’s short film “Groom’s Cake” (2012 QFest), the story is expanded to feature length as the couple, the handsome TV actor Steven (Rib Hillis) and the perennially caustic writer Daniel (Darnell), navigate their always stormy relationship with that of raising a baby. Troubles begin immediately when, returning their little boy home from the clinic, they quickly discover he is in fact a she (“Oh my God, what is that? What happened to his penis?”) As the camera roll, the couple’s domestic world is soon turned upside down when both sets of parents descend for the baby’s upcoming first birthday party. Included in the motley familial group is Dan’s homophobic sister, his estranged mother (a remarkable Helen Shaver) and Steven’s increasingly senile nana (Lee Meriwether, yes, of Catwoman and “Time Tunnel” fame). As booze is poured, family secrets are revealed, a clown is killed and family and friends unleash their pent-up thoughts and desires.

A bitingly sharp tale of one gay American family. —RM Director: Chad Darnell Cast: Chad Darnell, Rib Hillis, Helen Shaver, Lee Meriwether, Peter Paige Screenwriter: Chad Darnell Producers: Paul Beall, Chad Darnell, Patrick Murray Cinematographer: Peter Leininger Editor: Jasun Mark Print Source: Mandra Pictures

Program includes the short:

What is This Night!

(USA, 2012, 9 min, Ben Empey) After a bad break-up, two friends turn to each other on a wild night of fun.

@qfest

In this sexy psychological thriller director, Jamie Babbit centers on Sara (Agnes Bruckner, Murder By Numbers, The Woods), a twenty-something, ambitious law student, who is supplementing her legal scholarship with a bartending gig. When fellow classmate Brooke sees Sara stealing from the tip jar, she ensures that the gorgeous strawberry-blond bartender is fired. On the same night, Sara meets Alex (Madeline Zima, “Californication”), a wild trust-fund beauty, who offers Sara a shoulder to cry on. As the friendship develops the sexual sparks prove irresistible. As they discuss what to do about Brooke, Alex tells Sara about Nina, her gold-digging stepmother. When Alex casually suggests to Sara that all their problems would be solved if they killed each other’s enemies, Sara shrugs off the suggestion as a joke, but then, somebody turns up dead.

Reminiscent of Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train, Babbit has cooked up a plot so deliciously twisted and over-the-top, that once it’s in motion, it’s not clear where it’s going to lead.

—Carol Coombes Director: Jamie Babbit Cast: Sam Anderson, Shawn Ashmore, Agnes Bruckner, Shanna Collins Screenwriters: Mark Distefano, Guinevere Turner Producers: Peter Abrams, Robert L. Levy Cinematographer: Jeffrey Waldron Editor: Michael Darrow Print Source: IFC Films

for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com

52

Philadelphia QFEST2013

C.O.G.

Capital Games

Sunday, July 14 • 7:00 • Ritz East Theater 1 Monday, July 15 • 5:15 • Ritz East Theater 1

Friday, July 19 • 9:30 • Ritz East Theater 2 Sunday, July 21 • 12:00 • Ritz East Theater 2

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 92 min

World Premiere USA 2013, 97 min

Sexuality and religion come into conflict in the life of a smart young loner in this wryly funny and touching adaptation of David Sedaris’s autobiographical essay.

Fueled by initial dislike for each other, two competitive co-workers find their animosity turn to passion in this indie American drama written by G.A. Hauser.

In the first film adaptation of a David Sedaris work (based on his 1997 collection, Naked — C.O.G. stands for Child of God), this heartfelt drama follows David (Jonathan Groff, “Glee”), a Yale student with an attitude, who leaves a troubled past behind to journey to an Oregon apple farm to discover how the other side lives. There, with a new name (Samuel) he meets several characters including the farm’s curmudgeonly owner (Dean Stockwell); and Curly, (Corey Stoll) a forklift operator who takes a flirtatious interest in him. In a time of need, David accepts an offer of friendship from Jon (Denis O’Hare), an Iraq War veteran and born-again Christian. Taking David on as his clock-making apprentice, Jon nudges David to accept Jesus in an attempt to become a better (and straighter) man. Although the story was published more than 15-years ago, Kyle Patrick Alvarez’s C.O.G. easily works as a finely nuanced funny look at one smart-assed young man’s maturation.

—Tyler Pirner

Two L.A. hunks and adversarial work mates feed on competition and percolating sexual tension in this stylish indie drama from first time feature film director Ilo Orleans. Super-serious former L.A. cop-turned-advertising executive Steve (Eric Presnell) meets his professional match when hot shot Brit Mark (Gregor Gosgrove) joins the ad agency. They immediately get off on the wrong foot and their initial distrust soon builds to pure mutual animosity. When a company weekend retreat in a Santa Fe desert resort brings them together it only worsens their tension, but distrust turns to passion when one night, as the two men become lost in the desert, they make furious love. But come dawn, Mark reveals that he is in fact straight and engaged to be married. With single-minded intensity bordering on obsession, blond Steve refuses to believe this, and becomes determined to win Mark at any cost. As far from a drippy gay romance as one can imagine, this testosterone-driven tale of intense attraction makes for gripping viewing. —RM

Director: Kyle Patrick Alvarez Cast: Jonathan Groff, Denis O’Hare, Corey Stoll Screenwriters: Kyle Patrick Alvarez, David Sedaris Producers: Cookie Carosella, Stephen Nemeth Cinematographer: Jas Shelton Editors: Corinne Bogdanowicz, Emily Eddey Print Source: Forty Second Productions

Director: Ilo Orleans Cast: Shane Keough, Eric Presnall,Gregor Cosgrove, Patricia Jimenez, Emily Layton Screenwriters: G.A. Hauser, Wendell Lu Producer: G. A. Hauser Cinematographer: Peter Borosh Editor: Katiene Norton Print Source: The G.A. Hauser Collection. LLC

facebook.com/QfestPhilly

for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com

AMERICAN INDEPENDENTS

53

Chastity Bites

The Deception

Saturday, July 20 • 9:30 • Ritz at the Bourse Monday, July 22 • 8:15 • Ritz East Theater 1

Friday, July 12 • 9:15 • Ritz East Theater 2 Sunday, July 14 • 2:30 • Ritz East Theater 2

East Coast Premiere USA 2013, 95 min

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 93 min

Mean Girls meets Vincent Price in this campy horror flick that is fabulously filled with lesbian eroticism, witty feminism and virginal blood.

A closeted politician is forced to make a difficult decision when a lover from his past comes back into his life looking to rekindle their youthful romance.

Taking its cue from the popular horror-comedy films of the 1950’s, Chastity Bites is a fun and spooky tale based on the infamous seventeenth century serial killer Elizabeth Bathory, who bathed in the blood of virgins to stay young forever. Nerdy yet sexy feminist blogger in lesbian-like attire Leah Ratliff (Allison Scagliotti, “Warehouse 13”) and her docile best friend Katherine (Francia Raisa) uncover that some people in their conservative small town have gone missing. Coincidently, the new abstinence educator Liz Batho (the stunningly gorgeous Louise Griffiths, The Revenant) arrives harboring a secret – she is Countess Bathory! Seductively using her feminine wiles, Katherine falls under her spell and joins a chastity club packed with the virginal popular girls. The stage is set and the virgins are arriving, but can the supersleuth reporter stop the Countess before she slaughters her best friend? Director John V. Knowles has served up a film destined to be a camp classic, one that is genuinely funny, genuinely scary and clearly celebratory of Girl Power! —Kelly Burkhardt Director: John V. Knowles Cast: Allison Scagliotti, Francia Raisa, Louise Griffiths, Eddy Rioseco, Chloë Crampton, Greer Grammer, Amy Okuda, Sarah Stouffer, Lindsey Morgan, Laura Niemi, Jennifer Gimenez, Stuart Gordon Screenwriter: Lotti Pharriss Knowles Producer: Lotti Phariss Knowles Cinematographer: Justin Thomas Ostensen Editor: Phillip J. Bartell Print Source: Lewis Tice

An incredibly ambitious project, The Deception manages to do a whole lot with a small budget, carrying weighty ideas and important themes rarely explored in American film. Paying homage to Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1969 classic The Conformist, writer/director Jay Durrwachter (who, sadly, passed away after the film was completed and was in final editing) weaves a tale of political aspirations and repressed romantic desires. The Deception follows Chip and Devon (Garrett Wade and Garner Jarrett), two teen friends who succumb to their mutual attraction while working at an amusement park together during one fateful summer. Interwoven with this story are scenes that take place twenty years later. Chip, who now goes

by Christopher (played as an adult by David Busse), is back in the closet. An up-and-coming Maryland politician, Christopher is engaged to be married and plans to run for a seat in the Senate - with the help of his fiancée’s wealthy, wellconnected family. An estimable future seems to be his for the taking... until he runs into grown-up Devon (Jerry G. Angelo) unexpectedly. Though “Chip” moved on long ago, Devon has never forgotten the blissful time they shared in their youth.

His presence and continued affection are a constant reminder of the more honest life that Christopher left behind. Is Chris willing to let his carefully-constructed facade crumble in order to run off into the sunset with the man he loves? You’ll have to watch to find out, but expect some stunning twists and turns in film’s final stretch. —Rob O’Neill Director: Jay Durrwachter Cast: David Busse, Jerry G. Angelo, Larry Joseph Aguilar Screenwriter: Jay Durrwachter Producers: Jerry G. Angelo, Jay Durrwachter , G. Sterling Zinsmeyer Cinematographer: David Peretiatko Editors: Daniel Luke Fitch, Boril Radoykov Print Source: TLA Releasing

@qfest

for ticket sales, updates and more information • www.qfest.com

54

Philadelphia QFEST2013

The DL Chronicles Returns

First Period

Friday, July 19 • 9:15 • Ritz at the Bourse Monday, July 22 • 8:15 • Ritz at the Bourse

Saturday, July 13 • 9:45 • Ritz East Theater 2 Monday, July 15 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 2

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 42 min

East Coast Premiere USA 2013, 100 min

The hit cable series returns after a four year hiatus from the big and small screen, and The DL Chronicles is back with ALL NEW stories!

This hilarious comedy (think Heathers-meets-John Waters) follows a spunky teenage girl (played by Brandon Alexander III) as she plans her totally rad “Sweet 16” party despite scheming by the mean girls and studs in school.

After a four year hiatus from the big and small screen, series creators Quincy Lenear and Deondray Gossett are back with an all-new installment of their GLAAD Media Award-winning show “The DL Chronicles!” “The DL Chronicles Returns” tells stories of men of color who, by consequence and by choice, live sexually duplicitous and secret lifestyles. This emotional and poignant new episode follows Thomas (Gabriel Corbin), a former firefighter now confined to a wheelchair after an accident on the job left him paralyzed. Severely depressed, Thomas is only interested in trying to drown his sorrows with alcohol. His stubborn, pessimistic attitude begins to change, however, with the arrival of Steven (Johanny Paulino), a handsome, patient and compassionate in-home caregiver. Steven’s companionship gives Thomas a reason to get out of bed in the morning and strive to improve himself both physically and emotionally. Now the biggest problem he has is figuring out how to confess his crush. This stellar and ultimately inspiring episode is sure to please long-standing fans of the series and newcomers alike. —Rob O’Neill Directors: Quincy Lenear, Deondray Gossett Cast: Gabriel Corbin, Johanny Paulino Print Source: 2 Cent Productions

Program includes the shorts:

Torn & Frayed

(USA, 2012, 14 min, Naomi Davis) Martin, a Marine who has just returned home from Iraq, is caught between two lovers: his boyfriend at home and the fellow soldier that he hooked up with abroad. Not only does he have to choose between the two guys, but he also has to decide between who he wants to be and who he used to be.

Dawn (USA, 2012, 10 min, Leon Li) After Tye detects what he considers to be a racist glance from another passenger on the evening train home, a confrontation ensues. Tye is shocked to discover that they share a very strange connection, and both men are forced to face their prejudices in ways they never expected.

Imagine, if after a drunken night of cheap booze, heavy drugs and a marathon of John Hughes films, Another Gay Movie, Hairspray, Heathers and Girls Will be Girls had a totally rocking orgy…then First Period may very well have been their bastard love child. Here is a wildly funny story of a fashion savvy “girl” who just wants to have fun, only to be thwarted by the cool kids in school. Set in the big-haired, pastel-fashioned world of the 1980s, eternally optimistic and spunkily confident Cassie (Brandon Alexander III) is a slightly chubby 15-year-old who, with her mom (Cassandra Peterson, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark) moves to a new town. Cassie, eager to make friends at school, invites them all to her upcoming totally rad sweet 16 birthday party, befriends the school’s outcast, Maggie, aka Coatrack (Dudley Beene), but gets nowhere with the gang of cool kids headed by the beautiful but venomous Heather. Will she win them over? Will her party be truly rad? Will she get to third base with that closet case hunk? With a machinegun approach to its witty gay one-liners (if you don’t like one, don’t worry, they’ll be another in a second), this low budget delight by Charlie Vaughn (Saltwater, Vampire Boys) is a multiple laugh out loud delight. —RM Director: Charlie Vaughn Cast: Brandon Alexander III, Dudley Beene, Lauren Rose Lewis, Michael Turchin, Leigh Wakeford, Karli Kaiser, Adrian Burks, Cassandra Peterson, Jack Plotnick, Judy Tenuta Screenwriter: Brandon Alexander III Producers: Charlie Vaughn, Brandon Alexander III, Dudley Beene Cinematographer: Olivia Kuan Editor: Corey Ziemniak Print Source: Falling Anvil Productions

LFL in NYC

(USA, 2012, 15 min, Tarryn Crossman) Jahlove finds out that he is HIV-positive after his first sexual experience. To make matters worse, he soon finds himself homeless after his parents kick him out of the house.

