Philadelphia QFest 09 Program by Philadelphia Cinema

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Contents Opening & Closing Festivities . . . . . 15 More Parties & Events . . . . . . . . 16-17 Awards and Jurors . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 Honorees: Gay Icon Award Sharon Gless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Artistic Achievement Award Chad Allen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Rising Star Award H.P. Mendoza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Barbara Gittings Award Dee Mosbacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

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Opening Night Film . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Closing Night Film . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Centerpiece Screenings . . . . . . . 29-35 Special Presentations. . . . . . . . . 38-41 Under the South St. Stars . . . . . 42-43 QFest Essentials: QFest Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Ticketing Info and Map . . . . . 46-47 Festival Calendar . . . . . . . . . . 48-49 Films by Genres . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 QFest Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Restaurant & Bar Guide . . . . . . .52 Festival Hotels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

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Shorts Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . 55-57 Feature Films . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61-88 TBA Slots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Staff and Volunteers . . . . . . . . . 92-93 Index of Films . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 5

Your Support Is Key to Making QFest a Success! Hi, I’m John Fetsko, the new Membership Coordinator for the Philadelphia Cinema Alliance, producers of QFest (formerly PIGLFF). We may have a catchier (and shorter!) new name, but our goal remains the same – to bring you the very best in film programming, festivals and events. QFest is the largest LGBT film festival on the East Coast, and is internationally recognized as a leader in queer cinema. As a non-profit organization, the generous support of our Members enables us to maintain our status as a leader in the gay community. Your Membership fees and donations help make up for the current decreases in government funding and corporate sponsorship. Your support helps us continue to produce this vital resource for Philadelphia. Now in our 15th year, Philadelphia QFest needs YOU to join the Alliance and make our numbers stronger. As a new organization for an established Festival, we face the challenge of creating a new Membership community. Being a Member means more than just supporting the Film Festival. It’s about being a part of a cinematic community that offers great films and events for the whole region. While QFest happens once a year, we are planning special pre-release screenings of LGBT films as well as special Members-only events. Your Membership also gets you special discounts to exciting programming lined up for Fall 2009, a French and a German film series and Philadelphia CineFest (April 8-19, 2010). We need YOU! We have several ways you can join or get more information: • During the Festival, we will have Membership information and representatives at the Ritz East and The Prince Music Theater to answer questions and sign you up to become an Alliance Member. • Check out our fresh new website phillycinema.org where you can sign up and get more information. • Please feel free to call or email me: membership@phillycinema.org or 267-765-9800, ext. 277. See you at the movies!

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Join The Alliance at www.phillycinema.org or call John Fetsko, Membership Coordinator, at (267) 765-9800, ext. 277.

WELCOME ... A Message from the Programmers Fresh, vibrant and re-branded, Philadelphia QFest 09 has been reinvigorated on every front — and as with the past 15 years, you can always be assured of our continuing dedication to bring you the finest LGBT cinema from around the world. We’re extremely pleased to welcome Carol Coombes as the Festival’s new Associate Artistic Director. Carol has programmed for the London and Miami gay and lesbian film festivals. Her high bar for excellence has brought a new dimension and fresh eye to our programming team. In this difficult year for many — both locally and across America — we’ve mixed more pop cinema with our usual helping of unconventional, challenging films. While we can’t cure economic ills, we can certainly offer air-conditioned escape and a absorbing line-up. From the comic humanity of our Opening Night pick, Hollywood je t’aime, to the burst of song in Closing Night’s world premiere of The Big Gay Musical, we’re confident that the more than 100 films we’ve selected are all extraordinary. We are very excited about And Then Came Lola, a fast-paced, lesbian romp through the streets of San Francisco that is sure to usher in a new era for lesbian filmmaking. As we all know there’s a “gayby boom” happening, and we have a trio of films that explore gay parenting: France’s Baby Love follows a gay male couple that doesn’t quite agree on the issue; Patrik, Age 1.5 tells the tale of an adoptee who isn’t what his new parents were expecting; and Baby Formula is a wacky Canadian mockumentary about two women and their pregnancies. For those of you who crave a trip to the dark side, we’re screening: Pornography: A Thriller. Not for the timid, David Kittredge’s feature debut blends dreams, visions and reality to tell the story of a missing porn star. And ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction, well — let’s just say it’s bloody good fun! Besides our musical-themed Closing Night screening, we have a few other musical treats: lesbian icon Ferron is back with her wonderful, tunes-packed documentary. If you loved H.P. Mendoza’s (who we’re honoring with our Rising Star Award) Colma (PIGLFF 2007), then rush to get tickets for his new film, FruitFly. We’re thrilled to be back at the Jamaican Jerk Hut on South Street with outdoor screenings of Hair, a Grease sing-along and more. There’s a “Day with Doris” — yes, as in Doris Day. We have plenty of celebrity appearances, too: Sharon Gless, who appears in Hannah Free is the recipient of our 2009 Gay Icon Award; Chad Allen will be presented with our 2009 Artistic Achievement Award on Opening Night. Those of you who knew or know of activist Barbara Gittings – herself a lifelong film fan – will be delighted that we’re presenting an award in her honor to filmmaker and activist Dee Mosbacher. There is so much more we’re excited about that we can’t fit into this letter. QFest 2009 will be a year to remember. See you in the theaters! —Carol Coombes, Scott Cranin, Kelly Burkhardt, Lawrence Ferber

A Message from the Development Director, Philadelphia Cinema Alliance Hello Again! And welcome back for another Festival full of fabulous film, parties, guests, and maybe a cocktail or two. I have special memories of all the time we’ve spent together over the years, but this year’s Festival is extra special. QFest 09 marks 15 years that we’ve all been getting together in the dark — for what has become one of the largest and most respected LGBT film festivals in the world! I’ll make no apologies for boasting – this is truly an impressive benchmark, but we can’t take all the credit. Support from our sponsors, our advertisers, our community, our Members, and you — our patrons — have all been instrumental in reaching this point. So give yourself a pat on the back! For our quinceaños, we’ve made some changes to invigorate the Festival: For starters, I’m sure you’ve noticed our shorter, simpler, easier new name: QFest. We’re still the same group committed to bringing you the best in queer cinema, but the name “The Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival” or “PIGLFF” or “Pig-Liff” is now just a fond memory. You served us well for many years — Go in peace! We’ve expanded the festival’s geography too. We’re still within skipping distance of the gayborhood at the Prince, but we’ve added two screens at the Ritz East in Old City. Those of you that attend CineFest know that this means that we can provide you with better seating, better sightlines, better projection, better sound, better air conditioning and real concessions. This also means that special events, receptions, parties, and happy hours will also be held in new and exciting venues – like the “Make it a

Doris Day” brunch at the new Q BBQ followed by a double-feature Doris Day documentary and screening of “Pillow Talk.” The newly-formed nonprofit Philadelphia Cinema Alliance is now producing Philly’s two major film festivals - QFest each summer and CineFest every April — as well as providing year-round film programs and socializing opportunities for our Members. In September, we’ll launch “Cinematheque”, a French film series, in partnership with the Embassy of France. This fall will also see the start of a film genre series in collaboration with the University of the Arts, and we’ve already begun presenting stand-alone film events, with more to come! If you enjoy great film (why else would you be here?), then get on board with the Alliance! Your Membership is essential to our existence and growth! Our new Membership Coordinator John Fetsko wants you — and he won’t take no for an answer! You’ll see him around QFest providing Membership concierge services, hosting events, and just being his charming self. Offfest he coordinates free and discounted film screenings with our many community partners and monthly social gatherings with cocktails, food and conversation about films and the arts. The current economic climate has been challenging for everyone, and we’re no exception — but our spirit and attitude have been bolstered by your continued support, and we’ve been encouraged and empowered to continue to create another quality LGBTQ film festival for your enjoyment. It’s been a wonderful 15 years, so thanks again for your generosity — whether it’s financial, in-kind donation of products or services, organizational partnerships or volunteer time. And again, Happy 15th Festival! Viva la QFest! —Thom Cardwell

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The Philadelphia Cinema Alliance wants YOU to join the coolest club in town! As a Member of the Alliance, you’ll be part of Philly’s fastest growing community of film enthusiasts. The Alliance produces the region’s largest film festivals, Philadelphia QFest (July 9-20, 2009) and Philadelphia CineFest (April 8-19, 2010), and we have exciting programming lined up for Fall 2009 as well as monthly Alliance Hot-Spots, featuring drink specials and more! Go to phillycinema.org for complete programming and details on Membership levels and benefits. ENLIST NOW and be part of the film revolution! Alliance Member Benefits include:

 FREE Festival Passes and Badges based on Membership level  Discounts to all Alliance events, tickets, passes and badges  Exclusive Invitations to special screenings and film series  Advance Festival ticket sales before the general public  Film Festival Program Guides mailed to you directly  Festival Passports for access and discounts to other film festivals  Subscription to our monthly email newsletter, Alliance CineScoop  E-mail alerts on events and programming from across the region  Discounts on most movie rentals at all TLA Video store locations

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Join ONLINE on phillycinema.org or contact John Fetsko, Membership Coordinator at 267.765.9800 x277 • membership@phillycinema.org

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OPENING & CLOSING FESTIVITIES Thursday, July 9 • 7:00pm – 12:30am

¡QFest Quinceañera!

It seems like just yesterday we met in the dark for the very first time – 15 years sure flew by while we were having fun! Join the fiesta as we celebrate QFest’s entry into womanhood!

Reception for Chad Allen

Be part of our official “Quince Court” by joining us at this exclusive cocktail party for the benefit of the Philadelphia Cinema Alliance. See pg. 16 for full details and ticket information.

Hollywood je t’aime Screening Prince Music Theater • 7:00 pm What better film to kick off our birthday bash than Hollywood je t’aime (pg. 25), the touching story of a cute French guy who comes into his own: He leaves the memories of his ex behind in Paris and heads for LA – where he makes lots of fun new memories. Director Jason Bushman and star Chad Allen will answer questions after the film!

Artistic Achievement Award: Chad Allen

Together we’ve watched Chad Allen grow from child star to teen heartthrob to hunky out and proud leading man. We’re thrilled to welcome Allen (who also opened PIGLFF in 2006) back to present him with the QFest Award for Artistic Achievement (pg. 23) at our Opening Night gala! Who better to be the Chambelan (official escort) for our Quinceañera? Opening Night Admissions:

I Could Have Danced All Night!

Hamilton Hall at The University of the Arts • 10:00pm – 12:30am No presents are required – only your presence! So waltz on down Broad Street to one of our favorite spots from parties past: The spectacular Hamilton Hall at UArts (320 S Broad St.) will once again sizzle as the party pumps to fresh house mixes. The bar will be stocked with products from our generous sponsors: Smirnoff Vodka, Bluecoat Gin, Smart Water, Vitamin Water, and wine from Iatesta Imports and World Shippers & Importers (three drink tickets per person) alongside a scrumptious sampling of hors d’oeuvres. Eat cake and raise a toast to our 15th anniversary!

Combination Ticket: for Reception & Film & Party $80 Public • $65 PCA Members • 21+, ID required Combination Ticket: for Film & Party $55 Public • $50 PCA Members • 21+, ID required Film Only: $15, sold day of show at The Prince based on availability • cash only • all ages Party Only: $45 at the door • 21+, ID required Film and Party are FREE with your Festival Badge (Reception is not included)

Opening and Closing Night Parties are Sponsored by:

Monday, July 20 • 7:00pm – 1:00am

15th Anniversary: Ending on a High Note Awards Ceremony and Screening of The Big Gay Musical Prince Music Theater • 7:00pm Well it’s been one heck of a 15th birthday, but it’s not over until The Big Gay Musical screens! Closing Night kicks off with the much-anticipated announcement of the Audience and Jury Award winners. And then our Closing Night film will have you tapping your toes and humming a new tune — what better way to get you warmed up for the grand finale?!

Big Gay Closing Night Party

Closing Night Admissions:

Loews Philadelphia Hotel • 10:00pm – 1:00am

Combination Ticket: for Film & Party $45 Public • $35 PCA Members • 21+, ID required

Be sure to take a siesta before the Closing Night festivities because our 12-day run of 100-plus films will reach new heights — the 33rd Floor of the Loews Philadelphia Hotel in the historic PSFS building! Get your groove on on the dance floor or at the bar, featuring products from our generous sponsors: Smirnoff Vodka, Bluecoat Gin, Smart Water, Vitamin Water, and wine from Iatesta Imports and World Shippers & Importers (three drink tickets per person) alongside exquisite snacks and a seductive dessert table.

Film Only: $15, sold day of show at The Prince based on availability • cash only • all ages Party Only: $35 at the door • 21+, ID required Both are FREE with your Festival Badge

Turn the celebration into a slumber party! Book a room at one of our sponsor hotels at special Festival rates. (see page 53 for details.)

MORE PARTIES & EVENTS Outdoor Screenings Jamaican Jerk Hut 1436 South St. www.jamaicanjerkhutinc.com Grab your sweetheart and your favorite six-pack for dinner and a movie outside on a warm summer evening! Jamaican Jerk Hut features authentic Caribbean cuisine at a great price — and what could be more affordable than BYO? We’ve paired your dinner with four classics from the gay canon. Oh, and bring your own blanket too, to get really comfy! Purchase of food is not required, but who can resist, really? (See pages 42-43 for full film details.)

Admission $5 at the door BYOB • All Ages Welcome

Thursday, July 9

VIP Reception for Chad Allen

to Benefit the Philadelphia Cinema Alliance 5:00pm – 7:00pm Get your quinceañera on early on Opening Night at this exclusive opportunity to mix-and-mingle with Artistic Achievement Award recipient and Hollywood je t’aime star Chad Allen, hosted in the intimate private residence of a prominent Alliance Member, just a short walk from the Prince Music Theater. Open bar and hors d’oeuvres are included AND priority seating at Opening Night screening will be held for all attendees. Combination Ticket: for Reception & Screening with Priority Seating & Party $90 Public • $75 PCA Members • 21+, ID required Reception Only $40 Public • $30 PCA Members • 21+, ID required

Friday, July 10

Sexxxmas in July Party Tavern on Camac

243 Camac St. • www.tavernoncamac.com 9:00pm – 2:00am Whether you’ve just seen a sexy comedy, a sexy thriller, or a sexy tragedy (do you sense a theme here?), the Club Bar at TOC will be the place to be! Dance, relax, and mingle with special guest filmmakers and fellow filmgoers. Enjoy drink specials from 9pm-11pm. FREE with your ticket stub or Festival Badge • 21+, ID required

Saturday, July 11

Grrrl Watch Party Marathon Grill

10th & Walnut Sts • www.marathongrill.com 9:00pm – 2:00am Girrrl, you don’t wanna miss out on the city’s hottest dance party! After And Then Came Lola (pg. 29), grrrls, bois, transfolk, and queers of every shape, size, and color will be mixing it up to DJs BeFree, JD & KiT spinning hip hop, house, funk, crunk, latin, reggaeton, electro and more! $5 cover or Free with Festival Badge • 21+, ID required

Grease Sing-Along Monday, July 13 • 9:00pm Hair Tuesday, July 14 • 9:00pm The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert Wednesday, July 15 • 9:00pm Myra Breckenridge Thursday, July 16 • 9:00pm In the event of foul weather check www.phillycinema.org for cancellation notice.

Sunday, July 12

Make it a DORIS Day! Your day is sure to be full of daisies and rainbows when you spend it with Doris Day! A campy Doris-themed brunch will be followed by a double-feature of the new Doris documentary and the classic Pillow Talk. For complete details see pages 40-41.

Doris Day Brunch Q bbq & tequila 207 Chestnut St • www.qoldcity.com 11:30am – 2:00pm Start the Day off right at the spot that’ll satisfy even Rock Hudson’s taste for meat. And as if brunch isn’t already gay enough, there will be Doris Day competitions, Doris’s Famous Peach Cake and Tequila Bloody Marys for all!

Doris Day Double Feature Ritz East Theater 2 What a Difference a Day Made: Doris Day Superstar — 2:30pm Pillow Talk — 4:45pm Combination Ticket: for Brunch & Screenings with Priority Seating $40 Public • $35 PCA Members • 21+, ID required Brunch Only $30 Public • $25 PCA Members • 21+, ID required

Monday, July 13

Alliance Members Reception City Tavern 138 South 2nd St. • www.citytavern.com 5:00pm – 7:00pm Join your fellow cinephiles at a special reception featuring complimentary cocktails and drink specials – all PCA Members and Festival Badge holders are automatically invited! RSVP to John Fetsko, Membership Coordinator at 267.765.9800 x277.

Thursday, July 16

QFest Queer Idol Karaoke Knock 12th & Locust Sts. • www.knockphilly.com 9:30pm – 2:00am Didn’t think Idol could get any gayer? Think again! Whether you croon like Jennifer Hudson or croak like William Hung, step on up into the limelight for your 15 minutes of fame. And who knows? You may just be chosen by our celebrity panel and the audience as the next QFest Queer Idol (See pg. 39 for full details.) No cover • 21+, ID required • Prizes provided by our friends at homopop.com

Friday, July 17

Our Little Sisters Turns 13! Sisters 1320 Chancellor St • www.sistersnightclub.com 9:00pm – 2:00am Sisters has been with us as long as we can remember, just like that younger sibling who is always borrowing your clothes, your makeup, and your girl(or boy) friend. Celebrate our birthday — and theirs! — with special Festival Smirnoff drinks, the official vodka of QFest 09, and dancing all night. $5 cover or Free with your ticket stub or Festival Badge • 21+, ID required

Saturday, July 18

Training Bar Stir 1705 Chancellor St • www.stirphilly.com 9:00pm – 2:00am After a day full of films, panels, and awards, let loose in casual comfort at Stir. They’ll be serving up discounted Smirnoff drinks, the Official Vodka of QFest 09, and Festival guests will be there to mix and mingle with, including Dee Mosbacher, the director of Training Rules and recipient of our Barbara Gittings Award (see page 23). No cover • 21+, ID required

Sunday, July 19

VIP Reception for Sharon Gless

to Benefit the Philadelphia Cinema Alliance 7:00pm – 9:00pm Whether you fell in love with Chris Cagney or Debbie Novotny, you won’t want to miss this exclusive opportunity to meet our Gay Icon Award (pg. 22) recipient and Hannah Free (pg. 72) star Sharon Gless in person! An open bar and hors d’oeuvres will be included at the event, held in the intimate private lounge of a prominent Alliance supporter, just steps away from the Prince Music Theater.

Free Events with Local Flavor DIVE / Shooters The Curtis Center, 7th & Walnut Sts., 10th Floor www.the-dive.net DIVE is the region’s leading post production facility dedicated to serving our growing film industry with attention to the local independent film scene. FREE Admission • All Ages Welcome

Saturday, July 11

Panel Discussion: LGBT Scriptwriting 2pm-3:30pm Is a great idea for an LGBT film stuck in your head? Well get it out of your dreams and onto the page! Learn how at this informative discussion featuring local and national queer screenwriters.

Sunday, July 12

Sundae Social: Meet the Philly Filmmakers! 4pm-5:30pm Get the latest scoop from — and with — local filmmakers. This follows our third annual edition of Out In Philly, an entire program of shorts created by Philly’s finest filmmakers (see pg 55). Ice cream provided by Whole Foods.

Saturday, July 18

Panel Discussion: Out, Proud AND in the Film Industry 2pm-3:30pm Join in on this discussion about the testimonies, trials and triumphs of out and proud LGBT actors and filmmakers who are changing the face of the film industry.

Combination Ticket for Reception & Screening $50 Public • $40 PCA Members • 21+, ID required Reception Only $40 Public • $30 PCA Members • 21+, ID required

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PHILADELPHIA QFEST 09 AWARDS Audience Awards: Best Feature Film Best Documentary Film Best Short Film Juried Awards: Best Feature Film Best Documentary Film First Time Director Best Short Film

PIGLFF 2008 AWARD WINNERS Audience Awards: Best Feature Film Tru Loved Directed by Stewart Wade Best Documentary Film (Feature) black./womyn.: conversations with lesbians of African descent Directed by Tiona M. Best Short Film (Male) Getting Lucky Directed by Christian Lloyd Best Short Film (Female) Dire Straights Directed by Carolina Roca-Smith

Jury Awards:

Best Feature Film Ciao Directed by Yen Tan Best Documentary Film (Feature) Squeezebox Directed by Steve Saporito and Zach Shaffer AND Polymath, or the Life and Opinions of Samuel R. Delany, Gentleman Directed by Fred Barney Taylor TIED Best Short Film (Male) Wrestling Directed by Grimur Hakonarson Best Short Film (Female) Congratulations Daisy Graham Directed by Cassandra Nicolaou

Special Award:

SCION First Time Director Were the World Mine Directed by Tom Gustafson

Tru Loved

Ciao

black./womyn...

Were the World Mine

The Iris Prize – Cardiff’s International Gay & Lesbian Short Film Prize Philadelphia QFest is proud to be among the Iris Prize partner festivals, a world wide community dedicated to the evolution of gay and lesbian cinema. The Iris Prize provides a united international platform that aims to help a new generation of filmmakers achieve success on an international stage. The winner of the Iris Prize will receive the largest prize for a gay and lesbian short film in the world, valued at £25,000. The Philadelpia QFest Audience Favorite Short will automatically be nominated for this prestigious annual competition held in Cardiff, Wales. For more details see www.irisprize.org

JURORS Head of Jurors Brian Gannon has been working in Philadelphia’s video production community for more than 20 years. He is currently an editor for Center City Film and Video, working on a variety of projects including short films and television programming. For more than a decade, he has been an active member of Philadelphia’s GLBT community, having served on a number of boards and committees, including the Executive Committee for Equality Forum’s Board of Directors. This is his ninth year volunteering for the Festival.

Feature Film Jury Vince Austin-Cole returns to the Festival this year – he was first involved as a Juror of Short Films in 2004. He has enjoyed films for many years, and has attended previous Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Film Festivals (now QFest) viewing over 30 films each season. He is a true cinephile, and looks forward to joining this year’s crew of devoted film jurors.

Jhett Bond is a Philadelphia native who works as a videographer and a building manager. She is currently interested in the intersections between health, healing and the vibrations of sound and light in film. To her, a great film includes: love and lovingness, fear that is overcome, poetry of motion/words/expression, a sense of place, and a renewal of spirit.

Amanda Leahy produces events and film in Philadelphia, including for PIGLFF and the award-winning Fabric and G-Room parties. She works in a range of roles in the film industry including production management and development. Leahy has been recognized for her production work in multiple publications including GO NYC Magazine’s “100 Women We Love” in 2006 and this year she will add the short Looking For to the list of films she has worked on that have screened at QFest.

Documentary Film Jury

Short Film Jury

Keith Brand is an Associate Professor of Radio Television and Film at Rowan University, where he teaches sound and radio production. For twenty years, he has been the host and producer of “Sleepy Hollow,” a weekend morning program of eclectic music on WXPN FM. He is also an audio documentary producer who has contributed stories to various NPR programs. Keith is a film geek who welcomes the opportunity to sit in a darkened theater and watch the images flicker on the cave wall.

Joe’l Ludovich is an Emmy-nominated producer and independent filmmaker. She won several Telly and Communicator awards as producer of “Philly LIVE”, a nightly live call-in talk program on WYBE, and she has worked for CNN, Globalvision and In the Life Media. Her filmography includes the award-winning The UnBirth, Cradle, which screened at PFF 2003, From the Top: The Making of Quiescence and her most recent independent documentary, The Man with the Magic Hands, which was recognized with two Telly Awards in 2008.

Frank Danay thanks his mom for all he’s gotten out of four decades of moviegoing – he could identify Judy Garland and James Cagney before he could read. He attended Catholic school, but he learned more about empathy from Drugstore Cowboy and Bad Lieutenant, and gained more discipline from the films of Andy Warhol and Mike Leigh than from any nun’s paddle. With a B.S in Film Studies, he wrote two screenplays that might’ve made halfway-decent art films had he had more focus. An unapologetic film snob, Frank currently lives in Germantown with his partner, who doesn’t much care for movies but who has many other fine qualities.

Maggie Boccella’s love for film brought her back to QFest this year, having previously served on the jury in 2004. Philly born and raised, she enjoys capturing the sights around town with a digital camera and notepad in hand. Her background includes film review, television production and short film scriptwriting, and her day work as a business development director for an architectural firm provides her with fantastic material for her illustrated novel in-the-making. Maggie lives in Pennsport with a boy named Sue.

Philip Thomas is a Web Developer at eCity Interactive and is involved in local performance art including the First Person Arts Philadelphia Complaints Choir, the Walking Fish 24-Hour Stand-Up Comedy Marathon, the 2008 Live Arts Festival & Philly Fringe and most recently with Philly Improv Theater’s flash mob at 30th Street Station. Phil was one of Philadelphia Magazine’s sexy singles in 2008 and this is his first year as a Festival juror.

Tiffany Thompson is the Manager of Community Education Programs at CHOICE, a non-profit that provides sexual and reproductive health education, counseling and referrals, focusing on the growing number of LGBT youth coming out and the sexual health education barriers they face. She is also pursuing a Masters in Communication Management at Temple: she hopes through media and communications she can increase LGBT awareness, especially for lesbians of color. Tiffany also sits on the Board of Equality Forum and GALAEI and is a community activist.

