MQFF 2009 Program by Melbourne Queer Film Festival

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CONTENTS 2

4–5

6–7

contents

welcome messages

ticketing information

Sponsors

Supporters prahran market clinic

Festival Partners

AWARDS With a record $16,000 to give away to deserving filmmakers across seven awards, please take the time to cast your votes for your favourite films in this year’s Festival.

Voting forms are available at ACMI Cinemas and the Festival Club, or you can vote online at www.mqff.com.au. AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS Prize money Audience Choice Award for Best Foreign Language Feature Film All foreign language feature films in the Festival are eligible.

Audience Choice Award for Best Feature Film All feature films in the Festival are eligible.

Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary All documentaries of 45 min and over in the Festival are eligible.

Audience Choice Award for Best Australian Short Film All films listed in Oz Shorts, the Australian short film package are eligible.

Audience Choice Award for Best Short Film All short narrative films (except those in Celluloid Casserole) are eligible.

Sponsor(s)

$5000

MQFF and Volkswagen

$5000

MQFF and FQ Films

$2000

MQFF and MQFF Life Member David McCarthy

$1000

MQFF and Karen Russell of Step Right Up

$500

JURY AWARDS The City of Melbourne Emerging Filmmaker Award for Best Australian Short Queer Film (Oz Shorts)

$2000

City of Melbourne

All films listed in Oz Shorts, the Australian short film package are eligible. The award will be announced and presented at the second session of Oz Shorts on Saturday 28 March (Session 75). See p.64 for this year’s judges. The winner of the City of Melbourne Award also qualifies for automatic inclusion in the international queer shorts competition, the Iris Prize, the world’s largest prize for a gay and lesbian short film. The winner of the Iris Prize receives £25,000 to make their next short film in the UK. Selectors’ Choice Award for Best Australian Short Queer Film All films in the Celluloid Casserole package are eligible.

$500

The award and $500 cash will be presented after the screening at Loop on Wednesday 25 March.

OPENING NIGHT

FILM & PARTY

WERE THE WORLD MINE Dir: Tom Gustafson, USA, 2008, video, 97 min Forget High School Musical – here’s the real deal! Were The World Mine is an original and invigorating mix of the musical and teen flick, blended in with the pangs of first-love and a healthy dash of fairy dust, all set against the magical backdrop of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Openly gay Timothy lives with his single mother, and attends an all-boys school where he’s prone to musical daydreams to escape the drudgery of class and the homophobic taunts from his fellow students. The object of his desire is Jonathon, the handsome star of the rugby team, and Timothy dreams this very straight boy will fall in love with him. When Timothy is selected to play the mischievous Puck in the school production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Jonathon is also cast in the play, it seems fate is on his side. Soon Timothy discovers a recipe hidden in the text to create a magical love-pansy – if you’re sprayed with the nectar from the flower you will fall madly in love with the next person you see. Will Timothy tempt fate and use the flower on Jonathon? Armed with innovative songs and spirited choreography, and a wonderful spirit of adventure, director Tom Gustafson has crafted an exuberant crowd-pleaser based on his 2003 short film Fairies. Were The World Mine is full of wonderful performances, including Wendy Robie (the eye-patch wearing Nadine from Twin Peaks) as the drama teacher, and Broadway star Judy McLane as Timothy’s mum. But shining above all is newcomer Tanner Cohen as Timothy who radiates star quality in his first lead role. A huge success wherever it screens, Were The World Mine is the perfect way to kick off this year’s Festival! (PT)

Winner, Grand Jury Award for Outstanding US Dramatic Feature, LA Outfest. “Were The World Mine succeeds as a rousing, warm-hearted spectacle.” The Hollywood Reporter

Followed by our Gala Opening Night Party at the Astor!

session date time

Wed 18 March

astor THEATRE, st kilda

7.30pm

After the Astor, join us at Hoo Haa for the After-After Party! 105 Chapel St, Windsor

CENTREPIECE

TO FARO MEIN FREUND AUS FARO Dir: Nana Neul, Germany, 2008, 35mm, 88 min German with English subtitles Mel is a young woman with boyish looks and build, whose short hair and baggy clothes hide her femininity. She has a boring job, preparing airline food for a nearby airport, and has big plans to escape with her brother Knut to see the world. But Mel’s dreams crash to Earth when Knut tells her his girlfriend, Viky, is pregnant and he is unable to leave. Upset, Mel leaves the house and along the way happens upon two young hitch-hikers, Jenny and Bianca, who mistake her for a young Portuguese man. Grabbing the opportunity to reinvent herself, Mel goes along with their assumption and allows them to think she is Miguel. However, the situation becomes complex when she falls madly in love with Jenny and they begin a relationship. Jenny’s friends become suspicious and jealous, and before Mel can tell the truth, Jenny’s friends have poisoned her mother’s mind. Great confusion ensues as Jenny’s mother confronts Mel’s family and accusations fly about the seduction of her underage daughter. The news spreads quickly and Jenny is no longer able to prevent her clique seeking revenge. (LD)

Like an antidote to Boys Don’t Cry, To Faro provides “tender magic, and the atmosphere of mystery and expectation so typical of the protagonist’s age which makes for a powerful cinematic experience.” 43rd Karlovy Vary International Film Festival Australian premiere. session date time

Thurs 26 March

ACMI Cinemas

Presented by

6.15pm

PRESENTATIONS

THE OTHER SIDE A OUTRA MARGEM Dir: Luís Filipe Rocha, Portugal, 2007, 35mm, 106 min Portuguese with English subtitles Sometime drag queen Ricardo, shocked by the unexpected suicide of his partner, goes into a deep depression and tries to kill himself. His sister Maria, whom he hasn’t seen in 16 years, comes to visit in the hospital in Lisbon. She takes him back to the small village where they were born and grew up together until Ricardo left for greener pastures. At Maria’s house, Ricardo meets his nephew Vasco, a young man with Down’s syndrome. The two quickly form a close bond and become each other’s confidant. Thanks to Vasco, Ricardo finds the courage to face José, his father who never forgave him for leaving, not to mention for being gay, and Luisa, the bride he jilted the day before their scheduled wedding many years ago. When Ricardo learns that Vasco’s dream is to be an actor, he sets about trying to help Vasco achieve his goals, and in the process rediscovers his own will to live. (LD)

Australian premiere. session date time

Wed 25 March

ACMI Cinemas

6pm

Presented by

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SELECTORS’ CHOICE Each year, the MQFF Selection Panel ponders the 400 plus submissions and heatedly debates their favourite session of the Festival. It’s a purely subjective choice, and based on the film’s ability to elicit a strong emotional response. This year our panel has selected a documentary that highlights issues of human rights that many of us in Western society would by now have hoped would be a thing of the past. Whilst the queer community in the US (and Australia) has made considerable headway in its fight for equal rights in recent years, Johnny Symons’ documentary reminds us that there is still a way to go before full equality is achieved. Please join the MQFF selection panel for an informal chat and a drink in the Festival Club immediately following the session. They’ll be happy to answer questions about the MQFF selection process.

ASK NOT Dir: Johnny Symons, USA, 2008, video, 73 min Ask Not is a rare and compelling exploration of the ramifications of the US military’s ‘don’t ask don’t tell’ policy, which forces American gay and lesbian service-members to deny their sexuality. A provocative portrait of bravery amidst exclusion, Ask Not reveals the personal stories of Americans willing to risk their lives for a country that criminalises the act of coming out. Current and veteran gay soldiers reveal how ‘don’t ask don’t tell’ affects them during their tours of duty, as they struggle to maintain a double life. The film also follows gay veterans and young organisers turning to forms of personal activism to overturn the policy. Ask Not provokes thoughtful dialogue about the merits of banning those who are honest about their identities from serving their country.

Australian premiere. session date time

Thurs 26 March

ACMI Cinemas

6pm

CLOSING NIGHT

AFFINITY Dir: Tim Fywell, UK, 2008, video, 94 min For our Closing Night film we’re delighted to present the latest adaptation of a Sarah Waters (Tipping the Velvet, Fingersmith) novel, the highly anticipated Affinity. Written by the prolific Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice, Bleak House and, of course, Tipping the Velvet, MQFF 2003), Affinity actually shares much more of its tone with Fingersmith (adapted by Peter Ransley). In it, Margaret (Anna Madeley), a young Victorian gentlewoman, begins making charitable visits to a women’s prison. As she becomes increasingly drawn towards a particular prisoner, the psychically gifted Selina (Zoe Tapper), we soon realise that Margaret’s black clothing is not, as everyone assumes, a sign of mourning for her recently deceased father, but grief for the loss of something else entirely. Like Fingersmith, Affinity works brilliantly in the way it examines how counterfeit and deceit may be necessary to survive in harsh times, but sometimes a nugget of purity can exist in even the most twisted of relationships. Or can it? In particular, this adaptation should engender much debate amongst fans of the original novel as to Davies’ interpretation of Selina’s true nature. Fine performances abound, from the little known leads to such capable character actors as Anna Massey, Anne Reid and Amanda Plummer in supporting roles. (MS)

Followed by our Closing Night Party in the Festival Club. session date time

Sun 29 March

ACMI Cinemas

8.30pm

FILM & PARTY

IntroducIng rIck & Steve,

the happIeSt gay couple In all the World.

Already a hit on Channel 4 in the UK and screening locally on the Comedy Channel, this irreverent series is fast gaining a cult following as the gay Southpark.

Brazen, shameless and bitingly funny.

avaIlable noW on dvd

Do you ever know who you are falling in love with...?

Based on the best-selling novel by Sarah Waters, acclaimed author of Tipping The VelVeT and FingerSmiTh and adapted for TV by Andrew Davies (Queer as Folk) packed with extras including interviews, deleted scenes & more.

AVAILABLE ON DVD MAY 7

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FEATURES

ALL MY LIFE

toul omry

Dir: Maher Sabry, Egypt, 2008, video, 119 min Arabic with English subtitles When Rami’s long-time gay lover leaves him to marry a woman and his best friends drift away, he comes face-to-face with the harsh realities of life as a gay man in Egypt. Set against the backdrop of the crackdown on homosexuality in Cairo, Rami plunges into a world of anonymous sex (shown in revealing detail here) and spirals towards his ultimate downfall. As he continues to indulge his sexual appetites with a cast of closet cases and queer tourists, Rami’s best friend Kareem is arrested in a police raid on a floating disco called the Queen Boat (based on an actual incident in Egypt which propelled queer Egyptians and various human rights organisations into action). Certainly the most daring and sexually explicit portrait of homosexual life in Egypt yet to be put on screen, Maher Sabry’s wide-reaching story is imbued with palpable compassion as the director bravely and confrontingly details the situation for gay Egyptians in the modern era.

Warning: explicit sex scenes. session date time

Mon 23 March

ACMI Cinemas

6pm

ANTARCTICA Dir: Yair Hochner, Israel, 2008, video, 112 min Hebrew with English subtitles Recent Israeli cinema has included such powerful dramas as Yossi & Jagger and The Bubble (MQFF 2008). Now a lighter look at queer life is uncovered in Antarctica, a sexy, wry comedy from Yair Hochner (director of another queer film favourite The Good Boys, MQFF 2006). Omer is hitting 30 and he’s looking for love. On a blind date he meets Danny, an aspiring dancer, who’s ten years his junior and full of life. Omer’s into Danny, but feels he’s just too young… Omer’s younger sister, Shirley, has her own issues. She bailed on her marriage to Michal, her female boss at Tel Aviv’s coolest coffeehouse, and yet still works with Michal, who won’t accept ‘no’ for an answer. Meanwhile, as Omer’s big day approaches he meets Ronen, a gorgeous journalist who just may be the one. Is it that simple? Of course not, as Ronen happens to be Danny’s ex-lover and current flatmate. The stage is set for an unforgettable night. (PT)

“Manages to combine sizzling sex scenes with an actual heart.” New York Press session date time

Thurs 26 March 10.15pm

ACMI Cinemas

FEATURES

THE BABY FORMULA Dir: Alison Reid, Canada, 2008, video, 82 min

THE ART OF BEING STRAIGHT Dir: Jesse Rosen, USA, 2008, video, 77 min Self-proclaimed straight guy and aspiring photographer John (played by director Jesse Rosen) has just broken up with his girlfriend and moved from New York to his friend Andy’s couch in Los Angeles for a fresh start. He’s cocky enough to be confident in his ability to attract the ladies and make his mark on LA via his new entry-level job in an ad agency. His womanising and frat-boy partying ways falter when he meets up with an old girlfriend who introduces him to her new girlfriend, and when he finds himself the focus of the special attention of Paul, an executive at his firm. After a night of drinking, the men end up in bed together, and John feels completely ill equipped to handle this new (and not necessarily unwanted) development in his life. Rosen’s writing is incisive and the film features refreshingly accomplished and natural acting from its mostly unknown cast. (LD)

Athena and Lilith are in love and dream of having a child that is a true biological combination of them both. Although Mother Nature doesn’t work that way, it seems that modern science has found a way to make it happen by using sperm made from Lilith’s stem cells to inseminate Athena. Before you can say Fred Nile, Athena is pregnant with Lilith’s child. Whilst Lilith is happy to be an expectant mother, she secretly wishes she was the pregnant one and goes behind Athena’s back and convinces Jim from the lab to help her with the same process. This naturally causes friction, but the duelling pregnant gals works it out, and everything seems to be running smoothly. Pregnant with humour and unexpected twists, their journey reaches slapstick proportions when their families get involved. PLUS:

“The Art of Being Straight is a must for anyone who has ever felt that the lines of sexual attraction are not so black and white.” Robert O’Neill, Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival PLUS:

THE YOUNG AND EVIL

A DAY AT THE BEACH

Dir: Julian Breece, USA, 2008, video, 15 min

Dir: Véronique Courtois, USA, 2008, video, 3 min

A sexually defiant teen sets out to seduce an HIV prevention advocate into giving him the virus.