Luckily, his optimism takes him a long way and - as this uplifting doc shows he’s currently in the process of finding a new family.

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AMERICAN INDEPENDENTS

Four

Geography Club

Wednesday, July 17 • 9:30 • Ritz East Theater 1

Saturday, July 13 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 2 Saturday, July 20 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 2

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 75 min

Wendell Pierce leads a cast of four characters in romantic turmoil as they seek redemption on a hot summer night.

A steamy July 4th night brings four people together in two tales of seduction and conflicted desire. Joe is a black, middle-aged married man, out on an Internet date with June (Emory Cohen), a white teenage boy. Abigayle is Joe’s precocious daughter, out herself with a hot, wisecracking Latino basketball player named Dexter. As the two couples get to know each other intimately, their realities are tested, and the outcome is bracing. Based on the play by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Obie-winning playwright Christopher Shinn, Four stars Wendell Pierce, acclaimed for his roles in the HBO series “The Wire” and “Treme” and Emory Cohen from NBC’s “Smash.” —Tyler Pirner Director: Joshua Sanchez Cast: Emory Cohen, Wendell Pierce, Aja Naomi King, E.J. Bonilla Screenwriters: Christopher Shinn, Joshua Sanchez Producer: Christine Giorgio Cinematographer: Gregg Conde Editors: David Gutnik, Marnee Meyer Print Source: Wolfe Releasing

Program includes the short:

JAin

(Germany, 2012, 13 min, Marco Zanoni) Fabi, an openly gay teen, is in a sexual relationship with Benni, his masculine, dirt bike-riding best buddy. Benni wants to keep his bisexuality a secret, but reconsiders his life in the closet when a group of straight bullies decide to make Fabi their target.

55

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 83 min

Sixteen-year-old Russell is a closeted high school student who is in need of self-acceptance in this entertaining, Hollywood-slick comedy-drama.

In a festival filled with low budget indie American films, issues-driven documentaries and international dramas, Geography Club stands out. For this pop, slickly made romantic dramady sports a Hollywood sheen (think of it as a queer The Breakfast Club), a teenage mall appeal (but don’t let that stop you older ones from attending!) and a modern message that makes it required viewing for all young people. The film is based on Brent Hartinger’s best-selling novel (rejected by 38 publishers before Harper Collins took it on), and directed by 28-year-old Gary Entin from his twin brother Edmund’s adaptation. The story is set in a present day high school and centers around handsome 16-year old Russell (Cameron Deane Stewart, Pitch Perfect), a closeted student and athlete. He is engaged in a frustrating “relationship” with school jock Kevin (Justin Deeley, Couples Retreat) where the two have secretive make out sessions but then retreat back to buddy football teammates and even engage in homophobic taunts. After a disastrous date with a girl that begins school rumors of him being a fag, he reluctantly joins the Geography Club, an after school meeting place for other closeted students. But will this group of misfits remain hidden, or generate the courage to come out? A smart, fast-moving and funny account of contemporary teenagers as they discover their own sexual identities.

—RM Director: Gary Entin Cast: Cameron Stewart, Ana Gasteyer, Scott Bakula Screenwriters: Edmund Entin (screenplay), Brent Hartinger (novel) Producers: Anthony Bretti, Michael Huffington Cinematographer: Matthew Irving Editor: William Yeh Print Source: Breaking Glass Pictures

Program includes the short:

It’s Not a Cowboy Movie (France, 2012, 12 min, Benjamin Parent) After watching Brokeback Mountain on TV for the first time, Vincent is completely shattered. In the bathroom of his junior high school, he discusses the film with his classmate, Moussa. At the same time in the girls’ bathroom, Jessica tells her friend Nadia how much the movie affected her, bombarding her friend with questions about her gay father.

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56

Philadelphia QFEST2013

In Bloom

Interior. Leather Bar.

Friday, July 19 • 7:30 • Ritz East Theater 1 Sunday, July 21 • 2:45 • Ritz East Theater 1

Friday, July 12 • 7:00 • Ritz East Theater 2 Saturday, July 13 • 12:15 • Ritz East Theater 2

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 87 min

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 60 min

Two young men find their seemingly great relationship threatened when temptations and unease begin to pull them apart. A knowing, powerful look at modern gay love.

James Franco and Travis Matthews (I Want Your Love) collaborate on this experimental and sexually explicit film imagining what was cut from the classic Cruising. It created a huge controversy when screened earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival.

Possibly the single best depiction of a gay male relationship in the festival, In Bloom is a warm, funny, intelligent, sharply-written, painfully honest, well-acted drama and first feature film by promising writer/director C. M. Birkmeier. During one hot Chicago summer, two young men fall in love. Blond, pot-smoking and pot-dealing Kurt, and cute but moody grocery store clerk Paul begin a committed relationship. Best pals, lovers and roommates, they have amazing rapport and, on the surface, their relationship is strong and intimate. But when rich kid Kevin enters the scene with designs on Kurt, subtle fissures, a mutual unease, and an unsatisfied longing for what they don’t have are exposed, threatening their love.

The two leads, Tanner Rittenhouse as Paul and Kyle Wigent as Kurt, are perfectly matched in this richly textured examination of gay male relations today. Its story of a doomed tumultuous love will be painfully familiar for many. What Andre Techine’s Wild Reeds did to you in 1994, In Bloom will do the same in 2013.

—RM Director: Chris Michael Birkmeier Cast: KyKyle Wigent, Tanner Rittenhouse, Adam Fane, Jake Andrews, Steve Casillas, Emma Blyth Screenwriter: Chris Michael Birkmeier Producers: Chris Michael Birkmeier, Andrew Cummings Cinematographer: Dustin Supencheck Editor: Collin Mauro Print Source: Shoreline Entertainment

Inspired by 40 minutes of gay S&M footage lost or destroyed from William Friedkin’s controversial 1980 Cruising to satisfy censors and avoid an “X” rating, filmmakers James Franco and Travis Mathews collaborated to create what they imagine those cut scenes contained. The result is an experiment in defining boundaries, the real versus the imagined, the accepted norms versus the taboos of sexual expression, the nature of filmmaking versus its impact on life. Basically, this film defies categorization. Franco and Mathews assembled a group of both gay and straight actors, including the appealing lead, Val Lauren, in this project that challenged actors, directors and crew to explore the implications of their roles individually and collectively while capturing sex on and off camera. Viewers are asked to consider the nature of film viewing, filmmaking and the very idea of performing itself. And how it specifically relates to their own sexual identity, their level of comfort in watching explicit (even real) male-on-male sexual acts and the results of their experience: repulsion, titillation, enjoyment, satisfaction.

—Thom Cardwell Directors: Travis Matthews, James Franco Cast: Val Lauren, James Franco, Travis Mathews, Christian Patrick, Brenden Gregory Screenwriter: Travis Mathews Producers: James Franco, Iris Torres, Michael Lannan Cinematographer: Keith Wilson Editor: Travis Matthews Print Source: The Film Collaborative

Program includes the short:

In Their Room: London (United Kingdom, 2013, 33 min, Travis Mathews) A multi-city experiment, Travis Mathews’ In Their Room series takes viewers into the bedrooms of gay men for a look at love and sex in the age of GPS-based hook-up apps. The third and latest installment of this on-going project was filmed in London and follows eight incredibly diverse (and very brave) men who talk about their bodies, their romantic and sexual habits, how they wish to be perceived by other men, what turns them on, what turns them off, what they’re looking for from a sex partner and the pros and cons of having such easy access to potential hook-ups.

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AMERICAN INDEPENDENTS

57

Love Will Tear Us Apart Wednesday, July 17 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Saturday, July 20 • 2:30 • Ritz East Theater 2 East Coast Premiere USA 2013, 86 min

Dripping with cinematic inventiveness, French film chic and a cool soundtrack, this tale follows two best friends who find their world of detachment shattered after they fall in love with the same young man.

Definitely the most stylish film in this year’s festival and one of the most enjoyable.

Leather Sunday, July 21 • 7:00 • Ritz at the Bourse World Premiere USA 2013, 101 min

A young gay man returns to his recently deceased estranged father’s rustic home to settle his affairs, only to meet a childhood friend who is living in the house.

Producer/Director Patrick McGuinn’s (Sun Kissed, Eulogy for a Vampire) latest film is this tender, sexy and unconventional romance. Upon news of the death of his estranged father, blond twenty-something Andrew (Andrew Glaszek), with his boyfriend Kyle in tow, travels from New York City to a cottage in the remote wooded area of the Catskill Mountains where his father lived and where Andrew was raised. There he meets the bearded Birch (Chris Graham), Andrew’s childhood friend who had lived with Andrew’s father in a simple 19th century style.

Meeting Birth proves to be unsettling as he seems to be the son his father always wanted – someone he could fish and hunt with, and someone who could work with one’s hands. As they spend time together, dynamics begin to shift as Andrew’s initial distrust of Birch morphs into physical interest and empathy, while young Kyle (a hilariously animated Jeremy Neal in a scene-stealing role as the pouty, queenly boyfriend) becomes increasingly threatened. A fascinating character study of three men, devoid of distractions, as they navigate an unsettling world of resentment, anger, emotions and rising sexuality. —RM

In a straight cinematic world dulled by predictable American indies, comes this exuberantly stylish and witty tale of two übercool friends who find their carefully constructed world of detachment demolished when they fall in love with the same young man. Writer/director Azure Valencia, quite possibly the bastard gay love child of Jean Luc Godard (Breathless-era only!) and Christophe Honoré, stars as Adrian, who with his best friend Genevieve, approach life with the simple adage, “Fuck love.” Together, cigarettes are puffed, books read, catty opinions dripped, and attitude flung as the two troll San Francisco’s streets, stores and cafes. Their cynical approach to life and closeness as best friends come under attack after they meet Max, an innocent looking blond Adonis who seduces them both. Now hopelessly in love with the same man, they morph from cohorts to competitors in a battle for their man. A perfectly fun, always inventive summertime film that features crisp black and white cinematography that bursts with moments of splashy color; a kick ass soundtrack of retro French ballads (highlighted by a French language version of “These Boots Were Made for Walking.”), pop and classical music; and chic costume design that shames many big Hollywood productions. —RM Director: Azure Valencia Cast: Kaleigh Macchio, Azure Valencia, August Roads Screenwriter: Azure Valencia Cinematographer: Ben Leon Editors: Ben Leon, Christopher Rosenberg Print Source: La Vie En Bleu

Director: Patrick McGuinn Cast: Chris Graham, Andrew Glaszek, Jeremy Neal, Glenda Lauten Screenwriter: Greg Chandler Producer: Peter Perrone Cinematographer: Nick Morr Editor: Patrick McGuinn Print Source: Willing Suspension Films

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58

Philadelphia QFEST2013

Meth Head

Petunia

Friday, July 12 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 1 Saturday, July 13 • 9:30 • Ritz East Theater 1

Sunday, July 14 • 9:15 • Ritz at the Bourse Wednesday, July 17 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 1

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 108 min

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 104 min

Lukas Haas is riveting as a gay man whose life and loves fall apart after he become a meth addict. A powerful, disturbing drama not easily forgotten.

An exciting cast of well-known actors - Christine Lahti, Thora Birch, Brittany Snow, Michael Urie and more - highlight this dysfunctional family comedy from director Ash Christian (Mangus!, Fat Girls).

Lukas Haas (Witness, Mars Attack!, Johns) is possessed in the role of a gay man whose drug addiction threatens not only his relationship with his lover (Wilson Cruz), but his entire life in this taut, harrowing, emotional drama. Aspiring interior designer Kyle (Haas) and Julian (Cruz) are a loving couple with a bright future.

But Kyle’s insecurities make him easily susceptible to drugs and booze, and when charming Dusty (Blake Berris) offers him a sample of crystal meth, Kyle quickly becomes addicted. He hides his drug use from family, friends and his lover but when his work output declines, he is forced to dip into savings to support his late night carousing, and this angers and frustrates Julian. Feeling he has no alternative, Julian throws him out. Left to crash at Dusty and his girlfriend’s place, Kyle continues to abuse, and to support their habit, he and Dusty resort to prostitution, initially with respectable older men, but as they become ravished by the effects of the drugs, with some real scuzballs. But self-respect has no place in the mind of an addict and seemingly no amount of outreach by the still loving Julian and Kyle’s family can convince him to get clean. Lukas Haas is riveting in the role, and while occasionally difficult to watch, the film has a tragic message not easily ignored or forgotten. Definitely one of the most powerful films in the festival. —RM Director: Jane Clark Cast: Lukas Haas, Blake Berris, Necar Zadegan, Wilson Cruz Screenwriters: Jane Clark, John W. McLaughlin Producer: Jane Clark Cinematographer: Reuben Steinberg Editor: Jane Clark Print Source: FilmMcQueen

Biting dialog and exceptional performances combine to make Petunia a warm and memorably funny crowd-pleaser. Cute, but exceptionally awkward, Charlie Petunia (Tobias Segal) has some trouble with intimacy. He is celibate by choice - he even snaps a rubber band around his wrist to “control sexual urges” around the well-dressed lads at his brother’s wedding reception. It isn’t hard to figure out where his social problems stem from: everyone in his family is crazy and comically self-absorbed. His mom (Christine Lahti) is a therapist who can barely keep her own psychology together; his father (David Rasche), concerned with an erectile dysfunction, has been bottling up his emotions for years; his brothers (Jimmy Heck and Eddie Kaye Thomas) can’t seem to keep their sexual appetites in line; and his new sister-in-law Vivian (Thora Birch) is having a tough time adjusting to the compromises of married life. Things start looking up for Charlie, however, when he meets George (Michael Urie), one of those aforementioned cutie-pies at his brother’s wedding. The two start flirting, then dating. Pretty soon Charlie has fallen head-over-heels in love. Sadly, though, George has a bombshell to drop on his naive young lover: he’s married. Though his wife Robin (Brittany Snow) accepts George for who he is and seems willing to participate in an open marriage, the unexpected love triangle presents a whole mess of complications that Charlie would rather avoid. How far is a formerly abstinent young gay guy supposed to go to find love when he’s not even sure he wants it in the first place? —Rob O’Neill Director: Ash Christian Cast: Thora Birch, Brittany Snow, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Christine Lahti, Michael Urie, Tobias Segal, David Rasche, Jimmy Heck Screenwriters: Ash Christian, Theresa Bennett Producers: Thora Birch, Ash Christian, Jordan Yale Levine Cinematographer: Austin F. Schmidt Editor: Scott Martin Print Source: Wolfe Releasing

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AMERICAN INDEPENDENTS

59

Pit Stop

Southern Baptist Sissies

Thursday, July 18 • 7:15 • Ritz at the Bourse Saturday, July 20 • 12:00 • Ritz East Theater 1

Saturday, July 20 • 9:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Sunday, July 21 • 12:00 • Ritz East Theater 1

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 80 min

East Coast Premiere USA 2013, 135 min

Set in a small Texas town, two lonely men struggle through relationships until one day they meet each other. A refreshing, intelligent drama about two very un-stereotypical gay men.

