17th
Connecticut
Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
June 4 - 12, 2004
Film Schedule and Descriptions
Friday June 4 - 7:30 pm
Ambiguously
Gay Duo #10: The Third Leg of Justice
(Dir. J.J. Sedelmaier, 2002,
Holy gaytime! Yes, another intriguing, queer superheroes episode from the
wacky zany ambiguously gay dynamic duo!
Short,
White & Pleated
(Dir. Georgina Lock, 2002,
Two
men bond over a female friend's tennis skirt during a game of squash. They
form an obsessive relationship which leads to tension both on and off the
court.
Powerplay
(Dir.
Greg Lawson,
2003,
A classic animated story of business and passion, violence and eroticism,
Laurel and Hardy. Two businessmen-turned-leathermen have fun together,
beating each other to pulp. A lighthearted safe sex message for the young
and young at heart.
Hummer
(Dir. Guinevere Turner, 2004,
A racy story retold by Casey's gender-bending date enthralls her dinner
guests. If you know some slang then you get top marks in this directorial
debut from Guinevere Turner (L Word, Go Fish, American Psycho).
The
Delicious
(Dir.
Scott Pendergast, 2002,
A married man, a red pants-suit, and a lovely discovery from the back of
the closet.
The
Fair
& The Weak
(Dir.
Lauren Cook, 2002,
THE FAIR AND THE WEAK cleverly adapts 1950s educational films to provide a
comedic lesson in the art of unattainable love.
------------ Intermission ------------
Goldfish
Memory
(Dir. Liz Gill, 2003, Ireland, 35mm, 85 min)
In Dublin’s fair city, where the girls (and boys!) are so pretty, Tom, a
lecherous university lecturer, charms his students with a metaphor
comparing a goldfish’s three-second memory with our own—each
experience is a new thrill. This
philosophy launches some fast-paced short-sighted bed hopping.
When Tom’s lover Clara sees him kissing Isolde, she turns to TV
reporter Angie, and when things go wrong between those two, Angie seeks
comfort from her best pal Red, a horny gay bike messenger.
Commitment-phobic Red, meanwhile, finds love with waiter David,
while David’s girlfriend is swept off her feet by one of Tom’s
colleagues… and is that Isolde with Clara?
A saucy, sassy, romantic comedy about lonely hearts, happy couples,
and all the folks who ride the relationship roundabout, Goldfish Memory
proves, in the sexiest possible way, that what goes around comes
around—again and again and again…
---Opening Night Reception
to follow screening---
Saturday June 5 - Matinee 2:00 pm
Straight
Sex
(Dir.
Mouncey Ferguson III, 2002, USA, 16mm, 8 min)
When
two old friends, a gay man and a lesbian, decide to conceive a child the
“old-fashioned way,” things get complicated.
A Bear’s Story
(Dir.
Vincent Mtzplck, 2003, USA, video, 21 min)
If
you’re looking for a chunky hunk then you’ve got to know where they
hunt.
The story of a gay man breaking out of his shell and finding love
in the bear community. www.abearsstory.com
Baker's
Men
(Dir.
Harriette Yahr, 2002, USA, 35mm, 5 min)
Two precocious little girls on a playground deconstruct a nursery rhyme.
------------ Intermission ------------
Tying
the Knot
(Dir. Jim de Sève, 2003, USA, video, 81 min)
Documents the political war between gay people who want to marry and the
people determined to stop them. As politicians and social scientists
debate today's most explosive issue, we see the evolution of the
institution, from its murky ancient roots through its many surprising
transformations. Crisscrossing states and countries, and going ringside
for emotional courtroom dramas, it's the film that demands that love never
be taken for granted again. www.1049films.com
Saturday June 5 - 7:30 pm
When
(Dir.
Liesegang, Smith and Stillson, 2004, USA
, video, 40 min)
This
first-of-its-kind documentary takes an in-depth look at
The
Mezzos
(Dir.
Joe Dietl, Michael Irpino, 2002, USA, video, 13 min)
It's “The Sopranos,” only gayer. A day in the life of two
------------ Intermission ------------
Latter
Days
(Dir.
C. Jay Cox, 2002, USA, 35mm, 110 min)
Christian,
a hunky, 20-something, West Hollywood party boy gets more than he bargains
for when he tries to seduce 19-year-old Elder Aaron Davis, a sexually
confused Mormon missionary who moves into his apartment complex. This
provocative drama about the young Mormon missionary tempted to defy his
church and family when he meets the sexy circuit boy is a charming, sexy,
and moving tale that will leave you believing in the transformational
power of love. www.latterdaysmovie.com
Sunday June 6 - Matinee 2:00 pm
Little
Black Boot
(Dir.
Colette Burson, 2003, USA, video, 16 min)
Appearances are not all they seem as the tale of Cinderella is given a
make-over in this lesbian coming-of-age prom story. www.power-up.net/boot.html
A
Different War
(Dir. Nadav Gal,
Jerusalem
Give
or Take an Inch
(Dir.