2009 PHILADELPHIA QFEST HONOREES Sharon Gless

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Gay Icon Award

Sunday, July 19 • 4:45 • The Prince • Presented with the screening of Hannah Free (pg. 72) Here’s a great bit of Hollywood history for you: Sharon Gless was the last contract player of the industry’s classic studio system and her Grandfather — an entertainment lawyer who worked for icons such as Howard Hughes, Louis B. Mayer and Cecil B. DeMille — signed the first! She was under exclusive contract to Universal, where she learned and flourished for 10 years, before leaving “the lot” in 1982. You’d think she’d have begun acting at an early age, but actually Gless began on the other side of the industry, working for advertising firms and then independent movie studios such as Sassafras Films and General Film Corporation. Eventually Gless realized she no longer wanted to be in the office, but on screen. After discovering her new passion, Gless began taking acting classes. The 1982 parting with Universal was not a bitter one, even as it marked the end of a very long era: That same year, Gless began work as NYPD detective Christine Cagney on the classic series “Cagney & Lacey” (1982-1986). It was a drama unlike anyone had ever seen, one that explored two women’s struggles to navigate professional and personal issues as officers, wives, mothers and friends. The show was unafraid to tackle difficult issues, among them AIDS, abortion, date rape and racism. The show won two Emmys for Outstanding Drama, and Gless picked up two as well for Outstanding Actress (out of an impressive six nominations, one for each year of the series). Gless continued to work steadily after “Cagney & Lacey,” receiving two Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe for the critically acclaimed “Trials of Rosie O’Neill” (1990-1992). In 2000, Gless created the role of the outrageous and beloved Debbie Novotny in the groundbreaking Showtime series “Queer as Folk” (2000-2005). She remained with the series throughout its five-season run, and is today regularly approached by fans who express appreciation for her honest portrayal of the loving parent of a gay child. In 2006, Gless received rave reviews, in both the States and the U.K. for her starring role as U.S. Secretary of Defense Lynne Warner in the BBC/BBC America miniseries “The State Within.” She recently completed an Emmy-nominated, multiple-episode arc in the hit FX series “Nip/Tuck” as Colleen Rose, an ambitious Hollywood agent with dark secrets. Gless currently stars on the USA Network’s “Burn Notice,” in which she plays the chainsmoking, hypochondriac mother to son Jeffrey Donovan. Her current projects are Once Fallen and Hannah Free; the latter finds the actress playing a free-spirited lesbian trying to reunite with the love of her life. Off-screen, Gless is an active participant in the ongoing struggle for reproductive rights. In 2004, she joined hundreds of thousands of women in Washington, D.C. for the first March For Women’s Lives, in which she stood in solidarity with her entertainment industry colleagues. In 2005, Norman Lear’s People for the American Way honored Gless for her unwavering support of human rights. Philadelphia QFest is proud to present its Gay Icon Award to a woman who is as much a compassionate champion for the gay & lesbian community as she is a talented artist. —Thom Cardwell & Jesse Smith

H.P. Mendoza

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Rising Star Award

Thursday, July 16 • 7:15 • Ritz East 1 • Presented with the screening of Fruit Fly (pg. 33) An innovative, musical and prodigious talent, H.P. Mendoza finds inspiration for his art in his life and his friends’ lives — infusing the work with emotion and humanity. Returning to QFest this year, Mendoza’s bubbly Fruit Fly is his directorial debut — we’re sure it is just the first in what will prove to be a long and prolific career in both film and music. Born in 1977 in San Francisco to Filipino immigrants, H.P. was drawn to the camera early on: as a small child, he made a film with his father’s Super-8. He taught himself to play piano by ear and learned his first song at 10 years old, the theme to “The Legend of Zelda.” He studied film at the College of San Mateo, where he met Richard Wong, who would go on to direct Mendoza’s Colma: The Musical. Written and composed by H.P., Colma was one of the highlights of PIGLFF 2007. After its successful festival run, the film was released theatrically by Roadside Attractions and on DVD by Lionsgate. All this from a film that was originally conceived of as a concept album, it’s first draft written in 7 days, and produced for just $15,000. How fitting that the New York Times called Colma “an itty-bitty movie with a great big heart.” H.P. has also released several CDs over the past few years. In 2004 came the first, “Everything is Pop,” which pokes fun at pop music and tells personal stories, including his coming out. For his new CD “Nomad,” he found inspiration in the trouble he experienced relocating from Philadelphia back to his native SF during the production of Colma. The CD will be re-released on iTunes later this year. As a gift for his partner, Mark Del Lima, “Elsewhere” tries to mimic the patterns, themes and sounds of Mark’s mixtapes and playlists. A performance of The Nonsense Company’s “Great Hymn of Thanksgiving/Conversation” at the 2007 San Francisco Fringe Festival inspired him to contribute “Calf” for a film version of the work, which is now in post-production. Currently H.P. is developing a script for his next film, Clockwise, a non-musical dark comedy about Proposition 8. Philadelphia QFest is thrilled to welcome H.P. back to screen the remarkable Fruit Fly. Based on the experiences of his friend L.A. Renigen who was constantly identified as a “faghag” while on tour with Colma. The character Bethesda is, like Renigen, a performance artist who moves to San Francisco to workshop her piece about finding her biological mother. The San Francisco Chronicle has called Fruit Fly “irresistible” and we think you’ll agree. We feel privileged to be recognizing H.P. Mendoza with the QFest 2009 Rising Star Award and we are looking forward to many years of many more wonderful works —Scott Cranin

Chad Allen

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Artistic Achievement Award

Thursday, July 9 • 7:00 • The Prince • Presented with the screening of Hollywood je t’aime (pg. 25) Some know Chad Allen for his work as a teen and 20-something on family dramas “Our House” and “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Women.” But though he found professional success at a young age, Allen is not the clichéd former child star of supermarket tabloid covers and E! specials. He continues to flourish professionally in adulthood. Equally important to Allen is his personal life, as well: He is one of the few openly gay actors working in Hollywood today, one willing to speak candidly about his sexuality. QFest is proud to honor Chad Allen for his success on-screen, and for his work as an ambassador of the gay and lesbian community off-screen. Allen caught the acting bug early. His first major break came at age eight with the role of autistic Tommy Westphall on the hit ’80s drama “St. Elsewhere” — a role he’d reprise several times over the series’ run, including the show’s famous finale: Yes, that was Allen dreaming up the entire show. He went on to appear in a slew of classics from that decade. “Simon & Simon,” “Webster,” “Punky Brewster,” “Highway to Heaven” and “My Two Dads” anyone? Allen continued to hone his craft and ultimately gained even wider fame alongside Jane Seymour in “Dr. Quinn.” Since then, Allen has appeared in films that have generated critical attention, including Paris (2003), the story of a detective working in the Los Angeles underworld. Getting Out — about a man’s attempt to break free from his overbearing girlfriend — earned Allen a New York Independent Award for best supporting actor in 2005. Allen has most recently gained recognition as the sexy, shrewd and resourceful Donald Strachey, gay detective, in the adaptations of Richard Stevenson’s novels — Third Man Out (2005), Shock to the System (2006), On the Other Hand, Death (2008) (all threee of which screened at PIGLFF) and Ice Blues (2008). In recent years, Allen has worked the boards as well, starring in the comedic play “The Little Dog Laughed”, which successfully toured the United State in 2008. Variety, in its review, commended Allen’s ability to convincingly ground his character: “Playing Mitchell more as young turk than macho stud, Allen brings a boyish vulnerability, ego and panic to the part, rooting the role someplace real.” But Allen contributes as much to his community as he does to his craft. He confronted the struggles many gays and lesbians face in 1997’s Save Me. In the film, which premiered to strong critical acclaim at Sundance, Allen plays a sex- and drug-addicted gay man sent to a religious institution that aims to “cure” him. He recently collaborated with producer Christopher Racster and actor Robert Gant to create a production company, MythGarden, that works to grow the gay and lesbian film market. Allen devotes his free time to charity, such as AIDS/LIFECYCLE, in which Allen rode 545 miles to help raise more than $11 million for the fight against AIDS. As a public figure, his words are important, too. In an interview with Larry King, Allen explained clearly and calmly that his “lifestyle” wasn’t a choice, but an intractable part of who he is. “From as early as I can possibly remember I was attracted to men and not to women. I didn’t have somebody like me talking on TV about it.” Many closeted Hollywood types often find their way to Allen, seeking advice as they fear the effects coming out would have on their careers. “I tell them to do it with your eyes wide open,” Allen says. “But I encourage them to do it. It takes courage. But we can’t sit around and complain about the ways things are if we’re not willing to create the change.” —Thom Cardwell & Jesse Smith

Dee Mosbacher • Barbara Gittings Award Saturday, July 18 • 4:45 • The Prince Presented with the screening of Training Rules (pg. 85) The Fourth of July, 1966 was a glorious, sunny day in Philadelphia. And it was a day filled with tremendous hope — and fear — as a handful of gay men and women lifted their picket signs in peaceful protest in front of Independence Hall. These individuals did not seek glory; they marched for the belief that “HOMOSEXUALS should be judged as individuals,” as one sign read. And on that historic afternoon, brave activists quietly demonstrated with the dream that someday you and I would be able to live our lives openly and proudly. That day, the lovely Kay Tobin Lahusen captured one of the most recognizable photos of the entire gay rights movement — at its center, one of Barbara Gittings in 1966 the most magnetic and admirable individuals, Kay’s life partner Barbara Gittings. With a radiant wide smile on her face and tireless determination in her soul, this visual leader of the LGBT community has been — and continues to be — a true inspiration to people everywhere. Fortunately for us Philadelphians, Barbara called our city home. Beginning her assiduous efforts in 1958, she established the East Coast chapter of the first official lesbian organization, The Daughters of Bilitis (DOB), which she subsequently parlayed into becoming the editor of the first lesbian journal, The Ladder. With this new politically conscious platform, Gittings also helped organize the first gay rights marches in Philadelphia from 1965-1969. In the ’70s, she successfully helped petition the American Psychiatric Association to remove homosexuality as a mental disorder and lobbied the American Library Association to include gay and lesbian literature in public libraries. After a long life full of love and passion, Barbara left us on February 18th, 2007. We’ve highlighted just a few of her achievements here, but her real legacy is that her ardent passion for gay and lesbian activism carries on, inspiring many LGBT activists of a different generation to grab their proverbial picket signs and fight for our equality. The Philadelphia Cinema Alliance, in conjunction with Equality Forum, created the Barbara Gittings Award to honor her life’s work through the arts, to be presented to an out member of the entertainment, arts, sports, politics or media industry. Barbara and Kay were ardent film lovers and were dedicated supporters of Philadelphia QFest, so it is only fitting that our inaugural award recipient is documentary filmmaker Dee Mosbacher, who, like Barbara, is a unwavering advocate and activist for LGBT social justice. Complete details of Dee’s career can be found on page 85. The award will be presented at the screening of Training Rules, Dee’s latest documentary that continues the fight that Barbara started. —Kelly Burkhardt

opening night

Hollywood, je t’aime Thursday, July 9 • 7:00 • Prince Music Theater Saturday, July 11 • 2:30 • Ritz East 1 East Coast Premiere USA 2009, 95 min

QFest opens this year with this charming, funny and intimate story of a gay man’s journey of self-discovery. When his life hits a rut in Paris, Jérôme decides to travel to L.A. for sun and fun. Instead, he is immediately immersed with wacky Left Coast characters and odd situations. Jason Bushman’s feature debut (his short Serene Hunter screened at PIGLFF last year) is a charmingly loving tale of a sweet Parisian lost in the wilds of gay L.A. The story begins in a blackand-white Paris where Jérôme (Eric Debets) still holds a candle for his ex, who moved onto other boys long ago. Deciding that he needs a fresh outlook on life, Jérôme packs his bags and heads for Hollywood, where he intends to follow his dream of becoming an actor. Landing in L.A. the film shifts to color and a seedy Hollywood motel. The very adorable and naïve Jérôme takes a long bus journey to the beach where he meets Ross (Chad Allen), a temptingly hot stoner. But our boy won’t be tied down that quickly. On Santa Monica Blvd. he chats up tranny hooker Kaleesha (Diarra Kilpatrick), who falls in love immediately with our wandering naïf. She takes him back to her home, where boarders seem to come and go. Jérôme settles in and goes on a few auditions, completely unprepared for the insane world at the bottom reaches of show business. With his world thrown upside-down, the young man must decide if this is the world for him. Top kudos go to star Eric Debets and writer/director Jason Bushman for creating this superbly entertaining film. The gentle humanity and humor of Hollywood je t’aime is a perfect way to kick off QFest 09! (English and French with English subtitles) —Scott Cranin

Chad Allen will receive the Artistic Achievement Award (pg. 23) at our Opening Night screening on July 9. Opening Night festivities continue after the screening. See pg. 15 for full details. Director: Jason Bushman Cast: Eric Debets, Chad Allen, Jonathan Blanc, Diarra Kilpatrick, Michael Airington, Steven Littles Screenwriter: Jason Bushman Producer: Charles Herman-Wurmfeld Cinematographer: Alison Kelly Editor: Phillip J. Bartell Print Source: New American Vision

Hollywood, je t’aime is Jason Bushman’s debut.

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closing night

The Big Gay Musical Monday, July 20 • 7:00 • Prince Music Theater World Premiere USA 2009, 90 min

We’re in for a treat as the film unspools its musically told story of gay love, lust and heartbreak in a new take on Genesis with Adam and Steve and angel hotties in teeny briefs. Places everyone! Our World Premiere Closing Night film opens with NYC gossip columnist Michael Musto fidgeting in the audience of what looks to be one of the worst plays ever. He runs up the aisle and tells the usher urgently that he needs a “Big Gay Musical,” and that’s what we get! Actors Paul (Daniel Robinson) and Eddie (Joey Dudding) are stars in previews for a new Off-Broadway play, “Adam and Steve, Just the Way God Made Them.” In this musical gay version of the story of creation, God is a roly-poly happy fellow in a toga with a big “G” on a glitzy necklace and Adam and Steve reside blissfully in the Garden of Eden until religious zealots interrupt their idyllic existence. The film mixes elements of the staged musical with the stories of Paul and Eddie: Paul has been looking for Mr. Right with no success, and he finally decides to look for Mr. Right Now instead. Eddie’s conservative religious parents announce that they are coming to see Eddie’s big premiere — which looks like it’s going to be Eddie’s big coming out as well. As the two new friends share stories, Eddie confesses that he’s a virgin, and Paul reveals that his heart has been broken one time too many. A“Mostly Sondheim” night at a piano bar gives us a chance to experience some wonderfully touching numbers on life and love, and gives host Paul the opportunity to meet a guy with a crush on him. On stage, in the play, we get to see scantily clad angels sing and dance, the wonderful “new” version of Genesis, a bizarre televangelist couple and a conversion camp that is reminiscent of the RuPaul-managed camp in But, I’m a Cheerleader. Relentlessly upbeat and packed with delicious musical numbers, Casper Andreas and Fred M. Caruso’s The Big Gay Musical is a wonderfully big gay way to close out QFest 09 —Scott Cranin Closing night Festivities continue after the screening. See pg. 15 for full details. Directors: Casper Andreas, Fred M. Caruso Cast: Daniel Robinson, Joey Dudding, Jeff Metzler, Liz McCartney, Brian Spitulnik, Andre Ward, Brent Corrigan, Casper Andreas, Michael Musto Screenwriter: Fred M. Caruso Producers: Casper Andreas, Fred M. Caruso Cinematographer: Jon Fordham Editor: Alex Hammer Print Source: Embrem Entertainment

Casper Andreas’ Filmography: Between Love & Goodbye (2008), A Four Letter Word (2007), Slutty Summer (2004) The Big Gay Musical is Fred M. Caruso’s debut.

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centerpiece screening

And Then Came Lola Saturday, July 11 • 7:15 • Prince Music Theater Sunday, July 12 • 4:15 • Ritz East 1 East Coast Premiere USA 2009, 70 min

Hold on tight for this wild and fast-paced lesbian romp through the steep streets of San Francisco as a notoriously late photographer rushes to deliver prints to her most important client — her fiery lover! What Go Fish did for lesbian independent cinema in the ’90s — with its edgy style and sharp dialogue — And Then Came Lola will do for it now, ushering in a new era of lesbian filmmaking. This groundbreaking feature takes the classic Sapphic romantic comedy and flips it on its ear with stylistic storytelling, quick wit and perfect casting. Inspired by the modern German classic, Run, Lola, Run, this brilliant story is told in three different scenarios where sexy, commitment-phobic photographer Lola (Ashleigh Sumner) bounces around like a pinball through San Francisco transporting important designs for her drop-dead gorgeous lover Casey (Jill Bennett, “Dante’s Cove”) who is a marketing executive on the verge of landing a big advertising campaign through her seductive ex-girlfriend Danielle (Cathy DeBuono, Out at the Wedding). But relying on Lola, who is easily distracted, is increasingly difficult: Lola not only has a hard time arriving to appointments on time, she has also had difficulty committing to a woman. There’s something about Casey that drives this artist crazy and this job is vital to the future of their relationship. Off and running, Lola dodges (multiple times) a meter maid, an unstable woman with a big dog, and her own ex (Philly’s own Jessica Graham). Directors Megan Siler and Ellen Seidler have brilliantly crafted a engrossing feature complete with beautiful cinematography, animation, still photography, and high-engery soundtrack — all while highlighting the fun yet volitility of dyke culture. Tick tock, don’t be late or you’ll miss one hell of a ride. —Kelly Burkhardt Join us at the Grrrl Watch after-party. See pg. 16 for full details. Directors: Ellen Seidler, Megan Siler Cast: Ashleigh Sumner, Jill Bennett, Cathy DeBuono, Jessica Graham, Angelyna Martinez, Candy Tolentino, Linda Ignazi, Jenoa Harlow, Lisa Dewey Screenwriters: Ellen Seidler, Megan Siler Producers: Ellen Seidler, Megan Siler Cinematographer: Jennifer Derbin Editor: Eli Olson Print Source: Fast Girl Films

Megan Siler’s Filmography: The Midwife’s Tale (1995)

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centerpiece screening

Drool Friday, July 10 • 7:00 • Ritz East 2 Sunday, July 12 • 12:00 • Ritz East 1 Philadelphia Premiere USA 2009, 88 min

In this hilariously dark romantic comedy, a family overcomes its prejudices and insecurities with the aid of a friendly neighbor and some great beauty products. Anora Fleese (gorgeous Laura Harring of Mulholland Drive) has a crappy existence. Beaten into submission by her abusive husband Cheb and treated like a doormat by her teenage siblings Tabby and Little Pete, it’s no surprise that Anora’s smile has disappeared — but at least she finds light relief in her vivid “fantasy man” dreams. When Imogene Cochran (Girlfriends star Jill Marie Jones) — a sassy “Kathy K” saleswoman peddling products for “the cocoa-skinned woman” in a community that isn’t too keen on cocoa-skinned anything — moves in next door, Anora’s life begins to change. Hooting and hollering over caffeine, painting toenails and sampling hand cream, Imogene and Anora grow close —real close. And that’s when all hell breaks loose. Before you can bat a Ms. Mascara eyelash, Imogene, Anora, Tabby and Little Pete are all piled into Imogene’s purple car on a mission to get to Savannah, before the ice melts on the body in the trunk. Marvelously marrying the difficult subjects of racism, spousal abuse and sexism with fantasy, whimsy and a great sense of timing, In this writer’s opinion, Drool is quite possibly the funniest lesbian film in our lineup. —Carol Coombes Director: Nancy Kissam Cast: Laura Harring, Jill Marie Jones, Oded Fehr, Ashley Duggan Smith, Christopher Newhouse, Ruthie Austin Screenwriter: Nancy Kissam Producers: John Portnoy, Nick Thurlow, Todd Williams Cinematographer: Kara Stephens Editor: Jennifer Godin Print Source: Strand Releasing

Drool is Nancy Kissam’s debut.

centerpiece screening

Fruit Fly Thursday, July 16 • 7:15 • Ritz East 1 Saturday, July 18 • 2:30 • Prince Music Theater Philadlephia Premiere USA 2009, 94 min

Who doesn’t secretly wish that life was one unending musical full of catchy songs that pepper the day? Fruit Fly is the next best thing. Pop to its core, H.P. Mendoza’s directorial debut (he wrote and composed Colma, PIGLFF 2006) is a sparkling musical love letter to San Francisco. Reuniting much of the cast and crew from Colma, Mendoza firmly grasps the helm in telling his story of Bethesda (L.A. Renigen), a young performance artist in search of a career – and her birth mother. Bethesda loves to hang out with her gay boy buddies. She goes to the gay clubs, dances with her boys until the wee hours and sends them off to their tricks with a kiss on the cheek. But don’t call her a “fag hag” — Bethesda is a “Fruit Fly.” Like Colma, the film is interspersed with songs that become conversations and solo musical journeys. This is not a musical where people dance on cruise ship ceilings: These songs are firmly rooted in reality (a gay reality, of course). Some of our favorites include “Fag Hag,” “Gay, Gay, Gay, Gay, Gay,” “Enough about Me,” “We Are the Hag” and “Work in Progress.” Though it’s tremendous fun, Mendoza’s film is not without its serious moments. Do not mistake it as frivolous; the director has hidden some underlying messages in the music (which you’re sure to be humming on your way out of the theater). —Scott Cranin

H.P. Mendoza will receive the Rising Star Award at the July 16 screening, see pg. 22. Join us for the QFest Queer Idol Karoake after the July 16 screening with director H.P. Mendoza as a guest judge. See pg. 39 for full details. Director: H.P. Mendoza Cast: L.A. Renigen, Mike Curtis, Theresa Navarro, Aaron Zaragoza, E.S. Park, Christian Cagigal, Don Wood, Michelle Talgarow, Christina Augello Screenwriter: H.P. Mendoza Producers: H.P. Mendoza, Donald Young Cinematographer: Richard Wong Editor: H.P. Mendoza Print Source: H.P. Mendoza

H.P. Mendoza’s Filmography: Colma: The Musical (2006)

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centerpiece screening

Pornography Friday, July 10 • 7:00 • Prince Music Theater Sunday, July 12 • 2:00 • Prince Music Theater Philadelphia Premiere USA 2009, 113 min

Definitely not for the squeamish, and most certainly not a porn film, Pornography is a hot journey into the life of missing gay adult star Mark Anton. Blurring the lines between reality, dreams and fantasy, former TLA Video clerk David Kittredge’s debut feature is a stunningly frightening, David Cronenbergmeets-David-Lynch psychological thriller centering on a a fictional gay porn star who mysteriously disappeared in 1995. Elusive porn icon Mark Anton (Jared Grey) was red hot when he seemingly vanished into thin air. His fans were left with only shreds of what could have been. Flash forward to the current day: Michael (Matthew Montgomery) is researching a book about porn. He’s interviewing people who have long wondered what happened to the elusive Mark Anton. The trail leads him to a Brooklyn loft apartment that he and his partner move into. The vibe is definitely unsettling, and there are mysterious holes all over where it looks like cameras used to be. Michael finds a VHS tape hidden in the wall. He plays the tape, but is not sure what he sees. Things quickly turn ugly when he brings the tape to a friend to transfer it. The film shifts to the West Coast, where porn star Matt Stevens (Pete Scherer) has an eerie dream about Mark Anton that he hastily adapts into a screenplay. His porn producer has no idea what he’s committing himself to when he green lights this lucid nightmare. Wholly original and taking wild cinematic risks, Pornography is a memorable trip into the darkest corners of the human soul. —Scott Cranin Director: David Kittredge Cast: Matthew Montgomery, Pete Scherer, Jared Grey, Walter Delmar, Nick Salamone, Dylan Vox, Wyatt Fenner Screenwriter: David Kittredge Producer: Sean Abley Cinematographer: Ivan Corona Editors: Mike Justice, David Kittredge Print Source: David Kittredge

Pornography is David Kittredge’s debut.