Warning: contains scenes which may disturb some viewers. Official selection Sundance Film Festival 2009.

session date time

04 58

Thurs 19 March Thurs 26 March

ACMI Cinemas

8.30pm 8.15pm

A day at the beach brings surprises after a wave dumping. session date time

Sat 28 March

ACMI Cinemas

1pm 25

FEATURES

BABY LOVE

COMME LES AUTRES Dir: Vincent Garenq, France, 2008, 35mm, 90 min French with English subtitles For those who spied something drastically spunky in Lambert Wilson in the second and third Matrix movies (he played Merovingian – that utterly suave Frenchman), there’s a lot to find compelling in his lead role in Baby Love. Wilson plays Manu, a gay paediatrician in his forties who realises he wants to be a father. When the issue is brought to a head with his partner, Philippe, the couple realise that the baby question has formed an irrevocable wedge between them. Agreeing to go their own ways, Manu initially looks into adopting a child as a single man. When that option becomes fruitless, he turns to Fina, a young Colombian beauty who’s looking for a way of staying in France. Manu offers Fina a marriage of convenience in exchange for her acting as surrogate mother. Circumstances leave Fina cornered, and she reluctantly consents. Never losing sight of its core – Baby Love is ultimately concerned with the yearning for family, in whatever form it takes – the plot twists and turns as Fina falls for Manu, Philippe realises he’s not getting any younger and Manu’s family come along for the ride. Baby Love is a sophisticated comedy drama with bucket-loads of heart. (BZ) session date time

Wed 25 March

ACMI Cinemas

8.15pm

BETWEEN LOVE AND GOODBYE Dir: Casper Andreas, USA, 2008, video, 97 min From the director of smash hit A Four Letter Word (MQFF 2008) comes the story of East Village couple Kyle and Marcel, who fall in and out of love in a very short space of time. At first their relationship seems perfect, but it’s amazing how quickly outside forces can upset their previously committed union. French Marcel marries lesbian friend Sarah so that he can legally stay in the US and remain with Kyle, but things unravel at an alarming speed when Kyle’s troubled trans sister comes to stay. April takes an instant dislike to Marcel and sets about undermining him (and their relationship) at every turn. Where Marcel is quick to spot her conniving nature, Kyle can only see a sister in need of help. Will April’s manipulative ways cause irretrievable damage to Kyle and Marcel’s relationship? Full of plot twists and turns, sexy men session date time and an explosive ending, Between Love Sat 21 March 9.30pm and Goodbye is bound to please fans of Thurs 26 March 10.30pm quality melodrama. (LD)

27 60

ACMI Cinemas

FEATURES

BORN IN 68 NÉS EN 68 Dir: Olivier Ducastel & Jacques Martineau, France, 2008, 35mm, 173 min French with English subtitles Olivier Ducastel and Jacques Martineau have firmly established themselves as the spearheads of queer French cinema with such modern classics as The True Story of My Life in Rouen (MQFF 2003), Funny Felix and Jeanne and the Perfect Guy. Their new film is their most ambitious, an emotionally resonant and engrossing epic tale of love, political activism and finding your place in a turbulent world. It’s 1968 and three students at the forefront of the Parisian student uprisings decide to start a commune with some friends, and so decamp to the beautiful countryside. Their hippy ideal doesn’t go so smoothly and their desire for freedom and the search for individual fulfilment lead them to make choices that cause them to separate. Twenty years later the children of the commune are young adults and are faced with profound changes to the world – communism has ended and the HIV/AIDS situation has become an epidemic. Ducastel and Martineau have created a believable set of characters – with all their virtues and faults – and fashioned an absorbing drama that will be sure to leave not a dry eye in the house. (PT)

Please note there will be a 15 minute interval during the session.

BOYSTOWN CHUECATOWN Dir: Juan Flahn, Spain, 2007, video, 93 min Spanish with English subtitles An outrageous Spanish farce that channels early Almodóvar, Boystown is a film that breaks the rules when it comes to bending genres. It’s a murder-mysteryscrewball-comedy-mother-in-law-from-hell drama – all spiced up with sexy guys and plenty of laughs. Bears Rey and Leo live in an apartment in Madrid’s popular gay district, Chueca. When the elderly lady next door, who has always cherished her hirsute neighbours, unexpectedly dies, Rey inherits the property. What the boys don’t know is that she was murdered by the handsome – but deadly – Victor, a real estate agent who has been knocking off old dames in the area who refuse to sell their apartments to him. Rey promptly installs his overbearing mother, Antonia, in the apartment, much to the annoyance of both Leo and Antonia, who cannot stand each other. Victor, however, will not let the apartment slip through his fingers… It’s up to an eccentric police detective and her sexually confused son to solve the case. (PT)

Winner, Best International Feature, FilmOut 2008 San Diego. session date time

41 62

Sun 22 March Fri 27 March

ACMI Cinemas

10.30pm 6.15pm

Presented by

session date time

Tues 24 March

ACMI Cinemas

8.30pm 27

FEATURES

CANDY RAIN

HUA CHILE NA NUHAI Dir: Chen Hung-I, Taiwan, 2008, 35mm, 106 min Taiwanese with English subtitles

BURN THE BRIDGES QUEMAR LAS NAVES Dir: Francisco Franco, Mexico, 2007, 35mm, 100 min Spanish with English subtitles Siblings Helena and Sebastián share a peculiar, troubled life. In their ramshackle Mexican home, their mother is dying. Away from the maternal gaze, sexual tensions mount between the two teens – to a point of taboo. While Helena stays home, Sebastián, who roams freely, meets and begins a sexual tryst with the new boy at school, Juan. Angry at both her own situation and her mother’s fatal future, Helena lashes out at her brother. But when she calls him a ‘homo’, her hostility is bound less in homophobia than a complex combination of jealousy and envy. The intricacies of the story go only so far in revealing the beauty and fine craft of this delicate comedy-drama. With sophisticated performances all round, a production design that renders the family home a knowing, albeit silent character, and fine direction that session date time balances both the comic and darker Mon 23 March 8.45pm tones, Burn the Bridges is set to be a ACMI Cinemas Festival highlight. (BZ)

It will come as no surprise to viewers of this debut feature that Chen Hung-I (who wrote, directed and edited) has had an extensive career making ads and music videos. It’s a riot of flashy but often inventive and stylish camerawork and vigorous editing. And, like the Australian Ballet’s trilogies, it benefits hugely from containing several stand-alone vignettes. If you don’t respond to one of the tales, don’t fret, there are another three to choose from – all of course revolving around the loose theme that love’s a bitch and then you die. Well, not quite. But in Candy Rain land, it can certainly be suffused with longing, listlessness and… lots of lollies. The four stories involve: a country girl moving to the city to be with her girlhood friend; an introverted chef hooking up online; the promised reconnection of a couple separated by time and marriage; and a masochistic androgyne’s complicated love life. The connecting thread is a hapless delivery boy attempting to hand over his sweet centred package to ‘Candy Rain’. (MS)

“Candy Rain is a rich, bittersweet spectrum of love and loss.” 32nd Hong Kong International Film Festival session date time

01 42

Thurs 19 March Mon 23 March

ACMI Cinemas

6pm 6pm

FEATURES

CHAMPION Dir: Shine Louise Houston, USA, 2008, video, 90 min At last – lesbian porn with a plot, and hot women! Jessie Eaton is a hotshot jock making her way into women’s professional boxing but distracted by the fact she can’t let go of her ex-girlfriend, Cathy… or any other girl for that matter. Her plans at world boxing domination hit a snag (or is that shag?) when a run in with an old nemesis, Bobby Malone, blocks her way to the top via a little blackmail. To save her career she must throw the fight that would surely be her ticket into the professional arena. Even trickier is her attraction to the woman she is suppose to beat, Violet Vahn, who is Jessie’s toughest opponent both inside and outside the ring. It’s a big lesson in humility and integrity for Jessie as she juggles her sexual relationships and her career. Will she win or will she lose...? Directed by celebrated feminist porn director Shine Louise Houston, Champion is the gold standard for hip, hot, real lesbian porn.

Warning: contains explicit sex scenes and depictions of SM and butch/femme role-play which may offend some viewers. session date time

Sat 28 March

ACMI Cinemas

9.30pm

CIAO Yen Tan, USA, 2008, video, 87 min Jeff and Mark had been best friends since college, and when Mark dies suddenly it falls upon Jeff to sort out his personal details. Checking Mark’s emails, Jeff comes across one from an Italian man, Andrea, who had been corresponding with Mark, informing him that he would be in the US and wants to meet for the first time. Jeff relays the tragic news about Mark’s passing, but Andrea still decides to visit. With seemingly nothing in common but Mark, the two talk in polite conversation, which soon turns more intimate and personal. Over the course of a weekend these two men share honest, revealing, and ultimately cathartic exchanges, with the spectre of Mark always hovering. A marked change of pace from most US gay-themed films, Ciao is an intimate drama that seduces you with beautifully observed moments, realistic performances and subtle direction. Director Yen Tan has crafted an achingly affecting film about love, loss and the desire for connection. (PT)

“Superb. A no-frills movie with a wonderful script. This one is an absolute keeper.” Out in Hollywood PLUS:

AMBIGUOUSLY GAY DUO #11: SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (FIRST SERVED, FIRST COME) Dir: J.J. Sedelmaier, USA, 2007, video, 5 min More wacky adventures from our favourite gay superheroes. session date time

Fri 20 March

ACMI Cinemas

8.30pm 29

FEATURES

DRAWN OUT LOVE

TRAGE LIEFDE

Dir: Boudewijn Koole, The Netherlands, 2007, video, 49 min Dutch with English subtitles Felix is preparing for a long trip, but must first take care of some unfinished business. The handsome youth has never known his father, Johan, who runs a jazz café. But when Felix visits the café, Johan mistakes the stranger’s interest as sexual, and a dangerous attraction is ignited. Drawn Out Love is a sensitive and provocative drama about love and longing.

Australian premiere. PLUS:

DOG TAGS Dir: Damion Dietz, USA, 2008, video, 90 min Nothing has been easy about 20-something Nate Merritt’s life up to this point. Raised by his single mother, Debbie, after being abandoned by his father, Nate is hellbent on joining the Marines so that he can support his demanding fiancée, Trish. His goal to become a better man starts to take shape when he’s at last accepted and heads off to enlist. While on leave in Palm Springs he meets Andy, a young charismatic gay man who has dreams of escaping to Hollywood and a more exciting life. Goth styled Andy is like no one else Nate has ever met, and he’s immediately drawn to him. Though the bond between the two men is initially platonic, the nature of their relationship soon evolves into something physical and intimate as they expose themselves to the risks of a physical and emotional relationship. Along the way, Nate makes a surprising discovery about the identity of the father he never knew.

“Poignant, tender and emotionally charged”. Gary Kramer, Gay City News Australian premiere. session date time

07 81

Fri 20 March Sat 28 March

ACMI Cinemas

6pm 9.45pm

COWBOY Dir: Till Kleinert, Germany, 2008, 35mm, 35 min German with English subtitles Working for a real estate company, Christian travels the countryside looking for land to buy. In a seemingly deserted village he finds something quite unexpected.

Winner, 2008 Iris Prize for Best Short Film. session date time

Sat 28 March

ACMI Cinemas

1.15pm

FEATURES

DRIFTING FLOWERS PIAO LANG QING CHUN Dir: Zero Chou, Taiwan, 2007, 35mm, 97 min Taiwanese with English subtitles Teddy Award-winning Taiwanese director Zero Chou (Spider Lilies, MQFF 2008) weaves three poetic lesbian tales of the lost and found nature of love in this engaging and charming film. In the first story, Jing, a blind singer, negotiates a complicated scenario when her younger sister Meigo falls in love with Jing’s tomboy fellow band-member Chalkie. Jing must decide if her chaotic musician’s life is any place for a young girl to grow up, or whether Meigo would be better off in a more stable family environment. In another time and place, Lily, an Alzheimer’s patient endlessly searches her disintegrating memory for her lost lover, Ocean. When Yen, her gay husband from long ago, leaves his unfaithful boyfriend and comes to visit with his own mountain of personal baggage, Lily often mistakes him for her butch lover returned, and the two wounded friends build on a sympathy that they never left behind. The final segment follows a younger Chalkie attempting to come to terms with her repulsion at her own burgeoning body and her complicated feelings for girls.

“Stunning, brooding and passionate, Drifting Flowers is a meditative film about the beauty and sadness that permeates our lives.” LA Outfest 2008 Winner Best Lesbian Feature, 23rd Annual Pittsburgh International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. Official Selection, Berlin Film Festival. session date time

03 61

Thurs 19 March Fri 27 March

ACMI Cinemas

8pm 6pm 31

FEATURES

FASHION VICTIMS REINE GESCHMACKSACHE Dir: Ingo Rasper, Germany, 2007, 35mm, 105 min German with English subtitles Father-son dynamics are explored and tested to the limits in this off-thewall German comedy of family manners. When po faced travelling salesman Wolfgang loses his license, he forces his son Karsten to drive him around the country so that he doesn’t lose the season’s sales. But for Karsten – missing out on a summer holiday and tired of his dad’s homophobic rants – the role of working closely with his father is most unwelcome. Things fast become complicated when Karsten falls for his father’s young upstart rival, Steven – all behind his father’s back. Meanwhile, home life for Wolfgang becomes fractured as his relationship with his wife becomes strained under the weight of domestic issues. As the relationship between Karsten and Steven develops, the family dynamics become stretched to breaking point. Hints of the tensions explode into farcical comedy as the film slips into top gear for the last act. Without giving too much away, expect a jealous spinster friend with a machine gun, a near drowning in a shallow pond and a bitter-sweet ending filled with redemption and warmth. A surefire crowd pleaser. (BZ) session date time

Tues 24 March

ACMI Cinemas

6pm

Presented by

FEATURES

GHOSTED AI-MEI Dir: Monica Treut, Germany/Taiwan, 2009, video, 89 min German/Taiwanese with English subtitles

FILTH AND WISDOM Dir: Madonna, UK, 2008, video, 81 min A.K., Juliette and Holly are big dreamers. A.K. has come to England from the Ukraine. He’s a philosopher (at least that’s what he claims to be), a poet, and an authority on all aspects of life. At the same time, he is following his grand plan to become an international star with his boisterous gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello. For the time being, however, he makes ends meet by performing role-play in women’s clothing for straight married men (along with spanking them), and sharing a flat with fellow dreamers, Juliette and Holly. Juliette works behind the counter at a local pharmacy run by an Indian chemist, and like A.K. dreams large. She has designs on becoming a kind of Florence Nightingale for the developing world. Holly is a trained ballerina and her big dream is to dance with the Royal Ballet. So far she hasn’t been able to earn a single penny from her dancing, and continues to ‘polish’ her skills as a pole dancer at Beechman’s Exotic Gentleman’s Club. These three distinctive personalities are at the centre of a cinematic tale of everyday life about people who are obliged to take on jobs just to earn a living, but who live in hope to one day fulfil their dreams. With the added bonus of Richard E. Grant in the cast, and one of the best film soundtracks in ages, Madonna’s debut film Filth and Wisdom urges us all to get in touch with our inner sluts, and is a must-see both for her fans, and fans of good quality comedy.

“Madonna has done herself proud.” Times Online session date time

Sat 28 March

ACMI Cinemas

Presented by

7.30pm

Ghosted tells the suspenseful story of an unusual love affair between two cultures and two cities. The unsolved murder of her young Taiwanese lover Ai-ling leaves Hamburg artist Sophie Schmitt completely disoriented. She dedicates a video-installation to her and shows it in Taipei. During the opening she is approached by a mysterious journalist. Sophie is fascinated at first glance by Mei-li, the young journalist. Mei-li takes her to visit the famous Taipei night markets and tries to seduce the artist. Sophie, still mourning her lost lover, rejects Mei-li and returns immediately to Hamburg. Shortly afterwards Mei-li shows up on her doorstep, unannounced. Sophie takes her in and finally falls for her. But soon she realises that her new lover is secretly investigating Ai-ling’s death. Strange happenings occur, sudden flashes of recollection come and go, and then Sophie finds out that there is no Mei-Li working for a Taiwanese newspaper and that no one by that name ever entered Germany. Who is the mysterious Taiwanese woman?