Lee Friedlander, 2003, USA, video, 14 min)
Southern siblings are forced to expand their views when their lesbian
sister announces she is going to have a sex change. www.power-up.net/take_an_inch.html
Same
Difference
(Dir.
Harry Richards, 2002, UK, video, 12 min)
Two identical twins are faced with the fact on their 18th birthday that
they may not be so identical. www.harryrichards.com
------------ Intermission ------------
Jim
In Bold
(Dir.
Glenn Holsten, 2003, USA, video, 78 min)
A documentary tribute to Jim Wheeler, a bright and talented youth, whose
family and friends reflect back at his inspirational life.
Inspired by his short life that burst with creativity, the three
creators of Young Gay America website venture out on an incredible road
trip to explore the state of
Sunday June 6 - 7:30 pm
Club
Q: The Legendary Dance Party for Women
(Dir.
Kristen Wolf,
This documentary traces the history of Club Q, a fabulous
“multi-culti” dance event.
See how it started as a grass roots production put on by Page Hodel
and a small group of friends and how it became a monthly event attended
and relished by thousands of women.
Nina
(Dir.
Rolmar Baldonado, 2002,
NINA tackles what it means to be an Asian migrant transgender person in Australia.
------------ Intermission ------------
Prey for
Rock and Roll
(Dir. Alex Steyermark, 2003, USA, 35mm, 100 min)
Gina Gershon (Bound) rocks as Jacki, the bisexual, tattooed lead
singer of an all-woman mostly lesbian punk band, Clamdaddy, whose other
members are Drea de Matteo (Sopranos), Lori Petty, and Shelly Cole.
Both funny and poignant, this film gives a fresh take on the
struggles of women in the music industry all while providing an array of
sensual treats. "Ms. Gershon's hot-wired performance infuses ''Prey
for Rock and Roll'' with a bracing charge of authenticity." Steven
Holden NY Times www.preyforrockandroll.net
Monday June 7 - 7:30 pm
Two
Minutes After Midnight
(Dir.
Seamus Rea, 2002, UK, 35mm, 11 min)
TWO MINUTES AFTER MIDNIGHT sees clubbing angst transformed with a twist of
a magical ring.
Gay
Cops: Pride Behind the Badge
(Dir.
Charley Lang, 2003,
Men and women of law enforcement recount their experiences being “out”
on the beat.
Fotostar
(Dir.
Michele Andina, 2002, Switzerland, 35mm, 14 min) In German with English subtitles.
A closeted photo shop employee has hot imaginary affairs with beautiful
men in pictures.
------------ Intermission ------------
Proteus
(Dir. John Greyson, Canada/Netherlands/South Africa, 2003,
35mm, 100 min)
Greyson's (Lillies) latest is set in a 1700s penal colony in
Tuesday June 8 - 7:30 pm
On
the Outs
(Dir.
Courtney Rowe,
2002, USA, video, 24 min)
After receiving an ultimatum from her girlfriend to "come out"
or "get out," Paige begins a comical journey to discover what
everyone else in her life already knows.
Master
Libation
(Dir.
Sink
or Swim
(Dir.
Amalie Atkins, 2003,
Six sassy synchronized swimmers demonstrate their technique. Arms up, legs
out, you'll soon learn, from the comfort of your seat.
Firepussy
(Dir.
Laurel Almerinda, 2002,
FIREPUSSY is an erotic narrative that uses poetry, montage, and imagery to
explore the mind of Maria, a volatile
------------ Intermission ------------
Mango
Kiss
(Dir.
Sascha Rice & Sarah Brown, 2003,
A good old romantic comedy of errors, only this time of the role-playing,
non-monogamous, S/M dyke variety.
Our lovers, Captain Daddy Lou and Princess Sassafras search for new
forms of erotic and kinky games featuring, among other things, a
dominatrix and the full on wetness of a mango kiss.
Lesbian kink-farce at its best and most delicious!
Wednesday June 9 - Festival Centerpiece 7:30 pm
Reception at 6:30 p.m. hosted by the National Lesbian & Gay Journalist Association (NLGJA)
The Connecticut TransAdvocacy Coalition [CTAC] is a proud sponsor of this evening's film dealing with the Trans community. CTAC's mission is to make Connecticut a Safe and Tolerant place for the Trans-identified individual and community, through Political and Social Advocacy.
Becoming
Donna
(Dir. John D. Allen & Tim Dagradi, 2004, USA, video, 40 min)
Written and produced by John Allen, founder of the Rainbow Support Group,
“Becoming Donna” is a 40-minute piece on an unprecedented subject. The
film chronicles the life of Paul, 36, a
pre-operational male-to-female transsexual who also experiences mild
mental retardation.
------------ Intermission ------------
Wild
Side
(Dir. Sébastien Lifshitz, 2003, France, 35mm, 94 min)
In
French with English subtitles.