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A proud sponsor of

A Philadelphia Cinema Alliance Prooduction

July 9-20, 2009

Philadelphia QFEST 09

A Litany for Survival: the Life and Work of Audre Lorde

Love and Human Remains

Saturday, July 11 • 12:15 • Ritz East 2

Canada 1993, 100 min

USA 1995, 90 min

As part of our 15th anniversary celebration, QFest reprises director Denys Arcand’s (Jesus of Montreal) darkly comic film, Love and Human Remains (PIGLFF ‘95) starring Thomas Gibson ( “Dharma & Greg,” “Tales of the City”) and Mia Kirshner (“The L Word”). Adapted from Brad Fraser’s stage play, this sex-charged, comedy/drama takes place in an anonymous, gritty Canadian city populated by attractive, sexually active, but world-weary people of various sexual orientations. One of these people is a murderer — ignore the obvious clues, it’s not that easy! At the core of the film, there is David (Thomas Gibson), a gay man who roams dance clubs looking for no-strings-attached sex; his roommate Candy (Ruth Marshall) a pretty and intelligent woman who is involved with both a man and a woman; ladies’ man Bernie (Cameron Bancroft), an intensely troubled yuppie with a dark secret; Benita (Mia Kirshner), a quirky, psychic dominatrix; and an underage busboy Kane (Matthew Ferguson), one of David’s tricks. David brings his buddy Bernie to see Benita for a mind-expanding session of drugs, sex and a reading of the future, but they get more than they expected. Witty and thoughtful, Arcand’s first English language film weaves a tale of emotionally adrift souls searching for love, family and meaning in the ’90s. —Raymond Murray

A powerful profile of African American poet Audre Lorde, a fiercely passionate American visionary who became a role model not only for Black women but for everyone who believes, as she did, that “liberation is not the private province of any one particular group.” First exhibited at our inaugural event in 1995, A Litany for Survival: The Life and Works of Audre Lorde is an epic and intimate look into the life and works of award-winning Black, Lesbian, Feminist, Mother, Warrior and Poet Audre Lorde. Her writings, spanning five decades, articulate some of the most important social and political visions of this century. Through archival footage and interviews with Audre Lorde, her family and notable writers including Sonia Sanchez, Adrienne Rich, Barbara Smith and Essex Hemphill, this provocative documentary traces Lord’s life from her childhood roots in Harlem to a National Book Award nomination for her poetry, to her battle against breast cancer, to her being named the New York State Poet Laureate. Though seventeen years have passed since Audre Lorde’s death, A Litany for Survival: The Life and Works of Audre Lorde is an inspirational testimony and powerful portrait of a remarkable woman who continues to inspire a whole new generation of women today. —Noelle Reilly Directors: Ada Gay Griffin, Michelle Parkerson Producers: Ada Gay Griffin, Michelle Parkerson Cinematographers: Larry Banks, John Bentham, Michael Chin, Christine Choy, Crystal Griffiths, Arthur Jafa, Herman Lew, Al Santana Editor: Holly Fisher Print Source: Third World Newsreel

Ada Gay Griffin, Michelle Parkerson’s Filmography: Michelle Parkerson: Storme: Lady of the Jewel Box (1991); But Then She’s Betty Carter (1980)

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Wednesday, July 15 • 9:15 • Ritz East 1

Director: Denys Arcand Cast: Thomas Gibson, Ruth Marshall, Cameron Bancroft, Mia Kirshner, Joanne Vannicola, Matthew Ferguson Screenwriter: Brad Fraser Producer: Roger Frappier Cinematographer: Paul Sarossy Editor: Alain Baril Print Source: Sony Pictures Classics

Denys Arcand’s Filmography: [Selected]: L’âge des ténèbres (The Age of Ignorance) (2007); Les invasions barbares (The Barbarian Invasions) (2003); Stardom (2000); Jesus of Montreal (1989); The Decline of the American Empire (1986)

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for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

special presentations

Shhhhh.... It’s a Secret

Queer Idol Karaoke

Surprise Screening

Thursday, July 16th • 10:00pm-2:00am • Knock Located on the corner of 12th & Locust Sts. www.knockphilly.com No cover • 21+, ID require

Sunday, July 19 • 7:00 • Prince Music Theater

Are you destined to be discovered like Susan Boyle or robbed of your title like Adam Lambert? (We can hear the arguments over that one already!) Whether you croon like Jennifer Hudson or croak like William Hung, step up to the mic and take your best shot at being named the QFest Queer Idol! This is no regular karaoke – Pick your favorite from queer composers like Cole Porter and Stephen Sondheim, or from queer icons like Judy Garland, Peggy Lee, Madonna, Cher, or queer songs like “The Man I Love” and “These Boots Are Made for Walking” or from queer sensibility shows like “Grease” and “Hairspray”. Channel your favorite queer idol and belt out that tune! And just like your favorite primetime competition, a panel of expert judges will assess your skills, and the audience will help determine who takes the title, so make sure your rooting section is the biggest! Prizes and Surprises will be supplied by the hotties from homopop.com, home of everything sticky and sweet.

Are you a gambler? Want to be among the first people to see one of the newest and most anticipated gay films of the season? Plunk down your 10 bucks and good luck. We’re privileged to present an amazing sneak preview screening of a film that’s sure to be a QFest 09 hit. The film is so top secret, we’re not even allowed to put it in print or utter the the title out loud! Once the festival is underway, we’ll unveil the film’s identity via our website, www.phillycinema.org. Expect a quick sell-out. In order to ensure your seat at this special screening, you’ll need to buy your tickets early. But — and it’s a big but — the film may not be ready, and we might need to show something else entirely! Here are three clues so get your Sherlock Holmes cap, cape and pipe ready: 1. It’s the third in a series of gay sex comedies. 2. We screened the second in the series in 2006. 3. One of the film’s co-writers is the nephew of a seminal gay Filipino filmmaker. We hope that we’ve teased you enough — see you at the screening.

Celebrity judges will include H.P. Mendoza (director of Fruit Fly, see pg. 33) and Philadelphia’s own Needles Jones.

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for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

Come Enjoy... Sunday, July 12 Who knows why Doris Day is such a gay icon? Is it because she was the original triple-threat: actor/singer/dancer? Was it the adorable outfits and perfectly-coiffed hair? Or because her man done her wrong and left her bankrupt? I know – it’s all those scenes kissing the very kissable Rock Hudson! Well whatever the reason, you won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to spend a whole day in her honor.

Doris Day Brunch Q BBQ & Tequila 207 Chestnut St. • www.qoldcity.com 11:30am – 2:00pm Start your Day with DORIS with a screwball brunch! In honor of the screwball comedy Pillow Talk we’ve taken a handsome Southern gentleman — er, BBQ joint — and hosed it down with enough pink and daisies to make even Doris swoon. Your delicious meal will be accompanied by Doris’s own Peach Angel Food Cake, Q’s specialty Bloody Marias, and a full day of Doris and Rock! For all those with a sense of advenute and falir for fun dress up like Doris or Rock and participate in our Look-a-Like Contest.

The all-Doris all-Day program will feature: Doris Day and Rock Hudson Look-a-Like Contest Featured Music: “The Sounds of Doris Day” Doris Day Film Clips Doris Day Memorabilia Giveaways Doris Day & Rock Hudson Trivia Door Prizes Celebrity Judges And just like the good old days when Doris reigned as Queen on the Silver Screen, we’re showing a double feature: the American premiere of the new Doris Day documentary and a revival of one of her most famous films. Buy your brunch an film package at a discount and get reserved priority seating at the theater!

Combination Ticket: Brunch & Both Screenings with Priority Seating $40 Public • $35 PCA Members • 21+, ID required Brunch Only $30 Public • $25 PCA Members • 21+, ID required Double Feature Combo Ticket $16 for both films Flowers provided by:

Sponsored by:

for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

special presentations

A Day with Doris! Pillow Talk Sunday, July 12 • 4:45 • Ritz East 2 USA 1959, 102 min

What a Difference a Day Made: Doris Day Superstar Sunday, July 12 • 2:30 • Ritz East 2 North American Premiere Germany 2009, 90 min

Seize the Day! This shimmering and deliciously entertaining documentary celebrates the life and times of gay icon Doris Day. Perhaps best known for her appearances alongside Rock Hudson in romantic comedy classics such as Pillow Talk, and for songs like de facto queer anthem “Que Sera Sera,” Doris Day receives a perky, pink-colored tribute from directors Andrew Davies and André Schäfer. We begin in 2008: an octogenarian, Day lives a reclusive existence in California’s Carmel-by-the-Sea, but speaks to her fans via an annual “birthday call” made to a local radio DJ. Then the directors take us back to Day’s Germanic ancestry, her Cincinnati birthplace and her rise in Hollywood. Interspersed with a wealth of fabulous clips from Day’s career — from Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much to obscure game show appearances — we hear from fellow actors, biographers, friends, relatives and a group of obsessed fans who make the pilgrimage to Carmel to hopefully encounter the object of their affection (Will they? Won’t they? We ain’t tellin’!). This is both a delight for longtime fans as well as a breezy, insightful and camp-injected introduction to what a difference Day has made. (English and German with English subtitles) —Lawrence Ferber

Selecting the perfect film for this “Day with Doris” was easy. This stylish sex comedy, celebrating its 50th anniversary, features Doris Day opposite gay icon Rock Hudson. As the film opens, Jan (Doris Day) pulls a silk stocking up her long, shapely leg. She is a prim-and-proper designer who lives in an elegant Park Avenue apartment. Her neighbor Brad (Rock Hudson) is an unrepentant womanizer. Brad’s apartment is wired for a good time, with buttons that start the music, dim the lights and lower the bed from the wall. The mismatched pair shares a party telephone line (remember, it was the ’50s) over which they can hear each other’s conversations. Brad boasts of his nightly conquests to his fey sidekick Jonathan (Tony Randall), while Jan bemoans his hogging their shared phone line. Brad somehow comes to the conclusion that Jan is to be his third wife. Adopting the persona of a fictitious Southern gentleman, Brad manipulates Jan into falling in love with him. This being a screwball comedy, of course, everything that could go wrong does. Alma (the legendary Thelma Ritter) is Jan’s maid who delivers the famous line that might have spurned the Feminist movement: “If there’s anything worse than a woman living alone, it’s a woman saying she likes it.” With its split screen shots, frothy bubble baths and drool-inducing, mid-century sets and furniture, Pillow Talk is a gem we can’t wait to see on the big screen again. —Scott Cranin Director: Michael Gordon Cast: Doris Day, Rock Hudson, Tony Randall, Thelma Ritter, Nick Adams Screenwriters: Stanley Shapiro, Maurice Richlin Producers: Ross Hunter, Martin Melcher Cinematographer: Arthur E. Arling Editor: Milton Carruth Print Source: Universal Pictures

Michael Gordon’s Filmography: [Selected]: The Impossible Years (1968); Texas Across the River (1966); A Very Special Favor (1965); Move Over, Darling (1963); The Secret of Convict Lake (1951); I Can Get It for You Wholesale (1951); Cyrano de Bergerac (1950); Woman in Hiding (1950); One Dangerous Night (1943); Boston Blackie Goes Hollywood (1942)

Directors: Andrew Davies, Andre Schafer Screenwriters: Andrew Davies, Andre Schafer Producer: Rieke Brendel Cinematographer: Tom Kaiser Editor: Martin Schomers Print Source: Florianfilm GMBH

What a Difference a Day Made: Doris Day Superstar is Andrew Davies and Andre Schafer’s debut. Sponsored by:

for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

Philadelphia QFEST 09

Grease Sing-Along

Hair

Monday, July 13 • 9:00 • Jamaican Jerk Hut

Tuesday, July 14 • 9:00 • Jamaican Jerk Hut

USA 1978, 110 min

USA 1979, 121 min

Don’t miss Grease… it’s electrifying! Memorable hits such as “Grease,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and “Summer Nights” will have you dancing and singing under the summer stars. John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John lead an all-star cast in the film adaptation of the smash hit Broadway musical tribute to the ’50s. The story follows leader of the T-birds Danny (Travolta) and sexy but sweet Pink Lady Sandy (Newton-John) through their summer romance and reunion at Rydell High. The supporting cast contains a number of familiar faces, including scene-stealing Stockard Channing (as the tough-talking Rizzo), Jeff Conaway, Eve Arden, of Our Miss Brooks, comedian Sid Ceasar, Didi Conn, and a cameo by iconic singer Frankie Avalon as an angel. The film embraces all the great elements of a classic Hollywood musical: likeable stars, a simple but not trivial plot, and of course a lot of enjoyable music with catchy lyrics. Though you may not have lived through the ’50s, Grease brings back memories of what it was like to hang out in the school yard, take a date to a drive-in movie and attend a prom. So put on your poodle skirt, grab your Brylcreem and loosen up your larynx for an evening of hilarity and singing-along under the stars! —John Fetsko

It’s the dawning of the “Age of Aquarius” with our screening of the amazing flower-child, free love generation musical, Hair. Sure it’s hot outside, but funnel that heat into song, dance, drugs and love. Groovy. With its debut at New York’s Public Theater in 1967, James Rado, Gerome Ragni and Galt MacDermot’s raucously profane musical about hippies and the free love movement instantly became an essential element of our pop culture. After 1750 performances on Broadway, “Hair” closed in 1973. It took director Milos Forman six more years to get his movie adaptation made; everyone said it was unfilmable. They were wrong: the film shimmers with cinematic love, heightened by Twyla Tharp’s extraordinary choreography. Politics are intertwined with sexuality and hummable tunes to create one of the best movie musicals ever made. Claude (John Savage) is an Oklahoma hayseed inducted into the army. Before he is sent off to fight in Vietnam, he has a few days in New York City where he meets up with a ragtag group of hippies led by Berger (Treat Williams) and falls in love with Sheila (Beverly D’Angelo). A film exploding with dance, song, sex, romance, drugs and humor. Too young to have have experienced the ’60s? This raucous film will show you what you missed. —Scott Cranin

Director: Randal Kleiser Cast: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, Barry Pearl, Michael Tucci, Kelly Ward, Didi Conn, Eve Arden, Frankie Avalon, Joan Blondell, Sid Caesar Screenwriters: Jim Jacobs, Warren Casey, Allan Carr, Bronte Woodard Producers: Allan Carr, Robert Stigwood Cinematographer: Bill Butler Editor: John F. Burnett Print Source: Swank Films

Director: Milos Forman Cast: John Savage, Treat Williams , Beverly D’Angelo, Annie Golden, Dorsey Wright, Don Dacus, Cheryl Barnes, Richard Bright, Nicholas Ray Screenwriters: Gerome Ragni, James Rado Producers: Michael Butler, Lester Persky Cinematographers: Richard Kratina, Miroslav Ondrícek, Jean Talvin Editors: Alan Heim, Stanley Warnow Print Source: Swank Films

Randal Kleiser’s Filmography [selected]: Love Wrecked (2005); Red Riding Hood (2004); Shadow of Doubt (1998); Honey I Blew Up the Kid (1992); White Fang (1991); Getting It Right (1989); Big Top Pee-wee (1988); Flight of the Navigator (1986); Grandview, U.S.A. (1984); Summer Lovers (1982)

Milos Forman’s Filmography: [Selected]: Goya’s Ghosts (2006); The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996); Valmont (1989); Amadeus (1984); Ragtime (1981); One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975); Taking Off (1971); The Loves of a Blonde (1967)

Sponsored by:

for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

under the south street stars

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert Wednesday, July 15 • 9:00 • Jamaican Jerk Hut Australia 1994, 104 min

Extraordinary, essential and brilliant, Priscilla is an over-the-top drag musical that has spawned imitations, but has never been matched. It must have sounded strange on paper – it’s a wonder that Priscilla was made at all. Let’s picture the pitch meeting. We’d like to cast legendary British actor Terence Stamp as a stoic transsexual on a road trip with younger drag queens Guy Pearce and Hugo Weaving. Have them travel on a pink bus from Sydney across Australia to a gig in Alice Springs. Oh, then let’s use some Abba songs on the soundtrack and get them costumes so outrageous that Christian Lacroix would blush. Now seen as a classic, this drag extravaganza mixed just the right amount of pathos with comedy and music to create a film that’s on most queer people’s all-time top ten film lists. Bernadette (Terence Stamp) teams up with Felicia (Guy Pearce) and Mitzi (Hugo Weaving) to buy an old bus, gay it up some and trek across the Outback blaring disco music. Along the way the “ladies” encounter a bad drug trip, a crazed mail-order bride, bad and good hair days and new family. Felicia sums it all up here, “A desert holiday, let’s pack the drag away. You take the lunch and tea, I’ll take the ecstasy. Fuck off you silly queer, I’m getting out of here. A desert holiday, hip hip hip hip hooray!” —Scott Cranin Director: Stephan Elliott Cast: Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce, Terence Stamp Screenwriter: Stephan Elliott Producers: Al Clark, Michael Hamlyn Cinematographer: Brian J Breheny Editor: Sue Blainey Print Source: Swank Films

Stephan Elliott’s Filmography: Easy Virtue (2008); Eye of the Beholder (1999); Welcome to Woop Woop (1997); Frauds (1993)

Sponsored by:

Myra Breckinridge Thursday, July 16 • 9:00 • Jamaican Jerk Hut USA 1970, 94 min

An epic failure in 1970 has become a camp classic nearly 40 years later. Raquel Welch camps it up as the sexually ravounous Myra (previously the nebbish Myron) who creates sex toys out of utility room objects and Mae West is glorious. What was in some 20th Century Fox exec’s head when he green-lit this outrageous project – an X-rated version of Vidal’s “scandalously” satiric transsexual novel (he also co-wrote the screenplay — and later disowned the screen version) that would feature Rex Reed and Raquel Welch as the male and female embodiment of the same person and some acting oddities (Mae West, John Huston, Farrah Fawcett and a mustache-less Tom Selleck); have a talentless Michael Sarne direct and imbue it with a slap-dash ’60s mentality. The result was, predictably, an epic disaster, sending critics running to their thesauruses looking for words stronger than “repugnant” and “atrocious” and audiences (however small) running to the exits. But was it so bad? YES! But in a campy, smirky, hipper-than-fag sort of way. Just watching Raquel — on a male ego-deflating rampage — rape a strapping stud of a cowboy (Roger Herren) with objects that should remain in utility closets is enough to nominate this deliciously vulgar comedy with Russ Meyer’s Beyond the Valley of the Dolls as one of the best films of 1970! —Raymond Murray “About as funny as a child-molester.” —Time (Really?) Director: Michael Sarne Cast: Mae West, John Huston, Raquel Welch, Rex Reed, Farrah Fawcett, Roger C. Carmel, Jim Backus, John Carradine, Andy Devine, Kathleen Freeman, Tom Selleck Screenwriters: David Giler, Michael Sarne (based on the novel by Gore Vidal) Producers: Robert Fryer, David Giler Cinematographer: Richard Moore Editor: Danford B. Greene Print Source: Criterion Pictures USA, Inc.

Michael Sarne’s Filmography: Glastonbury the Movie (1995); The Punk (1994); Joanna (1968); Road to St. Tropez (1966)

for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

QFest BASICS

Get the most out of your festival experience The Golden Rule: Many screenings sell out Especially the Opening, Closing and Centerpiece films – Plan your Festival schedule ahead of time, and buy tickets as early as possible – or better yet, buy a badge. But remember – After show time, no one (including badge-holders) is guaranteed a seat!

Ticket Sales...

Getting Here...

Day of show tickets are only available at the venue If you want to buy a ticket for a same-day movie, go straight to the place where that movie will be showing. The tickets for the entire day go on sale one half-hour before the first show of the day at that venue.

Arrive at the theater early To start the film on time, we must seat as many people as possible in a very short time.

Theater box ofﬁces are Cash Only Check your wallet or visit the closest ATM before arriving at the movies – venue ticket sales are cash only. Advance ticket pickup If you order your tickets in advance, all of the tickets you purchase will be available for pickup at your first movie’s screening venue. If you don’t pick them up there, you must call the Festival Box Office to re-route the tickets to your next venue – this will not happen automatically.

Keep on top of breaking Festival News Sellouts, screening, event and guest updates are posted and announced regularly at:

www.phillycinema.org The site features real-time interactive features such as user reviews and personalized Festival calendar options.

Daily E-Newslines We sned you breaking Festival news and announcements via e-mail or RSS Feed every morning before breakfast.

Festival Hotline 24-hour automated information is available at 267-765-9800 x701.

Allow plenty of time for your transportation, especially on weekend nights. The Festival Map on the next page shows theaters, party venues, discounted parking and Septa subway stops. Remember your umbrella The Festival attracts thousands of people, so don’t be surprised by lines that extend outside – and prepare accordingly. For outdoor screenings, check www.phillycinema.org for cancellation information in the event of inclement weather.

At the Theater... Seats cannot be held You must be present to take a seat. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no “standing room” admission at any Festival film or program. We do not show any previews Screenings start within five minutes of the scheduled time – however, the Festival cannot be held accountable for late starts.

We take movies seriously Please silence your wrappers, voices, communication devices and alarms to ensure a quality audience experience. The venues are staffed by volunteers... ...who can answer many of your questions and make the festival possible by donating their time. Please be patient, and don’t forget to thank them for their efforts. 45

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!

Sales Locations

General Alliance Admission Members* $10.00 $9.00

Single Tickets Regular Screenings Opening/Closing Night Film Only

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

$15.00

$5.00

Under the South Street Stars (At the door)

STARTING JUNE 19: Philadelphia Cinema Alliance Members sales: Call: 267.765.9800 x4 STARTING JUNE 22: Public sales: Online: www.phillycinema.com Call: 267.765.9800 x4 Noon until 9:00pm daily

Parties, Events & Combos

(Must be 21 years or older for all parties)

Opening Night Combination (Film & post-screening party)

$55.00

$50.00

Opening Night Party Only (At the door)

$45.00

Closing Night Combination (Film & post-screening party)

$45.00

$40.00

Closing Night Party Only (At the door)

$35.00

Double Feature Tickets (Chica Busca Chica or Doris Day)

$16.00

Passes & Badges Festival 10-Pass Cannot be used for Opening or Closing Nights All-Access Badge (Includes Parties)

$90.00

$85.00

$260.00

$235.00

Service Fees: There is a $1.00 fee per ticket on all advance sales and $5.00 fee per badge or 10-pass. Fees waived for PCA Members. (Join the Alliance!)

IMPORTANT! AFTER SHOWTIME, NO ONE CAN BE GUARANTEED SEATS (INCLUDING BADGE HOLDERS)

FILM VENUES 1. The Prince Music Theater 1412 Chestnut St.

2. Ritz East

125 S 2nd St.

3. Jamaican Jerk Hut 1436 South St.

EVENT & PARTY VENUES 4. City Tavern

138 South 2nd St.

5. DIVE / Shooters

The Curtis Center 7th & Walnut Sts., 10th Floor

6. Hamilton Hall

at The University of the Arts Broad & Pine Sts.

* Turn to page 13 for more information on Alliance Membership Benefits!

1520 Locust St. Rittenhouse Square 215.735.7887 517 S 4th St. South Street 215.922.3838 7630 Germantown Ave. Chestnut Hill 215.248.4448 763 Lancaster Ave. Bryn Mawr 610.520.1222 STARTING JULY 10: Ritz East 6:00pm-9:00pm daily 125 S 2nd St.

Knock

12th & Locust Sts.

Loews Philadelphia Hotel

Marathon Grill

12th & Market Sts., 33rd Floor

10th & Walnut Sts.

10. MIXTO

1141 Pine St.

11. Q BBQ & Tequila 207 Chestnut St.

12. Sisters

1320 Chancellor St.

13. Stir Lounge

1705 Chancellor St.

14. Tavern on Camac 243 Camac St.

DISCOUNTED PARKING A. The AutoPark at Old City (above the Ritz East) 2nd & Samson St • 215-683-9407 • “Ritz Theater Special” after 5pm, $4.50 with validation.

Septa Subway & Trolley Stops

Subway & y Stops

Advance Sales

Some Important Details

All advance orders for weekday shows must be placed by noon on the day of the movie or event, orders for Saturday and Sunday must be purchased by 9pm the night before.

Avoid Sellouts – We just can’t say this enough. Plan your Festival aheead of time and purchase tickets as early as possible. Or better yet, buy a badge.

All of your tickets will be waiting for you at the venue of your first screening. Phone/Internet Badge orders are available for pickup at any TLA Video Location (at left) ONLINE (Credit card sales only) Visit our website www.phillycinema.org open day and night! BY PHONE (Credit card sales only) Call 267-765-9800 x4 10am-7pm daily (before July 9) 10am-9pm daily (beginning July 9) IN PERSON (All payment methods) See Advance Sales Locations (at left)

Same Day Sales (Venues only) Cash Only Sold only where the film is shown. Subject to availability. Go to the venue where the film will be shown no earlier than one half-hour before the first Festival screening of the day to purchase same day tickets.

Please arrive early – After showtime no one, not even a badge holder, is guaranteed a seat. Refunds – All sales are final. No refunds are available unless a screening is cancelled. Exchanges – All exchanges must be processed in advance. If your tickets are already printed you must make your exchange in person. There are no same-day exchanges or exchanges for past events. We cannot process exchanges online. Lost tickets cannot be replaced. Screening updates and ticket availability information is regularly updated on our website at www.phillycinema.org and on our Festival hotline: 267-765-9800 x701. How Badges Work Badges are available in limited quantities. Badge holders must be present at least 20 minutes prior to screenings. They will receive their tickets in a designated VIP line. Badges include admission to all films, including Opening and Closing Night films and parties and access to other select parties. Phone/mail/Internet badge orders can be picked up at any TLA Video location. If you wish to provide your own passport-sized photo (email jpeg file to jbendik@phillycinema. org), you must pick up your badge at TLA Video, 1520 Locust Street.

How Passes Work Your 10-pass vouchers must be redeemed for tickets to the film of your choice. You can do this when you purchase in ADVANCE (recommended) or at the door (see Same Day Sales). Online buyers: Any unredeemed passes will remain on your account UNTIL your first TICKET pickup at will call — at which time the leftover passes will also be given to you. Avoid Sellouts! Plan your festival schedule ahead of time and purchase tickets as early as possible – or better yet, buy a badge! To check for screening updates and ticket availability, call the Festival Hotline at 267-765-9800 ext. 701, or dial ext. 4 to speak to a service representative.