Australian premiere. session date time

19 48

Sat 21 March Tues 24 March

ACMI Cinemas

3.30pm 8pm

FEATURES

I CAN’T THINK STRAIGHT Dir: Shamim Sarif, UK, 2008, video, 80 min Those lucky enough to catch The World Unseen at last year’s Festival will be delighted to find out that it isn’t the only film writer/director Sarif has made in recent years. And they’ll be even happier to discover that both films feature the same two leading actresses. Here’s a filmmaker who definitely knows when she’s on to a good thing. In I Can’t Think Straight, Lisa Ray and Sheetal Sheth again prove they have chemistry to burn in a contemporary romance about Tala (Ray), a wealthy Jordanian living in London, who is just about to finally tie the knot (with her fourth fiancé), when she meets Leyla (Sheth), an Indian English woman, currently dating Tala’s old buddy, Ali. Sparks fly, but will convention and culture get in the way before the course of true love can do its thing? session date time Full of genuinely tender moments and some deft comic touches, I Can’t Think Sun 22 March 3.15pm Straight is a must for lovers of uplifting romantic cinema. Ray and Sheth both bring real depth and sensitivity to their roles. Oh, and if it’s just the eye candy Sun 29 March 12.15pm factor you’re interested in, did we mention how gorgeous they are? (MS) ACMI Cinemas

35 84

FEATURES

THE INMATE SELDA Dir: Paolo Villaluna & Ellen Ramos, The Philippines, 2008, video, 153 min Tagalog with English subtitles

I DREAMT UNDER THE WATER

J’AI RÊVÉ SOUS L’EAU

Dir: Hormoz, France, 2008, video, 100 min French with English subtitles 20-year-old aspiring musician Antonin is secretly in love with his best friend Alex. After Alex’s sudden brutal death, Antonin’s emotional world falls apart, and he succumbs to an overwhelming sexuality that leads him into Paris’ prostitution scene. He keeps his grief in check by indulging in risky sex and one-night stands until he meets and immediately falls in love with attractive and free spirited Juliette, who also bares a troubled existence. At first everything seems ideal, but very quickly Juliette’s drug addiction creates a gulf between them, and Antonin is unable to be the saviour he so desperately wants to be. When Juliette runs away, he finds comfort in the arms of one of his former clients Baptiste. Featuring gritty explicit sex and an up to the minute soundtrack of alternative, electronic and club music, I Dreamt Under the Water creates a dark and lustful world where salvation may be found in the places we least expect. (LD) session date time

Warning: contains sex scenes and violence that may offend some viewers.

Sun 22 March

ACMI Cinemas

5.15pm

Rommel is a gentle young man with a simple and relatively untroubled existence, living hand to mouth and thinking about the next stage of his life. After a minor street altercation he accidentally kills a young boy, and is sent to prison. The prison is a brutal place both physically and mentally and only the toughest will survive with the help of loyal protectors. Thankfully, Rommel befriends fellow inmate, Esteban, who becomes his rock and protector. They survive horrific experiences together, and along the way form an intimate and mutually supportive bond that is ultimately broken when Rommel is released from prison. Rommel settles into a quite life as a farmer with his wife Sita and their young daughter and tries not to think of his harrowing prison experiences. Seven years later, upon his release, Esteban tracks down Rommel in hopes of renewing their brewing love affair. Rommel and Sita welcome Esteban into their lives, until their intimacy pushes the limits resulting in an horrific conclusion. (LD)

“Selda is a beautifully filmed masterpiece” Christine Dayrit, Philippines Cinema Evaluation Board. Warning: contains scenes of sexual violence and brutality which may offend some viewers. Australian premiere. session date time

Mon 23 March

ACMI Cinemas

8.30pm 35

FEATURES

INSATIABLE Dir: Jessie Kirby, Ireland, 2008, video, 90 min Set in the not too distant future, the economy has crashed and food is rapidly running out all over the world, which is fast heading toward famine. In a small village in Ireland, Mr Harvey the supermarket owner believes he alone can stave off the local’s hunger. One of his employees is Ellie, a 24-year-old with no direction in life. Her mother has been mentally ill for years and Ellie is her sole carer. When Harvey suddenly starts selling meat again Ellie has her suspicions that it is not stored pig meat as he claims. Harvey’s niece Rachel, whose family has already perished in the crisis, now depends on him to keep her alive. Her loyalties are torn when she grows close to Ellie and they form a sexual relationship. When Ellie discovers that the recently deceased from the village are the main ingredients of the new meat and lets the community know, she is shocked to discover that all those purchasing the meat knew all along that it was human. When the meat runs out Harvey and his cohort Sergeant Kenny turn to murder to keep the supermarket fully stocked, Ellie and Rachel fight to stop Harvey continuing his macabre crusade. Insatiable is a well-written and acted contemporary horror story with a welcome Sapphic twist.

Australian premiere. Warning: contains violent scenes that may offend some viewers. session date time

Sat 21 March

ACMI Cinemas

5.15pm

THE LOST COAST Dir: Gabriel Fleming, USA, 2008, video, 74 min Mark, Jasper and Lily are high school friends now in their early twenties. Mark is gay, living with Lily (his high school girlfriend), while Jasper is straight and soon to be married. A cynical and bitter trio barely connected by their past friendship, they reunite for the annual Halloween celebration in San Francisco’s Castro district. When the huge crowds of costumed revellers fail to entertain them, they begin a quest to find an elusive acquaintance who might provide them with some ecstasy. Their quest is interwoven with an abstracted remembrance of a high school camping trip to the Lost Coast, a lush wilderness in northern California, the three friends took, during which Mark and Jasper were involved in a sexual relationship that Mark never got over, and Jasper never acknowledged. Over the course of their evening in San Francisco the three are forced to confront this past, which has held them all in suspended animation. The Lost Coast explores the complexities of sexuality, repression, and isolation, with a quiet, measured style, and a sexually charged atmosphere.

Australian premiere. Winner, Best US Narrative Feature, New York Gay & Lesbian Film Fest 2008. PLUS:

THE CHEF’S LETTER Dir: Sybil H Mair, UK, 2008, 35mm, 14 min In the early morning hours, a chef struggles to write the love letter that could overturn his ordered life forever. session date time

40 90

Sun 22 March Sun 29 March

ACMI Cinemas

10.15pm 6pm

FEATURES

LOST EVERYTHING

LOVE FOR SHARE

Dir: Kim St. Leon, USA, 2007, video, 97 min

BERBAGI SUAMI

A closeted movie star arrives in Miami, and immediately begins a steamy love affair with a hot South Beach bartender. His manager tries to ‘protect’ his image by running interference against a reporter hellbent on outing her client. Meanwhile a happy gay couple faces a televangelist, as a tormented hit man observes them from afar. A glammedup diva crime-boss, and a hooker with a heart of gold complete this indie thriller. As the storylines begin to cross and spiral out of control, lives begin to unravel and sizzle in the scorching South Florida sun.

Dir: Nia Dinata, Indonesia, 2006, 35mm, 120 min Indonesian with English subtitles

Lost Everything is an engaging, multi-plot adventure that takes you on a roller coaster ride of celebrity outing, deception, and undying love against all odds. Some people will do anything to keep the things they have.

World Premiere. session date time

Thurs 19 March 10.30pm

ACMI Cinemas

Love for Share brings together the daring stories of three women from different social classes and ethnic backgrounds, as they negotiate their experiences of polygamy in the world’s largest Muslim country. Salma is a gynaecologist who had questioned the morality behind the practice of polygamy and had secretly wished it wouldn’t happen to her own marriage. But as a faithful Muslim, Salma accepts her fate is to have a polygamous husband. She knows that as the first wife, she is entitled to the higher status and therefore refuses to interact with the younger wives. But when her husband suffers a heart attack, she is forced to deal with the realities of her situation. Siti is a Javanese village girl whose uncle has promised her a better life in Jakarta. Her dreams are shattered when she realises that she is to become yet another of his wives. When she develops an intimate relationship with one of her uncle’s wives, the structure of the family and Siti’s future is threatened, and she faces the possibility of new freedoms and a different future. Love for Share defies its conservative origins and offers an engaging and modern take on sexuality in Indonesia. (LD)

Australian premiere. session date time

Sun 22 March

ACMI Cinemas

7.30pm

MANUELA AND MANUEL

MANUELA Y MANUEL Raúl Marchand Sánchez, Puerto Rico, 2007, video, 94 min Spanish with English subtitles Recently dumped by her boyfriend and hassled constantly by her landlady for rent, Manuela’s only source of joy is her nightly drag show at a local club, especially now a handsome older man has taken a shine to her. When she thought life couldn’t get worse our heroine is coerced by her best friend, Coca, who is pregnant from a one-night stand and must face her conservative family, to reinvent herself in order to pass as Coca’s fiancé. Off come the heels to be replaced by a military uniform, but when our heroine turns up as macho, Iraq-bound ‘Scott’, guess who happens to be Coca’s father... Just one of the many twists and turns in this highly colourful, melodramatic Puerto Rican farce, Manuela and Manuel is frivolous fun, with enough plot points to fill a soap opera for months, but in the character of Manuela, it’s instilled with a strong dramatic centre. Humberto Busto plays Manuela/ Manuel to the hilt, camping it up at every possible moment, but presenting us with a three dimensional character with real depth. His performance is the pulsing heart of this wonderfully entertaining film. (PT)

Australian premiere. session date time

Sun 29 March

ACMI Cinemas

6pm 37

FEATURES

MR. RIGHT Dir: Jacqui Morris, UK, 2008, video, 94 min Harry hates being a TV producer and dreams of leaving his job to travel the world. He loves Alex, an aspiring actor who is struggling to create an identity for himself as a performer. Rugby player William’s nine-year old daughter is intent on sabotaging his relationships with new boyfriends, and he’s finding it difficult to let Lawrence, a soap star, into his life. Lars is a handsome sometime model kept by Tom, a successful artist, who will forgive his every betrayal so long as Lars doesn’t leave him. The futures of the lads all culminate in a showdown at a dinner party. Containing many hallmarks of the classic romantic comedy genre, Mr. Right is set in the cosmopolitan and ‘metrosexual’ enclaves of Soho and Brick Lane, capturing the spirit of a young London where the concerns and aspirations between ‘straight’ and ‘gay’ have become noticeably less separate.

“One of the most refreshing and heartfelt comedies you will see this summer. Benjamin Hart is sure to become the next gay male pinup.” David Tickner, reFRESH magazine Australian premiere. session date time

Sun 29 March

ACMI Cinemas

4pm

MULLIGANS Dir: Chip Hale, Canada, 2008, video, 90 min Secrecy. Betrayal. Illicit sex. All the necessary ingredients are here for this entertaining Canadian melodrama, featuring a cast of recognisable faces and some new ones that are set to break through in a major way. Tyler returns home for summer holidays with his college buddy, Chase (Charlie David, A Four Letter Word, MQFF 2008), who’s warmly greeted by the family: mother, Stacey (Thea Gill, Lindsay from the US Queer As Folk); father, Nathan (Dan Payne); and precocious younger sister, Birdy. Tyler’s folks are young – they had him when they were in high school – and Chase’s eye instantly wanders to the handsome Nathan. Taking jobs at the local golf course, the college kids party at night and Tyler hooks up with an old flame, and tries to set up Chase with a girl. Chase can’t keep his sexuality secret from his friend any longer, and comes out. The repercussions are quite unexpected – the family is fine with Chase’s homosexuality, but Nathan’s long suppressed desires resurface, and when the rest of the family takes a trip to visit Stacey’s mum, Nathan is left alone with Chase... A coming-of-age drama with a twist, Mulligans (whose title is a golfing term for a second chance) is the debut feature from Chip Hale and screenwriter, Charlie David. A staple on the queer film festival circuit, Mulligans is bound to be an audience favourite. (PT) session date time

02 65

Thurs 19 March Fri 27 March

ACMI Cinemas

6pm 10pm

FEATURES

PATRIK, age 1.5

PATRIK 1,5

Dir: Ella Lemhagen, Sweden, 2008, 35mm, 100 min Swedish with English subtitles

THE NEW TWENTY Dir: Chris Mason Johnson, USA, 2008, video, 93 min Five best friends in their late 20s face the disintegration of their tightly knit urban tribe. Gay and straight, white and brown, driven and aimless, this disparate group lives and breathes New York City with a vivid emotional realism that captures the tenor of a new generation. Alpha couple Andrew and Julie seem destined for a happy marriage and life at the top of the Manhattan corporate tree, despite the spectre of Felix’s continued longing for her, which has seen him fall into a spiralling drug addiction. Ben avoids his low self-esteem issues with attempts at secret sexual liaisons with men via the web, whilst Tony finds his life turned upside down when he falls for an HIV+ older man. The group seem to have a tenuous hold on the façade of holding it all together until Andrew (and by association Julie, Ben, Felix and Tony) is seduced by the offer of business success and wealth by hedonistic Louie. An ill-conceived bachelor party for Andrew brings the whole charade undone, but at the same time ushers in a new honesty which provides potential new beginnings for the group. A strong script, and great performances make this ensemble indie film a not-to-be-missed MQFF event. (LD)

Australian premiere. session date time

25 66

Sat 21 March Fri 27 March

ACMI Cinemas

Presented by

7.30pm 10.15pm

After years of waiting, married gay couple Göran and Sven have been cleared for adoption and have the possibility to adopt a Swedish orphan, Patrik 1.5. But when Patrik arrives in their Desperate Housewives styled neighbourhood he turns out to be someone else, not the little toddler they were expecting. A decimal point has been misplaced, and in comes a 15-year-old homophobic teen with a criminal past. Unfortunately the mistake can’t be reversed immediately, and Göran and Sven are stuck with Patrik while the adoption agency tries to find him another home. At first it’s World War III, with Patrik outraged that he’s been sent to what he sees as a couple of pedophiles, and the boys equally horrified at the prospect of putting up with his aggression for even a few days. Cracks appear in the couple’s relationship as they disagree on the next course of action. (LD)

“Sweet-tempered and relentlessly charming, Ella Lemhagen’s Patrik, Age 1.5 is a subtly executed piece that treads a fine line between drama and comedy. Driven by textured, intelligent performances from the three male leads, it is one of the most amusing and humane films you’ll see this year.” Steve Gravestock, Toronto International Film Festival 2008 session date time

