OUTFEST 2017

JULY 6-16
DGA - Harmony Gold - REDCAT

The 35th edition of OUTFEST, the Los Angeles pre-eminent LGBT Film Festival, returns with a vast and diverse selection of highly acclaimed films from around the world. The festival showcases the best American and International LGBT feature films, documentaries, and shorts, followed by receptions at the atrium of the DGA and after-parties in West Hollywood.

God's Own Country

Opening Night Gala

(United Kingdom, 2017, 104 min)

Directed by: Francis Lee

Gritty yet tender, desolate yet beautiful, carnal yet romantic: God’s Own Country is a masterpiece directed with powerful focus and authenticity by first-time feature filmmaker Francis Lee. Johnny Saxby (Josh O’Connor) is an overworked 25-year-old sheep farmer who feels as though life has already passed him by. He whiles away the time with drunken hookups in his small community in Northern England. When his ailing father takes a turn for the worse, handsome Romanian migrant Gheorghe (Alec Secareanu) is brought in to assist Johnny. Although Johnny resents Gheorghe at first, the two are quickly drawn to each other, and during an excursion to the highlands, they forge an even deeper connection.

Freak Show

Closing Night

(USA, 2017, 91 min)

Southern California Premiere

Directed by: Trudie Styler

Teenager Billy Bloom (Alex Lawther, THE IMITATION GAME) learned fabulousness at the feet of his larger-than-life Muvv (Bette Midler). But when he’s shipped off to live with his conservative father (Larry Pine), Billy’s classmates at Ulysses S. Grant Academy don’t know what to make of this flamboyant newcomer and his seemingly endless array of colorful ensembles (with matching makeup). After being severely bullied, Billy bounces back with the help of his new friends, sensitive jock Flip (Ian Nelson, THE HUNGER GAMES) and the loquacious BlahBlahBlah (AnnaSophia Robb). Eventually, our glamorous hero decides to wave his freak flag as high as he can by running for homecoming queen, even if that means facing off against Bible-thumping mean girl Lynette (Abigail Breslin).

Behind the Curtain: Todrick Hall

Centerpiece Screening

(USA, 2017, 100 min)

West Coast Premiere

Directed by: Katherine Fairfax Wright

Last year Todrick Hall, the singer, dancer, actor, director, AMERICAN IDOL sensation, and YouTube superstar unveiled his biggest project yet: THE WIZARD OF OZ—inspired musical STRAIGHT OUTTA OZ. Influenced largely by his small-town Texas upbringing and his close relationship with his conservative Christian mother, Hall brings this deeply personal yet ambitious project to fruition over the course of this up-close-and-personal documentary.

Close-Knit

Centerpiece Screening

(Japan, 2017, 127 min)

West Coast Premiere

Directed by: Naoko Ogigami

This warm, witty exploration of unconventional family and unconditional love won the Teddy Jury Award at the Berlin International Film Festival. The award's message of solidarity and equality is epitomized in this film, hailed by critics as breaking new ground for trans narratives in Japanese cinema. 

KEVYN AUCOIN Beauty & The Beast In Me

Centerpiece Screening

(USA, 2017, 90 min)

World Premiere

Directed by: Lori Kaye

This extraordinary film documents renowned celebrity makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, who fought his way from rural Louisiana to become the most sought after makeup artist of his time. At the heart of the documentary is an abundance of never before seen archival footage of some of the most iconic moments in fashion history, shot by Kevyn himself throughout his life and career. Intimate and uncensored moments with the celebrated paragons of 80s and 90s fashion and pop culture include Naomi Campbell, Cher, Cindy Crawford, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Andie MacDowell, Paulina Porizkova, Tina Turner, and Amber Valletta. Interviews with celebrities, colleagues, family, friends, and former lovers explain and share why they think Kevyn was able to achieve all of his dreams and create so much beauty, yet struggled to see the beauty within himself. This World Premiere is produced by Logo Documentary Films and Putti Media.

Strangers

Centerpiece Screening

(USA, 2016, 115 min)

West Coast Premiere

Directed by: Mia Lidofsky, Celia Rowlson-Hall

Newly single and bisexual, Isobel rents out her spare room in a last ditch effort to keep the home she loves. Along with her lesbian best friend, Cam, she navigates the most complicated time in her life—emotionally, sexually, and professionally. As Isobel begins to share her life with a revolving door of colorful characters, their zany antics challenge her perspective and help open her up to a new way of looking at the world. From navigating her first relationship with another woman, to grappling with career dissatisfaction, Isobel ventures into uncharted territory with hilarity and sincerity. 