A filmed version of the hilarious play Southern Baptist Sissies by Del Shores, this is the story of how growing up gay in the church affects four very different Texas boys.

The parallel lives of two gay men, trapped in their small Texas town, and enduring loneliness and struggling with their identity as they find love, is the theme of this smart, expertly crafted drama from Yen Tan(Happy Birthday, Ciao). Far away from the gay urban subculture, thirty-something construction foreman, Gabe nurses his emotional wounds from a recent break-up with a married man by remaining close with his ex-wife and their young child. In the same small town, Ernesto is a Latino factory worker unhappy with his, essentially over, relationship with his younger boyfriend, yet is unable to change the situation. After having endured the struggles and heartbreaks and wondering if they’ll ever find love again, the two men hook up for a one-night stand (their lovemaking is sexy, tense, and surprisingly tender), and then they face the possibility that they might just be meant for each other. A sharp, emotional, knowing and tender tale of two outsiders seeking connection.

—Thom Cardwell

Del Shores (Sordid Lives) returns to Philadelphia with this hilarious and heartbreaking adaptation of his award-winning 2000 play about four young gay Texans growing up as born-again Christians in the Southern Baptist Church. Filmed in front of a live audience, the story follows the drama of four boys: there is Mark, who quickly questions the Church’s teachings; the sensitive Andrew (Matthew Scott Montgomery), who prays harder and harder for God to take his gayness away; Benny (Willam Belli, “RuPaul’s Drag Race”), the most flamboyant of the boys as he embraces his own true nature; and T.J. (Luke Stratte-McClure), Mark’s first love but the one most affected by the teaching that what he feels is wrong.

Narrator Mark Lee Fuller (Emerson Collins) guides the boys’ journey from confused and struggling teens, to damaged adults trying to reconcile their faith with their sexuality. Also starring Leslie Jordan (“Will and Grace”), Dale Dickey (Winter’s Bone) and Ann Walker (Big Gay Love). —Tyler Pirner

Director: Yen Tan Cast: Bill Heck, Marcus DeAnda, Amy Seimetz, John Merriman, Alfredo Maduro, Corby Sullivan, Bailey Bass, Heather Kafka Screenwriters: Yen Tan, David Lowery Producers: Kelly Williams, Jonathan Duffy, James M. Johnston, Eric Steele Cinematographer: Hutch Editor: Don Swaynos Print Source: The Film Collaborative

Director: Del Shores Cast: Leslie Jordan, Dale Dickey, Ann Walker, Newell Alexander, Rosemary Alexander, Bobbie Eakes, Joe Patrick Ward, Emerson Collins, Matthew Scott Montgomery, Luke Stratte-McClure, Willam Belli Screenwriter: Del Shores Producers: Emerson Collins, Del Shores Cinematographer: Nickolas Dylan Rossi Editor: Donna Mathewson Print Source: Emerson Collins

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60

Philadelphia QFEST2013

Truth

Tumbledown

Friday, July 12 • 9:30 • Ritz East Theater 1 Sunday, July 14 • 12:00 • Ritz East Theater 2

Thursday, July 18 • 9:15 • Ritz East Theater 2 Sunday, July 21 • 9:15 • Ritz at the Bourse

World Premiere USA 2013, 94 min

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 80 min

Sean Paul Lockhart (Recipient of QFest’s 2011 Rising Star Award) lights up the screen as a sexy but emotionally brittle young man caught up in a torrid relationship with an older man who harbors his own kinds of troubles.

The before-and-after of a sexual assault is seen through the eyes of three separate characters in this dark drama from prolific filmmaker, Todd Verow.

Reminding one of a sexy and deliciously disturbing Misery-meets-Fatal Attraction, this psychological thriller of an innocent love that goes terribly wrong stars Sean Paul Lockhart (aka Brent Corrigan) in a star-making role. Opening with an imprisoned man, befuddled but claiming innocence, being interviewed by a shrink, and the story of how he got there unfolds. An chance internet encounter brings the cute, affable Caleb (Lockhart) and the hunky older Jeremy (Rob Moretti) together.

Jeremy seduces the vulnerable young man with compliments, attention and above all, the promise of a secure love. Caleb, mentally abused as a child by his emotionally erratic mother and now wary of relationships, succumbs to the advances and a sensual affair begins. But beneath Caleb’s shy smile and innocent eyes lies a troubled young man, and Jeremy harbors his own dark secrets and lies which, together, threaten the relationship. This budding romance soon triggers an unexpected chain of events as trust is violated, tempers unleashed and the destructive side of love takes over. Lockhart (Milk, Judas Kiss) is amazing (and very sexy) in a demanding role in a film which exposes the hidden demons buried deep inside each and every one of us. —RM

Possibly the most prolific gay filmmaker around today, Todd Verow works quickly and cheaply, but always fills his films with provocative ideas and themes. Tumbledown. the director’s latest shocking drama, examines the cause and aftermath of a sexual assault from three different perspectives. Rick (co-writer Brad Hallowell), a bartender, meets young, blonde cutie Mike (Brett Faulkner) and his older, muscular lover Jay (played by Verow himself) during one of his shifts. Not long after, Mike calls to invite him up to Jay’s vacation spot on Tumbledown Mountain for the weekend - provided Rick can secure some party favors for the occasion. Once Rick arrives, it becomes clear that he and Mike have a special attraction that neither of them share with Jay. Jealous, Jay concocts a sinister revenge scheme and invites Rick back to the house two weeks later - under the guise that Mike will be joining them again. Rick’s memory of this particular weekend is fuzzy... until he receives a video in the mail revealing that under Jay’s friendly and reserved exterior lies a manipulative and abusive monster. Verow packs Tumbledown with naked flesh and titillating imagery that wavers between sexy and scary - particularly in the creepy, dream-like opening where a vigorous sex session is interrupted when his own character’s ominous, shadowy figure enters the room like the uninvited boogeyman. Also, for those of you who shy away from dark thrillers like this one, you can rest easy knowing that there is also some well-timed romance in the mix to lighten up the proceedings. —Rob O’Neill

Director: Rob Moretti Cast: Sean Paul Lockhart, Rob Moretti Screenwriter: Rob Moretti Producer: Ashley Ahn Editor: Cassandra McManus Print Source: Rob Moretti

Director: Todd Verow Cast: Brett Faulkner, Brad Hallowell, Candice Hill, Erica LaChance, Todd Verow Screenwriters: Brad Hallowell, Todd Verow Producer: Todd Verow Cinematographer: Todd Verow Editor: Todd Verow Print Source: TLA Releasing

Program includes the short:

Fire Island ‘79

(USA, 2013, 8 min, Todd Verow, Patrick McGuinn) Filmmaker Chase Hook committed suicide on December 31st, 1979. His conservative family destroyed all of his films. Recently super 8 footage was found. Also recovered was the tape from his answering machine. Featuring Todd Verow, Michael Musto and the voice of Alexis Arquette.

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LE MALE BURLESQUE

Violence of the Mind Sunday, July 21 • 9:00 • Ritz East Theater 2 Monday, July 22 • 8:15 • Ritz East Theater 2 Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 90 min

Two seemingly nice guys (but closeted psychopaths) get together not only to make love but to also make death in this fun, blood-soaked thriller.

For your late night viewing pleasure we present this amazingly demented and bloody tale of a love that goes terribly wrong! Handsome real estate agent Max (Jon Fleming) harbors crazed visions of murder and meets the person to make his dreams a reality when he picks up cute and seemingly timid waiter Sebastian (Ryan Kibby). After hooking up and becoming a couple, they seek unusual thrills, first by inviting a stud over for a threesome, second by gleefully strangling said stud to death. Excited by their crime, they soon become a killing machine, and every hunky gay stud and hustler in the neighborhood is their potential victim.

As the killings accelerate and the corpses pile up, the boys are turned on, and the only kink in their murderous shenanigans is their queeny neighbor, who becomes suspicious when he sees boys entering their apartment but never leaving. So if you are tired of the saccharine rom-coms and issue-driven docs in the festival and want to see a different kind of gay love story, Violence of the Mind fits the bill nicely. And if you need a moral to this tale, it is that love can make you do some strange things, especially if you are a horny gay psychopath! —RM

I V A N

“ T h e I N

K A N E

T H E

&

A r t

D A N

O f

U L T I M A T E

VIP GRAND

C O N T A R I N O

P R E S E N T

S e d u c t i o n ”

P L A Y G R O U N D

07.10.13

FINAL TECH REHEARSAL

07.17.13

O P E N I N G

& every wednesday after… full event information

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Director: Alex Pucci Cast: Jon Fleming, Ryan Kibby, Jaclyn Marfuggi, Shoniqua Shandai, Daniel Rhyder, Kristian Steel Screenwriters: Draven Gonzalez (adaptation), Daniel Rhyder Producer: Bryan Roberts Cinematographer: Bryan Roberts Editor: Pete Jacelone Print Source: Bryan Roberts

Program includes the short:

The Buried

(USA, 2013, 13 min, Jonathan Evans) In 2002 rural Alabama, Scotty Joe Weaver was brutally murdered by his best friend. One of most vicious and baffling hate crimes of the decade, the story of Weaver’s murder began to haunt filmmaker Jonathan Pope Evans, a native of Alabama working in Hollywood. After interviewing family members and meeting one of the murderers in a rural Alabama prison, Evans chose to make an experimental narrative about the crime, a fractured, stark, and startling re-imagining of the brutal Alabama crime. A film looking into the root of ‘gay panic’, a taxing and confrontational film, investigating gender identification and violence against gay men.

! ! ! !

Best wishes to Ray, Thom, Claire & the QFest No. 19 family !!

500 BOARDWALK | REVEL BEACH | ATLANTIC CITY

INTERNATIONAL QUEER CINEMA

Beyond the Walls

Bye Bye Blondie

Hors les murs

Saturday, July 20 • 4:45 • Ritz East Theater 1 Monday, July 22 • 6:15 • Ritz East Theater 1

Friday, July 12 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 2 Tuesday, July 16 • 9:15 • Ritz East Theater 2

63

Philadelphia Premiere France 2011, 87 min

Philadelphia Premiere Canada, France, Belgium 2012, 98 min

Two young men - one a needy and lost man-boy, the other a guarded but lonely bartender - embark on a fun, intense relationship only to see it threatened when one is imprisoned for drug possession.

If gay director John Schlesinger were alive today, was Belgian, and wanted to direct a free-form remake of his classic, Midnight Cowboy, he well may have made Beyond the Walls, a wonderfully acted and taut love story of two outsiders. Paolo, a gangly, long-haired man-boy (older than he looks) lives with his stern, untrusting girlfriend who is sure he will return to his gay ways. Rugged Albanian immigrant bartender Ilir works in a neighborhood bar. After a night of partying with friends, Ilir takes a drunken Paolo to his place to recover. A sexual relationship begins, but Paolo’s gf, tired of his gay trysts, throws him out. Now the two young men slowly open up and begin an intense, romantic affair. When one is arrested for drug possession and is imprisoned and the other is tempted into a relationship with another man, the stress threatens their nascent love. A serious, remarkable drama about intimacy, separation, manipulation, and trust made all the remarkable by the two’s fearless performances. (French with English subtitles) —RM Director: David Lambert Cast: Matila Malliarakis, David Salles, Guillaume Gouix Screenwriter: David Lambert Producers: Jérôme Dopffer, Daniel Morin Cinematographer: Matthieu Poirot-Delpech Editor: Hélène Girard Print Source: Strand Releasing

Two sexy sirens of French cinema: Emmanuelle Béart and Béatrice Dalle star as former teen lovers who meet 25 years later and attempt to rekindle their love. A sweetly charming romance from the director of the controversial Baise-Moi, Virginie Despentes.

From controversial filmmaker Virginie Despentes (Baise-Moi) comes this tenderly romantic tale of two beautiful middle-aged women who re-kindle a love long lost.

Starring two bee-stung-lipped beauties of French film: Emmanuelle Béart (Hell, Mission Impossible, Manon of the Spring, 8 Women) and Béatrice Dalle (Betty Blue, Clean, Time of the Wolf, I Can’t Sleep), the drama centers on two women who, after meeting and falling in love as teenagers, reunite nearly 25 years later.