Sun 22 March

ACMI Cinemas

8pm 39

FEATURES

READY? OK! Dir: James Vasquez, USA, 2008, video, 93 min Andrea is a harried single mother who is increasingly worried about her 10-year-old son, Joshua. On the surface, he’s a smart, well-adjusted and happy kid, yet she’s concerned that he’s heading down a path not of her choosing. Her main concern is his obsession with dresses, dolls, French braiding, Maria Von Trapp, and cheerleading – all interests she doesn’t see in other boys of his age. She’s not the only one concerned about Joshua, and with every summons to the Mother Superior’s office at his school, she finds it harder and harder to accept him, as he seems to happily accept himself. In this amusing, quirky and heartfelt take on the modern family, Andrea finds she must let go of her society instilled expectations, and embrace the brilliant young boy that he is. Can some sage advice from her gay nextdoor neighbour Charlie (played by Michael Emerson – Lost) help Andrea to overcome her prejudice? (LD)

Winner, Best US Narrative Feature Film, FilmOut San Diego 2008. session date time

Sat 21 March

ACMI Cinemas

1.15pm

SAVE ME Dir: Robert Cary, USA, 2007, video, 96 min Mark (Chad Allen) is a voracious party boy, addicted to drugs and men, but is given a chance to alter his ways when he wakes up in hospital after a post-binge suicide attempt. His brother promtply sends him to Genesis House, a Christian-run ministry that attempts to ‘cure’ gay men of their urges through spiritual guidance. Run by Gayle, and her husband, Ted, the facility houses only a handful of residents, including Scott (Robert Gant, Ben from the US Queer As Folk), who is wrestling with family demons of his own. Mark is initially sceptical, but he finds solace and friendship with some of his fellow members, especially Scott. Sensing the two men are becoming too close, Gayle is determined to intervene, all the more vehement in her actions as she sees in Mark her own gay son who died as the result of an excessive, hedonistic lifestyle. This powerful drama from Robert Cary is a superbly layered film – from the title, which can be applied to all characters in their own ways, to the measured treatment of all characters, most particularly Gayle and Ted, who could very easily have been portrayed in a negative light, but in fact are sympathetic and all-too-human. Judith Light is extraordinary as the tragic Gayle, whose (misguided) mission to fill the gap left by her son, sees her stuck on a merry-goround, seemingly never to escape. (PT)

“A thoughtful, independent production of exceptional insight and quietly devastating power.” LA Times Opening Night Film, 2007 LA Outfest. Official Selection, 2007 Sundance Film Festival. session date time

22 63

Sat 21 March Fri 27 March

ACMI Cinemas

5.30pm 8pm

Presented by

FEATURES

SHANK Dir: Simon Pearce, UK, 2008, video, 90 min

THE SECRETS HA SODOT Dir: Avi Nesher, France/Israel, 2007, video, 120 min Hebrew with English subtitles The Secrets tells the story of two brilliant, spirited young women – Naomi and Michelle – whose encounter with a mysterious, ailing French woman in the birthplace of Kabala forces them to question the rules by which they have lived their entire lives. Following the death of her mother, the bookish, devoutly religious Naomi persuades her father, a prominent rabbi, to postpone her marriage to his top student for a year, in order that she might study at a ‘Midrasha’ – a Jewish seminary for women. The ultra-orthodox Jewish community frowns upon Naomi’s academic interests: women are expected to marry, bare children and support their husbands’ study of the Torah, not improve their own minds. But despite his misgivings, the rabbi allows his daughter to enrol in the Midrasha. There, Naomi meets the free-spirited Michelle, whose wealthy family has sent her to Safed in the hopes that she will become more devout and maybe session date time even find a husband. The two become Sun 22 March 5.30pm roommates and eventually, their passion and their relationship will become far Thurs 26 March 8pm more than either of them expected. ACMI Cinemas

37 57

Worlds collide as the lives of Cal and Olivier intersect in Shank, a gritty coming of age/rites of passage drama. Cal, an 18-year-old directionless gang member has nothing in his life except drugs, sex, random acts of violence and a secret that he keeps hidden from his mates. An online hook up for sex with a stranger temporarily satisfies but fails to dampen his unspoken desires for his best mate, Jonno. Instead, he unleashes his unfulfilled sexuality in horrifically violent ways on innocent men. Nessa, their twisted, foulmouthed and controlling de facto gang leader, suspects that there is something going on between Cal and Jonno, but she can’t put her finger on it. Jonno, putty in Nessa’s hands, can’t express his own deeprooted and unrequited attachment to Cal. When 19-year-old student Olivier becomes involved with Cal, an ugly conflict threatens. Manipulating situations that bring her closer to having her suspicions about Cal and Jonno confirmed, Nessa sets about dividing loyalties and encouraging conflict. As a showdown between the boys ensues, no one is prepared for the savage way in which their mutual sexual attraction is played out.

World premiere. Warning: contains scenes of sexual violence and brutality that may offend some viewers. session date time

Fri 20 March

ACMI Cinemas

10.30pm

FEATURES

SOCIETY Dir: Vincent Moloi, South Africa, 2007, video, 87 min Originally commissioned by the South African Broadcasting Commission, and screened as a 4-part mini-series, Vincent Moloi’s groundbreaking lesbian drama was a huge hit with audiences in his home country, and the MQFF is proud to be screening one of South Africa’s first full-length lesbian films here in Melbourne. Society revolves around the lives of four Xhosa women who live and love in the urban jungle of post-apartheid Johannesburg. Beth is a closeted private-school teacher in a loving, happy, and comfortable relationship with her girlfriend Thuli. When one of her school friends dies suddenly, and she is called upon to help out with the funeral, Beth must find a way to come out to her core group of friends whom she has been avoiding for years for fear of their reaction to her lifestyle. She ultimately finds that she is not the only one harbouring a secret.

Australian premiere. session date time

Sat 21 March

ACMI Cinemas

11am

STEAM AKA: STEAMROOM Dir: Kyle Schickner, USA, 2008, video, 117 min Steam tells the story of three very different women, whose lives are linked only by the sauna at the local gym. All three are stuck in ruts from which they seek escape, but they seem unable to overcome the things that are keeping them from growing and thriving in their lives. Doris (recent Oscar nominee Ruby Dee) is recently widowed, and discovers a deep connection with a charming neighbour, while Laurie (brilliantly played by Ally Sheedy – High Art), is a divorced single mother who begins dating her son’s much younger soccer coach, whilst Elizabeth (Kate Siegal) is an attractive college freshman who must throw off her strict Catholic upbringing and attempt to come to terms with her sexuality when she meets Niala, a beautiful and politically active bisexual. By interweaving the stories of their individual journeys, Steam shows how age, race, class and religion have little to do with matters of the heart — session date time ultimately, we all want the same things: Fri 20 March 6pm love and happiness. With outstanding Sat 28 March 7.15pm performances from the female leads, Steam is a must-see film of the Festival. ACMI Cinemas

08 78

FEATURES

TO EACH HER OWN Dir: Heather Tobin, Canada, 2008, video, 112 min

THAT TENDER TOUCH Dir: Russel Vincent, USA, 1969, video, 80 min Marsha is an older widow recovering from losing her husband; Terry is a young girl scarred by an attempted date rape. With the two damaged women sharing an apartment together, it’s only natural that they seek solace in each other’s arms. But trouble in paradise arrives in the form of Ken, a photographer who hires Terry for several sessions and eventually proposes to her. Marsha’s world is turned upside down when the happy couple get married, but she won’t let go of Terry so easily. If Douglas Sirk ever decided to make a torrid soap opera about forbidden lesbian love, it probably still wouldn’t have been as over-the-top and sudsy as Russel Vincent’s That Tender Touch. Heavy with romantic flashbacks and heartfelt monologues, it’s a healthy combination of exploitation sensibilities and daytime soap sentiments. In other words, plenty of nudity appears throughout an over-the-top romance-gone-awry storyline. Naturally, as in all old Hollywood films, any character with ‘unnatural’ homosexual tendencies must perish by film’s end. For modern enlightened lesbians, That Tender Touch is an incredibly entertaining portrait of a 1969 mindset regarding lesbian relationships, and comes highly recommended. (Casey Scott)

Young married woman Jess lives in small town suburbia surrounded by homophobia and narrow-minded people when she meets Casey, a very out lesbian. The girls quickly form a strong romantic and sexual bond which forces Jess to come to terms with her sexuality. Jess is captivated by Casey’s lifestyle, and struggles with what to do as she falls deeper in love with Casey, all the while risking her marriage to loyal and kind-hearted Trevor. Casey’s life is also up-ended as she struggles with her burgeoning feelings of love and the idea of monogamy. Ultimately Jess is forced to choose between Casey and Trevor, in the process risking stability, her family, and all that she knows, for the great unknown and her new found love.

Australian premiere. session date time

Sat 21 March

ACMI Cinemas

1pm

“Lesbian audiences seeking soft-core titillation, will respond wildly to the camp value of this obscure and hilarious motion picture.” Wolfe Video session date time

Fri 27 March

ACMI Cinemas

8.15pm

FEATURES

TRU LOVED Dir: Stewart Wade, USA, 2008, video, 103 min 16-year-old Tru is uprooted by her lesbian mums from her comfortable gay-friendly home in San Francisco and moved to a conservative, suburban community in Southern California. Tru’s only friend is a closeted football player, and even that friendship is jeopardised when she starts the school’s first Gay-Straight Alliance and begins dating the school’s homophobic star quarterback. She’s now in the awkward position of keeping her relationship with the quarterback secret whilst she acts as a ‘beard’ for her closeted gay friend. This all goes completely against her progressive and enlightened upbringing, engendered by her lesbian mums. How can one 16-year-old girl counteract a small town’s long-held small mindedness and homophobia? Tru Loved is a refreshing exploration of teen life in a sexually and socially eclectic world and features appearances by Bruce Vilanch and Hollywood lesbian icon Jane Lynch. session date time

Sat 28 March

ACMI Cinemas

Presented by

3pm

WATER LILIES NAISSANCE DES PIEUVRES Dir: Céline Sciamma, France, 2007, 35mm, 85 min French with English subtitles Water Lilies is a superb French drama from newcomer Céline Sciamma. Summer in the suburbs outside Paris. There’s nothing to do but look at the ceiling for three 15-year-olds, Marie, Anne and Floriane. One day at her school’s synchronised swimming competition, shy and reserved Marie spots Floriane, the beautiful and confident captain of the team. Marie is smitten, but dares not express her feelings, especially to her pal, Anne, an extrovert who is consumed with her desire to kiss a boy. Marie and Floriane strike up a friendship of sorts and soon Floriane uses Marie to escape from her parents in the afternoons to meet up with her boyfriend. But how long will the charade last? Sciamma has successfully created a world devoid of adults, where these teenage girls deal with their desires and jealousies in their own awkward ways. Water Lilies constantly surprises with its freshness and honesty, and suffused with hidden meanings, this superb film is a richly layered cinematic experience. A lesbian highlight! (PT)

Officially selected at the 2007 Cannes, Toronto and London Film Festivals.

session date time

Sat 28 March

ACMI Cinemas

5.30pm

FEATURES

WHAT LOVE MEANS

SA RAISON D’ÊTRE Dir: Renaud Bertrand, France, 2008, video, 180 min French with English subtitles

WATERCOLORS Dir: David Oliveras, USA, 2008, video, 106 min Danny is a gifted, young artist whose attendance at the opening of his first New York exhibition of erotic paintings triggers memories of his first love Carter, a troubled athlete whose depression and self-denial led to suicide. Through a series of flashbacks we see Danny and Carter struggle with their mutual attraction as young teens. With the encouragement of three strong and very different women – Mrs Martin, a free-spirited art teacher, Danny's best friend, Andy, a young girl with a severe physical disability, and Miriam, a recovering alcoholic and devoutly religious mother – Danny learns to use his creativity to transcend his grief. Fifteen years later, Danny is faced with the possibility of losing Allan, his current lover, unless he keeps his promise to never paint Carter again. Oliveras gives the actors (including Golden Globe winner Karen Black) plenty to work with in this well-rounded script that plays like a first love story anyone can identify with.

Australian premiere.

session date time

Winner, Audience Award for Outstanding First Dramatic Feature, LA Outfest 2008.

ACMI Cinemas

Sun 22 March

3pm

This moving, epic melodrama spans almost 30 years, from the public stirrings of the AIDS epidemic in 1981 to the present day. A heartfelt and moving evocation of the lives of an extended ’family’, What Love Means is an engrossing production. At the start of the 80s a change of government in France brings reforms for the gay and lesbian community. Nico and his friends no longer have to feel ashamed of their homosexuality and they can celebrate and live without fear. But when the latest lover of Nico’s best friend, Jérôme, becomes gravely ill, and reports of a ‘gay disease’ spread, this new-found promise of the bourgeoning decade is derailed. When Nico’s beloved sister, Isabelle is killed in a random gunfight, Nico is given custody of Jeremy, her newborn son, and begins to spend time with the boy’s father, Bruno, who was badly injured in the attack and is slowly recovering. Both men are devastated by the loss of Isabelle, but their love of Jeremy draws them close, despite their differences. But can these two men – one straight and one gay – raise a child together despite the myriad obstacles? (PT)

There will be a 15 minute interval during the session. Australian premiere. session date time

Sun 29 March

2.15pm

ACMI Cinemas

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ThE SPiN News, media, commentary TRANSmiSSioN TimE Trans issues GENERATioN NExT Youth affairs houSE oF JAcK Trip hop, electronica, chill

d-FlEcTioN Richard hann An internationally acclaimed show of funky dance beats

oRANGE RiBBoN multi-culture chat GloBAl SouNdS Paulo miguel and Simon Serrell Global music from our planet diFFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RENT STRoKES camp and geek collide GliTTER ANd ToNiK Steve A dash of naughty and just a drop of nice

NocTuRNAl TRANSmiSSioNS Program encores and highlights plus a diverse selection of music

RAiNBow News, politics & wEll, wE health an

FRuiT A l Be surprise musi

ThE Shane an Everyone e

l33T RAiNBow mo Geeky a

NOW PLAYING: all the latest podcasts

re of the mind et the best seat in the house

RSDAY

FRIDAY

and hilarity

ATuRAl Barralet ys “it isn’t easy green”

l uP Anthony y calls on you

ThE moRNiNG music, interviews, information and more ThE PA SYSTEm Paul Anthony A public address telling you where to go around melbourne FliP ThE TAPE Adam christou The alternative current in indie pop

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

6am NocTuRNAl TRANSmiSSioNS Program encores and highlights plus a diverse selection of music 7am SuNdAY Gordon, Paul and Sangita BEK-FAST Eclectic laid back mix bek 9am Your weekend wake up womEN oN wAvES Anita 10am Alternative women’s music and news SATuRdAY mAGAZiNE Essential listening 11am community issues and news AllEGRo NoN TRoPPo Addam and Peter 12pm opinions, issues, interviews and dETouRS classical music Go on a journey, enjoy the detour

ThE mATiNEE mark and Kaz musical treasures and trance

locAl ANd vocAl Jenny Australian and indie artists

ThE womAN ZoNE Kaz Female artist spotlight

cAFFè lATTè Alan Ross latest in smooth soul and black influenced pop

1pm

3pm

5pm

ThE cASTiNG couch mark Film fun and frivolity

TEchNoGAZE Gadgets, gizmos and gays ThE Fool ANd ThE oPERA opera 101

ThE Two FAT lATTES Frank and Benny Just a little bit naughty

A Touch oF PiNK dennis and dick The freshest pop the world over

BENT NoTES Kirstin and Katie Playing everything jazz from ragtime to Robert Glasper.