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Philadelphia QFest 09 Calendar Prince Music Theater Thu July 9

10pm-12:30am Opening Celebration at Hamilton Hall at UArts (pg.15)

(TRT 125 min, pg.25)

7:00 Pornography

(85 min, pg.80) (113 min, pg.35)

5:15 Autopsy

9:30 Boy

12:30 Boy

12:15 Pop Star on Ice

(101 min, pg.63) (97 min, pg.83)

4:45 Patrik, Age 1.5

7:15 And Then Came Lola (70 min, pg.29)

7:00 Shank

9:30 Dream Boy

9:30 Chef’s Special

2:00 Pornography 4:30 Shank 7:00 Patrik, Age 1.5 9:15 Homewrecker

(113 min, pg.35) (89 min, pg.84) (100 min, pg.79) (102 min, pg.73)

12:00 Drool

8:45 We Are the Mods

7:15 Baby Love 9:30 Chef’s Special

(88 min, pg.31) 9pm-2am Sexxxmas in July Party at Tavern on Camac (pg.16) (86 min, pg.81)

12:15 A Litany For Survival... (85 min, pg.80) (90 min, pg.38) 2pm-3:30pm Panel Descussion: (76 min, pg.78) LGBT Scriptwriting at DIVE/Shooters

5:00 Puppy Love & Lust (shorts) (97 min, pg.56) (100 min, pg.79) (89 min, pg.84) (111 min, pg.64) (88 min, pg.31)

7:15 Watercolors 9:30 Wrecked 12:15 Autopsy

(pg.17)

(106 min, pg.86) 9pm-2am Grrrl Watch Party at Marathon Grill (pg.16) (73 min, pg.88) 11:30am-2pm Doris Day Brunch (90 min, pg.61) at Q BBQ & Tequila

9:15 Out on the Edge (shorts) (86 min, pg.56) (83 min, pg.87) (73 min, pg.88)

5:00 We Are the Mods

5pm-7pm Alliance Members (83 min, pg.87) Reception at City Tavern

7:15 7:00 (pg.17) Rivers Wash over Me Sexy Intentions (shorts) (73 min, pg.57) 9pm (89 min, pg.83) Grease Sing-Along 9:30 9:15 at Jamaican Jerk Hut Watercolors Private Lessons (110 min, pg.42) (106 min, pg.86) (90 min, pg.80) 5:00 Homewrecker

Tue Jul 14

(89 min, pg.72)

(pg.40) 2:00 2:30 Out in Philly - Season 3 (shorts) What a Difference a Day (79 min, pg.55) Made: Doris Day... (90 min, pg.41) 4pm-5:30pm Sundae Social: Meet 4:15 4:45 the Philly Filmmakers And Then Came Lola Pillow Talk (70 min, pg.29) (102 min, pg.41) at DIVE/Shooters (pg.17) 6:30 7:00 Soundless Wind Chime Amancio... / Dreams Defered... (110 min, pg.84) (TRT 122 min, pg.61)

5:00 Wrecked

Mon Jul 13

(101 min, pg.63)

9:15 Prodigal Sons

2:30 2:30 Hollywood, je t’aime No End (95 min, pg.25)

5:00 Sexy Intentions (shorts) (73 min, pg.57)

(90 min, pg.66)

(90 min, pg.61)

5:00 Ghosted

7:15 7:00 Make the Yule tide Gay Drool (99 min, pg.76)

9:30 Puppy Love & Lust (shorts) (97 min, pg.56)

12:00 Make the Yuletide Gay (99 min, pg.76)

Sun Jul 12

Parties and Events

(with Award Presentation)

2:45 St. Trinian’s

Sat July 11

Ritz East Theater 2

7:00 Hollywood, je t’aime 5:00 Pop Star on Ice

Fri July 10

Ritz East Theater 1

5:00 Ferron: Girl on a Road (102 min, pg.73) (77 min, pg.68) (93 min, pg.62)

7:00 Tough Love (shorts)

(87 min, pg.57)

9pm 9:15 Hair It Came from Kuchar at Jamaican Jerk Hut (111 min, pg.64) (86 min, pg.74) (121 min, pg.42)

Prince Music Theater

Ritz East Theater 1 5:00 City of Borders

5:00 5:00 Soundless Wind Chime The Baby Formula (110 min, pg.84) (82 min, pg.62) 9pm Myra Breckinridge 7:15 7:15 at Jamaican Jerk Hut Fruit Fly (with Award Presentation) Chica Busca Chica • Part II (94 min, pg.43) (TRT 124 min, pg.33) (72 min, pg.64) 10pm-2am 9:30 9:15 Queer Idol Karaoke Finding, Loving and Losing Friends & Lovers: Ski Trip 2 at Knock Mr. Right (shorts) (76 min, pg.55) (102 min, pg.68) (pg.39) 5:00 True Enough 7:15 Redwoods 9:30 Mr. Right

Sun Jul 19

(95 min, pg.86) (82 min, pg.82) (94 min, pg.77)

5:00 5:00 Prodigal Sons Friends & Lovers: Ski Trip 2 (102 min, pg.68)

12:15 Rivers Wash over Me (89 min, pg.83)

12:15 Just Say Love

2:30 Fruit Fly

2:30 Redwoods

(94 min, pg.33)

(90 min, pg.74)

12:00 Changing Spots

9:30 Lucky Bastard

9:30 9:15 St. Trinian’s ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction (88 min, pg.88)

12:15 An Englishman in New York (104 min, pg.67)

12:00 Off and Running

2:30 I Can’t Think Straight (85 min, pg.73)

2:15 Baby Love

4:45 Hannah Free (with Award Presentation) (TRT 120 min, pg.72) 7:00 Surprise Screening (pg.39)

4:30 Lucky Bastard

9:15 Misconceptions

9:15 Just Say Love

(95 min, pg.76)

7:00 True Enough

7:00 The Big Gay Musical (TRT 120 min, pg.27)

7:00 TBA 1 9:15 TBA 3

(pg.17)

(93 min, pg.63)

2pm-3:30pm Panel Discussion: Out (82 min, pg.82) (96 min, pg.78) Proud AND in the Film Industry 4:30 at DIVE/Shooters College Boys Live (pg.17) (94 min, pg.77) (97 min, pg.66)

4:45 Mr. Right 7:15 Limbo

9pm-2am Our Little Sisters Turns 13! at Sisters

2:15 El niño pez

4:45 Training Rules (with Award Presentation) (TRT 88 min, pg.85) 7:15 Misconceptions (95 min, pg.76) (90 min, pg.75)

(86 min, pg.81)

7:15 7:00 I Can’t Think Straight An Englishman in New York (104 min, pg.67) (85 min, pg.73) 9:15 9:30 Changing Spots College Boys Live (93 min, pg.63) (97 min, pg.66)

(88 min, pg.75)

7:00 The Baby Formula

(82 min, pg.62) 9pm-2am Training Bar at Stir (97 min, pg.83)

(pg.17)

1:00 Raging Sun, Raging Sky (75 min, pg.79) (191 min, pg.82) (93 min, pg.62) (90 min, pg.75) (95 min, pg.86)

4:30 Limbo 6:45 “Family”

(88 min, pg.75) 7pm VIP Reception (109 min, pg.67) for Sharon Gless

9:00 Training Rules / Lady Trojans (90 min, pg.74) (116 min, pg.85)

3:30 5:00 Hannah Free Raging Sun, Raging Sky (191 min, pg.82)

Mon Jul 20

(109 min, pg.67)

7:15 Chica Busca Chica • Part I 9pm (90 min, pg.66) (82 min, pg.64) The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert 9:15 9:30 at Jamaican Jerk Hut Love and Human Remains Private Lessons (104 min, pg.43) (100 min, pg.38) (90 min, pg.80)

Thu July 16

Sat Jul 18

(86 min, pg.65)

5:00 “Family”

Parties and Events

7:00 Dream Boy

Wed July 15

Fri July 17

Ritz East Theater 2

(pg.89) (pg.89)

7:15 TBA 2 9:30 TBA 4

(pg.17)

(90 min, pg.72) (pg.89) 10pm-1am Closing Festivities at Loews Phila. Hotel (pg.15) (pg.89)

Films by Genre African-American: Gay Friends & Lovers: Ski Trip 2 Misconceptions Rivers Wash Over Me

Comedy: Lesbian And Then Came Lola Baby Formula Chica Busca Chica Drool

African-American: Lesbian Dreams Deferred: The Sakia Gunn Story Drool “Family” Lady Trojans Off and Running Training Rules

Documentary Amancio: Two Faces on a Tombstone City of Borders College Boys Live Dreams Deferred: The Sakia Gunn Story Ferron: Girl on the Road It Came from Kuchar Lady Trojans Off and Running Pop Star on Ice Prodigal Sons Training Rules What a Difference a Day Made: Doris Day Superstar

Addiction/Recovery Lucky Bastard Wrecked Aging An Englishman in New York Hannah Free True Enough Activism/Politics Amancio: Two Faces on a Tombstone City of Borders Dreams Deferred: The Sakia Gunn Story Training Rules Asian Interest Boy Fruit Fly Soundless Wind Chime Art House El niño pez Ghosted Limbo No End Raging Sun, Raging Sky Soundless Wind Chime Biography/History An Englishman in New York Ferron: Girl on a Road It Came from Kuchar Pop Star on Ice Prodigal Sons Bi-Sexuality/Questioning Pop Star on Ice Private Lessons True Enough We Are the Mods Comedy: Gay The Big Gay Musical Chef’s Special Friends & Lovers: Ski Trip 2 Homewrecker Make the Yuletide Gay Mr. Right St. Trinian’s Hollywood je t’aime

Drama: Gay Autopsy Baby Love Boy Dream Boy An Englishman in New York Finding & Losing Mr. Right (shorts) Hollywood je t’aime Homewrecker Just Say Love Limbo Lucky Bastard Misconceptions Mr. Right Patrik, Age 1.5 Pornography Private Lessons Puppy Love & Lust (shorts) Raging Sun, Raging Sky Redwoods Rivers Wash Over Me Shank Soundless Wind Chime Watercolors Wrecked Drama: Lesbian And Then Came Lola Baby Formula Changing Spots “Family” Hannah Free Ghosted I Can’t Think Straight No End Sexy Intentions (shorts) Tough Love (shorts)

Hate Crimes/Gay Bashing Amancio: Two Faces on a Tombstone Dream Boy Dreams Deferred: The Sakia Gunn Story Shank HIV/AIDS An Englishman in New York Horror Pornography ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction International: Europe Autopsy Baby Love Chef’s Special An Englishman in New York I Can’t Think Straight Mr. Right No End Patrik, Age 1.5 Private Lessons Shank St. Trinian’s True Enough International: World Boy Chef’s Special El niño pez Ghosted Limbo Raging Sun, Raging Sky Soundless Wind Chime Jewish Interest City of Borders Off and Running Latin Interest/ Spanish Language Chef’s Special Chica Busca Chica Limbo Raging Sun, Raging Sky Music/Musical Big Gay Musical Ferron: Girl on the Road Fruit Fly Grease Sing-Along Hair Mystery/Thriller Autopsy Love and Human Remains Out on the Edge (shorts) Pornography Shank Panel Events/Talks Out, Proud AND in the Film Industry LGBT Scriptwriting

Parenting/Family The Baby Formula Baby Love Changing Spots “Family” No End Off and Running Patrik, Age 1.5 Prodigal Sons Philadelphia/Local Interest Out in Philly (shorts) Pop Star on Ice Stand Back (short) Romance: Gay The Big Gay Musical Chef’s Special Just Say Love Make the Yuletide Gay Redwoods Soundless Wind Chime Watercolors Romance: Lesbian And Then Came Lola Drool “Family” I Can’t Think Straight Religion & Spirituality The Big Gay Musical City of Borders Misconceptions Retrospectives Grease The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert Hair A Litany for Survival: Audre Lorde Love and Human Remains Myra Breckenridge Pillow Talk Sports Lady Trojans Off and Running Pop Star on Ice Training Rules Transgender/Cross-Dressing Prodigal Sons St. Trinian’s Women’s Health No End Youth Boy Dream Boy Limbo Off and Running Puppy Love and Lust (shorts) Private Lessons Shank St. Trinian’s Watercolors We Are the Mods Wrecked

QFest Highlights Opening Night

¡QFest Quinceañera!

Alliance Members’ Reception

City Tavern Mon, July 13 • 5pm-7pm • (pg 17)

Pornography

Thu, July 9 Hollywood je t’aime Artistic Achievement Award: Chad Allen Prince Music Theater • 7pm • (pg 15) Opening Night Party Hamilton Hall at UArts • 10pm

From Philly native David Kittredge Prince • Fri, July 10 • 7pm • (pg 35) Prince • Sun, July 12 • 2pm • (pg 35)

Sexxxmas in July! Tavern on Camac Fri, July 10 9pm-2am • (pg 16)

Make it a DORIS Day!

Sun, July 12 • (pgs 40-41) Doris Day Brunch Q BBQ & Tequila Noon-2pm Doris Day Double Feature What a Difference a Day Made: Doris Day Superstar Pillow Talk Ritz East Theater 2 2:30pm & 4:45pm

Outdoor Screenings

Jamaican Jerk Hut 9:00pm • (pgs 42-43) Grease Sing-Along Mon, July 13 Hair Tue, July 14 Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert Wed, July 15 Myra Breckenridge Thu, July 16

Events for Local Filmmakers

St. Trinian’s

Rupert Everett in drag! Prince • Sat, July 11 2:45pm • (pg 83) Ritz East 2 • Sat, July 18 9:15pm • (pg 83)

Grrrl Watch Party Marathon Grill Sat, July 11 9pm-2am • (pg 16)

Training Bar Party

Rising Star Award:

Chica Busca Chica Ritz East 2 Pt I • Wed, July 15 7:15pm • (pg 64) Pt II • Thu, July 16 7:15pm • (pg 64)

Sun, July 12 Out in Philly Shorts Ritz East 1 • 2pm • (pg 55) Sundae Social: DIVE 4-5:30pm • (pg 17) Panel Discussions DIVE / Shooters • (pg 17) LGBT Scriptwriting Sat, July 11 • 2-3:30pm Out, Proud AND in the Film Industry Sat, July 18 • 2-3:30pm

H.P. Mendoza Thu, July 16 • (pg 33) Fruit Fly Ritz East 1 • 7:15 QFest Queer Idol Karaoke Knock • 10:00pm-2am • (pg 39)

Stir Sat, July 18 9pm-2am • (pg 17)

Our Little Sisters Turns 13!

Sisters Fri, July 17 • 9pm-2am • (pg 17)

Barbara Gittings Award: Dee Mosbacher Sat, July 18 • (pg 23) Training Rules Prince • 4:45pm

Closing Night Festivities VIP Receptions

Chad Allen Reception Thu, July 9 • 5pm • (pg 16)

Sharon Gless Reception Sun, July 19 • 7pm • (pg 17)

Gay Icon Award: Sharon Gless Sun, July 19 • (pg 22) Hannah Free Prince • 4:45pm

Mon, July 20 Awards Ceremony The Big Gay Musical Prince Music Theater • 7pm • (pg 15) Big Gay Closing Night Party Loews Hotel, 33rd Floor • 10pm 51

RESTAURANT & BAR GUIDE Dinner and a movie — what could be more natural?

Center City Bistro St Tropez 2400 Market St. 215-569-9269 bistrosttropez.com

Mission Grill 1835 Arch St. 215-636-9550 themissiongrill.com

Ms. Tootsie’s

Bump 1234 Locust St. 215-732-1800 bumplounge.com

D’Angelo’s Ristorante Italiano 256 S 20th St. 215-546-3935 dangeloristorante.com

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House 1426 Chestnut St. 215-246-0533 delfriscos.com

Doc Watson’s Pub 216 S 11th St. 215-922-3426

Old City

Nineteen XIX

138 S 2nd St. 215-413-1443 citytavern.com

Park Hyatt at the Bellevue 200 S Broad St. 215-893-1234 nineteenrestaurant.com

The Prime Rib 1701 Locust St. 215-722-1701 theprimerib.com

Haru

Keating’s River Grill & Bar

Knock Restaurant and Bar 225 S 12th St. 215-925-1166 knockphilly.com

1345 Locust St. 215-546-4200 varalliusa.com

Marathon Grill

Stir

927 Walnut St. 215-733-0311 marathongrill.com

1705 Chancellor St. 215-732-2700 stirphilly.com

More Than Just Ice Cream

Tavern on Camac

306 Market St. 215-625-9425 forkrestaurant.com

1320 Chancellor St. 215-735-0735 sistersnightclub.com

Sotto Varalli/ Upstares at Varalli

1141 Pine St. 215-592-0363 mixtophilly.com

Fork Restaurant

Sisters

1001 Spruce St. 215-922-1773 kanellarestaurant.com

Mixto

City Tavern

241 Chestnut St. 215-861-8990 harusushi.com

Loews Philadelphia Hotel 1200 Market St. 215-231-7300 solefoodrest.com

1119 Locust St. 215-574-0586 hollyeats.com

1229 Spruce St. 215-790-9494 valanni.com

1314 South St. 215-731-9045 kevenparker.net

Solefood

Kanella

Valanni Restaurant & Lounge

243 S Camac St. 215-545-0900 tavernoncamac.com

Qdoba Mexican Grill 1528 Walnut St. 215-546-8007 qdoba.com

Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing 201 S Columbus Blvd. 215-928-1234 pennslandinghyatt.com

National Mechanics 22 S 3rd St. 215-701-4883 nationalmechanics.com

Positano Coast 212 Walnut St., 2nd Fl 215-238-0499 lambertis.com

Patou 312 Market St. 215-928-2987 patourestaurant.com

Tangerine 232 Market St. 215-627-5116 tangerinerestaurant. com

South Street/ Queen Village Ansill 627 S 3rd St. at Bainbridge 215-627-2485 ansillfoodandwine.com

Beau Monde/ L’Étage 624 S 6th St. at Bainbridge 215-592-0656 creperie-beaumonde. com

La Fourno 636 South St. 215-627-9000 lafourno.com

Northern Liberties A Full Plate Café

University City Mikey’s American Grill & Sports Bar 3180 Chestnut St. 215-222-3226 mikeysphilly.com

Pod 3636 Sansom St. 215-387-1803 podrestaurant.com

Rx 4443 Spruce St. at 45th St. 215-222-9590 caferx.com

12 Lounge at Bridge Cinema De Lux 40th & Walnut Sts. 215-386-7971 thebridgecinema.com

Art Museum London Grill 2301 Fairmount Ave. 215-978-4545 londongrill.com

1009 N Bodine St. 215-627-4068 afullplate.com

North Third 801 N 3rd St. 215-413-3666 norththird.com

Silk City 435 Spring Garden St. 215-592-8838 silkcityphilly.com

Q BBQ & Tequila Bar 207 Chestnut St. 215-625-8605 qoldcity.com

Check out www.phillycinema.org for special deals at our sponsor restaurants

FESTIVAL HOTELS

SPEND THE DAY SEEING FILMS AND STAY THE NIGHT AT THE OFFICIAL FESTIVAL HOTELS When you book hotel accommodations for this year’s Film Festival, please take advantage of special room rates at the host hotels by contacting the properties directly.

FESTIVAL HOST HOTEL

Loews Philadelphia Hotel 1200 Market St., CENTER CITY Within the architectual landmark PSFS building, Loews Philadelphia Hotel is a luxury property located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, within walking distance of practically everything for every guest’s needs—for conventioneers— the Pennsylvania Convention Center; for foodies—the Reading Terminal Market, a down-to-earth food hall; for passionate shoppers—Macy’s in the grande dame of department stores, the Wanamaker Building; for history buffs — City Hall, one of the premier examples of Second Empire architecture in America; for arts and culture lovers — the Avenue of the Arts, featuring the Academy of Music, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Wilma Theater, the Philadelphia Theatre Company, and the Prince Music Theater, the official headquarters of Philadelphia QFest. The city’s “gayborhood,” Rittenhouse Square, Restaurant Row, and other sights and sounds of the city are all nearby.

Loews Philadelphia Hotel is offering a special Festival rate of $129 to the attendees of the 15th Anniversary of Philadelphia QFest. The rate is based on availability from July 9-20, 2009. For reservations, call 215-231-7333, Code: QFest; or www.loewshotels.com/philadelphia for general hotel information.

FESTIVAL HOST HOTEL

Holiday Inn/Historic District Philadelphia 400 Arch St., OLD CITY Located just one block off Market Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, the Holiday Inn Historic District is within walking distance of all the major landmarks — Independence National Historical Park, Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, Betsy Ross House, the National Liberty Museum, just to name a few. In addition to the nearby historic sites, visitors can enjoy the wonders of Old City with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes, many offering al fresco dining in the summer. This area of Philadelphia is also a haven for art devotees with a large number of art galleries, big and small, exhibiting works by established to undiscovered talent. The hotel is also within a few blocks of the Festival theaters, Ritz East 1 and 2.

Holiday Inn/Historic District Philadelphia is offering a special Festival rate of $99 (with $15 discounted parking) to the attendees of the 15th Anniversary of Philadelphia QFest. The rate is based on availability from July 9-20, 2009. For reservations, call 1-800-THE-BELL, Code: QFE; or www.holidayinn.com/phlhistoric for general hotel information. 53

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shorts programs

The Casuarina Cove

Finding, Loving and Losing Mr. Right Thursday, July 16 • 9:30 • Ritz East 1 Program Running Time: 76 min

Is it actually better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all? This program features shorts that defend the pursuit of love...even if you eventually lose Mr. Right.

The Casuarina Cove (Tanjong Rhu) (Boo Junfeng, Singapore, 2008, 19 min) Based on true events, The Casuarina Cove introduces a lonely young man in search of affection who faces serious consequences after visiting a cruising park in Singapore. (Mandarin with English subtitles)

The Pull (Andrew Blubaugh , USA, 2008, 8 min) Using colorful split-screen cinematography, Andrew Blubaugh’s autobiographical doc recalls a highly unusual relationship that comes with a pre-determined break-up date.

Teddy (Christopher Banks, New Zealand, 2009, 13 min) A ratty teddy bear, representing everything two men shared, is all that remains of a relationship one of them cannot leave in the past.

Somebody is Watching Us (Maxime Desmons, Canada, 2008, 11 min) Alliocha and Bruno’s anonymous encounter is cut short when Bruno fears they are being watched. Luckily, they happen to be enrolled in the same language course.

The Japanese Sandman (Ed Buhr, USA, 2008, 12 min) A letter from William S. Burroughs to Allen Ginsberg is the focus of this witty meditation on young love. John Fleck gives an impressive performance as Burroughs reflecting on his earliest gay affair.

Dinx (Trevor Anderson, Canada, 2008, 13 min) A cute “shot boy” with dreams of becoming a go-go dancer has a flashback to childhood and finds he hasn’t really changed at all; then he gets a wake-up call in the form of the adorable, grown-up neighborhood weirdo.

Tremble & Spark

Out in Philly - Season 3 Sunday, July 12 • 2:00 • Ritz East 1 Program Running Time: 79 min

Think queer films only come out of Hollywood? Wrong! Join us for the third year of this incredible program featuring the best queer filmmakers from the City of Brotherly Love (and Sisterly Affection!).

I Quit (David Sarrafian-Garrett, USA, 2009, 20 min) Heartbreak and a wounded ego drive Finn to quit men altogether despite his friends’ incessant badgering to move on and go out in this hip short.

Glory to the Conquerors of Space (Ryan Suits, USA, 2008, 7 min) A bored astronaut has a wacky intergalactic adventure that includes a brief make-out session with a purple alien chick.

Looking For… (Michelle Pollino, USA, 2009, 24 min) A woman tries out the Last Resort dating service and winds up on a hilarious string of dates with losers including a text-messaging-obsessed hipster, a French woman who tries to give her a stray cat and a professional dominatrix. Little does she know her ideal match was, the whole time, right in front of her.

On the Run (Marquise Lee, USA, 2009, 4 min) Local singer/songwriter Aiden James is a star on the rise. Shot in South Philly, his first music video — the infectious breakup anthem “On the Run” — has a beat you can’t shake, and a tune you will be humming all night long.

Tremble & Spark (Kelly Burkhardt, USA, 2009, 24 min) In a depraved and seedy underpass, a ruby-lipped beauty is brutally strangled. Enter gutsy detective Charlie Forest (Cathy DeBuono, Out at the Wedding) who plays hardball with sexy vixen Veronica Anderson (Jessica Graham, 2 Minutes Later) to uncover the truth and ultimately solve the crime in this lurid Philadelphia film noir. We are delighted to unveil this long-awaited short by QFest programmer, Philadelphia native and debut director Kelly Burkhardt. Note: Both DeBuono and Graham star in the hot new lesbian feature And Then Came Lola, screening on Saturday, July 11 — Raeann Drew, Nick Strathern & Robert O’Neill

—Nick Strathern & Robert O’Neill

Sponsored by:

for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

Philadelphia QFEST 09

TheYoung and Evil

Shotgun

Out on the Edge

Puppy Love & Lust

Sunday, July 12 • 9:15 • Ritz East 2

Friday, July 10 • 9:30 • Prince Music Theater Saturday, July 11 • 5:00 • Ritz East 2

Program Running Time: 86 min

WARNING: The short films listed below are not for the faint of heart. That’s why they’re assembled in one jaw-dropping collection. These filmmakers are not afraid to push the envelope. If you have a taste for the provocative, come Out and visit the Edge — but don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Cowboy (Till Kleinert, Germany, 2008, 35 min) In this twisted, incredibly sexy and daring short, a handsome cowboy uses his body to snare a city dweller in a nasty trap. Prepare to be aroused, titillated and ultimately shocked by this gruesome fairy tale. (German with English subtitles)

Bitch. (Michael Medico, P.J. McCarthy, USA, 2009, 2 min) Ultra-short and to the point, director Michael Medico’s Bitch follows a bitter, young club-rat who goes to extreme lengths to provoke the familiar face who enters the bar.

TheYoung and Evil (Julian Breece, USA, 2008, 15 min) In this brutal portrayal of life as a young gay black man, no one has a name. But anonymity and risk are key to a handsome teen’s desire to get infected. Wrapped in the cloak of a sexually thrilling escapade is a heartbreaking story about a boy who believes he has no value or future.

Weak Species (Dan Faltz, USA, 2009, 35 min) Intense and unforgettable, Weak Species follows two very different high school students. Steve, a narcissist, seduces and discards his classmates in an effort to feel superior. George, a suicidal masochistic, seeks out dangerous hook-ups with older men. A terrible downward spiral finally brings them to each other’s attention. —Nick Strathern & Robert O’Neill

Program Running Time: 97 min

Ahhhh, sweet youth. Who doesn’t remember their first love? We’re proud to bring back one of our most popular short film programs showcasing what it’s like to be young, gay and full of desire. You know you want it…

Shotgun (Ronny Hirschmann, Israel, 2007, 17 min) Two adorable Israeli boys meet in their high school bathroom and form a tenuous, sexually charged relationship. When this amorous connection is discovered, Yoav is kicked out on the street after both his mother and his lover turn their backs on him. (Hebrew with English subtitles)

Sunshine Sparkling in My Eyes Un peu de soleil dans les yeux

(Stéphane Botti, France, 2009, 10 min) Raphael is a 17-year-old boy with hormones going haywire and a handsome best friend he pines for. Beautifully cast and filmed, this French short is a story of adolescent awakening and rejection. (French with English subtitles)

Vandals Vandalen

(Simon Steuri, Switzerland, 2008, 17 min) A graffiti artist is shaken when a friend catches him making out with his lover and must come to terms with the repressed emotions lurking behind his sexual impulses. (German with English subtitles)

Dish (Brian H. Krinksy, USA, 2009, 15 min) Oh, to be young and gay in the age of technology, when sexuality is available at your fingertips! Young Israel learns of his friend Louie’s frequent sexual escapades and believes he has some serious catching up to do.