Transexual
Stephanie returns home to care for her dying mother. Having run away
to the big city over 15 years ago, Stephanie is reminded of another life
back in the desolate rural landscape of her childhood. The
countryside provokes a flood of emotions and memories. Not only for
Stephanie, but also for Mikhail and Jarnel, the two young men who share
her affections and her bed. Young Russian man Mikhail lives
illegally hand to mouth in a country where he hardly speaks the
language. Jarnel is a young Arab who makes ends meet through
prostitution. Their future is uncertain. Others may not
understand them. But the threee unliekely friens have found comfort
and passion in one anohter's arms. Winner of the Teddy Award at the
2004 Berlin International Film Festival. www.wellspring.com/wildside
Thursday June 10 - 7:30 pm
Casting
Couch
(Dir.
J.T. O’Neal,
A nervous first-time director got confused during
auditions and turned the camera off instead of on.
Click
(Dir. Ilo
Orleans, 2003,
The
Male Nude
(Dir. Andrew
Delaplaine, 2002, USA, video, 28 min)
A sexy documentary
chronicling the male nude from the beginning of photography to present day
beefcakes.
Running
without Sound
(Dir. Judd King, 2003,
USA, video, 10 min)
Sean, a deaf high school student, discovers camaraderie
and attraction to one of his cross-country teammates.
As they open themselves up to feelings that they don’t quite
understand, both struggle to define their friendship and sexuality.
------------ Intermission ------------
You’ll
Get Over It
(Dir. Fabrice Cazeneuve, 2002,
Take
the plunge. This film, a
refreshing and entertaining look at teenage sexual exploration can nudge
you in. 17year old Vincent,
handsome, girl having, normal (appearing) jock teenager, finds his world
upside down when he is force to confront his own true sexuality.
Ostracized and shunned; Vincent with the help of his coach and best
friend, finds he can get over it, and still maintain that swimmer’s
build. Plunge into this
sexually charged movie and experience youthful tribulation and emergence.
Friday June 11 - 7:30 pm
Cucumber
Chronicles
(Dir.
Bryan McHenry, 2000,
These animated shorts, somewhat in the Southpark visual style, analyze the
word salad of a typical “personals” ad, word by word, with all the
ambiguities in such concepts as “queer,” “bisexual,” down to the
last “no fats or fems.”
Where
the Girls Are
(Dir. Tricia
Cooke, Jennifer Arnold, 2003,
Boygirl
(Dir.
Aurora
Reinhard, 2002, Finland, video, 12 min) In Finnish with English subtitles.
BOYGIRL is a film that addresses the daily experience of feeling
different. Interviews with people who fall in between the gender spectrum
provide revelations about what it’s like to not feel 100% male or
female.
------------ Intermission ------------
Laughing
Matters
(Dir. Andrea Meyerson, 2003, USA, video, 60 min)
Follows four celebrated and wickedly funny (and out!) stand-up comedians:
Kate Clinton, Marga Gomez, Suzanne Westernhoefer and Karen Williams.
Skillfully cutting between one-on-one interviews and hilarious on-stage
performances, we get a glimpse of the personal stories, struggles, and
successes of each of these fabulous and pioneering women.
Saturday June 12 - Matinee 2:00 pm
XX
to XY: Fighting to be Jake
(Dir. Emily
Atef, 2002,
Portrait of Jake who fights to become the man he has always wanted to be.
A
Woman Reported
(Dir. Chris
Russo, 2004, USA, video, 5 min)
Nathalie
(Dir. Diana
Knezevic, 2002, Germany, video, 25 min)
In German with English subtitles.
Lesbian pop star
Star-Crossed
(Dir.
Lorene Machado, 2003, USA, BetaSP, 21 min)
To
woo her astrology-obsessed co-worker, Sophie secretly takes a job as a
horoscope writer. www.starcrossedmovie.com
------------ Intermission ------------
Dangerous
Living: Coming Out in the
Developing World
(Dir.
John Scagliotti, 2003, USA, video, 70 min)
The
gripping documentary about the burgeoning, but precarious, gay culture in
the developing world, Dangerous Living examines the struggles and triumphs
of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the Global South.
Dangerous Living tells the stories of activists in Africa,
Saturday June 12 - 7:30 pm
Paradisco
(Dir.
Stephane Ly-Cuong, 2002
, France, BetaSP, 18 min)
In French with English subtitles.
A mature man takes his young lover down a musical memory lane.
Looking
for Mr. Right
(Dir.
David
Young, 2002, USA, video, 4 min)
A
gay “everyman,” with rather precise criteria in men, searches a bar
for his fantasy man.
Go-Go Boy (Prelude)
(Dir.
Kenneth
Sherman,
The
Nearly Unadventurous Life of Zoe Cadwaulder
(Dir.
Buboo Kataki, 2003,
Traumatized by a double death and a sequence of disasters, Zoe has to
overcome her fears and phobias to find true love and adventure.
------------ Intermission ------------
Revolution
(Dir. Lorene Machado, 2003, USA, 35mm, 84 min)
Revolution, Margaret Cho’s …”strongest show yet!,” says the
Chicago Sun Times. Unbridled
humor that sees combat against the axis of evil, all while we travel with
her through Thailand’s red district,
the explosion of child birth, sex for chores, revolutionized
self-esteem, joyous bodily functions, loser ex-boyfriends, more notorious
mother stuff, plus much more too unbecoming to print.
---Closing Night Party to follow screening---