8pm

ANd NuT liz ed with an all ic mix

FRidAY NiGhT FREQuENcY live broadcasts by JoY favourites and special events

Full cATASTRoPhE Andy Bell Stuff you know, didn’t know and wish you did

BRoAdwAY AT BEdTimE will and PJ musical theatre news

10pm

E lAB nd wendy experiments

PRoTEch SESSioNS walter Progressive sounds of underground dance

viNYliZm vas one Explore what’s electronic

ScRATch ANd diSToRT Jana hip hop, punk and indie

w REPoRT & current affairs Ell, wEll nd hiv info

w RolFcoPTER oggy and gay

NocTuRNAl TRANSmiSSioNS Program encores and highlights plus a diverse selection of music

s and audio HIGHLIGHTS at JOY.ORG.AU

6pm 7pm

9pm

11pm

1am

DOCUMENTARIES

AN ISLAND CALLING

BINDING WORDS

Dir: Annie Goldson, New Zealand/Fiji, 2008, video, 75 min

L’ORDRE DES MOTS

The 2001 murder of openly gay couple John Scott and Greg Scrivener in Suva is still clouded in rumour and political mystery. Scott, a fourth-generation, Fiji-born European, was the repatriated prodigal son of a powerful colonial family. As the Director-General of the Fiji Red Cross he had gained international attention during the coup of 2000 when he went to the assistance of hostages trapped in Parliament for 56 days.

Dir: Cynthia Arra & Melissa Arra, France, 2007, video, 75 min French with English subtitles

We meet friends, lawyers, and Fijian gay activists, seasoned Fiji observers and acquaintances of the murdered pair. We also meet the family of 22-year-old Apete Kaisau, who was ultimately charged with the killings. By engaging with a wide array of local viewpoints, every one of them expressed in vivid, forthright terms, Annie Goldson’s bracingly level-headed film fixes the horrific deaths within Fiji’s volatile heritage of colonial privilege, evangelical Christianity, homophobia, immigrant work force and indigenous entitlement. PLUS

Most powerfully, the documentary questions and challenges the French medical community’s psychiatric and medical discourse that treats transsexuality as an illness. Binding Words offers an inspiring and current discourse on issues relevant to our ideas of gender identity. PLUS:

AN ORDINARY PERSON

THE BOND Dir: Michael J Connell, USA, 2007, video, 6 min

Dir: Susan Potter, New Zealand, 2008, video, 44 min Taking as its starting point a cluster of killings in Auckland in 2003 and 2004, An Ordinary Person unpacks the use of the law of provocation as the notorious ‘homosexual advance defence’ to murder. Interviews with lawyers, legal academics and a journalist are inter-cut with a stylised dramatisation, telling a story that continues to have a huge cultural relevance. session date time

In a welcome departure from the usual treatment of trans issues, Binding Words confronts our most accepted gender norms by investigating the nature of oppression and repression experienced by the trans and intersex communities. All of the participants are contemporary actors and active within their communities in France. The interview subjects candidly relate their experiences of the way the media relates to the trans and intersex communities, as well as their differing and complex experiences with the medical profession.

Sun 22 March

acmi studio 1, plaza level

3pm

Engaging personal documentary about the filmmaker’s son Shaun who transitioned to Michayla as a young adult. Connell shows remarkable empathy and understanding, and feels terrible grief for his lost ‘son’, whilst at the same time being very proud of his new daughter. session date time

Sat 28 March

acmi studio 1, plaza level

Noon

DOCUMENTARIES

FATHERHOOD DREAMS Dir: Julia Ivanova, Canada, 2007, video, 55 min

CHRIS & DON: A LOVE STORY Dir: Guido Santi & Tina Mascara, USA, 2007, video, 90 min Chris & Don: A Love Story relates the life story of the passionate three-decade relationship between renowned British writer Christopher Isherwood (whose Berlin Stories was the basis for incarnations of the much-beloved Cabaret) and American portrait painter Don Bachardy, 30 years his junior. From Isherwood’s Kit Kat Club years in Weimar-era Germany (the inspiration for his most famous work) to the couple’s first meeting on the sun-kissed beaches of 50s Malibu, their against-all-odds story is brought to dazzling life by a treasure trove of multimedia, and reminiscences from friends like Leslie Caron, John Boorman and Liza Minelli. Bachardy’s contemporary reminiscences (in the Santa Monica home he shared with Isherwood until his death in 1986) artfully interact with archival footage, rare home movies (with glimpses of glitterati pals W.H. Auden, Igor Stravinsky and Tennessee Williams), re-enactments, and, most sweetly, whimsical animations based on the cat-and-horse cartoons the pair used in their personal correspondence. With Isherwood’s status as an outand-proud gay maverick, and Bachardy’s eventual artistic triumph away from the considerable shadow of his life session date time partner, Chris & Don: A Love Story is above all a joyful celebration of a Sun 22 March 11.15am most extraordinary couple. ACMI Cinemas

Canada is one of only five countries in the world where same-sex marriage is legal. Still, some, if not most people, are uncomfortable with the idea of openly gay men raising children. Fatherhood Dreams takes the audience into the day-to-day lives of Scott, Steve, Randy and Drew, who are fathers through surrogacy, co-parenting and adoption. Their private journey through fatherhood forces them to deal with much larger issues, including the legal aspects of surrogacy, the complexity of open adoption, and the battles concerning the official recognition of multiparent families. Fatherhood Dreams also gives a voice to the children – including an outspoken four-year-old named Kizea and teenager Jazz.

Australian premiere. PLUS

YOU, ME & HIM CAFÉ COM LEITE Dir: Daniel Ribiero, Brazil, 2007, 35mm, 19 min Portuguese with English subtitles When their plans for the future change, new bonds are created between Danilo, Lucas and Marcos. In between videogames and glasses of milk, pain and disappointment, they need to learn how to live together. session date time

Sun 29 March

acmi studio 1, plaza level

Noon

DOCUMENTARIES

FOR MY WIFE Dir: David Rothmiller, USA, 2008, video, 76 min For My Wife is a multi award-winning documentary chronicling the making of an activist. After the horrific and tragic death of her wife, Charlene Strong was thrust into the spotlight becoming a powerful voice for the equal rights of same-sex couples and their families in the US, resulting in the passage of Washington State’s historic Domestic Partnership legislation. Charlene’s challenging journey began the afternoon her partner Kate is taken to hospital after an accident at their home. From being denied her wife’s dying moments by hospital staff who demanded proof of her relationship to Kate, to being ostracised by a funeral company employee, Charlene experienced the most horrific discrimination. For My Wife relates Charlene’s experiences and her unexpected journey to the reluctant but charismatic face of gay and lesbian discrimination in the US.

Winner, Audience Award for Best Documentary, Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival. session date time

Sat 28 March

ACMI Cinemas

3.15pm

JERUSALEM IS PROUD TO PRESENT

LOOKING FOR ROMEO

Dir: Nitzan Gilady, Israel, 2007, video, 82 min Hebrew, Arabic, Yiddish with English subtitles

Dir: Arthur Ian, USA, 2008, video, 40 min

In the summer of 2006, Jerusalem was to host, for the first time in history, the World Pride events, which were to culminate in a traditional gay pride parade. The planned events stirred turmoil in the politically complex city, with Jewish, Muslim and Christian religious leaders banding together in an uncompromising battle against what they said would ‘defile the holy city’. On the other side stood the activists of the Open House, Jerusalem’s LGBT community centre, who planned the events. Steadfast in the face of the heated, violent and powerful antigay sentiment, they had to deal with threats to much more than just their right to march…

In a refreshing departure from the standard documentary about the world of hustling, Arthur Ian explores the experiences of both hustler and client in this engaging film. From Nice to Prague and New York, from Montreal to Los Angeles and Paris, young escorts and ‘johns’ share their experiences in a series of candid interviews. Challenging stereotypes and common beliefs, they tell shocking stories of love and hate, control and abuse, despair and hope. Without providing simple answers, the film invites the viewer to ponder the human condition through the lives of its characters. PLUS:

Winner, Best Documentary, LA Outfest. MQFF is pleased to have a member of Melbourne Jewish GLBT group Aleph introduce this session. session date time

Tues 24 March

ACMI Cinemas

6pm

TRIP TO HELL AND BACK Dir: Stu Maddox, USA, 2008, video, 30 min A world-famous equestrian leads a double life as a major crystal-meth dealer, until he faces life in prison. For the first time ever, he reveals his hidden life to the public in this engaging self-told documentary. session date time

Sat 21 March

ACMI Cinemas

6.30pm 55

DOCUMENTARIES

MoM, I DIDN’T KILL YOUR DAUGHTER

Ema, Lo Haragti Et Habat Shelach Dir: Orna Ben Dor, Israel, 2007, video, 50 min Hebrew with English subtitles

Lior and Yuval are a loving couple, together and happy for over a year. Lior comes from a kibbutz near the Dead Sea and Yuval is a city guy born in central Israel. Like many couples, they are opposites: Lior is opinionated and speaks his mind, and Yuval is introverted and shy. Both were born as women but throughout their lives they have identified as male. Yuval underwent gender transition several years ago; Lior is just starting out on his journey. Lior turns a camera on himself, and his video diaries – raw and brave – capture the fear, doubts, hope and excitement that come with change. Orna Ben Dor’s superb documentary lovingly captures Yuval’s battle to be legally recognised as male, Lior’s transformation and surgery, and his mother’s struggle to accept her new son – a difficulty ultimately overshadowed by the depth of her love. PLUS:

ODD ONE OUT, VERY NORMAL REALLY: FROM LUCAS TO LUUS Dir: Charlotte Hoogakker, The Netherlands, 2005, video, 16 min Dutch with English subtitles

POWER AND THE PASSION: THE TECHNOLOGY OF ORGASM Dir: Wendy Slick & Emiko Omori, USA, 2007, video, 72 min This humorous, revealing, and informative documentary traces the history of the vibrator, which evolved along with the women’s movement, from medical and mechanical to recreational device. A variety of female ‘sexperts’ discuss the vibrator and its relationship to female orgasm, revealing its previous use by Victorian doctors to relieve women of symptoms of ‘hysteria’. Don’t miss this chance to titillate your dinner party guests with fascinating facts and revelations about one of modern humanity’s finer inventions. (LD) PLUS:

Intimate and personal story of young Luus, who has changed gender at a very young age.

Winner, Best Documentary Short, New York Gay & Lesbian Film Fest. PLUS:

LA MOMA Dir: Samuel Sebastián, Spain, 2007, video, 10 min Spanish with English subtitles

Dir: Brian Lilla, USA, 2007, video, 10 min

Engaging story of Maribel, the first transsexual to change gender thanks to Spain's new Gender Identity Law.

An intimate exploration of the personal struggle and the cathartic process of the BDSM experiences of Lorelei Lee and Princess Donna.

session date time

ACMI Cinemas

A TALE OF TWO BONDAGE MODELS

Sun 22 March

1.15pm

Sun 29 March

4pm

DOCUMENTARIES

'T' IS FOR TEACHER Dir: Rohan Spong, Australia/USA, 2009, video, 70 min Four transgendered school teachers wish to transition whilst employed within the US school system. Director Rohan Spong interviews them about their struggles and triumphs, with issues such as gendered bathrooms, the impact of their transition on students and the depiction of transgendered people in the media. Along the way, Spong engages students, parents, school administrations and conservative church members in a discussion about the lessons learned from bearing witness to these remarkable transwomen’s courage.

World premiere. PLUS:

QUEER SCIENCE Dir: Rohan Spong, Australia/USA, 2008, video, 20 min Queer Science focuses on the work of UCLA’s Center for Gender Based Biology. Director Rohan Spong was given access to the controversial working methodology and findings of current studies into the biological basis for homosexuality and transgenderism. This work raises critical questions about the current scientific study of GLBTI identities.

World premiere. Director Rohan Spong will be in attendance and available for a Q&A in the Festival Club immediately following the session. session date time

68 Sat 28 March

ACMI Cinemas

11.15am

WRANGLER: ANATOMY OF AN ICON Dir: Jeffrey Schwarz, USA, 2008, video, 82 min From the dawn of the sexual revolution comes the outrageous true story of 1970s gay porn icon Jack Wrangler, who became a major brand name in adult entertainment, as well as a hero to the newly liberated gay population. Jack Stillman grew up in Beverly Hills, a child of privilege with a decidedly sensitive nature who wanted to be in show business from an early age, and achieved that goal by becoming a child star on the Sunday morning religious drama, Faith of Our Children. His father was a producer of Bonanza, and Jack’s budding sexuality was piqued by the sight of a young Michael Landon. He honed his acting and directing talents, but when show-business success eluded him, he turned to bartending and go-go dancing in the burgeoning gay community of West Hollywood before eventually falling into the gay porn industry, adopting the name Jack Wrangler and becoming one of its major players. A cavalcade of movie roles followed – sailors, cowboys and construction workers – Jack Wrangler played them all. Not content to be a big fish in a small pond, he decided to cross over into the more lucrative straight porn world and became an even bigger success. Today, Jack Wrangler looks back bemusedly on his adventures in the skin trade, but has never distanced himself from his past. His story is one of self-invention and determination, and although he has gone on to an accomplished theatre career, he knows he will always be Jack Wrangler, former porn star. session date time

Sat 21 March

ACMI Cinemas

9.15pm 57

SPECIAL Plus:

Queer Families and the Law panel Marshalls & Dent Lawyers is proud to co-present this panel discussion on the topic of family law relating to the queer community. Issues to be discussed include the law relating to same-sex relationships, gay marriage, same-sex parenting, rights to IVF and adoption rights. The session will also focus on the new Victorian Relationships Act 2008, which, amongst other things, enables de-facto couples to register their relationships.

2 MUMS AND A DAD Dir: Miranda Wills, Australia, 2007, video, 52 min Fiona is 33 and ready to have a baby. But her partner, Kellie, is a woman and sperm isn’t part of the equation. Fiona has a solution: a gay friend from work who passionately wants to be a dad. Fiona and Kellie want their child to have a father who will be a part of the child’s life. It seems perfect…but is it? 2 Mums and a Dad is the story of the rocky road of 3-way parenting and the legal and personal mine-field that potentially accompanies a family structure that challenges the so-called ‘normal’ nuclear experience.