Beautiful Thing

Legacy Project

(United Kingdom, 1996, 90 min)

Directed by: Hettie Macdonald

Released in 1996, this beloved coming-of-age classic tells the story of two teenage boys, living in the same London housing project, who hold the same secret: they think they might be gay. After a fight with his abusive father, Steve ends up crashing in Jamie's bed, allowing the two to open up to each other and begin the process of embracing their identities. Two decades after its initial release, the film still stands as one of the most poignant and honest depictions of the coming out process ever presented on screen.

Chasing Amy

Legacy Project

(USA, 1997, 113 min)

Directed by: Kevin Smith

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Kevin Smith’s iconic film. Both beloved and dismissed by members of the LGBTQ community, this film explores the complexities of friendship and sexuality. Holden McNeil (Ben Affleck) and Banksy (Jason Lee) are best friends and comic book artists. When the two meet fellow comic book artist Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams) at a convention, Holden is immediately smitten, only to discover Alyssa is a lesbian. However, as the two become closer as friends, the lines begin to blur.

Muchachas de Uniforme 
Girls in Uniform

Legacy Project

(Mexico, 1951, 83 min)

Directed by: Alfredo B. Crevenna

Likely the first time this film has been screened in the United States since its release, this drama is a rarely-seen Mexican remake of the iconic German film Mädchen in Uniform. Orphaned Manuela enters a strict boarding school dominated by an overbearing headmistress. She finds protection in Lucila, a young teacher for whom Manuela builds a strong affection, but this crush could get them both in trouble.

4 Days in France

Jours de France

International Narratives

(France, 2016, 142 min)

Directed by: Jérôme Reybaud

One morning, Pierre quietly leaves his sleeping boyfriend Paul in their Paris apartment, hops in a gleaming white Alfa Romeo, and heads for the gorgeous French countryside, embarking on a series of anonymous encounters. Before long, Paul sets off in pursuit, using Grindr to track his wandering lover. In this twisting road trip movie, full of charming and unexpected moments, both men meet a series of beguiling strangers, propelling each other to a destination neither of them expected. 

Body Electric
Corpo Eletrico

International Narratives

(Brazil, 2017, 93 min)

Directed by: Marcelo Caetano

First-time filmmaker Marcelo Caetano gracefully weaves a warm, sensual tale that captures the charm of young working people and the beauty of the changing sexual landscape in Brazil. Carefree Elias works at a textile factory, juggling long shifts with animated nights out and no-strings sexual encounters. As he tries to discern where his future might lead him, Elias learns to take pleasure in the small things in life. 

Center of My World

Die Mitte der Welt

International Narratives

(Austria, Germany, 2016, 115 min)

Directed by: Jakob M. Erwa

Bursting with the erratic euphoria that fuels our teenage emotions, wide-eyed high schooler Phil (Louis Hofman, Oscar-nominated LAND OF MINE) finds his humdrum life turned upside-down by the arrival of a strapping young track star. Navigating first love, and an escalating feud between his counter-culture mom and rebellious sister, Phil is forced to confront the reality of his rose-colored point of view. First-time director Jakob M. Erwa imbues this coming-of-age story with pops of panache, creating a vibrant mosaic of adolescence. 

The City of the Future

A Cidade do Futuro

International Narratives

(Brazil, 2016, 76 min)

West Coast Premiere

Directed by: Claudio Marques, Marilia Hughes Guerreiro

In a remote part of Brazil, the triad of Mila, Igor, and Gilmar are determined to break away and form their own nontraditional family, defying the definitions that society has attempted to impose on them. As they prepare for the birth of their child, the three contemplate their intertwining relationships. Cláudio Marques and Marília Hughes Guerreiro have boldly collaborated on a naturalistic film that shuns convention, instead embracing love in all its dazzling iterations. 

A Date for Mad Mary

International Narratives

(Ireland, 2016, 82 min)

Directed by: Darren Thornton

Mary's charms are undeniable in this Irish coming-of-age portrayal of the angsty path from youth to womanhood. Mary has just been released from a six-month prison stint for a drunken bar fight. Her best friend Charlene is now getting married and wants to keep Mary at a distance, alienating her from their circle of friends. An encounter with a queer musician changes Mary's perspective and awakens her romantic spirit. Filmmaker Darren Thornton's first feature is warm and instantly relatable.