Awakening En forelskelse

(Christian Tafdrup, Denmark, 2008, 38 min) When an adorable 16-year-old boy meets his girlfriend’s parents for the first time, the undeniable chemistry he has with her father leads to a frenzied sexual discovery for both of them. (Danish with English subtitles)

Sponsored by:

—Nick Strathern & Robert O’Neill

for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

shorts programs

The Thorny Rose

Mars

Sexy Intentions

Tough Love

Saturday, July 11 • 5:00 • Prince Music Theater Monday, July 13 • 7:00 • Ritz East 2

Tuesday, July 14 • 7:00 • Ritz East 2

Program Running Time: 73 min

We all know love doesn’t come easy. These gals are learning the hard way with swindling bad girls, twisted love triangles and best friend crushes, just to name a few.

Smoldering sexual encounters, illicit affairs, sultry dating tips and some throw-away toys fill this hilarious compilation of sexy girls shorts.

When the Time’s Right (Linda Andersson, USA, 2009, 11 min) Mel doesn’t know whether or not she should move in with her girlfriend. A yard sale purchase helps her decide.

Buttery Top (Catherine Crouch & Kelly Hayes, USA, 2009, 4 min) A first-date gift of a loaf of bread conjures up a number of future scenarios.

Trophy (Karla DiBenedetto, USA, 2008, 11 min) A young girl’s affair with an engaged woman breaks up a happy home…only the home is her dad’s, the engaged woman his fiancée.

Worst Case Scenario: Femme Edition (Mary Guzman, USA, 2008, 5 min) A how-to guide for lipstick femmes on everything from S.E.X. to “the lean.”

What I Found in Great Aunt Nell’s Closet (Melissa Bouwman, USA, 2008, 2 min) In this clever animation, an old mechanical peep-box in Great Aunt Nell’s closet reveals that there is much more to Nell than meets the eye.

The Thorny Rose (Carrie Schrader, USA, 2008, 8 min) Unable to get in touch with her feelings, a therapist visits a dominatrix. Little does she realize that she’s not the only one feeling some pain.

Tools 4 Fools (Kate A. Brandt, USA, 2009, 8 min) The used dildo saleswoman in this hilarious short might have you dialing the 1-800 number if you’re not careful.

At Home (or Love as Well)

A domicilio (o incluso también el amor) (Mariel Maciá, Spain, 2007, 25 min) In this sexy Spanish drama, Rosa — instead of going out on a date with her crush Susana — hires a beautiful call girl to help her figure some things out. (Spanish with English subtitles)

Program Running Time: 87 min

Don’t Mess with Texas (Carrie Schrader & Tricia Cooke, USA, 2008, 9 min) Two cocky dykes bite off more than they can chew when they seriously misjudge the customers in a roadside diner.

Mars (Marcus Richardt, Germany, 2007, 17 min) Young photographer Anna is attracted to Lilly, the pretty leader of a violent girl gang. But there’s a price for taking pictures of Lilly, and Anna ends up paying royalties to her subject in more ways than one. (German with English subtitles)

BFF (Lodi Matsetela, South Africa, 2008, 16 min) Feeling that their friendship is out of sync, Chabi and Puleng spend an evening laughing and catching up. But how does Chabi feel about Puleng, who is now a vegetarian and a lesbian?

Rope Burn (Melvin J. Montalban, Australia, 2008, 8 min) Tensions are pulled as tight as a high-wire when two Australian trapeze artists get tangled in a sexy love triangle. As the affairs boil over somebody is bound to be get burned.

Dancing to Happiness Tanz Ins Glück

(Barbara Seiler, Switzerland, 2008, 17 min) Two women sign up for a dance class and get far more than either bargained for in this fantastical tale of salsa and Cupid bringing together a snooty CEO and a pretty cleaning lady. (German with English subtitles)

Loving Loretta (Andrea Gutsche, USA, 2008, 23 min) Loretta is a sexy butch farmer in a sleepy town where everyone knows everyone else’s business. She frequents the only diner around, bringing flowers to all of the waitresses, but really she’s trying to catch the eye of sassy Lily. —Raeann Drew

—Raeann Drew

Sponsored by:

for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

qfest.half_hz.ps

5/30/09

12:58 PM

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feature films a-to-z

Amancio: Two Faces on a Tombstone These two stirring documentaries address issues of hate-crime, racism and homophobia in the USA. Total running time: 122 min

Autopsy

Amancio: Two Faces on a Tombstone

Friday, July 10 • 5:15 • Ritz East 1 Sunday, July 12 • 12:15 • Ritz East 2

Sunday, July 12 • 7:00 • Ritz East 2 Philadelphia Premiere USA 2009, 64 min

One man’s dream of becoming a Vegas performer is abruptly cut short when he is attacked and brutally killed in his small hometown of Yuma, Arizona. The news that Amancio Corrales’ body was found floating in the Colorado River instigates a flurry of interest, but it soon fades. Area resident Michael Baughman, refusing to let the hate crime go unsolved, takes it upon himself to ensure justice is served. The truth unfolds through both interviews with Amancio’s family and friends and a recounting of the investigation; it concludes with a staggering verdict. —Jayson Bucy Director: Tom Murray Producer: Bruce Presley Print Source: Lincoln Pirkle

Tom Murray’s Filmography: Almost Myself (2007); Farm Family: In Search of Gay Life in Rural America (2006); Fish Can’t Fly (2005) Playing with...

Dreams Deferred: The Sakia Gunn Story Philadelphia Premiere USA 2009, 58 min

Sakia, a 15-year-old African-American high school student who chose to be openly and unapologetically lesbian, fell victim to a hate crime committed by a black man twice her age. While waiting for the bus, Sakia and her friends were approached lewdly by two men. The girls rebuffed their sexual advances, words were exchanged and the girls were attacked by the armed men. Sakia Gunn was murdered on the streets of Newark for her sexuality. Unlike the Matthew Shepard story, few people outside of Newark have heard of this murder. There are no made-for-cable films about Sakia, no speeches at big fundraising dinners. The difference may be as simple as the color of Sakia’s skin. Dreams Deferred explores not only her murder but also how the media and public respond with horror when a pretty white gay boy has been murdered, but are silent when an AfricanAmerican lesbian is killed. Through court testimony and interviews with Sakia’s family and friends, the film highlights oft-unaddressed issues regarding gender identity, homophobia and racism. —Dudley Best

North American Premiere France 2007, 90 min

Moving with the fast pace of an American action film, this French murder mystery throws in a coming-out tale and gay romance to create a very peculiar cinematic treat. Who’s satisfied by a single genre these days anyway? How about this for a set of characters? Eric is a police commander who comes out of his closet (after 20 years in a straight marriage) with a vengeance, ready for new adventures. His cute teenage son Paco has turned into a delinquent and steals cell phones. His wife Anne is confused, humiliated and angry. His boss, who taught him everything, is dying. Emmanuel, his love interest, is a pathologist examining DNA from sperm found in a corpse’s bowels. Oh, and there’s a lunatic loose in the city and he’s cutting up gay men. Looking for a new experience, Eric and a gorgeous female sidekick attempt to track down and arrest the murderous nut-case. But it all becomes a bit too much for him when he attends the autopsy and passes out into the arms of the hunky Emmanuel. And why not? We all would — as long as we’re not on that autopsy table, face up! Packed with non-stop drama, splendid acting work and an amazingly quick tempo throughout, Autopsy is sensational entertainment and one of the most exciting films in QFest 2009! (French with English subtitles) —Robert Moran Director: Jérôme Anger Cast: Stéphane Freiss, Thierry Neuvic, Sara Martins, Claude Perron, François Civil, Philippe Duclos Screenwriters: Jérôme Anger, Gérard Carré Print Source: AB International Distribution

Jérôme Anger’s Filmography: L’abbaye du revoir (2004)

Director: Charles B. Brack Print Source: Third World Newsreel

for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

Philadelphia QFEST 09

The Baby Formula

Baby Love

Thursday, July 16 • 5:00 • Ritz East 2 Saturday, July 18 • 7:00 • Ritz East 2

Comme les autres

Philadelphia Premiere Canada 2008, 82 min

One pregnancy for a loving lesbian couple is tough enough, but what if both moms are expecting? Watch the fireworks fly in this quirky and endearing mockumentary that hilariously explores the pitfalls of getting pregnant and bringing up baby(s). Take a Christopher Guest movie like Waiting for Guffman, add a couple of strong-willed lesbians with thunderous biological clocks, stir in an extraordinary scientific experiment, and you have the whacky comedy The Baby Formula. Traditional methods of lesbians conceiving — sperm banks, turkey basters — are old hat to Athena (Angela Vint) and Lilith (Megan Fahlenbock) as they willingly participate in an experimental process in which sperm is created of women’s stem cells. To complicate matters, the amorous couple has agreed to be filmed by a documentary crew that becomes increasingly obtrusive to the point that it uncovers hidden secrets, among them that Lilith is also pregnant! During the height of their 9-month journey, a family get-together filled with conservative Canadian-Irish Catholics, alcoholic gay dads and a closeted brother bring all the chaos to a hilarious yet tender head. This comedy is the feature-length debut of talented director Alison Reid, who has taken her successful short Succubus (2007 PIGLFF) to a whole new level. Underneath this brilliant dead-pan mockumentary is a poignant look at the separation of church and state, all while the ultra-sensitive mommies-to-be try not to kill each other, their families or the film crew. —Kelly Burkhardt Director: Alison Reid Cast: Megan Fahlenbock, Rosemary Dunsmore, Angela Vint Screenwriter: Richard Beattie Producers: James Mou, Stephen Adams, Alison Reid Cinematographer: Brian Harper Editor: Mark Arcieri Print Source: Grindstone Media, Inc.

Tuesday, July 14 • 7:15 • Ritz East 1 Sunday, July 19 • 2:15 • Ritz East 1 Philadelphia Premiere France 2008, 93 min

This highly romantic comedy-drama explores one man’s insistent need to become a father and its toll on his relationships. Pediatrician Manu yearns for a child of his own, but his partner Philippe will have nothing to do with it, content in his child-free life. But despite Philippe’s objections, Manu attempts to adopt a child. In a country where same-sex civil unions are legal but gay marriage and adoption are not, the agency turns down Manu’s request to adopt. When Philippe finds out Manu acted behind his back, they separate. Unconcerned about anything but finding a woman to act as a surrogate and provide him with a child, Manu seeks the attention of Fina, an illegal Argentine, eventually marrying her for the benefit of each. As their life together begins to assume the domesticity of a traditional married couple, complications surrounding the prospect of having a child arise, causing Manu to rely on Philippe’s assistance. This once comedic story turns decidedly dramatic as emotions surge and relationships are tested. (French with English subtitles) —Jayson Bucy Director: Vincent Garenq Cast: Lambert Wilson, Pilar Lopez de Ayala, Pascal Elbé, Anne Brochet Screenwriter: Vincent Garenq Producer: Christophe Rossignon Cinematographer: Jean-Claude Larrieu Editor: Dorian Rigal-Ansous Print Source: Films Distribution

Baby Love is Vincent Garenq’s debut.

The Baby Formula is Alison Reid’s debut.

Sponsored by:

for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

feature films a-to-z

Boy

Changing Spots

Friday, July 10 • 9:30 • Ritz East 1 Saturday, July 11 • 12:30 • Prince Music Theater

Friday, July 17 • 9:15 • Ritz East 2 Saturday, July 18 • 12:00 • Ritz East 2

East Coast Premiere Philippines 2009, 83 min

East Coast Premiere USA 2008, 93 min

From the director of The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros comes this authentic and gentle coming-of-age tale that is sure to melt your heart. Talented director Auraeus Solito is back at QFest with this wonderful story about a boy who goes to one of Manila’s famed Macho Dancer bars and becomes entranced with the beauty of a performer. Our unnamed protagonist, a budding teenage poet, begins the film as a tentative young man, but finishes with a burst of adult sexuality and assertiveness. Boy heads out to the club where dancers try — one after another — to seduce the lone cute boy in their mostly empty club. Boy resists them all until Aries hits the stage. With an animal magnetism that grabs the boy’s attention, Boy runs home to get the money to rent his first man. He sells his childhood collection of comics and action figures so he can participate in a rite of manhood. The Boy brings Aries home and they bond — and not just sexually — in one of the hottest lovemaking scenes at this year’s festival. Aries stays to ring in the New Year with his new buddy and mom. Sensitive, authentic and touching, director Solito’s Boy solidifies his worldwide reputation as one of the most promising young gay directors in the world. (Tagalog and Filipino with English subtitles) —Scott Cranin

In this clever, multi-layered suspenseful tale of passion, family secrets and revenge, Molly unleashes the memories of her past to change her present and future. Molly’s (Lane West) acting career is looking up; she’s on the shortlist for the principal role in a new movie, Changing Spots. On the domestic front, her partner Peg (musician/actor Danielle Egnew) is pregnant, and thankfully, pending motherhood has done nothing to dampen the steamy sexual chemistry between these two attractive 40-something women. Just when Molly is basking in good fortune, a wedding invitation from a distant cousin sends her into a tail-spin. Haunted by the ghosts of her past and a deep, dark and scary secret, Molly is going to have to pull herself from the bottom of her martini glass to find the strength, resolve and courage to visit her childhood home and estranged father. Featuring powerfully nuanced performances by West and Egnew, and skillfully directed by Susan Turley, this universal story of love, anger and forgiveness will resonant with all women who have had to deal with the baggage of their past to heal and move on. —Carol Coombes

Director: Auraeus Solito Cast: Aeious Asin, Noni Buencamino, Madeleine Nicolas, Aries Pena Screenwriters: Jimmy Flores, Arturo Calo Producers: Endi Balbuena, Auraeus Solito Cinematographer: Louie Quirino Editors: Lawrence Fajardo, Keith Sicat Print Source: Wolfe Releasing

Auraeus Solito’s Filmography: Pisay (Philippine Science) (2007); Tuli (2005); The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros (2005)

Director: Susan Turley Cast: Lane West, Danielle Egnew, Larrs Jackson, Rife Sibley, Fleet Cooper, Twink Caplan Screenwriters: Susan Turley, Lane West Producers: Danielle Egnew, Susan Turley, Kirsten Wagner, Lane West, Rachel Wyn Dunn Cinematographer: Rachel Wyn Dunn Editor: Susan Turley Print Source: Pet Projects Entertainment

Susan Turley’s Filmography: M.O. of M.I. (2002)

Preceded by the short:

James

(Connor Clements, Ireland, 2008, 18 min) One of the most acclaimed gay shorts of the year, Connor Clements’s James follows a young boy searching for an older male role model. Niall Wright gives a heartbreaking performance as the young lead.

Sponsored by:

for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

Philadelphia QFEST 09

Chef’s Special

Chica Busca Chica (Girl Seeks Girl)

Fuera de carta

Part I • Wednesday, July 15 • 7:15 • Ritz East 2 Part II • Thursday, July 16 • 7:15 • Ritz East 2

Saturday, July 11 • 9:30 • Ritz East 1 Tuesday, July 14 • 9:30 • Ritz East 1 Spain 2008, 111 min

Hilarious and heartfelt, this Spanish comedy wraps tales of close-knit bonds in a tart shell of slapstick comedy and one-liners, and throws in a tasty bit of international athlete for good measure. Peppered generously with sardonic humor, Chef’s Special is a boon for fans of Spanish comedies such as Bear Cub and Boystown. Our titular chef, Maxi, has plenty on his plate. In addition to corralling the unpredictable staff at his highend restaurant and suddenly reuniting with his estranged children, things only get more chaotic with the arrival of a gorgeous and well-known soccer player just down the hall. This celebrity neighbor’s presence sends everyone into a tailspin, from Maxi’s lovesick female roommate to his star-struck sports-fan son. As Maxi and the people in his orbit wrangle with romance and family ties, there are bruised feelings aplenty, and the unexpected introduction of a secret gay affair is enough to whip poor Maxi into more than a few fits of foul-mouthed pique. But through drunken debacles at karaoke bars, confessions on national television, sundry misadventures in new parenthood, and the highly anticipated arrival of a prominent food critic to his restaurant, Maxi must learn to juggle the dynamics his children and other loved ones bring to the table — an act with over-the-top, hilarious results. (Spanish with English subtitles) —Alejandro Morales Director: Nacho Garcia Velilla Cast: Javier Cámara, Lola Dueñas, Fernando Tejero, Chus Lampreave, Benjamín Vicuña, Junio Valverde, Luis Varela Screenwriters: Oriol Capel, Antonio Sánchez, David S. Olivas, Nacho G. Velilla Producers: Daniel Écija, Nacho G. Velilla, Tadeo Villalba hijo Cinematographer: David Omedes Editor: Ángel Hernández Zoido Print Source: TLA Releasing

Chef’s Special is Nacho Garcia Velilla’s debut.

Sponsored by:

East Coast Premiere Spain 2009, Part I: 82 min, Part II: 72 min

Gorgeous Latina lesbians. A snappy soundtrack. Fast-paced dialogue. Are you salivating yet? Hailed as Spain’s answer to the groundbreaking “The L Word,” Chica tells the story of a group of 20-something lesbian friends looking for love in all the wrong – and right – places in Madrid. Join us as for the U.S. premiere of the first 16 episodes of this sexy Spanish phenonenom packaged into two feature length films! Special Combination Package: Tickets for both nights are just $16

Part I: Episodes 1-9

The series opens with Nines (Celia Freijeiro) — a fiery bartender and big-time player (think Shane) — who is trying to make a discreet exit after a drunken romp in the bed of former Olympic athlete Monica (Cristina Pons), known as “Monica Psycho” around the clubs. Encountering Carmen (Sandra Collantes), Monica’s breathtakingly beautiful roommate, Nines is instantly smitten though surprised to learn that Carmen is straight and is planning to move out that very same day to live with her boyfriend Jorge. Not the type of woman to play second fiddle to a man, Nines’ suave charm and good looks make Carmen’s head-spin. The dyke drama gets as hot as a jalapeño pepper when Ana, a naïve woman, shows up at Monica’s apartment to rent the room vacated by Carmen. Horny lesbians, fiery temperaments and pumped-up estrogen — Yikes! You don’t want to miss what happens next...

Part II: Episodes 10-16 Hot on the heels of the prior antics of our loveable heroines, an already tangled web of friendship and romance begets a complex series of love connections that even Alice Piaszecki would find difficult to chart. New to Sapphic love, bubbly actress Ana propositions flirty bartender Nines for love-making lessons, but Nines already has her hands full trying to extricate herself from the clingy grip of Monica while trying to seduce Monica’s roommate Carmen. Ostensibly straight but repeatedly finding herself lip-locked with beautiful women, Carmen is trying to patch things up with her cheating boyfriend Jorge, whose oversexed Mexican client/houseguest hides a secret of her own beneath her corset. Meanwhile, Monica struggles to train a narcoleptic Olympic hopeful in the ways of Judo while agonizing over the recent return of former flame Eva. Long on laughs and packed with expertly-plotted twists and turns, you’re bound to fall in love and still want more of these luscious Latina lesbians. (Spanish with English subtitles) —Carol Coombes, Alejandro Morales Director: Sonia Sebastian Print Source: Wolfe Releasing

Chica Busca Chica (Girl Seeks Girl) is Sonia Sebastian’s debut.

for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

City of Borders Wednesday, July 15 • 5:00 • Ritz East 1 Philadelphia Premiere USA 2009, 76 min

Young gay Israelis and Palestinians bridge conflicts and virulently homophobic religious lines to come together at Jerusalem’s sole gay bar in this insightful documentary. This eye-opening documentary reveals a world few would have thought to exist — a gay bar in Jerusalem frequented by both Jews and Arabs. Shushan is Jerusalem’s only LGBT bar — a labor of love for its owner, city council-member Sa’ar Netanel. We enter this world through the plights of a handful of the bar’s patrons. There is 22-year-old Palestinian drag queen Boody, who illegally sneaks across the West Bank’s border to perform; Samira and Ravit, an Arab/Jewish lesbian couple of four years; and 22-year-old Adam and his partner Amit. Adam was stabbed by an Orthodox Jew at a Gay Pride event, while Samira and Ravit negotiate deep differences in their cultural and personal values (and a nagging awareness that, as one of them states, they are both “fucking the enemy”). Boody realizes the only way he might live free is by fleeing his beloved homeland and family. Sa’ar, his spirit suffocating under the thick air of adversity, also contemplates leaving conservative Jerusalem for modern, secular Tel Aviv — closing Shushan in the process. Extremely relevant and well-crafted, with many twists and turns, City of Borders is an entry point well worth passing through. (English, Hebrew and Arabic with English subtitles) —Lawrence Ferber Director: Yun Suh Cast: Sa’Ar Netanel, Boody, Samira Saraya, Ravit Geva, Adam Russo Screenwriter: Yun Suh Producer: Yun Suh Cinematographer: Jean Kawahara Editors: Karin Thayer, Robin McKenna Print Source: Yun Suh

City of Borders is Yun Suh’s debut. Preceded by short:

Second Guessing Grandma (Bob Giraldi, USA, 2008, 10 min) Ed suffers the worst kind of Jewish guilt at the hands of his grandma when he comes out to her. You’ll be charmed by this humorous and intimate portrait of a tight-knit family.

Sponsored by:

for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

Philadelphia QFEST 09

College Boys Live

Dream Boy

Friday, July 17 • 9:30 • Ritz East 1 Saturday, July 18 • 4:30 • Ritz East 2

Saturday, July 11 • 9:30 • Prince Music Theater Wednesday, July 15 • 7:00 • Ritz East 1

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2009, 97 min

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2008, 90 min

This intimate documentary explores the world of a live webcam site, the boys who “perform” there and the response of their religously conservative neighbors. Are you an Internet voyeur? Have you ever checked out a webcam site — and perhaps become stationary at your computer for hours at a stretch? Here’s the inside scoop at “College Boys Live” — where the boys (18+) are on camera 24 hours a day. Given free lodging in exchange for being “on camera” all the time, these boys work to keep the paying customers happy. In an ordinary-looking home in Orlando, Florida, the cameras record all the drama, romance and of course…sex. You’ll meet the “house-mothers” Zac and Jonathan; the boys include troublemaker J.C., gorgeous Tim and newly-minted gay boy Chuck. The drama escalates when the neighbors freak out about the goings-on in the house. Will the righteous conservatives win and kick the business out? Or do the gay boys win? College Boys Live is an intimate visit with some adorable boys and the business that thrives off their beauty and exhibitionism. —Scott Cranin

Jim Grimsley’s stunning and tragic novel of gay first love comes to life in this evocative teen romance set in rural Louisiana. Nathan has moved to a new town — apparently his family moves often and rather quickly. Nathan’s dad is a nasty, violent drunk and his mother just stands by, helplessly watching her son crumble under the abuse. Luckily Nathan has hiding places where he’s safe with his fantasies. The boy has developed a crush on his blond-haired neighbor Roy, which quickly turns from daydreams to reality. They steal time to make sweet love in secret, keeping the relationship hidden from their families and Roy’s suspicious buddies. The boys can’t imagine why Roy hangs out with the sissy boy Nathan. The group of friends plans a camping trip that misfires from the very beginning — there are darker motives and forces at work here than a simple camping expedition. But even the scheming teens don’t anticipate the dark events that take place that fateful day. Director James Bolton (The Graffiti Artist, PIGLFF 2004) has worked wonders in bringing Jim Grimsely’s delicate, classic gay novel to the screen intact. With its moss-covered live oaks, teen gay love and worn country paths, Dream Boy is a stunning literary adaptation. —Scott Cranin

Director: George O’Donnell Print Source: George O’Donnell

College Boys Live is George O’Donnell’s debut.

Director: James Bolton Cast: Stephan Bender, Maximillian Roeg, Randy Wayne, Owen Beckman, Diana Scarwid, Rooney Mara, Rickie Lee Jones Screenwriter: James Bolton (based on the novel by Jim Grimsley) Producers: James Bolton, Herb Hamsher Cinematographer: Sarah Levy Editors: Annette Davey, Chris Houghton Print Source: Here!