Winner, Dendy Award for Best Documentary, 2007 Sydney Film Festival. Winner, Best Documentary, 2007 Australian Teachers of Media Awards. session date time

Sat 28 March

acmi studio 1, plaza level

2pm

Presented by

Moderator: Shaun Miller. Shaun is a partner in the Film and Entertainment Law Department at Marshalls & Dent and has been involved in many queer organisations, including the inaugural committee of the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby, and the Board of the Melbourne Queer Film Festival. Panellists: Helen Suke is a partner in the Family Law Department at Marshalls & Dent. Helen has considerable experience in all aspects of family law, including the many and varied issues that impact on same-sex relationships, bringing empathy and practical skills to her clients. Annie Moylan is a lawyer in the Family Law department at Marshalls & Dent. Annie’s current practice includes same-sex de facto property matters and she has a particular interest in adoption issues. Grevis Beard is a lawyer and expectant father with a lesbian couple. He worked at the Victorian Equal Opportunity Commission for ten years. Grevis will expound on his same-sex commitment ceremony in a church in Melbourne and the travails of starting a queer family. Kristen Walker is a barrister and Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne Law School. One of the subjects that Kristen teaches is “Law and Sexuality”.

PRESENTATIONS Plus:

QUEER SENIORS panel The MQFF and the ALSO Foundation are pleased to co-present this documentary and panel session which will highlight issues relative to the lives of contemporary queer seniors in Victoria. The panel will also discuss the recent changes to the Federal legislation and how these changes will affect same-sex relationships with the possibility of increased pressure on our older queer community, and the responsibility of the younger queer community to understand and respond to our queer seniors. Panellists:

OUT LATE Dir: Beatrice Alda & Jennifer Brooke, USA/Canada, 2008, video, 62 min Out Late introduces five individuals who made a decisive change later in life, to come out as lesbian, gay, or transgender, after the age of 55. Why did they wait until their 50s, 60s or 70s to come out? And what was the turning point that caused each of these people finally to openly declare their sexuality? From Canada to Kansas, we find out what ultimately led these dynamic individuals to make the liberating choice to pursue fully integrated lives.

Presented by

Australian premiere. session date time

Sun 22 March

acmi studio 1, plaza level

Noon

Gary Ferguson is the Community Education Officer with Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV), which is a community legal service addressing elder abuse in the community. Garyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role is to raise public awareness and deliver community education to senior Victorians over the age of 60. Sally Goldner has been out of the gender closet for just over 13 years and an active participant in Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s queer community for the last ten. Outside of the community, she is an accountant specialising in the not-for-profit sector. Catherine Barrett is a researcher who has worked with aged care service providers to promote the sexual and sensual needs of clients, including the development of education programs, policies and guidelines for practice. Catherine has explored the processes of change while working as a Consultant with the National Ageing Research Institute and as a quality assessor with the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency and in her PhD thesis. Her recent project work has included My People: Determining strategies to improve the care of GLBTI seniors in aged care services, a project of the Matrix Guild and Vintage Men.

SPECIAL

SEX POSITIVE

Plus:

Dir: Daryl Wein, USA, 2008, video, 76 min

HIV/AIDS panel

Sex Positive explores the life of Richard Berkowitz, a revolutionary gay SM hustler-turned-HIV/AIDS activist in the 1980s, whose incomparable contribution to the invention of safe sex has rarely been aptly credited. Berkowitz emerged from the epicentre of the epidemic as a community leader, demanding a solution to the problem before anyone else would pay attention. However, it was not Berkowitz’ voice alone that sparked contention.

MQFF and the Victorian AIDS Council/ Gay Men’s Health Centre are proud to co-present this panel which will use the preceding documentary as a springboard for a panel discussion regarding the current issues related to HIV prevention in Victoria.

Dr Joseph Sonnabend, a controversial virologist and AIDS doctor, postulated that AIDS was more complicated than just a new virus. With Sonnabend’s theory in tow, Berkowitz fought, alongside beloved activist and musician Michael Callen, for safer sex practices without giving up on sex altogether. Through the eyes of Berkowitz, the audience is made witness to a graphic testimony of sex, death, and betrayal, while placing the invention of ‘safe sex’ in a fresh and compelling context. session date time

Sat 21 March

acmi studio 1, plaza level

Noon

Presented by

Panellists: Colin Batrouney is the Manager of the Health Promotion Program at the Victorian AIDS Council/Gay Men’s Health Centre (VAC/GMHC). Mike Kennedy has been Executive Director of VAC/GMHC since 1999. Dr Jeffrey Grierson is a senior research fellow at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society. Sonny Williams is Executive Officer for People Living with HIV/AIDS Victoria. Garrett Prestage is a Senior Lecturer at the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research.

PRESENTATIONS QUEER FAMILY FLICKS – KIDS' SESSION At last a session for all members of the queer family! Mums and dads bring your kids and their friends to dance and sing along with Dottie and Buddy G as they offer a queer friendly alternative to the Wiggles and Hi 5.

Best suited to kids aged 2–8. Free admittance for kids under 14. Tickets available from the ACMI box office on the day. No prior bookings. First in best dressed!

DOTTIE’S MAGIC POCKETS: ‘DOING THE FLOWER’ & ‘BEAT BEET’ Dir: Andrea Maxwell, USA, 2007, video, 50 min Dottie’s Magic Pockets is the first kids’ show that features gay and lesbian families – and it’s guaranteed super fun for everyone! Each wacky episode is filled with catchy songs, cute cartoons – like purplish-pink Princess and her two dads – and Dottie’s fabulous puppet friends. Dottie’s Magic Pockets takes your child on a fun and educational journey exploring social, intellectual, musical, and emotional themes. It also helps children understand and appreciate non-traditional families. Come join Dottie and her friends in this wacky, heart-warming and much demanded film. Plus:

BUDDY G, MY TWO MOMS AND ME: ‘THE LOST RINGS’ Dir: Margaux Towne-Colley, USA, 2007, video, 12 min Join in the adventure of 'The Lost Rings' with Buddy G, a five-year-old boy who loves science and solves daily problems with the help of his sidekick Socrates, an armband computer with internet capabilities. In this premiere episode, Buddy G and his best friend Owen learn the value of being truthful while picking up some handy facts along the way. Buddy G, My Two Moms & Me features the fun mix of rock, country, blues, pop, polka and rap music of Curt Bright and the String Beans. session date time

Sun 29 March

acmi studio 1, plaza level

2pm

OZ DOCS This year’s eclectic collection of Oz Docs highlights the diverse and gifted talent of the filmmaking pool in Australia. Representatives from the films will be in attendance for a Q&A in the Festival club following the session.

Heart

HEART Dir: Amy Gebhardt, Australia, 2008, video, 25 min Shot with tender intimacy, Heart explores the origins of creative inspiration when artist Jacqui Stockdale embarks on a portrait of her long-time muse, Rose. As past storms of their personal life swirl around them, we witness the changing nature of love within the artistic process.

POLY PEOPLE Dir: Muffy Potter, Australia, 2007, video, 7 min Poly People

Revealing documentary about the world of polyamorous relationships. Three couples who practice polyamory reveal how each have come to develop and sustain these ‘poly’ relationships within a world that defines monogamy as the norm.

LESBANESE Dir: Alissar Gazal, Australia/Lebanon, 2008, video, 27 min Arabic with English subtitles

Lesbanese

Revealing documentary which explores the lives of lesbians living in Lebanon. Delight in this hidden world of women who are savvy, sexy and confident within themselves despite the social and cultural difficulties they face.

MUSCLE Dir: Natasha Gadd, Australia, 2008, video, 25 min Muscle is an intimate narrative documentary that explores the life and work of an unusual acrobatic trio whose extraordinary bodies and the feats they perform have become the site of their art, their identity and for Mozes, his survival in the shadow of HIV. session date time

Muscle

Sun 29 March

ACMI Cinemas

Noon 63

OZ SHORTS In partnership with the City of Melbourne, the MQFF is proud to present this year’s package of Australian shorts. The City of Melbourne has confirmed their long-standing support of the Festival by generously providing a $2000 cash prize for The City of Melbourne Emerging Filmmaker Award for Best Australian Short Queer Film. Only the films listed in the Oz Shorts package are eligible for this Award, which will be voted by a panel of judges. This year’s Oz Shorts judges are: Shaun Miller is a partner in the Film and Entertainment Law Department at Marshalls & Dent and has been involved in many queer organisations, including being on the inaugural committee of the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby and a former Board member of the MQFF. Mark Pace is presenter of JOY 94.9’s film program, The Casting Couch, a doctor by day and an avid film watcher by night. He also regularly contributes movie reviews to samesame.com.au and is a guest reviewer for other shows on JOY 94.9 and Nova 100. Dan Watson is a multi-talented media marvel who has worked extensively in television and radio (think Logies, AFI media room, Channel V etc.) and has hosted Nova 100’s gayest radio show The Stick Shift for two years. He is gay … he is proud … he does dantastic radio. Simone Ubaldi is the Head of Acquisitions for Beyond Home Entertainment and label manager of FQ Films, Australia’s largest queer cinema collection.

Presented by

Cr. Jennifer Kanis (City of Melbourne) is an Employment and Industrial Relations lawyer and is the Convenor of Victorian Women Lawyers. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Jennifer was a secondary school teacher and communications consultant.

SKIN Dir: Rhys Graham, Australia, 2008, video, 27 min Skin examines the 15 year collaboration between tattooist and artist eX de Medici and her subject Geoff O, as they negotiate the possibility of bequeathing Geoff’s almost completely tattooed skin as an artwork when he dies.

THE LETTER Dir: Evan Randall Green, Australia, 2008, video, 8 min Skin

The Letter

When Adrian decides to share his feelings for another male, he is ignorant to the upset his actions may cause.

OZ SHORTS Please note: All films listed are shown at each session

LOVE AND THE SPACE BETWEEN Dir: Beth Child, Australia, 2008, video, 15 min Between love and loss, heartache and friendship, grief and moving on, sex and death, there is the space between.

THE UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE Dir: Jacqui Schulz, Australia, 2007, video, 15 min Two women meet in a doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waiting room. In that instant, despite the universe between them, their lives become paradoxically entangled. Knowing how to die can mean knowing how to live, and uncertainty can be a rewarding experience. Love And The Space Between

STEAK Dir: Kathryn Goldie, Australia, 2008, video, 9 min Take one steak, a little rock salt and freshly cracked pepper. Season well. Add a dash of bitterness, and garnish with resentment. Serve.

KRIS CROSS Dir: Sarah Spillane, Australia, 2009, video, 17 min Inspiring documentary that follows the sometimes painful but ultimately positive story of Kris who is in the midst of a transition from female to male. session date time

18 75

Sat 21 March Sat 28 March

The Uncertainty Principle

ACMI Cinemas

Steak

Kris Cross

3.15pm 5.15pm

SHORT & GIRLY Lesbian lessons in life, love, dancing and donkeys – it’s all here in one eclectic package of lesbian shorts from around the world.

WORST CASE SCENARIO: FEMME EDITION Dir: Mary Guzman, USA, 2008, video, 5 min Lessons in modern femme etiquette.

DONKEY GIRL Dir: Ties Schenk, The Netherlands, 2006, video, 14 min Dutch and Arabic with English subtitles Farouzi’s best friend is her donkey…until the fish girl shows up on her motorbike.

THE PREMIERE PREMIEREN Dir: Margret Bergheim, Norway, 2007, video, 9 min Norwegian with English subtitles An older woman makes an untraditional choice that shows it’s never too late to choose love.

DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS Dir: Carrie Schrader & Tricia Cooke, USA, 2008, video, 7 min Worst Case Scenario: Femme Edition

Comic morality tale about two cocky lesbians who bite off more than they can chew in a Texas roadside diner.

Donkey Girl

The Premiere

Don’t Mess With Texas

SHORT & GIRLY Please note: All films listed are shown at each session

DANCING TO HAPPINESS

TANZ INS GLÜCK

Dir: Barbara Seiler, Switzerland, 2008, video, 17 min Swiss German with English subtitles Two women sign up for a dance class and get far more than either bargained for. Dancing To Happiness

DANDELION FALL Dir: Lauren Wolkstein, USA, 2007, video, 14 min In New York City, a naive cowgirl falls into an obsessive and destructive sexual relationship with a Manhattan socialite.

NIGHT STAR INKANYEZI YOBUSUKU Dir: Kekeletso Khena, South Africa, 2007, video, 13 min Zulu with English subtitles Dandelion Fall

Two Zulu women fall in love in a remote African village during Ukuya Enyangeni, the time of isolation and contemplation that occurs during menstruation.

SELF HELP FOR SAPPHISTS Dir: Karen Rutter & Jenny Radloff, South Africa, 2007, video, 6 min A modern girl’s guide to life as a lesbian.

REHEARSAL REP Dir: Maria Eng, Sweden, 2007, 35mm, 5 min 2 young girls discover a wonderful surprise during gym class. Night Star

HOW DO I SAY THIS? I’M GAY Dir: Silas Howard & Michael Bodie, USA, 2007, video, 5 min A college student musters the courage to come out to her mother, with the support of her musically inclined friends. session date time

31 86

Sun 22 March Sun 29 March

ACMI Cinemas

1pm 2pm

Self Help For Sapphists

Rehearsal

How Do I Say This? I’m Gay

SHORT & BURLY From misconstrued mail, to sperm jealousy to hot phone sex – it’s all here in one bulging package of shorts from around the world.

WRESTLING Bræðrabylta Dir: Grímur Hákonarson, Iceland, 2007, 35mm, 20 min Icelandic with English subtitles Two gay wrestlers living in rural Iceland grapple with their love for one another.

I AM GAY JAG ÄR BÖG Dir: Nicolas Kolovos, Sweden, 2008, video, 15 min Swedish with English subtitles Wrestling

Nicolas’ imagination gets the better of him when he tries to come out to his family over dinner.

MATCHSTICK DRVCE OD KIBRIT Dir: Tony Radevski, Australia, 2008, video, 12 min Macedonian with English subtitles Sometimes when you collapse, you can never get up.

HIRSUTE Dir: A.J. Bond, Canada, 2007, video, 14 min Kyle is building a time machine, and is confronted by an arrogant gay version of himself who has a preoccupation with boiled eggs and body hair removal. I Am Gay

Matchstick

SHORT & BURLY Please note: All films listed are shown at each session

Hirsute

The Postcard

THE POSTCARD Dir: Josh Kim, Korea, 2007, video, 15 min Korean with English subtitles Two men carrying on a flirtation via postcard have their missives accidentally misconstrued by the female post office workers.

MANO-A-MANO Dir: Todd Strauss-Schulson, USA, 2008, video, 5 min Two guys compete for a coveted position in an unconventional call centre. session date time

11 28

Mano-A-Mano

Fri 20 March Sun 22 March

ACMI Cinemas

10pm 11am 69

BOOBTUBE The latest and greatest in award-winning lesbian short films from around the world.