Fathers

International Narratives

(Thailand, 2016, 96 min)

North America Premiere

Directed by: Palatpol Mingpornpichit

Striking couple Phoon and Yuke, urban professionals in their 30s, seemingly have it all—except for one thing: they've always dreamt of being parents. When they adopt the adorable young boy Butr, the pair become "Daddy" and "Papa" and their family is complete. However, schoolyard bullying and interference from prejudiced parents brings unwelcome attention from child protective services. A tender portrait of same-sex fatherhood, this film makes a heartfelt plea in support of rainbow families.

I Dream in Another Language

International Narratives

(Mexico, Netherlands, 2017, 103 min)

Directed by: Ernesto Contreras

Winner of the Audience Award at Sundance, this romantic drama is sure to please. Martin, a handsome linguist, travels to a Mexican jungle to record audio of Zikril, an indigenous language on the verge of disappearing. But the last two remaining speakers, Evaristo and Isauro, have not spoken for 50 years due to a lovers’ quarrel. Can Martin persuade the men to reconnect in order to save their language? This epic sensory experience explores the impact of cultural identity on matters of the heart.

In Between

Bar Bahar

International Narratives

(France, Israel, 2016, 96 min)

Directed by: Maysaloun Hamoud

Three Palestinian women share an apartment in the bustling city of Tel Aviv, as they attempt to break away from the expectations of their families and society. Laila, an outspoken lawyer who parties hard, and Salma, a lesbian DJ from a conservative Christian family, take in new roommate Nour, a devout Muslim studying for her degree despite her fiancé's protests. Buoyed by a sparkling cast, Maysaloun Hamoud's taboo-breaking first feature expertly navigates the culture clash among religious, gender, cultural, and ethnic divides.

Paths

Ein Weg

International Narratives

(Germany, 2017, 108 min)

USA Premiere

Directed by: Chris Miera

For anyone in a relationship who’s ever asked themselves, "How did we get here, anyway?" comes this poignant and impassioned tale of a love that’s reached an impasse. Furniture designer and single father Andreas falls for Martin, and as the years go by, we see the ebb and flow of their lives together, both deeply in love and falling apart at the seams, even as their son Max grows into manhood. Movingly acted and directed, this story avoids flashy melodrama in favor of the discrete, everyday intimacies that couples create together over time.

Rift

Rökkur

International Narratives

(Iceland, 2017, 111 min)

North America Premiere

Directed by: Erlingur Thoroddsen

When Gunnar reluctantly answers a late-night phone call from Einar, his ex-boyfriend, he’s concerned: Einar sounds disturbed and capable of hurting himself. Gunnar travels to the secluded cabin where Einar is holed up and quickly discovers that someone, or something, is relentlessly stalking them both. As sparse and chilling as a northern winter, this Icelandic thriller will keep you guessing and leave you haunted.

Santa & Andres

International Narratives

(Cuba, 2016, 105 min)

Southern California Premiere

Directed by: Carlos Lechuga

Cuba, 1981: For many, the wounds of the revolution have begun to heal, although there are still those who refuse to be compliant with the regime's silencing of intellectuals and LGBTQ people. Gay writer Andrés spends three days under house arrest, supervised by young revolutionary Santa, who knows nothing of life away from the countryside. During this brief period, the pair form an unpredictable bond. Subtle and moving, yet boldly political and provocative, this is a story of day-to-day lives affected by sweeping change.

Tamara

International Narratives

(Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, 2016, 110 min)

Directed by: Elia K. Schneider

This extraordinary biopic follows the true story of Venezuela's first transgender politician Tamara Adrián. Conservative Tomás builds a life as a successful lawyer and devoted husband and father, despite having always felt female on the inside. A sojourn in Paris frees Tamara to assert herself, and a lengthy battle with Venezuelan authorities over misgendered ID papers turns her into an activist who eventually decides to run for office. Powerful performances anchor this acclaimed portrait of a real-life, present-day heroine.

Tom of Finland

International Narratives

(Finland, 2017, 115 min)
Directed by: Dome Karukoski

His unabashedly sexual drawings-featuring leather-clad studs of all stripes-shaped the fantasies and fetishes of generations of gay men, but who was Tom of Finland? This acclaimed film follows the life of artist Touko Laaksonen, from the trenches of WWII through the repression of the 1950s to the explosion of gay liberation, which his artwork helped inspire. Moving and inspiring, this stirring biopic pays tribute to one of the great pioneers of erotic art, who happily called Los Angeles home during the latter years of his life.

