2 minute read
WELCOME
elcome to the 7th Annual Indianapolis LGBT Film Festival. I’m certain that our new venue and fantastic line-up of films and parties are going to blow you away!
As I reflect on our 7 year history, I’m amazed at how far we’ve come and how we continue to develop. I remember vividly a meeting of 6 people at a friend’s dinner table in the fall of 2000, and the discussion centering on whether we could actually pull off a film festival with our limited resources and knowledge. We stumbled our way through that first year and the first festival was held in 2001, just a little over a week after the tragedy of September 11. The decision not to cancel, even though we were unsure that films we had booked would even be able to arrive, is one of the proudest moments of my life, and bears witness to the fortitude of this very determined committee, which now boasts 18 talented members.
This year, we proudly present to you 28 films spanning 6 countries, the most exceptional slate of films in our history. We are ecstatic to kick our festival off with the Midwest premiere of Itty Bitty Titty Committee, the charming and hysterical new film by Jamie Babbitt, who captivated us all with her feature But I’m a Cheerleader (1999). You’ll be ready to party after this wild romp, and we’ll do just that at our private premiere after party, hosted by Agio, and featuring a complimentary cocktail menu, complimentary hors douvres, and other surprises. Our centerpiece films, Nina’s Heavenly Delights and A Four Letter Word, screening back to back on Saturday evening, are heart-warming romantic comedies that have stolen the show at festivals around the world. On Sunday, after you spend the day with us laughing, crying, celebrating, and singing, join us for our closing night dessert bar gala in the Talbott Street SkyBar.
While you’re enjoying the festival this weekend, please keep our beneficiary, Indiana Youth Group (IYG), in your minds and hearts. Since 1987, the Indiana Youth Group has been a force impacting thousands of LGBT youth annually. A dedicated array of hard working board members, staff, and volunteers continue to fulfill the IYG mission: to provide a safe place, a confidential environment and services which foster self-esteem, resiliency, and positive decision-making skills among self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender young people, and to advocate on their behalf in schools, on the streets, and in the community. As you watch the plots and stories unfold on the big screen, pause to think of the young people currently experiencing these joys and pains, and give some thought to what you personally can do to impact their lives. Let’s help IYG celebrate its 20th Anniversary by renewing our commitment to support their efforts.
The IYG Board, staff, volunteers and youth thank you for your sponsorship and attendance, and for the difference you make in the lives of local LGBT youth. I’d like to personally thank the festival committee for your tireless and brilliant efforts. You have inspired me and enriched my life during my tenure as festival director. As I transition this role to my colleague and friend, Mark Harper, I can only imagine the magnitude of growth we will continue to achieve. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Sincerely,