AT HOME (OR LOVE AS WELL)

A DOMICILIO (O INCLUSO TAMBIÉN EL AMOR) Dir: Mariel Maciá, Spain, 2008, video, 25 min Spanish with English subtitles Rosa and Flor find they need to reconsider the prejudices they have about themselves and about one another.

Winner, Best Female Short, Long Island Gay Lesbian Film Fest 2008. At Home (or Love As Well)

Winner, Best Short Film, Lesgiacinemad International Film Festival 2008.

Your Turn

YOUR TURN Dir: Sarah Grimmer, Australia, 2008, video, 5 min Esther and Joan have been playing chequers over the internet for hours – or has it been years? Bored with waiting for Joan to make her move, Esther decides to spice things up.

LOVING LORETTA Dir: Andrea Gutsche, Canada, 2008, video, 22 min Charismatic cowgirl Loretta is loved by all in her midWestern town. But it’s the attention of the femme waitress she most covets.

Loving Loretta

BOOBTUBE Please note: All films listed are shown at each session

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dir: Roberta Marie Munroe, USA, 2008, video, 15 min Hannah wants a baby. Abigail wants a dildo. Jack and Madeleine like things just the way they are. An hilarious butch/femme role-reversal tale of two couples, two birthdays and two sex toys!

SPARK GNIST

Happy Birthday

Dir: Inger Lene Stordrange & Endre Kvia, Norway, 2007, video, 15 min Norwegian with English subtitles Caroline seems to have the perfect life – a great job, perfect man, a beautiful house. But what she really wants is Maria.

MECHANIC’S DAYDREAM Dir: Mary Guzman, USA, 2007, video, 9 min A butch mechanic meets her match and dreams about the ones that got away in this homage to high femmes, vintage motorcycles and more. session date time

09 67

Spark

Mechanic’s Daydream

Fri 20 March Sat 28 March

ACMI Cinemas

8pm 11am

COCKTALES From tragedy to comedy, there’s something for everyone in this package of international gay shorts.

AULD LANG SYNE Dir: Joon-moon So, Korea, 2007, video, 26 min Korean with English subtitles Two men meet up again after many years apart. Can they re-establish their relationship?

LOT’S WIFE Dir: Harjant Gill & Koray Durak, USA/Turkey, 2008, video, 10 min Turkish with English subtitles Mehmet’s three uncles and aunt barge into his and his lover Ali’s apartment, threatening to destroy everything he hopes for and had created with Ali.

TRACES Dir: Rachel Zisser, USA, 2007, 35mm, 19 min

Auld Lang Syne

Lot’s Wife

Sydney Kessler answers the phone call that no parent ever wants to receive, in the process finding out more about his son than he ever knew.

COCKTALES Please note: All films listed are shown at each session

Traces

TRYOUT Dir: Nimrod Rinot, Israel, 2007, video, 16 min Hebrew with English subtitles Dan is facing a critical time in his life. He’s torn between Itay, his boyfriend – who wants to tell the world about their love – and Uri, his son.

RICK & STEVE: THE HAPPIEST GAY COUPLE IN ALL THE WORLD. EPISODE 1 Tryout

Dir: Q. Allan Brocka, USA, 2007, video, 22 min America's animated gay sweethearts (Rick & Steve) decide to have a baby with America's lesbian sweethearts (Kirsten & Dana) despite not getting along at all. Steve is jealous that the lesbians prefer Rick's sperm, so he comes up with an alternate plan - with the help of Pussy the cat. Voices include Peter Paige, Alan Cumming, Wilson Cruz. session date time

05 50

Thurs 19 March Tues 24 March

ACMI Cinemas Rick & Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple In All The World

10pm 10pm 73

FEMME FATALITIES From lesbian vampires to dominatrix therapists and bickering over laundry, this group of quirky tales will appeal to those wanting something a little out of left field.

LATE Dir: Guinevere Turner, USA, 2008, video, 8 min Maggie has missed a date with a girl she really liked and will not return her best friend’s phone calls. Is she keeping a dark secret? Late

A LITTLE TIGER EN LITEN TIGER Dir: AnnaCarin Andersson, Sweden, 2006, 35mm, 29 min Swedish with English subtitles Simon doesn’t have one mother like other children. Instead he has two – who live together and kiss when the neighbours aren’t looking. And when you’re different, you really have to make an effort to make people think you’re just like everyone else.

A Little Tiger

LOVE SUCKS Dir: Ingrid Jungermann & Sara Winters, USA, 2008, video, 10 min For a vampire couple, forever can really bite.

IN TWILIGHT’S SHADOW Dir: T.M. Scorzafava, USA, 2007, video, 12 min A solitary female immortal lies suspended between light and dark. She’s summoned to rise by her sire to rescue the mortal she loves and face the creature that now lurks within. Love Sucks

In Twilight’s Shadow

FEMME FATALITIES Please note: All films listed are shown at each session

THE THORNY ROSE Dir: Carrie Schrader, USA, 2008, video, 9 min A therapist who can’t feel enlists the aid of a reputable dominatrix to help her through her emotional block, but discovers that the dominatrix has a few blocks of her own.

A SOFT PLACE Dir: Suzanne Guacci & Michael Magnifico, USA, 2007, video, 10 min The Thorny Rose

Two women argue about a doona in a laundrette in this wacky tale about a saucy secret.

A Soft Place

LET’S ROLL Dir: Kat-I, USA, 2007, video, 5 min Two lovers disagree about music and smoking. session date time

24 77

Sat 21 March Sat 28 March

acmi studio 1, plaza level Let’s Roll

7.15pm 6pm

SEX DRIVES+ Our sex drives make us do odd (and sometimes terrifying) things from time to time…

EVEN IN MY DREAMS

BRAMADERO

Dir: Flavio Alves, USA, 2008, video, 8 min

Dir: Julián Hernández, Mexico, 2008, 35mm, 21 min

Michael, an elderly, world-worn widower, happens upon a Tom of Finland doll in a sex shop display window. His subconscious fascination with the erotic doll is the trigger for a belated and reluctant sexual self-discovery at the end of a lifetime of sexual repression.

The beautiful and erotic Bramadero finds Hassen and Jonás on the outskirts of Mexico City. Away from it all, they’ve found a spot where they can seduce one another and become one.

Even In My Dreams

Bramadero

Warning: explicit sex and violence.

VIDEOTAPE STEAM Dir: Damien Rea, UK, 2008, video, 3 min Ever wondered what men get up to alone at home? Here is a surprisingly sexy hymn to domesticity and the male state.

THE YOUNG AND EVIL Dir: Julian Breece, USA, 2008, video, 15 min Steam

A sexually defiant teen sets out to seduce an HIV prevention advocate into giving him the virus.

Warning: contains scenes which may disturb some viewers. Official selection, Sundance Film Festival 2009.

PORTRAIT OF A COUPLE Dir: David Martin-Porras, USA, 2007, video, 8 min A few days before moving to Spain, Ryan learns that he might be HIV positive. This situation will force him to deal with his boyfriend and his worst fears. The Young And Evil

MORNING SUITS Dir: Helena Mitchell, UK, 2008, video, 7 min Love is like a hired suit â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sometimes it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite fit.

SOMEBODY IS WATCHING US Dir: Maxime Desmons, Canada, 2009, video, 11 min

Portrait Of A Couple

Alliocha and Bruno have anonymous sex in a public bathroom and are prematurely separated when one loses his nerve. Later, an unexpected event brings them together again and both men must confront their assumptions about each other.

continued overpage...

Morning Suits

Somebody Is Watching Us

SEX DRIVES+VIDEOTAPE

The Back Room

...continued from previous page

THE BACK ROOM Dir: Greg Ivan Smith, USA, 2008, video, 16 min Two strangers uncover astonishing connections as they search for a mysterious Renaissance painting.

THE WINDOW Dir: Philippe Gosselin & Ronald Regina, USA, 2008, video, 5 min Three men discover the profound liberation (and pleasure!) that comes from letting go of inhibitions, embracing all of who you are and revealing your soul and yourself to the world. session date time

Wed 25 March

ACMI Cinemas

The Window

10.15pm

TRANS PHATS Here’s a chunky little package of great trans shorts and docos that is bound to entertain and enlighten.

Wax

WAX Dir: Virginie Tetoofa, Australia/French Polynesia, 2007, video, 7 min A man discovers his true identity through a saucy waxing session that borders on sadomasochism, with his soon-tobe-married best girlfriend.

THE BATH Dir: Mi-Rang Lee, Korea, 2007, video, 20 min Korean with English subtitles The Bath

A young woman is transitioning from female-to-male. Despite fears, their mother finds it surprisingly easy to adapt.

MY DAD SUSAN Dir: Teagan McCarthy, Australia, 2007, video, 8 min A young filmmaker who has been estranged from her father meets him for the first time. He graphically reveals a long held secret about his alter-ego Susan.

SIMPLY LOVE GEWOON LIEFDE My Dad Susan

Dir: Eveline van Dijck, The Netherlands, 2007, video, 48 min Dutch with English subtitles In the time since Marcel and Marijke were teenage sweethearts, they’ve married other people and raised families. And Marcel has become Marcella. When Marijke seeks out Marcel after a 40-year absence, there is no question that the affections they enjoyed in 1964 are just as vital today, regardless of the changes that have transpired. Even if Marcella’s transgender status is surprisingly and refreshingly not an issue for Marijke, can the newly reunited 60-something couple adjust to a new relationship and weather the storm of long-distance and homesickness? session date time

Simply Love

Sat 21 March

ACMI Cinemas

11.15am 79

QUEERIES Curated by Scott Igoe and Claudia Stapledon, this collection of international shorts explores gender and sexuality issues relevant to younger audiences.

Clouded

CLOUDED Dir: Ajae Clearwater, USA, 2007, video, 13 min A classic coming-of-age story takes a powerful turn when Sean’s struggle to understand who he really is explodes the lie that goes to the core of his being, his relationship with his father, and his future as a man.

CANDY BOY Candy Boy

Dir: Pascal-Alex Vincent, France, 2007, 35mm, 13 min French with English subtitles The children at the orphanage are mysteriously falling ill and Candy Boy, the most valiant of the orphans, investigates. But the arrival of a new boarder complicates our hero’s inquiries.

HERZHAFT HerzHaft

Dir: Martin Busker, Germany, 2007, video, 15 min German with English subtitles Soccer coach Ralf is torn between reason and longing when he falls in love with Felix, a teen in his soccer team.

I’M JIN-YOUNG Dir: Sung-eun Lee, Korea, 2006, video, 19 min Korean with English subtitles 4th grade student Jin-young’s home life becomes complicated with the arrival of her older sister’s butch best friend.

I’m Jin-Young

QUEERIES Please note: The Office of Film & Literature Classification allows patrons aged 15 years and over to attend this session.

ON THE BUS Dir: Tracy D. Smith, Canada, 2008, video, 6 min Jeremy fantasises about conversations with his crush Sean. But, what happens when he loses control of something completely in his mind? On The Bus

When I Become Silent

WHEN I BECOME SILENT

WATASHI GA CHINMOKU SURU TOKI Dir: Hyoe Yamamoto, Japan, 2007, video, 18 min Japanese with English subtitles Aspiring writer Kyoko panics when her girlfriend of one year proposes moving in together.

SHOTGUN Shotgun

Dir: Ronny Hirschmann, Israel, 2007, video, 17 min Hebrew with English subtitles A brief encounter in the school toilet turns into love as a 16-year-old Springsteen fan and an 18-year-old troublemaker find a way to make high school a little less boring.

HOW DO I SAY THIS? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;M GAY Dir: Silas Howard & Michael Bodie, USA, 2007, video, 5 min A college student musters the courage to come out to her mother, with the support of her musically inclined friends. session date time How Do I Say This? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Gay

Sat 21 March

acmi studio 1, plaza level

4pm 81

The Classic Cinema is a proud supporter of the Melbourne Queer Film Festival

9 Gordon St Elsternwick Ph 9524 7900

www.classictheatre.com.au

Now you and your Liquor can see a movie* together! Take advantage of our Liquor License. * ExcludEs G & PG ratEd films. No BYo.

CELLULOID CASSEROLE MQFF and LOOP present an eclectic menu of new Australian shorts. For just a gold coin donation you have the chance to see local titles not screening in the Oz Shorts package. Arrive early as this session is first in, best dressed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; standing room also available.

DIRT & DESIRE Dir: Diane Busuttil, Australia/Germany, 2008, video, 8 min

GALACTIC SEX WARS Dir: Robbie McEwan, Australia, 2008, video, 14 min

THE DEVIL WITHIN Dir: Jac Ash, Australia, 2009, video, 3 min

Dirt & Desire

Galactic Sex Wars

Tense Intentions

Heartbreak Motel

Game Day

Secret Love

Spokes

Turning Point

Last First

Untitled Film Stills

TENSE INTENTIONS Dir: Josh Macphee, Australia, 2008, video, 5 min

HEARTBREAK MOTEL Dir: Aaron McLoughlin, Australia, 2008, video, 7 min

DRAG KING VIRGINS Dir: Penny Byrne & Anna Scionti, Australia, 2009, video, 10 min

GAME DAY Dir: Phil Carew, Australia, 2008, video, 7 min

SECRET LOVE Dir: Probir Dutt, Australia, 2008, video, 10 min

SPOKES Dir: Peter Ireland, Australia, 2008, video, 7 min

TURNING POINT Dir: Stuart Mannion, Australia, 2008, video, 6 min

THE LAST SON Dir: Bartholomew Sammut, Australia, 2008, video, 5 min

LAST FIRST Dir: Hope Collins, Australia, 2008, video, 10 min

UNTITLED FILM STILLS Dir: Sam Icklow, Australia, 2007, video, 5 min session date time

Wed 25 March

loop, 23 meyers place, melbourne

7.30pm 83

cruise the river nile cycle through chianti wine country be enchanted by india’s taj mahal be glamorous at vienna’s life ball explore ethiopia, africa’s best kept secret sail on a tall ship around the mediterranean trek nepal, and get close to the highest mountain in the world...

Escape . Relax . Party Over 280 Tours and 40 Cruises for the Gay & Lesbian traveller, great competitive airfares,the latest specials and deals, and 100’s of Gay / Gay Friendly and luxury Hotels and Resorts. No booking fees and our price guarantee!

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HIGHLIGHTS TOUR Every year the Melbourne Queer Film Festival packs a stylish valise, and sends off an excellent selection of queer titles that screen during the Melbourne season to our queer film starved friends in Perth, Bendigo and Far North Queensland. So if you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make it to the Melbourne screenings, pop on a bus, train or plane to catch the latest in queer film from Australia and around the world. For full programs and information for each touring location, please visit www.mqff.com.au.