Frances (Béart) is a celebrated Parisian TV host and Gloria (Dalle), a bohemian and tempestuous installation artist living in the boonies. Their psychical passion is still there (as evidence by a few hot bedroom scenes) but can they recreate and strengthen the love that was only a teenage infatuation? That question is answered when Gloria movies to Paris and into Frances’s flat, a flat she occupied with her marriage-of-convenience gay husband. A wonderfully entertaining romance that offers flashbacks to their youthful relationship in the 1980s which gives parts of the film a punky, music-filled spark. (French with English subtitles) —RM Director: Virginie Despentes Cast: Emmanuelle Béart, Béatrice Dalle, Soko Screenwriter: Virginie Despentes Producers: Sébastien de Fonseca, Cédric Walter Cinematographer: Hélène Louvart Editor: Martine Giordano Print Source: Wild Bunch

Sponsored by:

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64

Philadelphia QFEST2013

Cal

Free Fall

Wednesday, July 17 • 7:00 • Ritz East Theater 2 Friday, July 19 • 5:00 • Ritz at the Bourse

Freier Fall Monday, July 15 • 7:00 • Ritz East Theater 2 Tuesday, July 16 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 2

North American Premiere UK 2012, 89 min

This follow-up to the 2009 Shank is an impassioned drama of a young man in search of love and acceptance in a world seemingly devoid of compassion.

Set in the economically depressed England of today, Cal is a startlingly powerful drama of a young gay man lost and is the visceral follow-up to the hit 2009 film, Shank. Twenty-year-old Cal (Wayne Virgo, reprising his role) returns from France to Britain after receiving news that his mother is ill. He finds his home city of Bristol facing hard economic times brought on by the global economic crisis, with poverty and crime on the rise and rioting and looting almost a nightly occurrence. It is not a warm homecoming as Cal finds it difficult to fit in. Unable to get a job, he is confronted by his sick mother who remains stubbornly homophobic and wants nothing to do with her gay son. While navigating his way across this new landscape, he meets Jason, a young student in need of Cal’s help. However, his act of kindness brings him into contact with a drug dealing pimp and a race against time to make peace with his mother and get out of town as quickly as possible. A tale of a shattered family and one young man’s desperate search for love, respect and acceptance. —RM Director: Christian Martin Cast: Wayne Virgo, Tom Payne, Emily Corcoran, Lucy Russel, Bernie Hodges and Daniel Brocklebank Screenwriter: Christian Martin Producer: Christian Martin Cinematographer: Jack O’Dowd Editor: Jack O’Dowd Print Source: Artsploitaiton Films

Program includes the short:

It’s Consuming Me (Germany, 2012, 4 min, Kai Stanicke) Using rapid-fire editing and gorgeous visuals, this poetic and emotional short studies what it is like to have a deep, painful infatuation with a guy that you can’t have. Please note:It’s Consuming Me will screen only once - prior to the screening of Cal, Friday, July 19th at 5:00pm

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Philadelphia Premiere Germany 2013, 100 min

A German police officer with a pregnant girlfriend risks his entire future when he falls for a mysterious bad-boy he meets during training.

German director Stephan Lacant employs gorgeous cinematography and welldrawn characters to craft this thoughtful and incredibly sexy meditation on bisexuality and adulterous temptation. Marc (Hanno Koffler) has a great family, a loving and supportive girlfriend with a bun in the oven, and a promising career lined up as a policeman. Everything seems to be on the right track... until he meets Kay (Max Riemelt) during his police academy training. A sexy, young blonde officer with a devil-may-care attitude and a penchant for drug use, Marc finds Kay intriguing. The two begin jogging together in the woods. Their relationship begins innocently until Kay starts coming on to Marc aggressively. Kay kisses him and slides his hand down Marc’s pants without asking for permission, but it’s not entirely unwelcome. As time goes by, Marc becomes more and more infatuated with his mysterious new admirer, and the two start having an intense secret affair.

Pretty soon, though, Marc begins neglecting his pregnant girlfriend. He begins to feel crushed under the pressure of living a double life. His life is in free fall and Marc realizes that, try as he may, he can’t make everyone happy - least of all, himself. Lead actors Koffler and Riemelt are masters at creating sexual tension.

The early scenes between Marc and Kay have an almost palpable intensity - and their sex scenes are realistically cautious and excitedly awkward. If you’re in the market for a sexy film about a naughty gay relationship, Free Fall won’t let you down. (German with English subtitles) —Rob O’Neill Director: Stephan Lacant Cast: Hanno Koffler, Max Riemelt, Katharina Schu¨ttler Screenwriters: Stephan Lacant, Karsten Dahlem Producers: Daniel Reich, Christoph Holthof Cinematographer: Sten Mende Editor: Monika Schindler Print Source: Kurhaus Production

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INTERNATIONAL QUEER CINEMA

Hawaii

In the Name Of

Monday, July 15 • 9:30 • Ritz East Theater 1 Thursday, July 18 • 9:15 • Ritz at the Bourse

W imie...

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Thursday, July 18 • 5:00 • Ritz at the Bourse Monday, July 22 • 6:00 • Ritz East Theater 2

East Coast Premiere Argentina 2013, 102 min

Sexual tensions spill off the screen as two young men and former childhood friends become sexually attracted to one another during a hot summer in the Argentinean countryside.

If you are looking for a wild sex romp comedy please skip this film, but if you loved Argentinean filmmaker Marco Berger’s previous explorations into sexual confusion amidst hitherto heterosexual young men (Plan B and Absent), keep reading! Set in the Argentinean countryside during one hot, humid summer, this drama percolates with sexual tension and lustful longing. Former childhood friends Martin and Eugenio meet up again as young adults at Eugenio’s lakeside family home. There, amidst the languid summer days and nights the two get reacquainted and each becomes more sexually aware and interested in the other. But who makes the first move? And should one even go there? With furtive glances, the two dance around the sex-drenched atmosphere – often shirtless or naked neither can seemingly overcome their insecurities to reach out for love. Berger is a young master at wringing the pent-up desires of “straight” men and this is an amazing example of his talents. Oh, and why is it called, Hawaii? You got me!

(Spanish with English subtitles) —RM Director: Marco Berger Cast: Manuel Vignau, Mateo Chiarino, Luz Palazón, Manuel Martinez Sobrado, Antonia De Michelis Screenwriter: Marco Berger Producer: Marco Berger Cinematographer: Tomás Perez Silva Print Source: Artsploitaiton Films

Philadelphia Premiere Poland 2013, 96 min

The sexual desires of a country priest for a local boy threatens his sincere devotion to his calling in this impassioned Polish drama.

Far from being an exploitative story to take advantage of the ongoing sex scandal afflicting the Roman Catholic Church, In the Name of is instead a powerful, sensitive, and complex portrait of a lonely but devout priest struggling with his sexuality. Father Adam is a physically and mentally tough priest transferred from Warsaw to the countryside to run a home for troubled boys. He commands respect as he supervises the boys in work, study, and sport. His sexual urges are ignited when the young wife of one of his assistants unsuccessfully makes a move on him but his interest is not in women but in one youth in particular, the strangely quiet long-haired Lukasz.

Initially, his faith and commitment to celibacy prevents him from acting on his urges, and instead leads him to drinking, but a playful game in a wheat field with Lukasz ignites the passion for him to act on his physical desires. When rumors begin to spread of his sexuality, his future in the school is threatened. Young writer-director Malgoska Szumowska has created an impassioned, eloquent, and at times humorous melodrama about a man of faith consumed with forbidden love and longing. It is well acted, with amazing cinematography of the Polish countryside and winner of the Teddy Award for Best Feature Film at the 63rd Berlin Film Festival in 2013.

(Polish with English subtitles) —RM Director: Malgoska Szumowska Cast: Andrzej Chyra Screenwriters: Malgoska Szumowska, Michal Englert Producers: Andrzej Chyra, Mateusz Kosciukiewicz, Lukasz Simlat, Maja Ostaszewska Cinematographer: Michal Englert Editor: Jacek Drosio Print Source: Film Movement

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Philadelphia QFEST2013

The Last Match

Lose Your Head

La Partida

Tuesday, July 16 • 9:30 • Ritz East Theater 1 Thursday, July 18 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 2

Saturday, July 13 • 9:30 • Ritz at the Bourse Thursday, July 18 • 9:30 • Ritz East Theater 1

North American Premiere Germany 2013, 107 min

Philadelphia Premiere Cuba, Spain 2013, 94 min

Two young men fall passionately in love with each other in the slums of Havanna in this super sexy and romantic drama.

Arguably the sexiest and most romantic gay male film of the festival, The Last Match is set in a poor, steamy Havana and centers on an intense love affair between two hitherto heterosexual young men. Reiner and Yosvani are best friends and soccer mates. Handsome Reinier, in order to support his mother, wife and their baby, and his gambling habit, prostitutes himself at night to older male foreigners along the waterfront while the shy Yosvani lives is reluctantly engaged to a girl and lives with her and her bombastic loan shark father. After a furtive kiss at a nightclub, the two young men, barely containing their pent-up desire, follow-up with a lusty roof top encounter, where the two quickly fall hard for each other. And as their love intensifies, the challenge is not with them but with the unforgiving outside world… a world they so desperately want to escape from. The two leads, Reinier Diaz and Milton García, are charismatic and unforgettable as the supercharged lovers in this drama directed and co-writen by Antonio Hens (Clandestinos). (Spanish with English subtitles) —RM Director: Antonio Hens Cast: Milton García, Reinier Diaz, Luis Alberto García Screenwriters: Abel González Melo, Antonio Hens Producer: Antonio Hens Cinematographer: Yanelvis González Editor: Julio Gutiérrez Print Source: Artsploitaiton Films

A young Spaniard becomes enveloped in the drug- and sex-filled world of nocturnal Berlin in this dizzyingly, almost hallucinogenic thriller.

A young Spanish man goes to Berlin for some fun only to be sucked into a dangerous, almost hallucinogenic world of sex and violence in this steamy psycho-thriller. Lured by Berlin’s reputation as city with a pulsating night life, young Spaniard, Luis, (Fernando Tielve) leaves his boyfriend behind to travel to Berlin eager to indulge in drugs, sex, partying, music, and mindless fun. Somewhat innocent and certainly naïve, wide-eyed Luis is quickly sucked into the dizzying whirlwind of the club scene where he meets up with a strange bohemian crowd, does coke, and begins a sexual hook-up/romance with Viktor, a domineering Ukrainian with his own set of hidden problems. After he meets a couple looking for a missing man who bears a striking resemblance to him and after Viktor becomes more menacing, Luis gives in to paranoia as a sense of deteriorating reality begins to overcome him. Lose Your Head is a complex, Alice in Wonderland-like tale of a young man methodically driven out of control. (German with English subtitles) —RM Directors: Stefan Westerwelle, Patrick Schuckmann Cast: Fernando Tielve, Marko Mandic, Sesede Terziyan, Stavros Yagoulis Screenwriter: Patrick Schuckmann Producers: Michael Schuckmann, Patrick Schuckmann Cinematographer: Julia Daschner Editor: Ute Schall Print Source: TLA Releasing

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INTERNATIONAL QUEER CINEMA

67

Margarita

Monster Pies

Sunday, July 14 • 7:00 • Ritz at the Bourse Sunday, July 21 • 6:45 • Ritz East Theater 2

Tuesday, July 16 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Thursday, July 18 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 1

Philadelphia Premiere Canada 2012, 90 min

Philadelphia Premiere Australia 2013, 90 min

Told through the eyes of a hard-working illegal Mexican nanny, Margarita is an award-winning dramedy, which intelligently captures a turning point in the life of a Canadian family.

Two high school students meet and fall in love and then face the scrutiny of their confirming classmates and unsupportive family. A tender, romantic, emotional drama of first love.

Vivacious, gorgeous, devoted, and resourceful, twenty-something Margarita can fix everything from a hot tub to an energizing-smoothie. She is everything power couple Ben and Gail and their teenage daughter Mali could ask for. She’s nanny, tutor, and big sister to Mali, but she’s also housekeeper, cook, maid and caregiver to the entire family. Margarita’s life isn’t all work and no play. She has a supportive circle of friends, Jane, her pretty girlfriend, and Carlos the Brazilian handyman she likes to flirt with. When Ben and Gail, decide to downsize their household expenditure, Margarita’s livelihood and immigration status are suddenly on wobbly ground. Threatened with deportation, everyone wants to save Margarita - everyone, that is, except Jane, who might be the solution to her problems if she’d only agree to get married. Filmed in a quaint snowy Toronto suburb, directing partners Dominique Cardona and Laurie Colbert have skillfully served up a gem of a story with a humanitarian soul. —Carol Coombes

Two high school outsiders meet and fall in love in this sweetly innocent, heartfelt and ultimately shocking melodrama from Down Under. Geeky, alienated 17-yearold Mike attends a suburban Melbourne high school, teased by the jocks for his looks and refusal to fight back. Life changes for the excitable boy after he meets and befriends the very handsome Wil, the new kid in the school. Wil seems to be out of Mike’s league, but with a nearly catatonic mother in a psychiatric hospital and a violently abusive father at home, he is lonely outsider who is quick to respond to Mike’s advances. The two young men now need to navigate their nascent love amidst the social pressures of school and the tensions of an unsupportive home life. With an emotional intensity fairly found in gay films (but befitting the hormone-crazy world of teen boys), this story will tug at your emotions and possible bring back memories of one’s own excitingly agonizing first love.