James Bolton’s Filmography: The Graffiti Artist (2004); Eban and Charley (2000)

Sponsored by:

for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

Philadelphia QFEST 09

Friends & Lovers: Ski Trip 2 Ferron: Girl on a Road Tuesday, July 14 • 5:00 • Ritz East 2 Philadelphia Premiere Canada 2009, 77 min

Lesbian music pioneer Ferron is back in a wonderfully intimate documentary and performance film that is sure to win her new fans. It’s a long-overdue look at an instrumental figure in both the lesbian and music worlds. Iconic singer Ferron, a pioneer of the women’s music movement, is back in the limelight with this tender, music-packed portrait. Long before k.d. lang or the Indigo Girls, Ferron inspired women to come out and be proud of who they were. Now in her 50’s, Ferron feels the need to reconnect with her band and audience after nearly a decade-long absence. Filled with the tender, intelligent music that is her trademark, Ferron: Girl on a Road traces the artist’s songs, loves, heartbreak and history-making life. Cozy moments blend with stunning performances to create one the most intimate music documentaries we’ve seen. The film begins in British Columbia as Ferron welcomes her bandmates back for their first rehearsal. Snippets of songs are played as the band slowly becomes reacquainted. The camera follows the band to a Victoria stage where they perform some of Ferron’s most-loved songs: “Shadows on a Dime,” “Girl on a Road,” and “Snowin’ in Brooklyn.” Between the music, Ferron talks about her childhood, rocky musical career and ultimate coming-to-terms with her struggles. While certainly essential for fans, the film will also draw new admirers to this incredible songwriter and performer. —Noelle Reilly Director: Gerry Rogers Producer: Gerry Rogers Cinematographer: Peg Norman Editor: Lyly Fortin Print Source: Augusta Productions

Thursday, July 16 • 9:15 • Ritz East 2 Friday, July 17 • 5:00 • Ritz East 1 Philadelphia Premiere USA 2008, 102 min

Corey and Omar have just moved from New York to Los Angeles to join their friends. Little did they know what a hornet’s nest they’re about to step into in this wildly funny soap opera from writer/director/star Maurice Jamal (Ski Trip, Dirty Laundry). Bubbling over with energy, Maurice Jamal’s Friends & Lovers: Ski Trip 2 is a sexy, fun and fast-paced visit with a diverse group of gay men in Los Angeles. Presented in an episodic format, Jamal’s film is a multi-racial sequel to his first film, Ski Trip, picking the story up two years later. Corey (Maurice Jamal) is giving a reading of his new novel at an L.A. gay bookstore. At the reading, a man asks Corey about his relationship, and where it is now, setting off memories that take us back six months. Corey and his partner Omar (John Rankin) have just moved from New York to L.A.; they’re a committed couple thinking about marriage, but, who knows? The couple’s friends lead soap opera-worthy lives. There’s drama queen actor Terry (Daren Fleming); the over-sexed lesbian Nikki (Cassandra Cruz); Steamy “straight” NBA player Montell (Terrell Carter) and his over-the-top materialistic girlfriend Lisa (Saaphyri Windsor); Jayson (Benjamin Patterson), with his body of steel and a heart of gold; and we can’t forget the mantrap, next door neighbor Gabriel (Lucky Connor). Put all these outrageous characters in the queer stewpot of West Hollywood and it’s bound to boil over! —Scott Cranin Director: Maurice Jamal Cast: Maurice Jamal, John Rankin, Daren Fleming, Cassandra Cruz, Liz Beckham, Terrell Carter, Benjamin Patterson, Lucky Connor Screenwriter: Maurice Jamal Producers: Maurice Jamal, Stu James, Shawn Carter Peterson, Peter Ricci, Sy Smith Cinematographers: Maurice Jamal, Camrin Pitts Editor: Gene Graham Print Source: MoJAM Entertainment

Maurice Jamal’s Filmography: Dirty Laundry (2006); The Ski Trip (2004)

Ferron: Girl on a Road is Gerry Rogers’s debut. Sponsored by:

for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

Historic District Philadelphia

The Holiday Inn Historic District supports the Philadelphia Cinema Alliance and the Philadelphia Q-CineFest! We are within walking distance from Ritz East 1 & 2. Located at 4th and Arch, we are just one block from Market Street! We are the Hotel that loves you back:

Great location! Walk to: • Independence National Historical Park (Independence Hall, Old City Hall, Liberty Bell, Christ Church) • Reading Terminal Market • National Liberty Museum • Convention Center • Betsy Ross House • US Mint • National Constitution Center • Arch Street Friends Meeting House • Prime dining & shopping

• Rooftop pool overlooking the city provides a relaxing way to unwind • Pillow menu provided for custom comfort • Complimentary Wireless Internet • Complimentary Business & Fitness Centers • On-site restaurant and bar • Recently renovated with beautiful in-room furnishings and bedding • We are going green! Featuring in-room recycling, energy efﬁcient lighting, & more!

Call or go online now to make your reservations! Ask for the discounted QFest Rate! 1-800-THE-BELL or www.holidayinn.com/phlhistoric 400 Arch Street • Philadelphia, PA 19106

Philadelphia QFEST 09

Ghosted

Hannah Free

Friday, July 10 • 5:00 • Ritz East 2

Sunday, July 19 • 4:45 • Prince Music Theater Monday, July 20 • 5:00 • Ritz East 2

Philadelphia Premiere Germany, Taiwan 2009, 89 min

Ghosted, an ethereal lesbian love story set in Taiwan and Germany, cleverly utilizes flashbacks to bridge the ocean between Eastern and Western cultural beliefs. In Taiwan, ghosts are rarely a laughing matter; in this ancestor-worship culture, where the memories of the living nurture the deceased, there is a belief that the dead become ghosts roaming between heaven and earth. In Ghosted — an unconventional, meditative love story directed by veteran German filmmaker Monika Treat (her seminal trans doc Gendernauts screened in our PIGLFF 1999 line-up) — we are introduced to Sophie (Ingra Busch), a 40-something renowned German video artist who has returned to Taipei to open an exhibition dedicated to her late Taiwanese lover Ai-Ling (Huan-Ru Ke). There she meets Mei-Li (Ting Ting Hu), a pushy and beautiful journalist who eerily reminds her of Ai-Ling. Mei-Li’s constant questions and flirtatious overtures are too much too soon and Sophie retreats to Hamburg. When the journalist mysteriously turns up on her doorstep, Sophie decides to open herself to new sexual adventures. Her newfound trust is soon shattered when she discovers that Mei-Li isn’t who she claims to be. Suspenseful and complex, this cross-border narrative is a rich addition to Treut’s growing body of work. (English, German and Mandarin with English subtitles) —Carol Coombes Director: Monika Treut Cast: Inga Busch, Huan-Ru Ke, Ting Ting Hu, Jana Schulz, Marek Harloff, Jack Kao, Yi-Ching Lu, Kevin Chen Screenwriters: Monika Treut, Astrid Ströher Producers: Monika Treut, Chien Li-fen, Aileen Li Cinematographer: Bernd Meiners Editor: Renate Ober Print Source: First Run Features

Monika Treut’s Filmography: [Selected]: Tigerwomen Grow Wings (2005); Gendernauts: A Journey Through Shifting (1999); Didn’t Do It for Love (1997); Female Misbehavior (1992); My Father Is Coming (1991); Virgin Machine (1988); Seduction: The Cruel Woman (1985)

East Coast Premiere USA 2009, 90 min

Adapted from Claudia Allen’s award-winning play, Hannah Free is the story of a passionate but thwarted lifelong love affair between two women who have shared a lifetime of friendship and love. Hannah, a fiercely independent septuagenarian butch lesbian, and Rachel, a married homemaker who has never left Michigan, are both bed-bound in the same nursing home after decades “together.” So near, yet so, so far. Rachel’s daughter Marge doesn’t want Hannah upsetting her mother and has banned Hannah from the room of her precious “moon-flower.” Greta, a young pretty student who mysteriously shows up at the nursing home, has a plan to circumvent Marge. Utilizing gorgeously constructed flashbacks to visually build the story of the past and the present, director Wendy Jo Carlton lovingly details Hannah and Rachel’s passionate beginnings and the subsequent decisions both women made in an era when marriage was oftentimes the only choice. Hannah Free presents storylines about old age, loneliness and same-sex visitation rights that are so rare. Iconic award-winning actor Sharon Gless (Cagney & Lacey, Queer As Folk), in real life an outspoken advocate of LGBT equality, plays Hannah with fervor and strength. —Carol Coombes Sharon Gless will receive the Gay Icon Award (pg. 22) at the Sunday, July 19 screening. Director: Wendy Jo Carlton Cast: Sharon Gless, Maureen Gallagher, Kelli Strickland, Ann Hagemann, Taylor Miller, Jacqui Jackson Screenwriter: Claudia Allen Producer: Tracy Baim Cinematographer: Gretchen Warthen Editor: Sharon Zurek Print Source: Wolfe Releasing

Wendy Jo Carlton’s Filmography: Brushfires (2004)

Sponsored by:

for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

feature films a-to-z

Homewrecker

I Can’t Think Straight

Sunday, July 12 • 9:15 • Prince Music Theater Tuesday, July 14 • 5:00 • Ritz East 1

Friday, July 17 • 7:00 • Ritz East 2 Sunday, July 19 • 2:30 • Prince Music Theater

World Premiere USA 2009, 102 min

Philadelphia Premiere Britain 2008, 85 min

A hunky, but hapless young ex-con schemes his way into a gay Hollywood couple’s home in hopes of becoming a star in this fast-paced indie comedy. A homo of the disturbed kind — think Eve Harrington and Norma Desmond’s love child — prowls fey gay Hollywood for his big break in this hilarious tale of unchecked ambitions. Hunky Boyd (Dylan Vox), a recent ex-con and seriously delusional aspiring actor, returns to the streets with only one goal — to become the reality series superstar he was destined to be. Through a mistaken identity, the newly blond and newly named Sean ingratiates his way into the household of successful producers and lovers Derek and Collin where the scheming young man lies, cheats and seduces his way into the top — or does he? An entertaining, quick-witted independent comedy of the queerest kind. —Raymond Murray

Gifted director Shamin Sarif boldly returns with a vibrant modern-day, Sapphic tale of two successful women who summon the courage to challenge their cultures in the name of love. Fresh off last year’s successful romantic period piece set in South Africa (The World Unseen, PIGLFF 2008) drop-dead gorgeous Lisa Ray and stunningly beautiful Sheetal Sheth return as lesbian lovers in the charming I Can’t Think Straight. Tala (Ray) is a black sheep. With her own business in London, and engaged for the fourth time, she is generally a thorn in the side of her traditional Jordanian Christian family. Leyla (Sheth) is the shy, ideal Indian daughter with the perfect boyfriend who always does the right thing. Both women are on conventional life paths until they meet, when an instant attraction ignites a fast friendship. One fervent night, sexy Tala and doe-eyed Leyla act on their desires in a scene that lights up the screen, but the encounter comes at a price. These are two women yearning to fall in love for the first time, but it will not be easy for either one to accept their newfound sexuality. Director Shamin Sarif’s contemporary lesbian storytelling is entertaining, beautiful and incredibly intimate; it will remind you what falling in love is all about. —Kelly Burkhardt

Director: Paul Hart Cast: Dylan Vox, Rebekah Kochan, Ernest Pierce, Peter Szeliga, Bruce Hart Screenwriters: Bruce Hart, Paul Vander Roest Producers: Bruce Hart, Stephen G. Rock, Paul Vander Roest Cinematographer: Dan Schmeltzer Editor: Albert Pick Print Source: VanderHart Productions

Homewrecker is Paul Hart’s debut.

Director: Shamim Sarif Cast: Lisa Ray, Sheetal Sheth, Antonia Frering, Dalip Tahil, Nina Wadia, Ernest Ignatius, Siddiqua Akhtar, Amber Rose Revah Screenwriters: Shamim Sarif, Kelly Moss Producer: Hanan Kattan Cinematographer: Aseem Bajaj Editor: David Martin Print Source: Here!

Shamim Sarif’s Filmography: The World Unseen (2007)

Sponsored by:

for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

Philadelphia QFEST 09

It Came from Kuchar

Just Say Love

Tuesday, July 14 • 9:15 • Ritz East 2

Saturday, July 18 • 12:15 • Ritz East 1 Sunday, July 19 • 9:15 • Ritz East 1

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2009, 86 min

The films were ultra-low budget affairs with gaudy hand-made monsters and actors in thrift-shop costumes. The brothers behind the camera were oddballs who made films on budgets less than most people’s weekly grocery shopping. The documentary about them is wonderfully entertaining. Very fresh and energetic, Jennifer M. Kroot’s film about the filmmaker brothers, Mike and George Kuchar, is as eccentrically wonderful as the gentlemen portrayed. Mixing elements of the films themselves with interviews and footage of George (the gay brother) teaching filmmaking at the San Francisco Art Institute, there’s a whole new world for film-lovers to explore here. The Bronx-born brothers were filmmaker junkies by the age of 12. Along with Paul Morrissey, Andy Warhol and Kenneth Anger, the Kuchars were prominent members of the ’60s experimental film scene in New York. They churned films out as fast as their imaginations could work. The Kuchar brothers have inspired many of the most influential and creative filmmakers of our time. The film includes interviews with Todd Haynes, Buck Henry, John Waters, Guy Maddin and more. It’s a lot of fun to watch these brothers finish each other’s sentences — the thoughts seem to run in a continuous loop through both of their brains. If experimental filmmaking is not your cup of tea, have no fear, these sweetly odd brothers are endlessly amusing and we guarantee this is not a story you’ve heard before. —Scott Cranin

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2009, 90 min

Director: Jennifer M. Kroot Cast: John Waters, B. Ruby Rich, Buck Henry, Atom Egoyan, George Kuchar, Mike Kuchar, Wayne Wang, Guy Maddin, Cory McAbee, Bill Griffith, Curt McDowell, Jeffrey Schwarz Producers: Jennifer M. Kroot, Tina Kroot, Holly Million Cinematographer: Christopher Million Print Source: Jennifer M. Kroot

Director: Bill Humphreys Cast: Matthew Jaeger, Robert Mammana, Bill Humphreys Screenwriter: David J. Mauriello Producer: Bill Humphreys Cinematographer: Nathan Beaman Editor: Bill Humphreys Print Source: Here!

Jennifer M. Kroot’s Filmography: Sirens of the 23rd Century (2003)

When a relationship between two men begins as pure sex but then becomes something more, the “straight” man flees into the safe arms of his girlfriend and their newborn child. Graceful and pure, Just Say Love is one of the most original and successful stage-to-screen adaptations we’ve seen. Adapted by writer David Mauriello from his stage play, Just Say Love is a stunning departure from the average stage-to-screen film. With simple sets on a dark soundstage and just two actors, director Bill Humphreys and team have created a strikingly elegant, moving and satisfying film. As the film opens, geeky Guy (Matthew Jaeger) is sitting on a park bench reading Plato. A hot construction worker, Doug (Robert Mammana), approaches the bench and asks Guy if he can join him. Their conversation veers towards sex, and “straight” Doug reveals that he could use a blowjob, and that he doesn’t care if it is from a guy. The two men go up to Guy’s nearby apartment to take care of business. This sexual, non-romantic relationship continues to the shock of both men. But when Doug’s girlfriend gives birth to their child, this once simple relationship comes to an end. One never knows which way the human heart will turn. Pure and deceptively simple, the very knowing Just Say Love is truly a wonderful cinematic creation full of love. —Scott Cranin

Just Say Love is Bill Humphreys’s debut.

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feature films a-to-z

Limbo

Lucky Bastard

Saturday, July 18 • 7:15 • Ritz East 1 Sunday, July 19 • 4:30 • Ritz East 2

Saturday, July 18 • 9:30 • Prince Music Theater Sunday, July 19 • 4:30 • Ritz East 1

East Coast Premiere Mexico 2008, 88 min

East Coast Premiere USA 2009, 90 min

A queer fifth-grade dreamer slips and falls into a strange trip to an otherworldly hospital, where there is no past and no future. One of the most exciting and original films in this year’s line-up. Rich with mystery and steeped in mythical superstition, this Mexican voyage into the world of the non-quite-dead finds new and fascinating ways to address the age old dilemma of being an outcast. Reminiscent of Ma Vie En Rose’s Ludovic, Isao likes to dress up, carry a doll, and dreams of being a famous fashion designer in Paris. Left for dead after an unsavory encounter with a pederast gym teacher, the sexually ambiguous Isao wakes up in a bizarrely quiet hospital staffed by a single nurse and an unseen administrator. Suddenly joined by a confused lawyer with a bullet wound to the head, young Isao seeks out answers from the cryptic nurse, from his strange new companion, and from within himself. As their stories unfold in Limbo, Isao’s best friend holds vigil over his still-breathing body, along with a blind janitor who knows a thing or two about displaced ghosts. In a coming-of-age experience befitting his unique temperament, Isao’s voyage into maturity takes place not in the confines of the physical world, but in the unknowable realm of an out-of-body experience. (Spanish with English subtitles) —Alejandro Morales

A random hookup between a young architect and a hard-bitten grifter yields an intense and illuminating love affair in this sexually charged drama. Everett Lewis (FAQs, Luster) return to our festival with this sexy dark thriller about a young man who finds his stable world threatened when he meets and falls in love with an attractive hustler/drug addict. After some risky decisions cause his home-design business to falter, handsome young Rusty blows off steam with Denny, a rough bit of blond trade he meets at a convenience store. But what begins as a carefree fling lights a fire inside the buttoned-up architect, and before long Rusty follows Denny into an unpredictable world of drugs, sex and unsavory characters. Fueled by the palpable chemistry between the two leads, Lucky Bastard details a somewhat grim reality full of dashed hopes and damaged goods, while also highlighting the enduring spiritual bond that forms between lovers, in spite of glaring personal differences. As Denny’s moods swing out of Rusty’s control, Rusty finds himself at a crossroads, forced to stake out his future against the messy backdrop of real life. Peering beneath the sun-kissed surface, this film explores the dark sides and unseen consequences of youth and beauty in Hollywood’s back yard. —Alejandro Morales

Director: Horacio Rivera Cast: Francisco Barcala, Rubén Cristiany, Fátima Díaz, Enoc Leaño, Erika de la Llave, Martha Claudia Moreno, Iarel Verduzco Screenwriter: Horacio Rivera Producer: Horacio Rivera Cinematographer: Gerardo Ruffinelli Editors: Fernando Benítez, Ismar Figueroa, Horacio Rivera Print Source: Bosco Entertainment

Director: Everett Lewis Cast: Dale Dymkoski, Patrick Tatten Print Source: Robert Shulevitz

Horacio Rivera’s Filmography: Los pajarracos (2006)

Everett Lewis’s Filmography: FAQs (2005); Luster (2002); Skin and Bone (1996); An Ambush of Ghosts (1993); The Natural History of Parking Lots (1990)

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Philadelphia QFEST 09

Make the Yuletide Gay

Misconceptions

Friday, July 10 • 7:15 • Ritz East 1 Sunday, July 12 • 12:00 • Prince Music Theater

Saturday, July 18 • 7:15 • Prince Music Theater Sunday, July 19 • 9:15 • Prince Music Theater

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2009, 93 min

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2008, 95 min

With this wonderfully silly story of young gay love, writer/director Rob Williams (3-Day Weekend, PIGLFF 2008) returns to QFest to serve up some of the cutest actors in the festival, with a cheesy Wisconsin family on the side. College senior, Olaf ‘Gunn’ Gunnunderson (Keith Jordan) is head-over-heels in love with his ultra-gay sweetheart Nathan Stanford (Adamo Ruggierro, out star of “Degrassi: The Next Generation”). The boyfriends part for Christmas break, each returning home to his family. Nathan’s cold parents won a trip to Israel, but somehow “forgot” to tell their son. When he hears that he’ll be spending the holidays alone, he decides to head to Wisconsin to be with his sweetie and family. But when he gets there, there are a few surprises: Gunn is in the closet; Gunn’s mom, Anya (Kelly Keaton) is a major Christmas freak who says “Dontcha” a lot; and Gunn takes after his dad Sven (Derek Long) — anatomically speaking — a fact learned when Gunn’s stoner dad greets Nathan at the door in an open bathrobe. With constant double-entendres flying from Anya’s mouth and Gunn Sr. always stoned, no one seems to notice that Gunn is gay and dating Nathan. With the closet walls closing in on him, Nathan decides to flee back to his empty home — the Gunnunderson’s are a little too fruity, even for him! Giddily exuberant, Rob Williams’ latest is filled with laugh-out-loud jokes and boys who look oh-so-cute together. Dontcha think? —Scott Cranin

This hilarious look at the culture war’s opposing factions follows a conservative, religious married woman who impulsively decides to be a surrogate mother. But she “forgets” to tell her born again husband that the couple is both interracial and gay. Misconceptions pokes fun at the ongoing battle between LGBT people and religious conservatives. Wrapping a conciliatory message in comedy, writer Ira Pearlstein and director Ron Satloff convincingly show that there are people on each side of the issue who mean well. Miranda Bliss (A.J. Cook) receives a message from God instructing her to carry a child for two gay men. Parker (David Sutcliffe), Miranda’s husband, is oblivious to his wife’s morning sickness: maybe because he is too busy attending anti-gay-marriage rallies, or maybe because the two have been sleeping in separate beds for the last five years. Terry (Orlando Jones), the more flamboyant of the gay couple, comes to visit Miranda in her small southern town. Parker thinks Terry is interviewing for a job with his wife’s Christian catering business…but then why is Terry trying to buy Miranda a new mattress? When it becomes clear that the dancer/choreographer (who didn’t forget his sewing machine or bolts of chiffon!) wants to micro-manage the pregnancy and has no intention of leaving, the craziness begins. While this comical film pokes fun at the Religious Right, it also raises some serious issues about marriage, adoption and the art of baking pies! —Dudley Best

Director: Rob Williams Cast: Keith Jordan, Adamo Ruggiero, Hallee Hirsh, Kelly Keaton, Derek Long, Alison Arngrim, Ian Buchanan, Gates McFadden Screenwriter: Rob Williams Producers: Rodney Johnson, Matthew Montgomery, Rob Williams Cinematographer: Ian McGlocklin Editor: Denise Howard Print Source: TLA Releasing

Director: Ron Satlof Cast: A.J. Cook, David Moscow, David Sutcliffe, Orlando Jones, Sarah Carter Screenwriters: Ron Satlof, Ira Pearlstein Producer: Steven J. Brown; Ira Pearlstein; Ron Satlof Cinematographer: Curtis Graham Editor: George Mandl Print Source: Here!

Rob Williams’s Filmography: 3-Day Weekend (2008); Back Soon (2007); Long-Term Relationship (2006)

Ron Satlof’s Filmography: Waikiki (1980)

Preceded by the short:

The Window (Philippe Gosselin, Ronald Regina, USA, 2008, 6 min) Unabashed and absurdly funny, this risqué crowd pleaser showcases three guys who aren’t afraid to bare it all at their bedroom windows.

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312 U

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Solid Black U

THE 2ND ANNUAL

Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival

Mr. Right Friday, July 17 • 9:30 • Prince Music Theater Saturday, July 18 • 4:45 • Ritz East 1 Philadelphia Premiere Britain 209, 94 min

With snappy repartee and a cast of handsome men and cute boys, this romantic comedy set in London playfully bounces around its romances, dramas and lusts. “Right” from the inventive opening credits, you’ll know that Mr. Right is a delectably fun treat. The film has a cast of characters that will become family by the film’s end. Louise (Georgia Zaris), friend to a gaggle of gay men, just wants to make sure that her current beau Paul (Jeremy Edwards) is actually straight. She has a history of dating gay men, so she brings him to a dinner party with her buddies. There’s Alex (Luke de Woolfson), a cater-waiter whose acting career is always just about to take off. He’s living with Harry (James Lance), a reality TV producer who’s ashamed of the crap he foists on the public. Tom (David Morris) is a successful artist who brings his rental boyfriend Larrs to the party; Larrs (Benjamin Hart) is always on the make, or is he? And then there’s William (Rocky Marshall), whose 11-year-old daughter is determined to drive her dad’s boyfriends away. Current beau Lawrence (Leon Ockenden) is a TV star who everyone sort of recognizes, and who thinks that he’s actually the doctor he plays on TV. Director/cowriter Jacqui Morris and her cowriter brother David have crafted a fast-paced movie about a group of charming characters who each discover an inner truth as the film develops. The frothy, fun and upbeat Mr. Right is one of the best date movies in this year’s festival. Enjoy! —Scott Cranin Directors: David Morris, Jacqui Morris Cast: Luke de Woolfson, Andrew Dunn, Jeremy Edwards, James Lance, Jennifer Lawrence, Rick Warden , Rocky Marshall, David Morris, Georgia Zaris, Benjamin Hart, Leon Ockenden Screenwriters: David Morris, Jacqui Morris Producer: Jacqui Morris Cinematographer: Michael Wood Editor: Warren Meneely Print Source: Mugshots Productions

Founding Sponsor

October 8 - 11, 2009

Mr. Right is David Morris, Jacqui Morris’s debut.

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Philadelphia QFEST 09

El niño pez

No End

The Fish Child

Senza Fine

Saturday, July 18 • 2:15 • Ritz East 2

Saturday, July 11 • 2:30 • Ritz East 2

Philadelphia Premiere Argentina, France, Spain 2009, 96 min

Philadelphia Premiere Italy 2008, 76 min

Fast on the heels of her astonishing debut XXY (PIGLFF 2008), director Lucia Puenzo returns to QFest with El niño pez (The Fish Child) an intense erotic tale of illicit love between two young women set in Argentina and Paraguay. Cute, 20-year-old Lala (Inés Efron, XXY) the daughter of a wealthy and powerful judge is in love, but it’s safe to say that her family will not approve. In the classconscious suburbs of Buenos Aires, the focus of Lala’s affections is the family’s feisty, similarly aged Paraguayan housemaid La Guayi (Mariela Vitale). To realize their dream of being together, the two young lovers embark on a criminal scheme to amass enough money to run-away to Lake Ypoá in Paraguay, where La Guayi grew up. On the eve of their escape, the lovers’ plan goes dreadfully awry when Bronté, Lala’s dad is found dead, slumped over his desk in his study. Unbalancing the momentum of their simple desire to be together, Lala travels alone to her lover’s secluded village where she learns of her girlfriend’s dark, clandestine past and the mystery that surrounds the Paraguayan legend of the fish child. Drawing from a rich color palette, Puenzo ably juggles suspense, sexual jealousy, the dichotomy of rich versus poor and the magical-realism of mythological figures. El niño pez is beautifully haunting thriller that will enrapture you from the first frame to the last. —Carol Coombes

Told with brilliant subtlety, elegance and voyeuristic panache, this lyrical yet often haunting tale follows a lesbian couple as they balance both tenderness and challenging times. Set in Italy, No End is a poignant narrative that delves deeply into the souls of partners Giulia (Cristina Serafini) and Chiara (Irene Ivaldi) as they navigate the waters of love and bliss, loneliness and discrimination. Hugely adoring of one another, the two women desire to start a family. Working around Italian law — which prohibits artificial insemination for same-sex couples — the two eagerly travel to Holland for the procedure. Despite their overwhelming joy, the couple’s life plans begin to unravel: Guilia struggles with a conventional yet sincere mother who is worried about her grandchild growing up fatherless and Chiara is burdened by the discovery of a lump in her breast and hides it from her lover. With the hope of birth on the horizon and the sorrow of illness looming, the two women are simultaneously pushed toward both greater depths of intimacy and feelings of despair. With a candid lens, first-time director Roberto Cuzzillo vividly captures each character’s strengths, frailty and warmth. Fearlessly entwining images of love’s hope with deep-rooted fear and isolation makes this richly complex film a must-see. (Italian with English subtitles) —Kelly Burkhardt

Director: Lucía Puenzo Cast: Inés Efron, Mariela Vitale, Carlos Bardem Screenwriter: Lucía Puenzo Producers: Luis Puenzo, Jose Maria Morales Cinematographer: Rodrigo Pulpeiro Editor: Hugo Primero Print Source: Here!