Bendigo Queer Film Festival

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO

Screening 3 to 5 April 2009 in Bendigo, Victoria. For information, please visit www.bendigoqueerfilmfestival.com.au

GlamFest: Perth Gay & Lesbian Film Festival

PHOTO COURTESY TOURISM WA

Screening 16-19 April 2009 at Astor Cinemas, Beaufort St, Mount Lawley, WA For information, please visit www.glamfest.com.au

Tropical Alternatives: A Very Queer Film Festival

PHOTO COURTESY TOURISM QUEENSLAND

Screening on various dates in April and May 2009 throughout Far North Queensland. Supported by the Queensland Association for Healthy Communities.

Providing quality distribution of Posters, Programs, Flyers and more for Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ar t & Enter tainment Industr y For all your enquiries

03 9534 6833 info@steprightup.com.au www.steprightup.com.au

STEP RIGHT UP proudly supporting the 2009 MELBOURNE QUEER FILM FESTIVAL

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BOOKS • MAGAZINES • DVDS • CARDS • GIFTS • MERCHANDISE • PARTY TICKETS • EVENTS

(ORDERS OVER $40 POSTAGE-FREE WITHIN AUST)

17 YEARS MELBOURNE QUEER FILM FESTIVAL TICKET-SELLER FOR 16

Marshalls & Dent Lawyers With over 30 years experience in: • Media, Film, Entertainment & Information Technology Law

• Intellectual Property Law

Level 13, 459 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Tel: 03 9670 5000 Fax: 03 9642 0409 Email: office@mdlaw.com.au For more information visit our website: www.mdlaw.com.au

(including trademarks & copyright)

• Commercial & Property Law • Family Law (including same-sex relationships)

• Wills, Estates & Probate • Litigation & Dispute Resolution

7–10 OctOber 2009

irisprize.org Produced by:

Principal funders: ACADEMI SGRIN CYMRU

SCREEN ACADEMY WALES

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“Stylish, unique, funny and suspenseful!” – Passport Magazine

Evoking the comic insanity of early Pedro Almodóvar, Boystown is a raucous farce about an outlandish murder/mystery and the gay couple caught up in the middle of it all!

Out Now!

CREDITS Festival Office Level 8, 225 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia Phone: 61 3 9662 4147 Fax: 61 3 9660 3950 Email: info@mqff.com.au Website: www.mqff.com.au

2009 Festival Poster & Trailer

Website

Illustration by Patrick Marris www.paddywacka.com.au

Site creation: Rob Alfaro, Rhombus Solutions, www.rhombus.com.au

Animation by Jac Ash Animation jacs@flomotionstudio.com

Hosting: Connexus, www.connexus.com.au

Look for the trailer on the big screen at Federation Square throughout March.

Design: Gerard Long

2009 Program Guide

Additional coding: Doug McClure & Grant Cooke

Festival Director

Editor: Lisa Daniel

Data Monkey: Steve Lucas

Lisa Daniel

Production Manager: Paul Clifton

Print Distribution

General Manager

Layout: Beige, www.beige.com.au

Rowena Doo

Program Notes: Lisa Daniel (LD), Madeleine Swain (MS), Paul Tonta (PT), Ben Zipper (BZ)

Step Right Up Distribution & Promotion, www.steprightup.com.au

Sponsorship & Advertising Manager Kylie Eddy

Office Intern Kitty Malcolm

Marketing Intern Nicki Russell

Festival Board of Management Claire Jackson, Co-convenor Tony Harding, Co-convenor Mal Lewis, Treasurer from May 08 Darryl Hall, Treasurer to May 08 Kris Darmody, Secretary Roberta Armitage Cath Borg Paul Clifton Scott Herron from Nov 08 Gerard Long Steve 'Luke' Lucas Aydin Sipaloglu

Selection Panel Paul Andrew Carol Christensen David Collins Lisa Daniel Josh Frederick Kim Montgomery Grant Scicluna Leanne Sumpter Paul Tonta

Queeries Panel Scott Igoe Claudia Stapledon

Proofing: Paul Tonta Icons: Patrick Marris Printing: Carol Christensen, Print Graphics, www.printgraphics.com.au

Festival Graphics (Promotions) Chris Orr, Beige, www.beige.com.au

Festival Publicist Limelight PR, www.limelightpr.com.au

Program Launch Creative & Production Team: Tony Harding & Roberta Armitage Catering: Alex Catering 9686 9626

Opening Night Party Creative & Production Team: Tony Harding & Roberta Armitage Event Crew: Geoff Williams, Mel Nelson, Beth Gibbins, Suzy Green, Susie Wickes, Bianca Pask. Catering: Hoo Hah, 105 Chapel St, Windsor, www.hoohaa.net.au

Thanks to: Peter Dierks, Brooke Mountford and the team at Volkswagen; Dean Bell and Richard Watts (Evolution Publishing); Stephen Hahn and the team at JOY 94.9; John Mayall and Barbara Duci (Train Trak); Julieanne Goss, The ALSO Foundation, Luke Gallagher, Karen Russell, David McCarthy, Jason Ngam, Ayan Dasuarma, Warwick Dew, Lachlan Mulcahy, Scott Young; George Florence and Ralphe Neill (Astor Theatre); Paul Kasteel (Hoo Haa); Richard Sowada, Elly Bloom, Julia Browne, Zanin Lawrence-Politis and Tamara Jungwirth (ACMI); Alex Green; Simone Ubaldi and Anthony McCarthy (Beyond Home Entertainment/FQ Films); Jane Crawley, Shona Johnson and Jo Pearson (City of Melbourne); Sandra Marguilis (City of Yarra); Lex Lindsay (Queerscreen); Sarah Neal (Brisbane Powerhouse); the VAC team; Jodie Brenton, Mary Magalotti and Ben Walkenhorst (Life Resolutions); Marius Mierzejewski (Global Beverage Marketers); Shaun Miller, Dr Beng Eu, Kristen Bacon (Loop), Jean-Jacques Garnier and all our generous and loyal sponsors and advertisers, our ever-patient ticket venues, and hard working volunteers!

Life Members: Rowland Thomson, Crusader Hillis, Madeleine Swain, Suzie Goodman, miss jan horstman, David McCarthy, Richard Watts, Suzy Green, Rowena Doo, Luke Gallagher, Alex Green. Festival Patrons: Gary Singer and Geoffrey Smith.

JOCK REV OLUTION PRESENT S THE LOO KSEE RAN GE

LOOKSEE

• SILKY, B • UNDERWREATHABLE & COMF EAR DESIG O NED TO EN RTABLE • ADVANCE D HANCE YO UR BEST A FABRIC FITS LIKE A SSETS 2ND SKIN

Discount Parking Offer: $8 Flat Rate Secure Parking Flinders Gate is offering Melbourne Queer Film Festival patrons parking for a Flat Rate of $8 from 4pm Monday to Friday and all weekend during the Festival. Parking discount vouchers are available on request at ACMI Box Office. Secure Parking Flinders Gate, 172–192 Flinders Street (opp Federation Square) For more information visit www.secureparking.com.au

MEMBERSHIP MQFF is the biggest and oldest queer film festival in Australia, and screens the best in queer film from Australia and around the world. Becoming a member gives you great benefits, saves you money, and is an investment in queer film and your community. Benefits include:

For those who want a more exclusive type of membership, MQFF has introduced a Platinum membership. Limited to only 10 people and valid for one year, Platinum membership costs $1000. Benefits include:

• Lower cost Festival tickets, discount drinks at Festival Club.

• 4 x Opening Night Film & Gala tickets

• Updates, regular e-newsletter, giveaways and special offers.

• 5 x VIP tickets to pre-Opening Night VIP party

• The annual Festival Program posted to you, plus priority service.

• 4 x Closing Night Film & Gala tickets

• Invitation to the Festival Launch and other special events.

• 1 x Festival t-shirt and your name listed in Festival Program

• Discounts around Melbourne.

• Plus all other regular membership benefits!

• AGM voting rights.

Discounts include Melbourne International Film Festival tickets, Kino, Nova and Westgarth Cinemas, De Los Santos Restaurant, Hares & Hyenas bookshop, and Classic Cinema VIP Membership.

• 1 x Golden Toffee Pass

To apply, please contact the Festival Office, info@mqff.com.au.

TO BECOME A MELBOURNE QUEER FILM FESTIVAL MEMBER, FILL IN THIS FORM OR JOIN ONLINE AT WWW.MQFF.COM.AU

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If you are a New Member, please fill out the Declaration below. If you cannot find anyone to nominate or second you, the Festival is able to supply members who can. I , (insert your name) ________________________________ desire to become a member of the Melbourne Queer Film Festival. In the event of my admission, I agree to be bound by the rules of the Association for the time being in force. Signature of Applicant

Date

I , (insert name of Proposer) ____________________________ a member of the Association, second the nomination of the application, who is personally known to me, for membership of the Association. Signature of Proposer

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PAYMENT METHOD

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Cheque 5 Please make cheque payable to: Melbourne Queer Film Festival Inc.

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PLEASE FAX THIS FORM TO: (03) 9660 3950

OR POST TO: MQFF, PO BOX 21244, Little Lonsdale Street, Victoria 8011

INDEX FILMS

The Devil Within................. 83

The Lost Coast.................... 36

Sex Positive........................ 60

2 Mums and a Dad............ 58

Dirt & Desire....................... 83

Lost Everything.................. 37

Shank................................. 41

A Day at the Beach............. 25

Dog Tags............................. 30

Lot’s Wife............................ 72

Shotgun............................. 81

Australia....57, 58, 63, 64, 65, 68, 70, 79, 83

Affinity................................ 20

Donkey Girl......................... 66

Simply Love........................ 79

Brazil.................................. 54

A Little Tiger....................... 74

Don’t Mess with Texas........ 66

Love and the Space Between. 65

Skin..................................... 64

All My Life.......................... 24

Dottie’s Magic Pockets....... 61

Love for Share.................... 37

Society................................ 42

Canada.25, 38, 43, 54, 59, 68, 70, 77, 81

Ambiguously Gay Duo....... 29

Drag King Virgins................ 83

Love Sucks.......................... 74

An Island Calling................ 53

Drawn Out Love................. 30

Loving Loretta.................... 70

An Ordinary Person............ 53

Drifting Flowers................. 31

Mano-a-Mano................... 69

Antarctica........................... 24

Even in My Dreams............ 76

Manuela and Manuel........ 37

The Art of Being Straight... 25

Fashion Victims.................. 32

Matchstick.......................... 68

Ask Not............................... 19

Fatherhood Dreams........... 54

Mechanic’s Daydream........ 71

A Soft Place........................ 75

Filth and Wisdom............... 33

A Tale of Two Bondage Models........................... 56

For My Wife........................ 55

Mom, I Didn’t Kill Your Daughter........................ 56

Galactic Sex Wars............... 83

At Home (or Love As Well)..... Game Day........................... 83 70 Ghosted.............................. 33 Auld Lang Syne.................. 72 Happy Birthday.................. 71 The Baby Formula.............. 25 Heart.................................. 63 Baby Love........................... 26 Heartbreak Motel............... 83 The Back Room.................. 78 HerzHaft............................. 80 The Bath............................. 79 Hirsute................................ 68 Between Love and Goodbye... How do I Say This? I’m Gay .... 26 67, 81 Binding Words.................... 53 I am Gay............................. 68 The Bond............................ 53 I Can’t Think Straight.......... 34 Born in 68........................... 27 I Dreamt Under the Water.. 35 Boystown........................... 27 I’m Jin-Young..................... 80 Bramadero......................... 76 The Inmate......................... 35 Buddy G, My Two Moms & Insatiable............................ 36 Me.................................. 61 In Twilight’s Shadow.......... 74 Burn the Bridges................ 28 Jerusalem is Proud to Present Candy Boy.......................... 80 55 Candy Rain......................... 28 Kris Cross............................ 65 Champion.......................... 29 La Moma............................ 56 The Chef’s Letter................ 36 Last First............................. 83 Chris & Don: A Love Story.. 54 The Last Son....................... 83 Ciao.................................... 29 Late..................................... 74 Clouded.............................. 80 Lesbanese........................... 63 Cowboy.............................. 30 Let’s Roll............................. 75 Dancing to Happiness........ 67 The Letter........................... 64 Dandelion Fall.................... 67 Looking for Romeo............ 55

Morning Suits.................... 77 Mr. Right............................ 38 Mulligans........................... 38 Muscle................................ 63 My Dad Susan.................... 79 The New Twenty................. 39 Night Star........................... 67 Odd One Out, Very Normal Really: From Lucas to Luus. 56 On the Bus.......................... 81 The Other Side................... 17 Out Late.............................. 59 Patrik, Age 1.5.................... 39 Poly People......................... 63 Portrait of a Couple............ 77 The Postcard....................... 69 Power and the Passion...... 56 The Premiere...................... 66 Queer Science.................... 57 Ready? OK!......................... 40 Rehearsal............................ 67 Rick & Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in all the World............................. 73 Save Me.............................. 40 Secret Love......................... 83 The Secrets......................... 41 Self Help for Sapphists....... 67

COUNTRIES

Egypt.................................. 24 Somebody is Watching Us...... Fiji....................................... 53 77 Spark.................................. 71 France. 26, 27, 35, 41, 44, 45, 53, 80 Spokes................................ 83 French Polynesia................ 79 Steak................................... 65 Germany...16, 30, 32, 33, 80, Steam................................. 77 83 Steam (aka: Steamroom).. 42 Iceland................................ 68 'T' is for Teacher.................. 57 Indonesia........................... 37 Tense Intentions................. 83 Ireland................................ 36 That Tender Touch.............. 43 Israel.....24, 41, 55, 56, 73, 81 The Thorny Rose................. 75 Japan.................................. 81 To Each Her Own................ 43 Korea................69, 72, 79, 80 To Faro................................ 16 Lebanon............................. 63 Traces.................................. 72 Mexico..........................28, 76 Trip to Hell and Back.......... 55 The Netherlands....30, 56, 66, Tru Loved............................ 44 79 Tryout................................. 73 New Zealand...................... 53 Turning Point...................... 83 The Uncertainty Principle.. 65 Untitled Film Stills............. 83 Water Lilies......................... 44 Watercolors........................ 45 Wax.................................... 79 Were the World Mine......... 15 What Love Means.............. 45 When I Become Silent....... 81 The Window....................... 78 Worst Case Scenario: Femme Edition............................ 66 Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon................................ 57 Wrestling............................ 68 You, Me & Him................... 54 The Young and Evil.......25, 77 Your Turn............................ 70

Norway.........................66, 71 The Philippines.................. 35 Portugal............................. 17 Puerto Rico......................... 37 South Africa..................42, 67 Spain......................27, 56, 70 Sweden............39, 67, 68, 74 Switzerland........................ 67 Taiwan....................28, 31, 33 Turkey................................. 72 UK. 20, 33, 34, 36, 38, 41, 77 USA ....15, 19, 25, 26, 29, 30, 36, 37, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 59, 60, 61, 66, 67, 69, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 80, 81