—RM

Directors: Dominique Cardona, Laurie Colbert Cast: Nicola Correia Damude, Christine Horne, Patrick McKenna, Claire Lautier Screenwriters: Dominique Cardona, Laurie Colbert Producer: Rechna Varma Cinematographer: D. Gregor Hagey Editor: Phyllis Housen Print Source: Wolfe Releasing

Director: Lee Galea Cast: Tristan Barr, Lucas Linehan, Rohana Hayes, Marcel Reluctant, Katrina Maree, Marlene Magee Screenwriter: Lee Galea Producer: Lee Galea Cinematographer: Daniel von Czarnecki Editor: Lee Galea Print Source: TLA Releasing

Program includes the short:

Gay Goth Scene

(Germany, 2013, 5 min, Kai Stänicke) A young teen is bullied at school and decides he can’t take it anymore in this affecting music video of The Hidden Cameras’ song.

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Philadelphia QFEST2013

Out in the Dark

Sexual Tension: Violetas

Sunday, July 14 • 7:00 • Ritz East Theater 2 Tuesday, July 16 • 5:15 • Ritz at the Bourse

Monday, July 15 • 7:15 • Ritz at the Bourse

Philadelphia Premiere Israel, USA 2012, 96 min

Exploring the art of seduction between two women through six very different, incredibly sexy stories, Sexual Tension: Violetas is an assured lesbian classic in the making.

East Coast Premiere Argentina 2013, 94 min

Brimming with intensity and compassion, Out in the Dark follows two men – one Israeli and one Palestinian – who risk everything for love on the West Bank.

Simply brilliant, the debut feature from director Michael Mayer centers on race and sexuality when a young, affluent, and ambitious Palestinian grad student and a Jewish lawyer fall in love. The adorable Nimr (Nicolas Jacob) crosses the border to study and occasionally to meet his friends at a gay nightclub in Tel Aviv.

One night, he is introduced to the handsome and wealthy Roy (Michael Aloni) and instant attraction. While Tel Aviv is ostensibly more accepting of Palestinians being present, Nimr’s homeland is not. He struggles to keep the peace with his Muslim family, especially his brother who is now a member of a radical extremist organization. Despite being surrounded by all of these weighty and sometimesdangerous obstacles, the budding couple cannot help but fall immensely in love.

Everything comes to a gripping head, and Nimr is forced to choose between the life he dreamed or Roy. From the opening scene to the final frame, Out in the Dark is a timely and poignant film that should not be missed! (Hebrew, Arabic with English subtitles) —Kelly Burkhardt Director: Michael Mayer Cast: Nicholas Jacob, Michael Aloni, Jameel Khouri, Alon Pdut Screenwriters: Michael Mayer, Yael Shafrir Producers: Michael Mayer, Lihu Roter Cinematographer: Ran Aviad Editor: Maria Gonzales Print Source: M-Appeal

Imagine you drift off to sleep on a hot summer’s day and begin to dream of women. These 6 stories from Argentina take you to that dream state as sexual tensions heighten and swell in the South American heat. Sexual Tensions: Violetas is a series of six vignettes from Argentina. Reminiscent of early fantasy films like Ciara, these erotic tales offer unexpected twists and turns centering around sexual desire.

Some are naughty, some are nice. The stories include one about a journey to a youth hostel, where a missed train forces two guests to share a room; a shopper gets the personalized kind of service rarely found in retail; family ties get twisted; a passion for films brings out a passion between two women in the ladies room; and in a touching turn, two escorts follow the clients instructions and discover a different kind of intimacy. (Spanish with English subtitles) —Suzi Nash Directors: Marco Berger, Marcelo Mónaco Cast: Ana LucÍa Antony, Candela GarcÍa RedÍn, Pedro Jover, SofÍa Romano, Violeta SinaÍ, Giselle Motta Screenwriters: Marco Berger, Marcelo Mónaco Producers: Didier Costet, Derek Curl Cinematographers: Pedro Alvarez, Daniela Ribadeneira Editors: Francisco Bendomir, Marco Berger, Marcelo Mónaco Print Source: TLA Releasing

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69

Silent Youth

Solo

Wednesday, July 17 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 2 Saturday, July 20 • 12:15 • Ritz at the Bourse

Saturday, July 13 • 7:15 • Ritz at the Bourse Sunday, July 14 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 2

Philadelphia Premiere Germany 2012, 73 min

World Premiere Argentina 2013, 76 min

In this quiet, observational romance, two socially-awkward young men meet on the streets of Berlin and begin a cautious love affair while learning to open up.

Two young men in Buenos Aires meet and begin an erotic, intimate relationship but secrets from their past are revealed, threatening their love in this taut Argentinean drama.

Infectiously sweet, with beautiful cinematography and compellingly natural performances, Silent Youth is a film about a young man who feels locked inside his own mind, but finds a new love who may hold the key to his emotional freedom.

Marlo (Martin Bruchmann), a melancholy dreamer, travels to Berlin to visit a friend and ends up spending most of his time wandering around the city streets, lost in his thoughts. He has a chance encounter with Kirill (Josef Mattes), a likeminded youngster who wears battle scars from a recent run-in with a group of homophobic thugs. A cautious, but complimentary relationship begins to develop.

Where Marlo is shy and reserved, Kirill is extroverted and seemingly honest to a fault. At first, Marlo just seems happy to have found a new friend, but the more Kirill opens up, the more intrigued (and confused) Marlo becomes about how their relationship should proceed. Writer/director Diemo Kemmesies keeps the plot simple and the pace casual while ratcheting up the romantic tension during quiet, observational moments. His camera lingers on these two subtly charming characters during their most awkward silences, as they try to work up the courage to embrace one another fully. Slow and careful, but never boring, Silent Youth has a lot of offer those who enjoy watching honest human interaction unfold on screen. When these adorable misfits finally do come out with their feelings, the scene is all the more heartwarming thanks to the refreshingly casual moments that have preceded it. (German with English subtitles) —Rob O’Neill

In recent years, Argentina has become a hot bed of LGBT filmmaking, and that reputation only gets stronger with this sexy, romantic and uncomfortably chilling tale of love and deception from first time director Marcelo Briem Stamm.

Handsome middle class Manuel (Patrico Ramos), hurt by his previous relationship and bored being alone, meets Julio (Mario Veron), a rugged, lonely, unemployed young man in a chat room. The two eventually meet up in person and the sexual spark is quickly ignited. And while sex is satisfying and frequent, it is their collective problems with intimacy, trust and the fear of being hurt that make them hesitant to commit fully. As their relationship develops, both reveal secrets from their past but these revelations might be real, imagined or outright lies. Who is being truthful, who is real, and who truly loves the other? All is revealed in this romantic, passionate drama/thriller that offers a shocking, strangely satisfying conclusion. (Spanish with English subtitles) —RM

Director: Diemo Kemmesies Cast: Martin Bruchmann, Josef Mattes, Linda Schuele, Mathias Neubert Screenwriter: Diemo Kemmesies Producer: Hannes Hirsch Cinematographer: Albrecht von Grünhagen Editor: Diemo Kemmesies Print Source: aug&ohr medien

Director: Marcelo Briem Stamm Cast: Patricio Ramos, Mario Verón, Carlos Echevarría, Laura Agorreca, Mike Zubi Screenwriter: Marcelo Briem Stamm Producers: Derek Curl, Didier Costet Cinematographer: Pedro Alvarez Editor: Mariano De Rosa Print Source: TLA Releasing

Program includes the short:

A Backside Approach (Israel, 2012, 9 min, Nimrod Rinot) Over-the-top comedy about a gay couple and a condom getting lost in one of their asses.

Program includes the short:

The American

(France, 2012, 19 min, Jim Le) A chance encounter unexpectedly leads to an unlikely friendship when a young, reserved Parisian takes in a mysterious American backpacker for a few days.

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Philadelphia QFEST2013

Soongava - Dance of the Orchids

Two Mothers

Sunday, July 21 • 4:30 • Ritz at the Bourse

Zwei Mütter

Philadelphia Premiere France, Nepal 2012, 85 min

Friday, July 12 • 5:15 • Ritz at the Bourse Wednesday, July 17 • 7:00 • Ritz at the Bourse

An aspiring dancer falls in love with her best female friend in this, the first Nepali feature to deal with same-sex relationships. Beautiful dance sequences and exotically unfamiliar locales highlight director Subarna Thapa’s groundbreaking romance.

Young, beautiful and graceful, twenty-two-year-old Diya is training hard to become a traditional Nepalese dancer. Kiran, her best friend, loves to watch Diya perform and isn’t shy about her desirous feelings for her. But there’s a hitch. Diya’s wealthy and traditional family have found a good match for her and have already promised her hand to a stranger. Torn between loyalty to her family and the passionate feelings she has for Kiran, Diya is faced with a choice. The decision she makes flies in the face of local morals and traditions, and exposes the two women to very real danger from a family member. Reminiscent of Deepa Mehta’s Fire, Soongava – Dance of the Orchids, is a boldly-crafted, sensuous and tension-filled film that serves as a sharp reminder that there are still places in the world where we have a long way to go to uphold and protect people who dare to live the life they want. (Nepali with English subtitles) —Carol Coombes and Kelly Burkhardt Director: Subarna Thapa Cast: Deeya Maskey, Nisha Adhikari, Saugat Malla, Bashundara Bhushal Screenwriter: Subarna Thapa Producers: Rapsodie Production, Ami films, Cité films Cinematographer: Sara Cornu Editor: Sylvie Gadmer Print Source: Laurence Berbon

Philadelphia Premiere Germany 2013, 75 min

A deep and intimate character study, Two Mothers chronicles a fervent lesbian couple as they pursue unorthodox measures to start a family.

Based on true-life experiences, writer/director Anne Zohra Berrached has created an honest and poignant portrayal that same-sex couples go through to become pregnant. Katja (Sabine Wolf) and Isabella (Karina Plachetka) are deeply in love and enjoy their lifestyle to the fullest, but Isabella’s biological clock is ticking loudly. Since both women are in their late 30’s and ready to move their impassioned relationship to another level, the duo embarks on a complex and financially draining journey to find the right sperm. As months pass by and they face a dwindled bank account, Katja presses to stop and Isa refuses. Then they meet a donor who has fathered 20 children in three years, causing everything to come to a dramatic conclusion. Packed with thought-provoking writing, Berrached’s proficient direction of the nonprofessional cast, and the mesmerizing chemistry between the two protagonists, Two Mothers is truly a stand out. (German with English subtitles) —Kelly Burkhardt Director: Anne Zohra Berrached Cast: Karina Plachetka , Sabine Wolf Screenwriter: Anne Zohra Berrached Producer: Cosima Maria Degler Cinematographer: Friede Clausz Editor: Denys Darahan Print Source: Artsploitaiton Films

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72

Philadelphia QFEST2013

Unbitten

It Had to be You

Queeradelphia

Saturday, July 20 • 7:15 • Ritz at the Bourse

Friday, July 19 • 7:00 • Ritz at the Bourse

East Coast Premiere USA 2013, 97 min

Shorts Program • 80 min

Following the intertwined stories of six different characters, local director Lary Campbell shines a spotlight on the Philly Gayborhood in this thoughtful and highly ambitious micro-budget drama.

Always a popular program year after year at QFest! Whether you are saying goodbye to a misguided friend, rising above a toxic relationship, picking out the perfect mattress or understanding the importance of a kiss, Queeradelphia is an exciting collection of short films that highlight veteran and emerging filmmakers from the City of Brotherly Love. —Rob O’Neill/Kelly Burkhardt

Filmed entirely in Philly, with a cast of local actors, It Had to Be You covers important themes - substance abuse, religion, family, coming out at work, living with HIV - while weaving together the stories of six different characters who float in and out of each other’s lives. Debbie (Robin Jarrett) is a tough-as-nails cop trying to overcome a drinking problem while rekindling a romance with Mira (Uma Devi), a doctor who just finished her residency. Debbie’s partner Gabe (Gerald Prince), is a very masculine gay officer who is still in the closet when it comes to his co-workers. After several secret flings with married men, Gabe is looking for a more serious relationship. He starts seeing an old flame named Robert (Matt Nicholas), a successful, HIV positive doctor who just happens to mentor and work alongside Debbie’s potential girlfriend Mira. Gabe and Robert have a great connection, but the circumstances surrounding an affair they had in the past - plus Gabe’s reluctance to admit his homosexuality in public - may draw a wedge between them. Meanwhile, Robert’s young nephew Steven (Tommy Sztubinski), a community activist, starts up a passionate sexual relationship with Peter (Matt Watkins), a closeted Catholic priest. Written and directed by Lary Campbell, a Philadelphia nurse making his feature-length debut, It Had to Be You is a passion project with a lot of heart. Plus, it’s a whole lot of fun to see local hangouts like Tavern on Camac and Westbury up on the big screen! —Rob O’Neill Director: Lary Campbell Cast: Matt Nicholas, Gerald Prince, Ramón Licairac, Robin Jarrett, Tommy Sztubinski, Uma Devi, Matt Watkins Screenwriter: Lary Campbell Producer: Lary Campbell Cinematographer: Campbell McCollion Editor: Lary Campbell Print Source: JPC Productions, LLC

The Night I Died (USA, 2013, 7 min, Cristof Lombard) Philly native Christof Lombard helms this dark and cerebral low-budget short about two lovers whose lives have been destroyed by their mutual addiction to drugs.

Spooners (USA, 2013, 13 min, Bryan R. Horch) After convincing his husband to retire their lumpy, old futon, Nelson is forced to come out in a spectacular way while shopping for a new bed at Drowzy’s Mattress World. This charming comedy was directed by former Philadelphian Bryan Horch.