The Wound

Inxeba

International Narratives

(South Africa, 2017, 88 min)

Directed by: John Trengove

In the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, a group of young men head to a remote mountain camp to be initiated into manhood. Matched with mentors who lead them though this ancient Xhosa rite of passage, the expectations of masculinity create a pressure-filled environment for Xolani, who harbors a secret about his identity. Singer Nakhane Touré, a Xhosa tribe member, plays the lead role in this captivating film that offers insight into a cultural tradition rarely explored onscreen.

Bones of Contention

Documentary Features

(Spain, USA, 2017, 75 min)

Directed by: Andrea Weiss

The brutal Franco dictatorship continues to haunt Spain—literally, as some 120,000 skeletons of the Fascist leader's enemies were buried in unmarked graves all over the country. If one man has come to symbolize all of these desaparecidos, it's legendary poet and playwright Federico Garcia-Lorca, whom this film calls "the first LGBT victim of the Franco regime." Director Andrea Weiss examines the men and women (including the writer's niece, Laura) who recall Spain's homophobic past and seek to exhume it by finding these remains.

Boys for Sale

Documentary Features

(Japan, 2017, 76 min)

Directed by: Itako

In Tokyo’s Shinjuku district there are bars that specialize in "Urisen", young guys who have sex with men. Featuring candid interviews and interspersed with animation detailing the awkward, sweet, and sometimes hilarious situations these sex workers experience, the boys for sale boldly tell their stories of life in the Tokyo underground. This doc is an illuminating look into a rarely seen world that tantalizingly shows the humanity of sex work.

Chavela

Documentary Features

(Mexico, Spain, USA, 2017, 90 min)

Directed by: Catherine Gund, Daresha Kyi

This stunning documentary captures the significance of Mexico’s most beloved lesbian Rancheras icon—Chavela Vargas—a rebellious, solitary and profoundly wounded trailblazer. An unforgettable journey through the enigmatic life of Chavela, this lyrical love letter interweaves never-before-seen interview footage and mesmerizing musical portraits of her most famous soul-gripping songs. From the spotlight of the stage, Chavela’s tortured vocals and unapologetic queer sensibility inspired a deeply patriarchal culture to love, to cry, and to feel, redefining entrenched gender traditions. You’ll never forget it.

The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson

Documentary Features

(USA, 2017, 105 min)

Directed by: David France

A fixture in NYC’s Greenwich Village and a stalwart advocate for gay rights, Marsha P. Johnson was a beloved, vivacious trans woman who has been called the Rosa Parks of the LGBTQ movement. Her tragic death in July 1992 was quickly dismissed as suicide by the NYPD. Director David France (Oscar-nominated HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE) uses his background in investigative journalism to dig deeper into the mystery of Marsha’s death while highlighting the very real dangers trans people still face.

Dream Boat

Documentary Features

(Germany, 2017, 92 min)

Directed by: Tristan Ferland Milewski

Decked from port to starboard in tops and bottoms, this cruise sets sail every year with leagues of gay men hungry to find their own slice of paradise on the open seas. International waters provide the perfect platform to explore the ecstasy, agony, hopes, and dreams that bridge this community behind the bacchanalia, revealing a manifest rife with intersections between the diverse identities aboard, a brotherhood across borders.

The Fabulous Allan Carr

Documentary Features

(USA, 2017, 90 min)

Directed by: Jeffrey Schwarz

Director Jeffrey Schwarz (VITO, I AM DIVINE) returns with this fascinating look at Allan Carr, one of the most extravagant Hollywood figures of the 1970s and 80s. The film charts Carr’s rise from talent manager to megastar producer of GREASE, before he perpetrated the box-office blunders CAN’T STOP THE MUSIC and GREASE 2, as well as the disastrous 1989 Academy Awards ceremony. Featuring new interviews and archival footage of Carr’s legendary parties, this portrait of a showbiz legend is both hilarious and deeply sympathetic.

No Dress Code Required

Etiqueta no rigurosa

Documentary Features

(Mexico, 2017, 92 min)

Directed by: Cristina Herrera Borquez

Stylists Victor and Fernando made many Mexicali brides look beautiful on their wedding day, but when they decide to marry, the pair begin a complicated journey requiring them to navigate Baja California's legal system and labyrinthine bureaucracies. Neither bomb threats nor accusations of mental illness stop these determined men from marrying in their hometown. An Outfest Fusion favorite, this compelling and poignant documentary reminds us that the fight for global marriage equality is nowhere near over.