Lucía Puenzo’s Filmography: XXY (2007)

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Director: Roberto Cuzzillo Cast: Cristina Serafini, Irene Ivaldi, Lalli, Margherita Fumero, Simona Nasi, Marcella Enrico Screenwriter: Roberto Cuzzillo Producers: Roberto Cuzzillo, Fabrizio Sapino Cinematographers: Roberto Cuzzillo, Alessandro Giverso Print Source: M Appeal

No End is Roberto Cuzzillo’s debut.

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feature films a-to-z

Off and Running

Patrik, Age 1.5

Sunday, July 19 • 12:00 • Ritz East 1

Patrik 1,5

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2009, 75 min

Saturday, July 11 • 4:45 • Ritz East 1 Sunday, July 12 • 7:00 • Prince Music Theater

Exploring family bonds and the lengths to which people must go to find themselves, Off and Running is a fresh and poignant documentary about a young woman’s search to define herself. Avery, Ravi and their younger brother Zay-Zay live in a loving home in Brooklyn. Adopted by their Jewish lesbian moms Travis and Tova, the three children don’t bear any resemblance to one another. Avery is a gifted runner with a multitude of awards filling her bedroom. She is now old enough to be curious about her African-American roots and, with her parents’ encouragement, reaches out to her birth mother for the first time. Emboldened by the exchange and the opportunity to discover her own racial and cultural identity, Avery is nonetheless unprepared for the sweeping emotional journey she’s embarked upon. Distracted and feeling out of place at home, she begins to distance herself from her path to college and the two women she’s always called her parents. Documenting the highs and lows of this remarkable family is Nicole Opper’s ever-present but unobtrusive camera. As Opper herself says, “I knew that in a time when people were voting to ban gay marriage and gay adoption, we needed this story more than ever.” —Carol Coombes Director: Nicole Opper Screenwriters: Nicole Opper, Avery Klein-Cloud Producers: Sharese Bullock, Nicole Opper Cinematographer: Jacob Okada Editor: Cheree Dillon Print Source: Nicole Opper

Off and Running is Nicole Opper’s debut.

Philadelphia Premiere Sweden 2008, 100 min

A gay couple adopts a much different — and older — child than they were expecting in this funny, heartwarming, and unpredictable dramedy. Danish suburbanite couple Goran and Sven are going to be daddies! They’ve successfully adopted a Swedish child — Patrik, “age 1.5” — and they eagerly await his arrival. But when the promised bundle of joy finally appears on their doorstep, he turns out to be age 15 and, from the looks of things, a troubled juvenile delinquent. The couple freaks out, demanding the agency take Patrik back, while the oft-rejected, homophobic teen treats the pair like chicken hawk captors. Forced to cohabitate until the adoption agency’s bureaucratic blunder gets corrected, the trio find themselves at constant odds (not to mention the issue of what to tell the neighbors) and confronting unexpected truths. It’s the year of the “gayby boom” film, and Patrik, Age 1.5 truly stands out. Adapting Michael Druker’s play, writer/director Ella Lemhagen brings a stylized, satirical quirk to her vision of suburbia, but injects sometimes stinging dramatic weight into the screwball premise and proceedings. You’ll surely take Patrik to heart. (Swedish with English subtitles) —Lawrence Ferber Director: Ella Lemhagen Cast: Gustaf Skarsgård, Torkel Petersson, Thomas Ljungman, Annika Hallin Screenwriter: Ella Lemhagen (based on the play by Michael Druker) Producer: Tomas Michaelsson Cinematographer: Marek Wieser Editor: Thomas Lagerman Print Source: Regent Releasing

Ella Lemhagen’s Filmography: Tur & retur (Immediate Boarding) (2003); Om inte (If Not) (2001); Tsatsiki, morsan och polisen (1999); Välkommen till festen (1997); Drömprinsen - Filmen om Em (The Dream Prince) (1996)

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Philadelphia QFEST 09

Private Lessons Élève libre Monday, July 13 • 9:15 • Ritz East 2 Wednesday, July 15 • 9:30 • Ritz East 2 Philadelphia Premiere France, Belgium 2008, 90 min

Pop Star on Ice Friday, July 10 • 5:00 • Prince Music Theater Saturday, July 11 • 12:15 • Ritz East 1 Philadelphia Premiere USA 2008, 85 min

One of the skating world’s most fascinating characters, Johnny Weir has both dazzled and disappointed fans. This behind-the-scenes documentary only dazzles as it reveals the many sides of this complex and unusual skating icon. We’re sure you’ll give it a 10. Johnny Weir is one of the most notable, controversial and beloved figure skaters in the sport today. His flamboyancy, good looks and exceptional talent have propelled him into the spotlight (he is one of the few skaters who can add modeling and fashion shows to his resume). But figure skating is a demanding sport, putting its participants on center stage for over six minutes between the Short and Long Programs. The key to success is consistency and Johnny’s main obstacle is that he has gone from winning gold medals to placing eighth in a single season. In this entertaining documentary, filmmakers David Barba and James Pellerito follow Johnny from his late start in the skating world at age 12 through his difficult decision to leave his long-time coach and mentor Priscilla Hill. While his sexual orientation is not openly discussed, most viewers are likely to draw the same conclusion, inspired in part by the bathtub interview with Johnny and his “best friend” Paris Childers! —Claire Kohler Directors: David Barba, James Pellerito Cast: Johnny Weir, Priscilla Hill, Paris Childers, Patti Weir, Brian Boitano, Victor Petrenko Screenwriters: David Barba, James Pellerito Producers: David Barba, James Pellerito Cinematographers: David Barba, James Pellerito Editors: David Barba, James Pellerito Print Source: Retribution Media

An academically challenged teenager is schooled in carnal knowledge by his adult tutors in this Belgian import that is sure to be controversial. One of the more contentious films in the festival (and rejected by GLBT festivals across the US), Private Lessons takes its time in revealing its gay subplot, and for many, that reveal will be quite uncomfortable. But the Festival is not all about positive images — sometimes we need to see some unsettling ones as well. Adorable but often sullen teen Jonas is talented on the tennis court but a failure in the classroom. With a major exam looming, he’s placed in the care of a fulltime 30-something tutor, Pierre. In between their cramming sessions, Jonas is grilled by Pierre’s friends Didier and Nathalie about his burgeoning sex life. The adults initially make suggestions regarding techniques to try with his girlfriend, but they soon become more, shall we say, interactive, providing him with actual demonstrations. The line truly gets crossed when Jonas is blindfolded and orally pleasured by Nathalie and, in a switcheroo, by Didier. Informed afterwards that a man brought him to climax, Jonas is shocked… but allows Pierre his turn a few days later. Belgian director Joachim Lafosse proves masterful at pulling strings, evoking outrage as well as titillation, and uses ambiguity – moral, sexual, and otherwise — to reach conversation-stirring extremes. ‘Did Jonas ultimately benefit from these lessons?’ the final shot seems to ask. We’ll see you chatting about this one in the lobby afterwards. (French with English subtitles) —Lawrence Ferber Director: Joachim Lafosse Cast: Jonas Bloquet, Jonathan Zaccaï, Claire Bodson, Yannick Renier, Pauline Etienne, Anne Coesens, Johan Leysen Screenwriters: Joachim Lafosse, François Pirot Producer: Jacques-Henri Bronckart Cinematographer: Hichame Allaouié Editor: Sophie Vercruysse Print Source: Films Distribution

Joachim Lafosse’s Filmography: Nue propriété (Private Property) (2006); Ça rend heureux (2006); Folie privée (2004)

Pop Star on Ice is David Barba and James Pellerito’s debut. Sponsored by:

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more information online • www.phillycinema.org/qfest

Prodigal Sons Friday, July 10 â&#x20AC;˘ 9:15 â&#x20AC;˘ Ritz East 2 Friday, July 17 â&#x20AC;˘ 5:00 â&#x20AC;˘ Ritz East 2 Philadelphia Premiere USA 2008, 86 min

A family grapples with challenges, triumphs, intense sibling rivalries and unforeseeable twists of plot and gender in this illuminating portrait of a truly remarkable Montana family. Long ago in San Francisco, filmmaker Kimberly Reed left behind Paul McKerrow, the high-school quarterback and straight â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; student behind. Her transition from male to female now complete, Kim thought she had successfully buried her past along with the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mâ&#x20AC;? that used to be on her drivers license. Returning to Montana, for the first time in two decades, Kim is determined to mend her estranged relationship with Marc, her adopted brother who has difficulty controlling his mood swings a result of a traumatic head injury. Marc would have given anything to be the man that his younger sibling Paul never wanted to be, and soon it is evident that the intense resentment and jealously that marked their childhood relationship has lasted into adulthood. Dispirited by the bad hand life dealt him, Marc has spent a lifetime looking for his birth-parents. When he receives the stunning (and true) news that he is the hitherto unknown grandson of two Hollywood legends, Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth, Kim is forced to face her own history as Paul. Illuminating and intriguing, Prodigal Sons is a powerful must-see documentary. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Carol Coombes Director: Kimberly Reed Producers: John Keitel, Kimberly Reed Cinematographer: John Keitel Editors: Shannon Kennedy, Kimberly Reed Print Source: Israel Ehrisman, Kim Reed

Prodigal Sons is Kimberly Reedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debut.

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Philadelphia QFEST 09

Raging Sun, Raging Sky

Redwoods

Rabioso sol, rabioso cielo

Friday, July 17 • 7:15 • Prince Music Theater Saturday, July 18 • 2:30 • Ritz East 1

Sunday, July 19 • 1:00 • Ritz East 2 Monday, July 20 • 3:30 • Ritz East 1 Philadelphia Premiere Mexico 2008, 191 min

There are no boundaries when love, sex and destiny collide in this sweeping, visual feast from award-winning director Julián Hernández. From the director of Broken Sky (El cielo dividido) comes this passionately symbolic exploration of love, sex and destiny. Kieri and Ryo, two handsome young Mexican men have an unquestioning love for each other; a love that gives meaning to their lives and is expressed through intense sexual bonding. But when Ryo is abducted, Kieri begins a journey to find his soulmate while under the watchful eye of a female spirit named Corazón del cielo (Heaven’s heart). She leads and protects the lovers on their quest to reunite. But the journey is not an easy one and when Ryo escapes, a chain of events will test the lovers’ devotion to each other. While three hours long and filmed in black and white, Raging Sun, Raging Sky’s breathtaking power, sweeping cinematography and enveloping homoeroticism is an absolute must for all adventurous filmgoers. The film was praised by the Berlin Film Festival Teddy Jury for “its masterful cinematography and its visionary use of color and sound — for its explorations of love, desire and sexuality within the framework of ancient mythology, juxtaposed with modern urbanity,” Raging Sun, Raging Sky is a visually stunning ode to the power of desire and unconditional love. —Lewis Tice Director: Julián Hernández Cast: Jorge Becerra, Javier Oliván, Guillermo Villegas, Giovanna Zacarías Screenwriter: Julián Hernández Producer: Roberto Fiesco Cinematographer: Alejandro Cantú Editor: Emiliano Arenales Osorio Print Source: TLA Releasing

Julián Hernández’s Filmography: El cielo dividido (Broken Sky) (2006); Mil nubes de paz cercan el cielo, amor, jamás acabarás de ser amor (A Thousand Clouds of Peace (2003)

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Philadelphia Premiere USA 2009, 82 min

The search for love and a relationship is obvious film fodder; the search for love when you’re already in one, not so common. Both original and incredibly romantic, Redwoods tells the story of a man in a stagnant relationship who meets and falls in love with a writer passing through his small Northern California town. Shot in the gay Russian River resort town of Guerneville, David Lewis’ new film is much more polished than Rock Haven and has even more soul, if that’s possible. Everett (Brendan Bradley) and Miles (Tad Coughenour) are in a comfortable but non-passionate relationship. Together they are raising Billy, a boy with a learning disability who demands much of their love and attention. When Miles and Billy go off to visit the grandparents, leaving Everett to work in peace, there isn’t even a goodbye kiss between the two men. Shortly after Miles and Billy leave, Chase (Matthew Montgomery) stops at Everett’s house to ask for directions and there’s an instant connection between the two men. Later that day, as Everett visits Chase’s B&B and “just happens to bump into” his new friend. Then, while antique hunting with his Mom, the two men run into each other again, and the flirtation is official. Despite Everett’s reticence and clumsiness, Chase persists and their sparks soon fly. With superb performances by Matthew Montgomery (Socket, Back Soon and Gone, But Not Forgotten) and the rest of the cast, great scenery, an original score and a mushy-beyond-belief story, Redwoods is bound to become a gay classic. —Scott Cranin Director: David Lewis Cast: Matthew Montgomery, Brendan Bradley, Laurie Burke, Cole Panther, Simon Burzynski, Tad Coughenour, Caleb Dorfman, Clara Brighton, Elinor Bell, Libby Zilber Screenwriter: David Lewis Producer: Bill Gollihur Cinematographer: Joe Rivera Print Source: TLA Releasing

David Lewis’s Filmography: Rock Haven (2007)

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feature films a-to-z

Rivers Wash Over Me Monday, July 13 • 7:15 • Ritz East 1 Saturday, July 18 • 12:15 • Prince Music Theater Philadelphia Premiere USA 2009, 89 min

A sophisticated gay black teen confronts ignorance, danger and eventually true love in this tense, probing drama set in the rural South. 15-year-old Sequan Green is a lanky, erudite and very much gay New Yorker. Forced to move in with extended family members in the rural South, this fish out of water finds his new surroundings downright poisonous. The town is corrupt and complacent, riddled with crime, drugs, homophobia, a macho thug culture and a willfully ignorant populace. His older cousin Michael, with whom he shares a room, makes a daily habit of degrading and violently abusing Sequan, while his aunt turns a blind (if not jaundiced) eye. Enter Lori, a white bad girl who hangs with local drug dealers and her kind, protective brother… who happens to have something in common with Sequan. Director John G. Young wowed us with his examination of race, class, pop culture and queer love literally under fire in 1995’s Parallel Sons. Rivers heralds a return to similar territory, weaving in a crime mystery and a lone, frustrated moral authority figure for good measure. This is daring, raw and deep work of narrative storytelling art. —Lawrence Ferber Director: John G. Young Cast: Xosha Roquemore, Darien Sills-Evans, Julia Carothers Hughes, Pamela Stewart, Sonequa Martin Screenwriters: Darien Sills-Evans, John G. Young Producers: Jay J. Milla, Darien Sills-Evans Cinematographer: Robert Ansbro Editor: Stephen Thomas Print Source: Dexter Davis

John G. Young’s Filmography: The Reception (2005); Parallel Sons (1995)

St. Trinian’s Saturday, July 11 • 2:45 • Prince Music Theater Saturday, July 18 • 9:15 • Ritz East 2 Philadelphia Premiere Britain 2007, 97 min

Packed with madcap antics, explosive hi-jinks and Rupert Everett in a frock, St. Trinian’s follows a sassy group of bad girls as they try to save their boarding school from foreclosure. Out actor Rupert Everett is reunited with Colin Firth (Mamma Mia!) for the first time since Another Country, in which they played gay lovers. In St. Trinian’s they do kiss again — but as a man and woman! Things are shaken up when the new Minister of Education (Colin Firth) identifies St. Trinian’s as the “worst boarding school in the country”. The all-girl boarding school is the poster child for bad education with its eccentric headmistress, Camilla Fritton (a crossdressing Rupert Everett in a dual role) and her unorthodox ways. Miss Fritton usually retreats to her private quarters with a nice gin cocktail while her devilish students, led by the posh Kelly (Gemma Arterton, Quantum of Solace), wreck the school, cheat at field hockey and terrorize the trembling new student Annabelle (Talulah Riley, Pride & Prejudice). All the frivolity is about to change, as the bank is threatening foreclosure. The girls (along with Mischa Barton) devise an outlandish plan to cheat their way to finals of the Scholastic Challenge, where they will steal Vermeer’s painting “The Girl with the Pearl Earring.” Pulling out all the stops, St. Trinian’s is a fabulously clever, camp remake of the classic British television series (that began in 1954 with The Belles of St Trinian’s) that will have you buckled over with laughter till the credits roll! —Kelly Burkhardt Directors: Oliver Parker, Barnaby Thompson Cast: Talulah Riley, Rupert Everett, Jodie Whittaker, Gemma Arterton, Kathryn Drysdale, Juno Temple, Antonia Bernath Screenwriter: Piers Ashworth; Jamie Minoprio; Nick Moorcroft; Jonathan M. Stern Producers: Oliver Parker, Barnaby Thompson Cinematographer: Gavin Finney Editor: Alex Mackie Print Source: Neoclassics Films Ltd.

Sponsored by:

Oliver Parker, Barnaby Thompson’s Filmography: Oliver Parker: I Really Hate My Job (2007); Fade to Black (2006); The Private Life of Samuel Pepys (2003); The Importance of Being Earnest (2002); An Ideal Husband (1999); Othello (1995) Sponsored by:

more information online • www.phillycinema.org/qfest

Philadelphia QFEST 09

Shank

Soundless Wind Chime

Saturday, July 11 • 7:00 • Ritz East 1 Sunday, July 12 • 4:30 • Prince Music Theater

Sunday, July 12 • 6:30 • Ritz East 1 Thursday, July 16 • 5:00 • Ritz East 1

Philadelphia Premiere Britain 2009, 89 min

Philadelphia Premiere Hong Kong 2009, 110 min

Class struggle, gay romance and hot action collide in this amazing British film as the lives of Cal and Oliver intersect in a gritty, urban street drama. The context is a powerful and very much welcome addition to the gay and lesbian film landscape. Pulsating with a sexual, violent energy, Shank is one of the most startling and impressive films in this year’s Festival and an impressive screen debut for young director Simon Pearce and co-writer/co-producer Christian Martin. Cal (Wayne Virgo) is a sexy 18-year-old gang member who leads a life full of drugs, online sex hookups and random acts of violence. A brutal hookup with an anonymous stranger temporarily satisfies Cal’s secret gay cravings, but fails to quell his lust for his best friend, the hunky Jonno (Tom Bott). Nessa (Alice Payne) — their twisted, foul-mouthed and controlling gang leader — suspects that something is going on between the two but she can’t put her finger on what and tries to split up the buddies. Cal is drifting apart from the gang as his gay self emerges, and when the gang mugs young cutie Olivier (Marc Laurent) with violent force, Cal decides to make his break official by helping Olivier escape. The two young men together plot a revenge scheme that then turns quickly to mutual lust. Shank is a very real, edgy and raw British drama played out on the streets of Bristol. —Scott Cranin

In this spare, elegant and moving film, two men of different races, different backgrounds and different temperaments find themselves falling for one another. Their love story has been woven into this gorgeous tapestry of a film. Told through flashbacks and memories, the emotionally rich Soundless Wind Chime tells of the journey of Ricky, who is searching for his own lost soul, and his lover Pascal’s soul too. With their love story as the film’s anchor, other fragments swirl around creating a perfect and complete puzzle. Although this sounds confusing, the film has been so gracefully constructed by writer/director Kit Hung that it works. Ricky is Chinese and Pascal is Swiss; English is their common language. Pascal was rough street trade; his abusive boyfriend sends him to the streets to pick pockets. Tiring of his creepy partner, Pascal flees their seedy apartment. At a street café he meets Ricky, a very shy waiter. Breaking through Ricky’s private nature, their shared attraction takes hold. Theirs is a relationship marked by jealous spats that are punctuated by intensely passionate lovemaking. Shot with an intimacy and intelligence seldom seen in an indie, Soundless Wind Chime is a superb debut feature from Kit Hung, one that will open new doors for its audiences. (English, German, Cantonese and Mandarin with English subtitles) —Scott Cranin

Director: Simon Pearce Cast: Wayne Virgo, Marc Laurent, Alice Payne, Tom Bott, Garry Summers, Bernie Hodges, Christian Martin Screenwriters: Christian Martin, Darren Flaxstone Producers: Christian Martin, Robert Shulevitz Cinematographer: Simon Pearce Editor: Darren Flaxstone Print Source: TLA Releasing

Director: Kit Hung Cast: Yulai Lu, Bernhard Bulling, Wong Siu Ying, Li Fong, Wella Zhang Screenwriter: Kit Hung Producers: Philip Delaquis, Kit Hung, Min Li Marti, Stefan Zuber Cinematographers: Yue Shi, Alex Shi Yue Editor: Kit Hung Print Source: TLA Releasing

Shank is Simon Pearce’s debut.

Soundless Wind Chime is Kit Hung’s debut.

Sponsored by:

for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

feature films a-to-z

Training Rules Saturday, July 18 • 4:45 • Prince Music Theater Sunday, July 19 • 9:00 • Ritz East 2 USA 2008, 58 min

Broomall, Pennsylvania native Rene Portland’s list of accomplishments is long: she was a star player with the Mighty Macs of Immaculata Collage (with three national championships and a second place finish in her four years there); twice voted “Coach of the Year” by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA); and head coach of Penn State’s women’s basketball team, the Lady Lions, for 27 of her 31 years as a college basketball head coach. She’s a fierce competitor and a proven winner on the court, and part of that success may have been her strictly enforced policies of no drinking, no drugs and no lesbians. Star high school player Jennifer Harris entered Penn State and became a starting member of the team only to find herself inexplicably removed two years later. Academy Awardnominated filmmaker Dee Mosbacher (Radical Harmonies, No Secret Anymore: The Times of Del Martin & Phyllis Lyon) examines Portland’s coaching environment and the impact that the controversial case Harris v Portland and Penn State had on Harris and her parents Pearl and Lambert Harris (under the terms of settlement, their daughter is forbidden to discuss the case), as well as six other women who have suffered emotional scars, the loss of scholarships and the end of promising basketball careers when their sexual orientation was discovered. Directors: Dee Mosbacher, Fawn Yacker Screenwriters: Gail Mallimson, Dee Mosbacher, Fawn Yacker Producers: Diane Mosbacher, Fawn Yacker Cinematographer: Fawn Yacker Editor: Gail Mallimson, Gina Liebrecht Print Source: Wolfe Releasing Dee Mosbacher Filmography: Radical Harmonies (2002); All God’s Children (2001); Straight from the Heart (1994)

Dee Mosbacher will receive the Barabara Gittings Award co-presented with Equality Forum (pg. 23) at the July 18 screening. When her clients share their life stories with Dr. Diane (Dee) Mosbacher MD, PhD, the accounts are kept confidential forever. With other people, she turns their tales into feature-length movies. Such is the paradox of being a San Francisco-based psychiatrist who’s gained international recognition as an Academy Award-nominated director and producer. Motivated by the gay-bashing and anti-woman atmosphere of the 1992 Republican National Convention, Mosbacher founded Woman Vision in 1993 to counteract the Right’s extremely well-funded and very misleading anti-gay media campaigns. Over the last fifteen years, Woman Vision, has strived to “promote the values of understanding and diversity, and provide positive role models and supportive images of societally marginalized people” tackling a wide range of subject matter with a common thread of LGBT gender equality and social justice. In Training Rules (2009) and Out for a Change: Addressing Homophobia in Women’s Sports (1994) Mosbacher exposes the devastating emotional impact that homophobia has on all women athletes, regardless of their sexual orientation. Turning her spotlight on the history of women’s music in Radical Harmonies (2002), Mosbacher worked alongside her long-time friend, Director Joan E. Biren to produce No Secret Anymore: The Times of Del Martin & Phyllis Lyon (2002) an astonishing documentary that spans 50 years, chronicling the love and political struggles of the two women who are recognized as founders of the modern lesbian civil rights movement. Her short films, De-Colores (2001) and All God’s Children (1996) address sexual orientation within the context of multi-faith communities of color, and in her Academy Award-nominated short film. In Straight From the Heart (1994) parents grapple with a new understanding of their lesbian and gay children. And speaking of parents, it’s a little-known fact that Mosbacher is the daughter of a prominent Republican — Robert Adam Mosbacher Sr., who is Chairman of Mosbacher Energy Company in Houston and who served as U.S. secretary of commerce under President Bush from 1989 to 1992. Though there is no acrimony between father and daughter, funnily enough, both Mosbacher and her spouse of 34 years, Dr. Nanette Gartrell (they tied the knot twice at San Francisco’s City Hall — in 2004 and then again in 2008) collect little elephants (although not Republican ones). —Carol Coombes

The Sunday July 19 screening will be preceded by:

Lady Trojans Philadelphia Premiere USA 2008, 58 min

Who knew that Tucson, Arizona was a hotbed for scholastic lesbians in the early ’90s? Focused on the Catalina Lady Trojans, this incredibly endearing piece follows a group of young athletes who scored points for the home team while zealously exploring their sexuality off the court. While the players formed a secret dyke society, the camaraderie of competitive sports came crashing up against the bliss and jealously of young romance. At the center of it all was cute and perky Anna Hesik who, along with her half-sister Elizabeth (the film’s director), captured everything from basketball games to slumber parties. As Anna blossomed, she fell passionately in love with Quinn — a senior and the team’s “mac daddy.” It is fascinating to see how differently they reflect on their teenage years. Eventually turning her lens on each member of the Lady Trojans, Hesik skillfully intertwines often funny video footage, entertaining animation and intriguing interviews that accurately recall the intensity of youthful experimentation among friends against the backdrop of the basketball court. Director: Elizabeth Hesik Screenwriter: Annmeekee Hesik, Producer: Elizabeth Hesik, Cinematographer: David Fenster Editor: Erica Milsom, Print Source: Dime Western Productions, LLC

Philadelphia QFEST 09

True Enough

Watercolors

La vérité ou presque

Saturday, July 11 • 7:15 • Ritz East 2 Monday, July 13 • 9:30 • Ritz East 1

Friday, July 17 • 5:00 • Prince Music Theater Sunday, July 19 • 7:00 • Ritz East 1 East Coast Premiere France 2007, 95 min

The dynamic truths and lies of relationships are examined under a French microscope in this superbly acted, breezily paced, widescreen ensemble piece based on American author Stephen McCauley’s novel. Acclaimed Parisian author Vincent (Andre Dussollier) has passed middle age, yet his younger boyfriend keeps things fresh – and a little dramatic to boot. The cute young fellow is in a bit of a jealous tizzy over Vincent’s upcoming trip to Lyon to promote a new book, and the potential affairs and sexual dabbling it might include. But researching a biography of jazz singer of decades past Pauline Anderton, is Vincent’s distraction of the moment. In Lyon, 40-something TV producer Anne (Karin Viard) is having some relationship issues — namely, boredom — with hubby Thomas (played by director Sam Karmann). So is Anne’s ex, Marc (Francois Cluzet), whose pregnant wife has become unattractive to him, leading to a chronic case of the roving eye. As the protagonists intermingle, witty dialogue and shrewd observations fly fast and furious, “delectably delivered by the top-flight cast,” as Variety’s Alissa Simon has observed, with “sophisticated comic timing…etching universally recognizable character types and emotional situations.” Mais oui! (French with English subtitles) —Lawrence Ferber Director: Sam Karmann Cast: Karin Viard, André Dussollier, François Cluzet, Brigitte Catillon, Julie Delarme, Sam Karmann, Liliane Rovère Screenwriters: Jérôme Beaujour, Sam Karmann (based on the novel by Stephen McCauley) Producers: Jean-Philippe Andraca, Christian Bérard Cinematographer: Matthieu Poirot-Delpech Editor: Philippe Bourgueil Print Source: Films Distribution

Sam Karmann’s Filmography: À la petite semaine (Nickel and Dime) (2003); Kennedy et moi (1999)

Sponsored by:

Philadelphia Premiere USA 2008, 106 min

Told through flashbacks, this is the story of a tragic relationship of two teenage boys. It is a film that powerfully evokes both the sweetness and sadness of first loves lost. Beginning in the present day, we meet boyfriends Danny and Allan at the opening of Danny’s first New York City gallery show, which consisits of erotic paintings of Danny’s first love, Carter. Triggered by memories of their romance, Danny takes us back 15 years to high school. Danny (Tye Olson, star of Tru Loved) was picked on there for being a sissy boy. His best friend was another outcast, Andy (Ellie Araiza), a physically disabled girl. Together they formed a tight pair and dreamt of a happier life beyond high school. A new boy in school, Carter (Kyle Clare), is a big-time swimmer and totally cute. Carter’s mom has met Danny’s dad at an AA meeting and Danny ends up at the house with a troubled Carter, who is drawn to him. We watch this tender love blossom amidst tremendous challenges and secrecy. But after losing an important swim meet, a despondent Carter ends his life. Danny overcomes his grief through his burgeoning art talent but never completely moves on. Fast forward 15 years and Danny is still obsessively painting his young love. Allan demands that Danny focus on the present day, threatening to leave if he doesn’t. A sweet tale of first love, grief and healing, Watercolors is a stunning feature debut for writer/director David Oliveras. —Scott Cranin Director: David Oliveras Cast: Tye Olson, Kyle Clare, Ellie Araiza, Casey Kramer, Jeffrey Lee Woods, William Charles Mitchell, David Schroeder, Greg Louganis, Karen Black Screenwriter: David Oliveras Producers: Larry Allen, Penny Styles McLean Cinematographers: Melissa Holt, Andrew Parke Editor: Martin Aristidou Print Source: Here!

Watercolors is David Oliveras’s debut.

Sponsored by:

for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

S f finit y We Are the Mods Sunday, July 12 • 8:45 • Ritz East 1 Monday, July 13 • 5:00 • Ritz East 2 Philadelphia Premiere USA 2009, 83 min

Director E.E. Cassidy’s polished and stylized debut tells the story of two young women delicately testing the boundaries of their friendship and finding new romance in their shared love of everything from the ’60s. Sadie (Melia Renee), a shy teenage photographer, quietly views the world through the lens of her 35mm Pentax camera. Her life is transformed when Nico (Mary Elise Hayden) — an alluring girl with blunt bangs, cool vintage clothes and an intriguing “monster foot” — joins her high school photography class. Nico’s art is her life and, even though she has Milroy’s disease (hence the abnormal swelling in her foot), nothing will stop her from having fun. Living by the rule of “express things with style,” the sophisticated and experienced Nico introduces Sadie to a Los Angeles inspired by the British mod movement of the ’60s. Finding escape in this thrilling world of elegant lines and classic aesthetics — think skinny ties, pressed pants, hooded parkas, mini-skirts, Jamaican ska and Italian Vespas — Sadie begins to discover herself. Soon the heady rush of friendship is replaced with something else: a same-sex crush for Nico. Whether this will be reciprocated cannot be revealed here, but we know that We Are the Mods has ounces of style, a must-have soundtrack and winning performances from its two leads. —Carol Coombes Director: E. E. Cassidy Cast: Melia Renee, Mary Elise Hayden, Lance Drake, Najarra Townsend, Philip Rodriguez, Corinne Reilly, Cheryl Rodes, Jeffrey Reeves Screenwriters: E.E. Cassidy, Bruce Pavalon Producers: E.E. Cassidy, Rob Poswall Cinematographer: Alison Kelly Editors: David Baum, Daniel Gabbe Print Source: E. E. Cassidy

We Are the Mods is E. E. Cassidy’s debut.

Sponsored by:

for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

Philadelphia QFEST 09

Wrecked Saturday, July 11 • 9:30 • Ritz East 2 Monday, July 13 • 5:00 • Ritz East 1 World Premiere USA 2009, 73 min

Indie American Queer filmmaking gets no better – or explicit – than this tale of young teen couple trapped in a world of wanton sex and drugs. One of the best low budget American films of the year – and one of the most explicit non-adult films this reviewer has ever seen – Wrecked is an edgy drama about one gay teen’s tumultuous decent into drugs and anonymous sex. Ryan is an earnest 18-year-old trying to become an actor and getting his life on the right track. This course is quickly threatened with the sudden arrival of his ex, Daniel, who arrives at Ryan’s door wanting a place to stay and offering the promise of a normal, loving relationship. But Daniel’s drug addition and his perpetually slutty top-man horniness derails any hope for normalcy and soon ensnares Ryan in his own downward spiral of sex and drug addiction. Handheld cameras, an attractive young cast and a boldly upfront approach to sex combine to make Wrecked an orgiastically mesmerizing film experience. —Raymond Murray Director: Harry and Bernard Schumanski Cast: Theo Montgomery, Womack Daryl, Peter Peterson, Benji Crisnis, Garett Dagovitz, Beatrice Carina Screenwriter: Harry and Bernard Schumanski Print Source: Morgan Jon Fox

Wrecked is Harry and Bernard Schumanski’s debut.

ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction Saturday, July 18 • 9:30 • Ritz East 1 Philadelphia Premiere USA 2009, 88 min

For those of you horror film fans disappointed by the recent “gay horror” movies that lack bite, you’ll need to check out this blood, gore and gutspacked zombie movie made with a pro-gay sensibility. Taking place in the peaceful island town of Port Gamble, Washington, ZMD puts its political agenda up-front and center — with the flesh-eating zombies. Conservative Mayor Burton is facing a challenge from liberal teacher Cheryl Banks. The Reverend Haggis preaches his homophobic rhetoric to a half-empty church. The Iranian-American daughter of the local diner’s owner, Frida, is home from Princeton. Tom and his boyfriend Lance are returning for a visit with mom (with Tom planning to finally come out), but they are interrupted by the small matter of the bite on mom’s neck. The blood and guts start flying fast and furious. Mom becomes a zombie and the two gay men look out the window to see a town being overrun by the gruesome creatures. On the run, the guys end up in the church, locked in with a small group of crazed religious conservatives who bring out their “ex-gay” equipment — it’s either that or out the door to be eaten. Meanwhile, Frida has been taken hostage by an insane bigot who thinks that the zombies are Muslim terrorists, and that Frida is one of them. A political satire in disguise as a zombie movie or a horror film with a conscience? Either way, ZMD is buckets of blood-soaked, left-of-center fun. —Scott Cranin Director: Kevin Hamedani Cast: Janette Armand, Doug Fahl, Cooper Hopkins, Bill Johns, Russell Hodgkinson, Ali Hamedani Screenwriters: Kevin Hamedani, Ramon Isao, Yahya Sinno Producers: Kevin Hamedani, Ramon Isao Cinematographer: John Guleserian Editor: Andrew McAllister Print Source: AFD/Typecast Films

ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction is Kevin Hamedani’s debut.

Sponsored by:

for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

We’re ready for your close-up TBA 1 • Monday, July 20 • 7:00 • Ritz East 1 2 • Monday, July 20 • 7:15 • Ritz East 2 3 • Monday, July 20 • 9:15 • Ritz East 1 4 • Monday, July 20 • 9:30 • Ritz East 2 On the last day of the Festival we’re reserving four slots for to repeat screnings of audience favorites. Check out our website — www. phillycinema.org — after July 12 for the announcement of these titles. If you missed them the first time around, now is your chance!

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for ticket sales, updates and more information, visit www.phillycinema.org

A very special thanks to our supporters FUNDERS Pennsylvania Film Office Pennsylvania Tourism Office Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development City of Philadelphia, Department of Commerce Philadelphia Cultural Fund Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance 5-County Arts Fund Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation Lurie Family Foundation Otto Haas Charitable Trust SUPPORTERS Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell Mickey Rowley, Deputy Secretary for Tourism, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Jane Saul, Pennsylvania Film Office Director Richard Bonds, Executive Director, Tourism Operation and Marketing, Pennsylvania Tourism Office Lenwood Sloan, Director, Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Pennsylvania Tourism Office State Senator Larry Farnese, 1st District State Representative Dwight Evans, 203rd District State Representative Babette Josephs, 182nd District City of Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter Gloria Casarez, LGBT Liaison, Office of the Mayor Andrew Adams, Director, Department of Commerce Duane Bumb, Deputy Director of Commerce Sara Merriman, Deputy Director of Commerce Councilwoman Janie Blackwell

Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown Councilman Darrell Clarke Councilman Frank DiCicco Councilman James Kenney Councilman Frank Rizzo Jr. Industry Partners Michael Shoel: Ariztical Entertainment Jeff Crawford: Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Center Casper Andreas: Embrem Entertainment Berwyn Rowlands: The Festivals Company, Ltd Martin Caraux: Films Distribution Paul Marchant: First Run Features Maura King: Frameline Andrea Krauss, Mark Reinhart: Here! Media John Baldasare, Erin O’Keefe: Logo Orly Ravid and Jeffrey Winter New American Vision Michael Piaker: Sony Picture Classics Jon Gerrans, Marcus Hu: Strand Releasing Derek Curl: TLA Releasing Paul Ginsberg: Universal Pictures Maria Lynn, Kathy Wolfe: Wolfe Releasing QFest 2009 HOST COMMITTEE Jay Arnold & Bruce Campbell Al Besse Bryan Hoffman & Jim Lonsdale David Schellenberg, LinguiSearch SPECIAL THANKS Robert Drake Brian Gannon Michaela Majoun Carrie Rickey Lewis Tice

THANKS Georgo Anni Maggie Arbogast Andrew Auwerda Randall Baron Fabienne Bilodeau George Bochetto Justin Bonfiglio Jill and Sheldon Bonovitch Kelly Boyd Sean Buffington Lisa Bunnell David Burgess Laura Burkhardt Cindy Burstein Adah Bush Chris Calderwood Janet and Gary Calderwood Janice Canfield Stephen Carlino Patricia Carmody Dalton Castano Donald Chalphin Denise Cohen Norval Copeland Jen Corsilli Fred Darby Jeff Darcy Shawn Darragh Brian Datesman Katrina Deaton Wes Debenport Robert Deiters James Delmar Jean-Pierre Dion Tania Dougherty James Duggan Daniele T Easton Randal Edelstein Judy Ellis-Taylor Dennis Fee Michael Feighan Nikoletta Fotiadis Leo B. Fox Susan Freeman Robert Gaston Ned Gaudette Tony Geistwite Mitch Gillette Harry Giordano Dolph Goldenberg Clifford Greer Jim Griffith Jeff Guaracino David Haas Derek Hachkowski David Hall Phyllis Halpern Ed Hanlon John Herzins Patrick Heydenburg Cheryl Hoppes Bill Horton IMPAX Marketing Hiroshi Iwasaki Debbie Jackson Jamaican Jerk Hut Holly Johnson James Johnson Kate Johnson Jennifer Karwoski

Graham Kaye Lisa Kincella Andrea Krauss Sue Laks Tom Lamb Chi Chi LaRue Malcolm Lazin Meryl Levitz Herb Lipton Maia Lystad Jim Madden Molly Malone Beth Anne Mandia Brett Mapp Troy Martin O’Shia Edward Mastroddi Gary Mastroddi Steve McCann Joe McCollum Michael McGonigle Kevin & Janet Meeker Brad Miller Jeffrey Miller Dino Minelli Robert Moran Suzi Nash David Neff Carrie Nork Edward Norton Molly O’Shea Jim Ounsworth Laura Palmarini Keven Parker Mary Patel Ruth Perlmutter Rick Piper Michelle Pollino Judy Pote Dawn Marie Pritchard Patrice Rames Jamie Reibenbach Mark Reinhart Lisa M. Reisman George Reppert Beth Mohan Resta Tres Rios Mike Robb Trina Robb Seth Rosen Karen Cornell Rosenberg Marjorie Samoff David Sarrafian Julie Schelling Florence Schrank Erik Schut Antonie Sebire Lydia Segundo Scott P. Sigman Shang Skipper Jeffrey Sotland Walter Staib Tom Stewart Theresa Stoll Alex Styer Celso Thompson Corinne Thornton Sharon Tice Daniel Tremblay Matt Tumminello Gideon Umile Joe Varalli Guierrmo Vega

Jonathan Vendrick Stacey Vey Matt Wagner Michael Weiss Garth Weldon Andy Williams Bill Wood Timothy Yates Bruce Yelk Ellen Yin James Zeleniak AND ESPECIALLY Jay Arnold & Bruce Campbell Dwight Bechtel Al Besse Rick Bluhm Marcia Bloomfield Andrew Brennan Linda Brick Cheril Clarke Marcia Coleman Norval Copeland Benjamin Costa Dominic Dibernadi Charles C. Donnelly Jay Donner Michael Feighan William Felty Denise Fike Anthony Finan Julia Frazier Deborah J. Francesco Danita Fries Marc Goldberg Debbie Gowen Judith Harwood Rosanne Hirsch Bryan Hoffman & Jim Lonsdale Robert Hotes George Huber Kimberly Hugo William Johnson Stan Katinsky Ruth Kuehnle Edd Leonard Don Levinson Leanne Lindsay Rachel Livney Don Malvasi John Monahan Anthony Oliveri Ruth Perlmutter Maureen Privitera Barbara Ryan Reuben & Beulah Saideman Gary Seeley Adrienne M. Smith Daniel Smith Judy Spielman Ron Strouse Darla Synnestvedt Harry Taylor Trenita Taylor Luisa Torrielli Andy Toy Robert Weinberg

2009 qfest festival staff Artistic Director . . . . . . . . Raymond Murray Associate Artistic Director/ Print Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . Carol Coombes Director of Development . . . Thom Cardwell

Program Guide Assitant Editor Jesse Smith

Managing Director/Director of Guest Services . . Mark James Wawrzynski

Program Cover Design Brian McManus, Rob Deiters

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

Program Guide Sponsorships and Advertising Sales . . Thom Cardwell

Director of Production . . . . . . . . Claire Kohler Director of Operations/ Volunteer Coordinator . . . . Parinda Patel Director of Media Relations . . . Matthew Ray Membership Coordinator . . . . . John Fetsko Programmers Kelly Burkhardt, Scott Cranin, Lawrence Ferber Shorts Programmers Raeann Drew, Robert O’Neill, Nick Strathern Screening Committee Michael Andrzejewski, Jayson Bucy, Adah Bush, Katrina Deaton, Raeann Drew, Alejandro Morales, Dudley Best, Mario DiMaio, Brian McManus, Lewis Tice. Robert Moran, Suzi Nash, Emily Teel Special Programming . . . . . . . . . . . Erik Schut Head of Jurors . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Gannon Film Booker . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Arndt-Johns

Graphics Robert Deiters, Brian McManus Digital Photo Prep . . . . . . Stephen Imperato Web Design John Smith, James Curcio Technologies Patrick Boe, Thomas Carroll, David Chaplin-Loebell, Jon Dilks, Dan Maloney, Alice Merlino, Jon Reeb Festival Photographer . . . . . . . Gail Kamenish Accounting Staff Jo Borasky, Cher Bryant, John Chong Festival Trailer Produced by students at the University of the Arts: Karl Staven, Chair, Media Arts Dept. Adriel Garcia, Rachel Gitlevich, Andrew Gomes, Helen Wallace

Technical Advisor . . . . . . . Rick Tramontana

Philadelphia Cinema Alliance Board of Directors

Distribution Manager . . . . . . . . Tahira Turner

Raymond Murray . . . . . . . . . . . President

Ticketing Assistant . . . . . . . . . Kaitlyn Bendik

John Herzins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer

Festival Interns Murjani Andrews, Evan Bochetto, Eric Goldberg, Gabrielle Kane, Adam Leitenberg, Melissa Mann Colin McCullough, Julia Rainer

James Houck • Claire Kohler • Irene Lewis

Ticketing Manager . . . . . . . . Jennifer Bendik

Program Guide Editors Carol Coombes, Mark James Wawrzynski

Herb Lipton • Eric Moore

We are powered by volunteers! Special Thanks Les Anders Alex Bokulich Jayson Bucy Pearl Carpel Crystal Cheepudom Stewart Clamen Will Clinton Norval Copeland Liam Dacey Rudy Flesher Marianne Iorio Jeff Jenne Brian Jones Tom Kenney Alex Kohr Ron Marks Javier Mojica Melanie Orpen Lisa Poe Suzanne Rosin Joey Ruggiero Ken Sipos Allan Spulecki Chris Vachon The Independence Blue Crew

Thanks Nick Allin Craig Alner Phyllis Bailey Blair Berger Dan Bove

Jen Braverman Marla Brown Robert Brown David Bursky Lary Campbell Tony Campbell Caryn Carpenter Theresa Carvalho Stu Cary Thomas Ceneri Amanda Chudnow Danielle Cole Matt Collier Joanna Corcoran Earle Core Alilia Cornelius-Jordan Ben Daniel Stephanie Daniels Kurt Douglass Nancy Fazio Diane Floyd Ellen Gattozzi Maria Gonzalez Jules Goodison Marlene Goodison Deb Gowen Greg Grant Patrick Hagerty Shanna Halpern David Hamdan Allison Harris Cyndy Harrison Tracey Heckstall Donald Henley Joyce Homan Hannah Horowitz Billy James

Melissa Johnson Ruth Kalinka Dennis Kalup Steve Kamison Madhuri Kaul Jim Kenkellan Rocky Kev Ryan King Addy Krasucki Kristy Krivitsky Byron Lee Linda Li Sallie Livingston Kara Losby Jess Mansbach Colin McCullough Jeff Meadows Mark Moyer Ashlee Niedospial Patrick Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Bannon Joe Orr Kathleen Paul Lisa Perry Lorraine Porcellini Melissa Puchek Joan Putnam Art Rauss Richard Ross Cheryl Rusten Dave Sarrafian Joe Shenk Erik Smith Rita Soto Sal Spirito Kathy Staller Carolyn Stan Trey Stanton

Edith Steele Stan Stribe Dan Stroiman Amy Stulman Trenita Taylor Brynn Tetrick Dan Tharp Michael Toops Jessica Tran Jennifer Treichler Monique Turner Tahira Turner Anatasia Vendelin Rafael Viana Emily Weintraub Khendi White Amy Wilson Philip Yaure

Guest Services Jen Hughes Lisa Mann Heather McDonell Cindy Phillips PJ Walking Denice Witkowski Sue Wolko

In loving memory of Joey Ruggiero. Your warm smile will be missed.

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INDEX OF FILMS Featue Films The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert . . . . . . . . 43 Amancio: Two Faces on a Tombstone . . . . . . . . . . . 61 And Then Came Lola . . . . . . . . . 29 Autopsy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 The Baby Formula . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Baby Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 The Big Gay Musical . . . . . . . . . 27 Boy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Changing Spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Chef’s Special. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Chica Busca Chica (Girl Seeks Girl) . . . . . . . . . . . 64 City of Borders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 College Boys Live . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Dream Boy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Dreams Deferred: The Sakia Gunn Story . . . . . . 61 Drool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 An Englishman in New York . . . 67 “Family” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Ferron: Girl on a Road . . . . . . . . 68 Friends & Lovers: Ski Trip 2 . . . 68 Fruit Fly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Ghosted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Grease Sing-Along . . . . . . . . . . 42 Hair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Hannah Free . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Hollywood, je t’aime . . . . . . . . . 25 Homewrecker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 I Can’t Think Straight . . . . . . . . . 73 It Came from Kuchar . . . . . . . . . 74 Just Say Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Lady Trojans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Limbo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 A Litany for Survival: the Life and Work of Audre Lorde . . . 38 Love and Human Remains . . . . 38 Lucky Bastard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Make the Yuletide Gay . . . . . . . 76 Misconceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Mr. Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Myra Breckinridge . . . . . . . . . . . 43 El niño pez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

No End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Off and Running. . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Patrik, Age 1.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Pillow Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Pop Star on Ice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Pornography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Private Lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Prodigal Sons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Raging Sun, Raging Sky . . . . . . 82 Redwoods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Rivers Wash Over Me . . . . . . . . 83 Shank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Soundless Wind Chime . . . . . . . 84 St. Trinian’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Surprise Screening . . . . . . . . . . 39 TBA Slots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Training Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 True Enough. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Watercolors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 We Are the Mods . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 What a Difference a Day Made: Doris Day Superstar . . . . . . . . 41 Wrecked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Shorts Programs Finding, Loving and Losing Mr. Right . . . . . . . 55 Out in Philly - Season 3 . . . . . . . 55 Out on the Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Puppy Love & Lust. . . . . . . . . . . 56 Sexy Intentions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Tough Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Short Films At Home (or Love as Well) . . . . 57 Awakening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 BFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Bitch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Buttery Top. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 The Casuarina Cove. . . . . . . . . . 55 Cowboy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Dancing to Happiness . . . . . . . . 57 Dinx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Dish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Don’t Mess with Texas . . . . . . . 57 Glory to the Conquerors of Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 I Quit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 The Japanese Sandman . . . . . . 55 Looking For… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Loving Loretta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Mars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 On the Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 The Pull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Rope Burn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Second Guessing Grandma . . . 65 ShotGun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Somebody Is Watching Us . . . . 55 Stand Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Sunshine Sparkling in My Eyes 56 Teddy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 The Thorny Rose . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Tools 4 Fools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Tremble & Spark . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Trophy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Vandals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Weak Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 What I Found in Great Aunt Nell’s Closet . . . . . . . . . . 57 When the Time’s Right . . . . . . . 57 The Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Worst Case Scenario: Femme Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 TheYoung and Evil . . . . . . . . . . 56

Honorees & Special Programs Chad Allen Artistic Achievement Award . . 23 Sharon Gless Gay Icon Award . . . . . . . . . . . 22 H.P. Mendoza Rising Star Award . . . . . . . . . 22 Dee Mosbacher Barbara Gittings Award . . . . . 23 Doris Day Brunch . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Queer Idol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 95 95

Rhymes with Brad Me and my friends were roadtripping to Philly for a film festival, and about halfway there we came across a broken down bug with a driver that looked like a young Brad Pitt. He explained his name was Chad and that he had to get to Philly to see his brother. We gave him a ride, but before we could figure out if he was a real Pitt (as in, you know, rhymes with Chad), he ditched us for a limo parked on the corner of Walnut Street. The hand that waved “thanks” through the window definitely looked like Brad’s though. Definitely.

Around every bend, there’s a story waiting to be told. Tell us yours at

visitPA.com

Edward G. Rendell, Governor

?VbZh ;6C9DA;>C> Shoot with the people you want. Get big production discounts and tax credits when you film in Pennsylvania. So you can get, you know, real actors. Check out filminPA.com

Edward G. Rendell, Governor

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