Unbitten (USA, 2013, 19 min, Daniel Magro) Shot entirely in Bucks County with an allPhilly cast, Unbitten is a crazy supernatural comedy that features three vegan vampires, one stoner water nymph, two evil sorcerers and a mansion lease in limbo.

Sexy (USA, 2013, 10 min, Danielle Erwin) Relationships can be tricky, but not to Dana and Sunni who have a newfound commitment to each other except when they disagree on “showing” how deep their love is.

Cool (USA, 2013, 21 min, Danielle Erwin) The adorable Joy is stuck in a horrible rut - school, work and abusive girlfriend - but then she meets Rayvn who helps put things into perspective, and gives her the courage to get her life back on track.

Lucy, 4:57 PM (USA, 2013, 10 min, Michael Vassallo) It’s the last day of school and rebellious teenager Lucy is excitedly waiting for her beautiful photography teacher Sheila to show up and take her away from her boring suburban world.

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PHILLY-CENTRIC

The Way to Kevin

Where I Am

Sunday, July 21 • 4:30 • Ritz East Theater 2

Friday, July 12 • 7:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Friday, July 19 • 5:15 • Ritz East Theater 1

USA 2013, 61 min

A touching, revelatory documentary about Philadelphia native Kevin Mines, a mime, minister and porn star. His personal journey through these contradictory rows makes for a fascinating story.

North Philly native Kevin Mines has one very original personal resume: a church minister, singer, mime, businessman and gay porn star. This fascinating documentary focuses on this handsome, articulate young man with a killer smile – a person who, in the surface, is a man in conflict – a deeply religious man who is unapologetic about being gay, or about his adult film work. Guided through various churches of North Philly, and with interviews with his pastor, mother, friends and lover, we explore this exceptional person. The touching portrait is about hope and acceptance of who you are. —RM Directors: Erin Davis, Nathan Edmondson Cast: Kevin Mines Screenwriters: Erin Davis, Nathan Edmondson Producer: Jim Dattilo Cinematographers: Erin Davis, Nathan Edmondson Editors: Erin Davis, Nathan Edmondson Print Source: Reel 9 Productions

Program includes the short:

Finding Me the Series: Minisode (USA, 2013, 13 min, Roger Omeus Jr) From the makers of Finding Me and Finding Me: Truth comes this webisode which is a tease for the 75 minute series to be out on DVD later this summer. This multi-character dramady by Roger Omeus offers a glimpse of the romantic and emotional entagements of a group of young men as they attempt to navigate the rapids of love.

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East Coast Premiere USA, Ireland 2013, 70 min

With a powerful stroke, Pamela Drynan’s documentary Where I Am is an inspirational tale of the unparalleled struggle and ultimate triumph of Philadelphia gay writer Robert Drake.

Enthralling yet harrowing, Where I Am plays out like a Greek tragedy filled with a brutal hate crime, a long, tortuous journey and ultimate forgiveness. It’s been more than twelve years since prolific novelist Robert Drake (“The Gay Canon”) was viciously gay-bashed and left for dead one night in the sleepy town of Sligo, Ireland.

As he lay in a hospital bed, unable to speak or attend the court proceedings, Drake was painted as a predator, but ultimately his attackers were convicted and given the maximum sentence of eight years in prison. Meanwhile Robert is flown back to Philadelphia where he began the excruciating road to recovery. A decade has gone by and Robert nervously returns to the scene of the crime in Ireland with his longtime caretaker Butch Cordora, with the cameras capturing the raw emotion of it all. What makes this film so special is that this inspring story brilliantly unfolds through Drake’s eloquent recounting. While physically limited, Robert reveals his forgiveness and has unquestionably accepted that this is the life he was destined to live. —Kelly Burkhardt Director: Pamela Drynan Cast: Robert Drake, Butch Cordoba Screenwriter: Pamela Drynan Producer: Pamela Drynan Cinematographers: Ross Keith, Richard Kendrick Editor: Janice Toomey Print Source: Subotica Ltd

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74

Philadelphia QFEST2013

Fall to Grace

The Battle of amfAR

Fall to Grace / The Battle of amfAR Saturday, July 20 • 2:15 • Ritz East Theater 1

Fall to Grace USA 2012, 48 min

In this pairing of two thought-provoking documentaries, The Battle of AmfAR and Fall to Grace, three exceptional individuals utilize their fame and media savviness to positively impact people’s lives.

For Jim McGreevey, Aug. 12, 2004 was, in his words, “a train wreck.” That was the day the New Jersey governor announced his resignation from office amidst scandal and declared himself “a Gay American.” Now, nearly a decade later, Emmy® award winning Alexandra Pelosi catches up with McGreevey as he spends his time working with, and ministering to, women in New Jersey’s penal system. Given a second chance at life, he’s also studying to become an Episcopal priest. —Carol Coombes Director: Alexandra Pelosi Print Source: HBO Documentary Films

The Battle of amfAR USA 2013, 40 min

Two women from very different walks of life: Dr. Mathilde Krim, a New York based scientist, and Elizabeth Taylor, a Hollywood icon, unite to take a stand in this extraordinary story about the launch of the country’s first AIDS research foundation. Directed by long-time collaborators and two-time Academy Award®-winners Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman. —Carol Coombes Directors: Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman Print Source: HBO Documentary Films

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THE DOCUMENTARY TRADITION

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Before You Know It

Born This Way

Saturday, July 20 • 2:30 • Ritz at the Bourse Monday, July 22 • 6:00 • Ritz at the Bourse

Sunday, July 21 • 2:15 • Ritz at the Bourse

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 110 min

A group of activists fight for gay rights in Cameroon, where homosexual relations are subject to punishment by up to five years in prison and threats and harassment are common.

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 82 min

A powerful observational documentary that looks at a neglected segment of the LGBT community: its senior population. This film looks at three men in particular as they navigate the challenge of getting old in a youth culture.

1970s Philadelphia: if you were young and gay, most likely you hit the Spruce Street-area bars and discos, cruised the merry-go-round or ended up in Gay Acres for a friendly quickie. Sex was plentiful for those who sought it. But what has happened to all those devil-may-care revelers today? They have gotten old! And with aging, comes major changes to one’s world in this youth-obsessed queer culture.

This is where director PJ Raval’s powerful and thoughtful documentary takes aim: at older gay men and how they handle the challenge of aging. He focuses on three men in particular: there is Ty, a sixty-something African-American who works in a Harlem gay men’s health clinic, is an advocate for marriage equality, and is in a long-term relationship; there is Robert, a 73-year-old self-acknowledged loudmouth and Galveston Texas gay bar owner who, with family ties strained, creates his own; and 76-year-old Dennis, who, married to a woman for decades, did not come out until recently and even then remains closeted to his family and hides his love of cross-dressing secret. Just three individuals in a sea of LGBT seniors but all sharing the desire to find their own happiness in a not always embracing world.

—Tyler Pirner Director: PJ Raval Screenwriter: PJ Raval Producer: Sara Giustini, Cinematographer: Mike Simpson Editor: Kyle Henry Print Source: Grasshopper Productions

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Born This Way, the title inspired by Lady Gaga’s hit, takes on an ironic twist, in this shocking documentary about the dangers of being gay and the struggle for basic rights in Cameroon. For there, like most countries in Africa, homosexuality is illegal and the government has no qualms about persecuting individuals.

Cameroon annually ranks the highest for murders and deaths of gays of any nation in the world. The courageous documentary (even the shooting team experienced conditions much like guerilla warfare), profiles some subjects in shadowed light who are in peril for simply expressing who they are. Conflicts aren’t always external. Some gays and lesbians suffer internal strife over their religious beliefs, contradictory to their sexual identity, making it all the more challenging to resolve how, when, where and by whom they can bravely and honestly declare their loves and lifestyle. Despite the danger, oppression, threats of violence and death that permeates the air, there are those who still express moments of hope, passion, even humor, while being native-born citizens wishing to express loyalty and commitment to Cameroon, while dreaming of and working for tolerance and freedom in their future world. —Thom Cardwell Directors: Shaun Kadlec, Deb Tullmann Screenwriters: Shaun Kadlec, Deb Tullmann Producers: Shaun Kadlec, Deb Tullmann Cinematographers: Shaun Kadlec, Deb Tullmann Editor: Josh Peterson Print Source: The Film Collaborative

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Philadelphia QFEST2013

Breaking Through

Gore Vidal: the United States of Amnesia

Sunday, July 14 • 12:00 • Ritz at the Bourse Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 84 min

Riveting and triumphant, Breaking Through is a moving documentary that chronicles the many United States LGBT elected officials who courageously open up and tell their personal stories.

From the onset, this important documentary compellingly looks at the struggles, fear, victories and challenges that face LGBT elected officials from all levels of our government. Through deep and personal interviews rarely seen from politicians, director Cindy Abel delicately weaves together all of these trials and tribulations. Some had to deal with slander in the media, protests, or even death threats, but through it all each person has paved the way for all LGBT citizens.

Some inspirational highlights are the first out lesbian to be elected to the US Senate, Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), former US congressman Barney Frank, Ft Worth City Councilman Joel Burns whose acceptance speech referencing the bullying he endured in high school reached over 2.5 million hits on YouTube, and Judge Phyllis Frye who is the first transgendered judge in the US. Rarely seen in politics, these LGBT leaders reveal their personal fears, shame and family conflicts and still rose above all of the muck to work effectively to get the job done. Inspirational as well as poignant, the overarching message of Breaking Through is that these LGBT elected officials give us hope that anything is possible.

Post Screening Panel Discussion: Join several LGBT political leaders in Philadelphia including Gloria Casarez (Director, Office of LGBT Affairs at City of Philadelphia) and Rudy Flesher (Sims4PA PAC) immediately following the screening of Breaking Through as they discuss Philadelphia and PA’s LGBT political spectrum. —Kelly Burkhardt Director: Cindy L. Abel Cast: Tammy Baldwin, Barney Frank, Kathy Webb Screenwriter: Cindy L. Abel Producers: Cindy L. Abel, Kenneth Britt, Barbara Rubin Cinematographer: Michael Bruno Editor: Michael Bruno Print Source: Atlantos Moon

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Saturday, July 13 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 1 Sunday, July 14 • 12:15 • Ritz East Theater 1 Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 89 min

The life and world of Gore Vidal, one of the wittiest and opinonated authors and commentators of the 20th century, is revealed in this hugely entertaining documentary that was a smash hit when it premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Author, essayist, critic, political commentator, and an openly gay man when few were out, Gore Vidal, who died last July, was an exceptionally brilliant man, and he makes for a thoroughly entertaining, witty and revealing subject in this fastpaced documentary. Raised in a privileged and politically connected household, Vidal’s first scandal was to write what is considered America’s first gay novel in 1948 (“The City and the Pillar”) an act that had him banned from The New York Times Review of Books for years. He continued to write popular historical novels (“Julian”, “Burr,” “Lincoln”), was a screenwriter (Caligula, Ben-Hur) and authored the trashy pulp classic “Myra Breckenridge.” But for most Americans he was known as the witty, at times bitingly sarcastic guest of countless TV shows (“I never miss a chance to have sex or appear on television.”) where he slung stinging bonmots like a reincarnated Oscar Wilde. This film crams amazing amounts of biographical information, along with interviews with an elderly Vidal, commentary from his friends and contemporaries, and several priceless TV excerpts into one narrative. —RM Director: Nicholas Wrathall Cast: Gore Vidal, Christopher Hitchens, Tim Robbins, Sting, Bob Scheer, Jay Parini, Nina Straight, Burr Steers, Jodie Evans Screenwriter: Nicholas Wrathall Producer: Nicholas Wrathall Cinematographers: Derek Wiesenhahn, Joel Schwartzberg, Armando De’ath Editors: Suresh Ayaar, William Haugse, Rob Bralver, Derek Boonstra Print Source: Nicholas D. Wrathall

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THE DOCUMENTARY TRADITION

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The Invisible Men Tuesday, July 16 • 9:15 • Ritz at the Bourse Philadelphia Premiere Israel 2012, 68 min

I Am Divine

A heartrending portrait of persecution and discrimination, this documentary profiles imperiled gay Palestinians who flee to Israel in hopes of one day freely expressing their sexual and national identity.

Friday, July 19 • 9:45 • Ritz East Theater 1 Sunday, July 21 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 1 USA 2013, 86 min

A wildly entertaining and loving look at one of film’s most iconic and memorable performers: Divine.

The indie film world (and gay America) was forever changed when chubby Baltimore misfit Harris Glenn Milstead met scrawny aspiring filmmaker John Waters. With John behind the camera and Glen, now transformed into Divine, an exceedingly large, outrageously attired, almost demonic drag queen in front of it, the two would rewrite American cult cinema. Divine’s persona exploded on the screen where she ferociously played many unforgettable roles including the pot-smoking misunderstood teen hippie Diane in the short “The Diane Linkletter Story” (check it out on YouTube), the gun-toting, son-blowing, dog shit-eating Babs Johnson (“the filthiest person in the world”) in Pink Flamingos, was raped by a gigantic lobster in Multiple Maniacs and was the unrepentant murderous teen delinquent Dawn Davenport in Female Trouble. A toned down Divine then slyly invaded Middle America as put-upon suburban housewife Francine Fishpaw who finds love in the arms of Tab Hunder in Polyester and the hair-rollers and housecoat-wearing mother in Hairspray. This rousing, loving tribute to this iconic gay man is filled with hilarious footage from many of her films, touching interviews with family, friends and co-workers, and features footage of her time when she was with the Cockettes, live performances (“Women Behind Bars”) and several of her disco singing performances. All-in-all, an eye-opening look at a larger-than-life American original. —RM

And incredible, riveting, emotional documentary, The Invisible Men tells the untold story of persecuted gay Palestinians who have run away from their families and are now hiding illegally in Tel Aviv. Their stories are told through the film’s heroes: Louie, 32 years old, a gay Palestinian who has been hiding in Tel Aviv for the past 8 years; Abdu, 24 years old, who was exposed as gay in Ramallah and then accused of espionage and tortured by Palestinian security forces; Faris, 23 years old, who escaped to Tel Aviv from the West Bank after his family tried to kill him. Their only chance for survival and an open life is to seek asylum outside Israel and Palestine and leave their homelands forever behind. Winner of the 2012 Frameline Award for Outstanding Documentary Feature. (Hebrew, English, Arabic with English subtitles) —Tyler Pirner Director: Yariv Mozer Screenwriters: Yariv Mozer, Adam Rosner Producers: Hila Aviram, Gertjan Langeland Editor: Yasmine Novack Print Source: Journeymen Pictures

Director: Jeffrey Schwartz Cast: Divine, John Waters, Ricki Lake, Jackie Beat, Sue Lowe, Bebe Zahara Benet, Frances Milstead, David DeCoteau, Pat Moran, Dennis Dermody, Michael Musto, Brian Entler aka Lady Bear, John Epperson aka Lypsinka, Mink Stole Producers: Lotti Pharriss Knowles, Lance Robertson, Jon Glover Editor: Phillip J. Bartell Print Source: The Film Collaborative

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Philadelphia QFEST2013

Lesbiana: A Parallel Revolution

Married and Counting

Lesbiana- Une Révolution parallèle

Sunday, July 21 • 12:00 • Ritz at the Bourse

Tuesday, July 16 • 7:15 • Ritz at the Bourse

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 93 min

Philadelphia Premiere Canada-USA 2012, 63 min

Lesbiana: A Parallel Revolution revisits lesbian/feminist activists of the ‘70s and ‘80s and their revolutionary efforts to create a women-centered community.

Evocative and bold while often times heartwarming, this fascinating documentary follows filmmaker Myriam Fougère as she chronicled the lesbian colonies during the mid-1980s and again twenty-five-years later. From political rallies to music festivals to art happenings, Fougère trekked from Montreal to Texas with various stops along the way. She interviewed a vivacious and diverse group of dykes – writers, artists, activists, and separatists – who took part in profound women-only spaces. Besides the charming personalities, this documentary is flush with wonderful archival imagery that truly captures the heart and soul of these trailblazers.

While the lesbian separatist movement could be considered a small microcosm of that decades earlier climate, there are prevalent similarities that motivate today’s queer activists making LESBIANA: A Parallel Revolution important viewing for those who want to revel in the past and those who fight for the future. (English, French with English subtitles) —Kelly Burkhardt Director: Myriam Fougère Cast: Jackie Anderson, Suzanne Boisvert, Nicole Brossard, Crow Cohen, Glo Daley, Lin Daniels Screenwriters: Pauline Voisard, Myriam Fougère Producers: Myriam Fougère, Pauline Voisard Cinematographer: Myriam Fougère Editor: Myriam Fougère Print Source: Groupe Intervention Vidéo (GIV)

In this award-winning documentary narrated by George Takei, “Equal parts love story and political protest” - Time, two men celebrate 25 years together traveling the country getting married in every state where gay marriage is legal.

Gay marriage is one of the hottest political and social topics in America today.

This sweet, romantic and tender film narrated by George Takei (“Star Trek”) captures one couple’s decision to act. New Yorkers Pat and Stephen have been together for nearly 25 years (statistically longer than most straight marriages), but in the eyes of the law in New York state, they are no more than two single men. So they decide to celebrate their love by going on a road trip “wedding tour,” getting married and re-married in every state that allows same sex marriage. Along the way, they find acceptance from strangers, rejection from loved ones, and discover that no distance is too far to go to declare that their marriage counts. The services include one pantheist (Vermont), one Jewish (Iowa) and one ending on on the Supreme Court steps (District of Columbia) on their 25th anniversary. “One of the most relevant, heart-felt and timely documentaries of the year... A brilliant gem” -Huffington Post —Tyler Pirner Director: Allan Piper Cast: Pat Dwyer, Stephen Mosher, George Takei Screenwriter: Allan Piper Producer: Allan Piper Cinematographer: Allan Piper Editor: Allan Piper Print Source: Allan Pipe

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Mr. Angel Wednesday, July 17 • 9:15 • Ritz at the Bourse Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 68 min

Mr. Angel chronicles the extraordinary life of transgender advocate, educator and porn star, Buck Angel. Buck has survived addiction, homelessness, suicide and relentless opposition to his gender expression.

Still, he lives his truth without compromise or apology.

As provocative as it is endearing, Mr. Angel follows porn pioneer Buck Angel as he crisscrosses the globe telling his life story of struggle, triumph and sexual identity. The self-proclaimed “man with a vagina” has gone from super model to homeless drug addict to building a niche empire to outspoken advocate. Shot over six years, this controversial individual with the word “pervert” tattooed across his back seems to be portrayed as the foul-mouthed, cigar-chomping daddy who has built an empire of transmale adult films. However, Hunt’s voyeuristic camera captures those important charming moments like Buck being tangled in a gaggle of dogs, spending time with his charismatic wife Elayne and the eye-opening and emotional interview with his reserved parents. It is here that Buck’s advocacy of breaking society’s pre-determined gender and identity reigns loud and clear. Mr. Angel really is not a film about the most prominent transmen; rather, it’s story about universal love and acceptance for all. —Kelly Burkhardt Director: Dan Hunt Cast: Buck Angel, Lux Alptraum. Elayne Angel Producer: Dan Hunt Cinematographers: Buck Angel, Dan Hunt Editors: Janet W. Baus, Dan Hunt Print Source: Pearl Wolf Productions LLC

Program includes the short:

Deflated (USA, 2012, 5 min, Dustin Shroff) A young boy has a small gender crisis in, of all places, the aisles of a discount super-store. He wants to buy a big pink bouncy ball, but fears that his father may think less of him because of the color.

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Philadelphia QFEST2013

The New Black

Romeo Romeo

Saturday, July 13 • 4:45 • Ritz at the Bourse

Thursday, July 18 • 7:00 • Ritz East Theater 2

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 74 min

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 76 min

The New Black is a documentary that uncovers the complicated histories of the African-American and LGBT civil-rights movements.

Romeo Romeo is an intimate portrait of a modern marriage. Lexy and Jessica’s story and their struggle is at once heartbreaking and funny, landing them in circumstances they never could have imagined. The outcome surprises us all.

Packed with compassion, protest and abomination, the explosive new documentary from Yoruba Richen (The Promise Land) examines the turbulent topic of same-sex marriage within the African-American community. Set during Maryland’s elections in 2012, this gifted documentarian captures the opinions from those for and those against same-sex marriage. From churches to barbershops to kitchen tables to picket lines, a core group of volunteers and activists remind folks about the importance of the black voice being heard on this issue. However, a strong undercurrent emerges that examines homophobia and racism within the black community and how the political agenda of the Christian right steeps into the debate in the name of God. Motivated by the accusations that the African American voters were blamed for Proposition 8 in 2008, Richen skillfully illustrates the complexities and truths within an impassioned community making The New Black a film not to be missed even after the Supreme Court’s decision. —Kelly Burkhardt Director: Yoruba Richen Screenwriter: Yoruba Richen Producers: Yvonne Welbon, Angela Tucker Cinematographer: Yoruba Richen Editor: Yoruba Richen Print Source: Promised Land Film

Program includes the short:

The Closest Thing to Heaven (Canada, 2013, 9 min, Ryan Bruce Levey) This touching documentary follows two men who met when they were young and married in 2008 on their 25th anniversary. Sadly, three years into their marriage, one of the men died shortly after his 50th birthday. The Closest Thing to Heaven is an uplifting celebration of a life well lived.

Romeo, Romeo is an intimate portrait of a modern same-sex marriage, and the quest for two likeable women, Lexy and Jessica, to have a child. While Jessica has no desire to get pregnant, her partner Lexy has always wanted to have a baby.

Totally committed to each other, they spend their entire life savings shopping for sperm online. But often times the best thought-out plans can go awry. Lexy’s efforts to get pregnant turn out to be much more arduous and complicated than the couple could have anticipated. While the growth of the lesbian baby boom has given many women the sense that once they resolve their concerns about becoming parents, they are set and ready to go. In reality, there are almost seven million American women with infertility problems. Undeterred, ever hopeful and tenacious, Lexy and Jessica’s journey to conceive is heartbreaking, funny, and frequently lands them in circumstances could never could have imagined: involving artificial insemination, in-vitro fertilization, petri dishes for eggs, sperm, ovaries, follicles, innumerable pregnancy tests, and the inevitable turkey baster. How far would you go to build a family? —Carol Coombes Director: Lizzie Gottlieb Cast: Lexy Casano-Antonellis, Jessica Casano-Antonellis Screenwriter: Lizzie Gottlieb Producers: Lizzie Gottlieb, Eden Wurmfeld, Michael Young Cinematographers: Lizzie Gottlieb, Giuseppe De Angelis Editor: Giuseppe De Angelis Print Source: Young Love Productions

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THE DOCUMENTARY TRADITION

The Rugby Player

The Secret Disco Revolution

Saturday, July 20 • 5:00 • Ritz East Theater 2

Saturday, July 13 • 12:15 • Ritz at the Bourse Monday, July 15 • 9:30 • Ritz at the Bourse

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 80 min

A celebration of the life of Mark Bingham, one of men who stormed the cockpit of UA flight 93 on 9/11. Openly gay, Mark was a larger-than-life individual as this film, which pays special attention to his relationship with his mother, attests.

Mark Bingham, successful businessman and hard-living, hard-drinking openly gay man who was one of the passengers of United Flight 93 on 9/11 (and one who, with a small group stormed the cock pit) is the focus of this powerful documentary. Not a somber remembrance, instead it is a celebration of his life and his relationship with his mother, Alice Hoagland, a former United Airlines flight attendant. Athletic (he played on the san Francisco Fog rugby team) and outgoing, Mark’s life is inspiring and what he did on that tragic day propelled his mother to become an outspoken supporter of LGBT rights. It is a personal story of love, loss and what it means to be a hero. As a special treat, Alice Hoagland will introduce the screening and be on hand for a Q&A afterwards. —Tyler Pirner Director: Scott Gracheff Cast: Mark Bingham, Alice Hoagland. Screenwriter: Scott Gracheff Producers: Scott Gracheff, Chris Million, Holly Million Cinematographer: Chris Million Editor: Manuel Tsingaris Print Source: Marc Bingham Documentary LLC

The Rugby Player is Scott Gracheff’s debut.

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Philadelphia Premiere Canada 2012, 90 min

This hilariously mock-documentary uncovers the hidden agenda of disco but beneath the polyester, sequins and mannered movements and reverberated vocals is a revolutionary aim: to free gays, black and women from the clutches of heterosexual conformity!

Ah, DISCO, those old enough to remember (and admit to have partaken in its excesses) and those who have only listened to its pulsating music and eye-popping fashion nightmares, agree that you can’t take it seriously. So why should this documentary? Jamie Kastner’s hilarious film approaches the perennially derided subject with a mock-seriousness befitting a political-historical doc (the overlyserious narrator could very well be talking about the effects of napalm in Vietnam) and offers a theory that disco was a subtle form of training, that polyester was a uniform, that the movement was the formation of a secret army, and that underneath the vapid veneer was its true aim: the mass liberation of gays, blacks and women from the clutches of a conservative, rock-dominated world. There is mind-blowing footage of the oh-so wrong fashion, the dancing, the ubiquitous drugs and the penalty-free sex coupled with interviews from such disco luminaries such as The Village People; Gloria Gaynor; Kool and the Gang; Thelma Houston; KC and the Sunshine Band; The Trammps and Evelyn “Champagne” King. After a viewing you’ll never look at John Travolta, polyester or “Love to Love You Baby” the same way again! —RM Director: Jamie Kastner Cast: Alice Echols, Henri Belolo, Larry Harris, Michael Musto, Gloria Gaynor Screenwriter: Jamie Kastner Producer: Jamie Kastner Cinematographer: Derek Rogers Editor: Greg West Print Source: Required Viewing

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Philadelphia QFEST2013

TWO: The Story of Roman & Nyro Saturday, July 13 • 2:30 • Ritz East Theater 2

Undressing Israel: Gay Men in the Promised Land

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2013, 71 min

Sunday, July 14 • 2:15 • Ritz at the Bourse

A touching and sweeping look at a male couple and the family they create: form their two boys, their surrogate mother and the many relatives and friends who embrace them.

More than a simple story of two men who decide to have a child, this funny and involving documentary vividly charts the makings of a true modern American family. Together for over 22 years, top-40 song writer and music producer Desmond Child (who has written hits for Kiss, Joan Jett, Bon Jovi and others) and Curtis Shaw plan on having a child with their mutual friend Angela agreeing to be the surrogate mom. Twelve years of filming captures Angela’s pregnancy, the birth (twin boys it turns out), the reactions of Curtis and Desmond and even snippets of the boys childhood. And it is the two precocious boys who steal the show as the outgoing, wise-beyond his years Roman and his shyer but charming brother Nyro offer their innocent thoughts about their lives, their fathers and their relationships with an interestingly complex extended family of people. The boys are often hilarious in their comments on their family. The greatness of the film is that it does not sugar-coat the process – no, one watches as emotions erupt, tensions arise and complications and even fear of the unknown crop up but through the strength of the two men’s relationship and the love that spreads throughout, one witnesses the making of a 21st century family. —RM Director: Heather Winters Cast: Desmond Child, Curtis Shaw, Nyro Shaw Child, Roman Shaw Child, Jon Bon Jovi, Deepak Chopra Producers: Desmond Child, Curtis Shaw, Heather Winters Cinematographer: Dee Nichols Editor: Lennon Nersesian Print Source: Lennon Nersesian

Program includes the short:

The Commitment

Philadelphia Premiere Israel, USA 2012, 46 min

The always-controversial Michael Lucas has fashioned an eye-opening and surprisingly entertaining doc on being gay in the Holy Land.

When word got out that Michael Lucas - award-winning pornographer, gay icon, opinionated lightning rod - was planning to release a self-funded documentary on Israel, snickers and groans were heard ‘round the adult industry. The polaropposite-of-shy Mr. Lucas is well-known for his outspoken support of the Middle Eastern state, and many assumed the doc would merely be an extended commercial for his wildly successful porn Men of Israel. Once again proving his detractors wrong, Lucas has fashioned a surprisingly enlightening video essay on what is (as the film purports to show) one of the most gay-friendly and progressive places on earth. From Tel Aviv’s ever-expanding pulse-pounding nightlife and openly gay servicemen, to same-sex weddings and government support of children. The biggest problem viewers may have with the film is the constant distraction of both the locale itself and the interviewees’ sheer beauty. (English, Hebrew with English subtitles) —Erik Schut Director: Michael Lucas Screenwriters: Michael Lucas, Yariv Mozer Producer: Michael Lucas Cinematographer: Ziv Berkovich Editor: Amit Ginton Print Source: Michael Lucas

Program includes the short:

A Matter of Sex (Israel, 2012, 28 min, Michele Rapoport) Guy and Lior are about to bring a baby into the world with the help of a female couple who are looking for the same thing.

During this process, though, Guy starts going through a sexual identity crisis that could jeopardize the future of his family.

(USA, 2012, 20 min, Albert M. Chan) An interracial gay couple adopting a newborn baby meet the pregnant Asian birthmother and receive a surprise that threatens the relationship.

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Pride is Nice.

Equality is Better

NOW! Marriage Equality is a Basic Human and Civil Right.

Valentine Road Sunday, July 14 • 4:45 • Ritz East Theater 1 Philadelphia Premiere USA 2012, 88 min

In 2008, eighth-grader Brandon McInerney shot classmate Larry King at point blank range. Unraveling this tragedy from point of impact, the film reveals the heartbreaking circumstances that led to the shocking crime as well as its startling aftermath.

On February 12, 2008, in Oxnard, California, 14-year old Brandon McInerney shot a 15-year-old fellow student, Lawrence “Larry” King, inside a school computer lab. When Larry died two days later, his murder shocked the nation and galvanized the LGBT community. Was this a hate crime, perpetrated by a budding neo-Nazi whose masculinity was threatened by an effeminate gay kid who had taken to wearing makeup and high heeled boots to school? Retaliation for unwanted playground flirting? Something more complex? Returning to the school, long after the media have left, filmmaker Martha Cunningham interviews family, friends, teachers and classmates, as well as their attorneys, law enforcement official, jurors and mental health professionals, in an attempt to understand the lead up-to the deadly incident. The film’s two chief protagonists Larry and Brandon couldn’t be more different although they both came from broken homes and had suffered lives of abuse and neglect. Valentine Road is an outrageous crime that will shake you to the core, we have to stop and consider how can we help kids like Brandon and Larry before tragedies like this happen again? —Carol Coombes

Best wishes for a festive and enjoyable PRIDE Parade!

Director: Marta Cunningham Producers: Marta Cunningham, Sasha Alpert, Eddie Schmidt Cinematographer: Arlene Nelson Editors: Tchavdar Georgiev, Yana Gorskaya Print Source: Film Collaborative

JJIM IM

K ENNEY COUNCILMAN AT-LARGE

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QFEST STAFF QFest Feature Programmers Kelly Burkhardt, Carol Coombes, Raymond Murray QFest Shorts Programmers........... Suzi Nash, Rob O’Neil QFest “Road Strip” Programmer...................... Erik Schut QFest Screening Committee Dudley Best, James Houck, Mario DiMaio, Robert Moran, Larry Peterson QFest Trailer & Tributes....... Hoop Skirt Productions, Inc.

Artistic Director......................................Raymond Murray Managing Director . ................................ Carol Coombes Director of Development.......................... Thom Cardwell

Ritz Landmark Theatres Tom Beddow, Lisa Bunnell, Bill Giliotti, Lisa Laydon, Shawn Knowles, Joanne Pizzi, Sara Slack Senior Video Projectionist......................... David Burgess

Creative Director.............................................. Eric Moore

Video Projectionists Eriq Ellixson, Daniel Pizza, Jennifer Schlegel

Director of Production.................................. Claire Kohler

Volunteer Coordinator....................Alila Cornelius Jordan

Assistant Director of Production ............. Duncan Busser

Technologies........ Brian Jones, Dan Maloney, Tony Nuth

Community Outreach & Ticketing Manager................................Jennifer Bendik

Web Design.................................................... John Smith

Director of Media Relations Megan Smith, Brownstone P.R. Co-Media Directors Samantha Bucher, Padraic Maroney Event Coordinators Darian Cargile, Stephanie Cracolici

Philadelphia Cinema Alliance Board of Directors Courtney Custer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President James Duffy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer

Film Booker.....................................Jennifer Arndt-Johns

Claire Kohler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary

Financial/Accounting Staff........ Jo Borasky, John Chong

Ian Opitz (Student Member), Derek Curl,

Guest Travel Coordinator................. Sarah Levin-Lederer

Keith Brand, Thom Cardwell (ex-officio)

Head of Jurors.............................................Brian Gannon Photographers.................Patrick Hagerty, Gail Kamenish Print Traffic.............................................. Carol Coombes Program Cover Design...... Brian McManus, Gary Swarer Program Design and Graphics........................ Eric Moore Program Guide Editors Travis Crawford, Norval Copeland, Craig Bailey Program Guide Sponsorships & Advertising Sales.................................. Thom Cardwell

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 19th 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 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.

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We areWe’re powered volunteers!8585 Bruce Alburger, Nick Allin, Craig Alner, Mark Bacher, John Barrett, Seonne Baylor, Joe Billingsley, Steve Brando, Jeff Burger, Gershon Cattan, Jesse Delaney, Ray Duvall, Tom Eagan, Nancy Fazio, Michael Gary, Stephanie Gillen, Juan Gonzalez, Emily Hakkinen, Rob Hall, Tracey Heckstall, Marianne Iorio, Billy James, Daryel Jarman, Dennis Johnson, Brian Jones, Leora Jones, John Joyce, Darren Joyner, Tom Kenney, Mollie (Boom Boom) Kohler, Jay Jay Kovaks, Samatha Krotzer, Rich Krutz, Kellie Lamoreau, Bryon Lee, Justin Lee, Greg Ludwig, Bob Lutzick, John Lyons, Val

Mack, Carlene Majorino, Jeff Meadows, Javier Mojica, M.P. Moon, Carrie Mumber, Vita Myers, Onat Negiz, Sara Neidorf, Martel Neville, David Nose, Joe Orr, Sal Patrone, VaNia Payne, Lorianne Porcellini, Chris Prendergast, Melissa Puchek, Anne Reedstrom, Richard Ross, Wayne Robinson, Nicholle Robinson, Raegan Sawyer, David Shengold, Courtney Schisselbauer, Mark Silber, Alex Simafranca, Joseph Stegemerten, Bonnie Strahs, Dan Tharp, Christine Tirrell, Tahirah Turner, Yulia Volin, Laura Wesolowski, Michele Williams, Saad Zain, Findlay Zotter

Special Thanks To: Alila Cornelius-Jordan, Volunteer Coordinator Les Anders, Phyllis Bailey, Tony Campbell, Pearl Carpel, Jeffrey Cheng, William Clinton, Carole Cornelius, Liam Dacey, Jason Friel Wall, Jimmy Friel Wall, Patrick Hagerty, Jeff Jenne, John Joyce, Thomas Kenny, Byron Lee, Asia Moore, Lisa Poe, Suzanne Rosin, Shawn Walsh Guest Services: Duncan Busser, Jessy Murray, Dave Smith, Dan Tharp, P.J. Walking, Mark James Wawrzynski

Special Thanks to all our supporters FESTIVAL HOST COMMITTEE PLATINUM:

GOLD:

Stephen Carlino & Dennis Fee, Tavern on Camac, U Bar, Upstairs Inn David Schellenberg, LinguiSearch

Al Besse & Scott Evans, Jim Ounsworth & Lizzy Rimington, Ounsworth-Fitzgerald Foundation

BRUNCH HOSTS: Jill & Michael Feighan, Katie Griffin SUPPORTERS: Sam Agoos Joel Ballesteros Chris Bartlett Courtney Birmingham Kelly Burkhardt Norval Copeland Denise Cohen Norval Copeland Maggie Corrado Derek Curl

SILVER:

Friends of Dan McCaffery for Judge John Herzins & Duane Bumb Jesse Cute Mark Dahl HughE Dillon Joe Dougherty Brian Dougherty James Duggan Bill Egan Molly Fox Puri Garzone Bill Gerhman Jeff Guaracino

Tony Geistwite Ben Haney Amber Hikes Jeffrey Hultman Kevin Jordan Deborah Joseph Shireen Kline Michele Lamm Tonine McGarvie Karl Michelfeder Ian Morrison Robert Pompey Heather Quinn Matthew Ray Peter Reynolds Jim Ross Allen Sabinson Mark Seasman Jennifer Shockley GlennStCoeur Michael Toklish Garth Weldon Richard Wolff Erica Wurster

COMMUNITY PARTNERS Attic Youth Brandywine RollerGirls Chinatown Newspapers Dignity Philadelphia Eastern State Penitentiary Elements Gender Reel Gershman Y Liberty City Kings (LiCK) Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival Philly Dyke March Phreak N’ Queer Sapphire Fund SisterSpace INDUSTRY PARTNERS Artsplotation Films Breaking Glass Pictures The Film Collaborative HBO IFC TLA Releasing Wolfe Video

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INDEX

Feature Films Aleksandr’s Price. . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth. . 29 Animals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 The Battle of amfAR . . . . . . . . . 74 Before You Know It. . . . . . . . . . 75 Beyond the Walls. . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Big Gay Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Birthday Cake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Born This Way. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Breaking the Girls . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Breaking Through . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Bye Bye Blondie. . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Cal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Capital Games. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Chastity Bites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 C.O.G.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 The DL Chronicles Returns. . . . 54 The Deception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Fall to Grace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 First Period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Five Dances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Four. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Free Fall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 G.B.F. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Geography Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 The Go Doc Project. . . . . . . . . . 32 Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia . . . 76 The Happy Sad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Hawaii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Hot Guys with Guns . . . . . . . . . 25 I Am Divine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 In Bloom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 In the Name Of. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Interior. Leather Bar.. . . . . . . . . 56 The Invisible Men . . . . . . . . . . . 77 It Had to be You. . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 The Last Match. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Leather. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Lesbiana: A Parallel Revolution.78 Lose Your Head. . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Love Will Tear Us Apart . . . . . . 57 Margarita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Married and Counting. . . . . . . . 78 Meth Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Monster Pies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Mr. Angel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

The New Black. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Out in the Dark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Petunia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Pit Stop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Romeo Romeo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 The Rugby Player. . . . . . . . . . . . 81 The Secret Disco Revolution. . . 81 Sexual Tension: Violetas. . . . . . 68 Silent Youth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Solo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Soongava Dance of the Orchids. . . . . . . 70 Southern Baptist Sissies. . . . . . 59 Truth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Tumbledown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Two Mothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 TWO: The Story of Roman & Nyro . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Undressing Israel: Gay Men in the Promised Land. . . . . . . 82 Valentine Road. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Violence of the Mind. . . . . . . . . 61 The Way to Kevin. . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Where I Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Who’s Afraid of Vagina Wolf?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Special Programs Bear City Book Reading. . . . . . . 36 Beautiful Something Script Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Road Strip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Shorts Programs Boy Meets Boy. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cruising for Sex. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Where the Girls Are. . . . . . . . . .

Queeradelphia. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Troubled Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . .

48 48 49 72 49

Shorts A Backside Approach . . . . . . . . 69 Adults Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Ageless. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 The American. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Atoms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Barbie Boy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Barry’s Bespoke Bakery . . . . . . 48

Brighton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 The Buried . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Caipirinhas en Ipanema . . . . . . 48 Chaser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 The Closest Thing to Heaven. . . . . . . . . 49, 80 D The Commitment. . . . . . . . . . 82 Dawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Deflated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Finding Me the Series: Minisode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Fire Island ‘79. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 The First Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 F to 7th (Episode 2: “Tweener”). . . . . 49 Gay Goth Scene. . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Gay Women Will Marry Your Boyfriends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Grotto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Holden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 If I Was a Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 The Immigrant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 In Their Room: London. . . . . . . 56 It’s Consuming Me. . . . . . . . . . . 64 It’s Not a Cowboy Movie. . . . . . 55 The Kiss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Jackpot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 JAin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 LFL in NYC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Little Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 A Matter of Sex . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 The Mermaids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Neighbors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 The Night I Died. . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 One More Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Only Always You . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 The Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 The Rookie and the Runner . . . . 48 Sabbatical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Scaffolding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Sexy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Spooners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Torn & Frayed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Unbitten. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 What is This Night!. . . . . . . . . . 51 The Wilding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Your Warmth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

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