For a complete list of films and screening schedule please visit: OUTFEST 2017

OUTFEST 2016

July 7-17

DGA - Harmony Gold - REDCAT - Ford Amphitheatre

The 34th edition of Outfest, the Los Angeles premiere LGBT Film Festival, returns with a vast and diverse selection of highly acclaimed films from around the world. The festival showcases the best American and International LGBT feature films, documentaries, and shorts, followed by receptions at the atrium of the DGA and after-parties in West Hollywood.

THE INTERVENTION

Opening Night Gala

(USA, 2016, 90 min)

Directed by: Clea Duvall

Clea DuVall makes an assured directorial debut with THE INTERVENTION, a relationship comedy featuring a sharp-witted ensemble of thirty-something couples on a beautiful lakefront vacation -- with a hidden agenda. When the weekend's plot to intervene in Ruby's (Cobie Smulders) relationship goes awry, tension among the group runs high and riotous comedy ensues. Secrets are revealed, and as everyone lets go of their public façades and acknowledges their emotional baggage, the hilarity builds. The expert comic timing of this astonishingly talented cast keeps you laughing, even as its sly observations make you wince in recognition.

Reunited once again, DuVall and Natasha Lyonne (ADDICTED TO FRESNO, BUT I'M A CHEERLEADER) shine as a couple facing temptation in the form of an alluring queer stranger (Alia Shawkat). The spirited group also includes neurotic instigator Annie (Melanie Lynskey), who orchestrates the intervention, Matt (Jason Ritter), her put-upon boyfriend, and free-spirited drifter Jack (Ben Schwartz). We're thrilled to showcase acclaimed Outfest alum Clea Duvall in this award-winning, energetic Sundance favorite.

ESTEROS

International Centerpiece

(Argentina, Brazil, 2016, 83 min)

In Spanish with English subtitles
Directed by: Papu Curotto

      

Sexy and heartfelt, this US premiere explores a second chance at love. Childhood friends Matías and Jerónimo reunite in their hometown of Paso de los Libres, Argentina, on the banks of the Uruguay River. The summer before high school, the teens' close friendship transformed into something deeper, but their mutual attraction never came to fruition. More than a decade later they meet again, and the chemistry between them is palpable, but now Matías has a girlfriend who has traveled to his hometown for Carnival. Seeing his old friend, now so comfortable and confident in his skin, reawakens Matías' feelings. This unexpected opportunity forces Matías to reassess his choices and to figure out whether he can turn his back on marriage to a woman in favor of the man he's always loved. A powerful film that elicits feelings of nostalgia for our own adolescence and for the long-forgotten romances from our past, ESTEROS offers a satisfying glimpse into what might have been (and what might still be).

 

SPA NIGHT

U.S. Narrative Centerpiece

(USA, 2016, 93 min)

In English and Korean with English subtitles

Directed by: Andrew Ahn

Andrew Ahn perfectly captures a specific corner of the Korean-American experience with his directorial debut. This intimate portrait, striking for its keen observation and cultural accuracy, unfolds against the vibrant backdrop of Koreatown. SPA NIGHT follows David Cho, a Korean-American with first-generation Korean parents, as he goes to S.A.T. classes, helps out at his parents' restaurant, and is unsure about his future. When his family's restaurant is forced to close, David begins working at a spa, where he discovers the underground gay hook-up culture. As David struggles to explore his burgeoning sexuality, in a powerfully restrained performance by star Joe Seo, director Ahn taps into the ways that maturity and sacrifice go hand-in-hand. Poignant, reflective, and moving, SPA NIGHT explores the weight of familial obligation and suppressed emotions while also positioning director Andrew Ahn as a filmmaker to watch. Seo won Breakthrough Performance at the Sundance Film Festival; you don't want to miss his career-making turn as this multifaceted character.

KIKI

Documentary Centerpiece

(Sweden, USA, 2016, 94 min)

Directed by: Sara Jordenö  

 

Dazzling and exhilarating, this Sundance hit and Teddy-winning documentary returns us to a world we might think we know from the classic PARIS IS BURNING. Working closely with Twiggy Pucci Garçon (of the Haus of Pucci) and her friends over a four-year period, Swedish filmmaker Sara Jordenö takes us into the shimmering community of Kiki, an offshoot of New York City's vibrant drag-ball scene. You'll meet activist and house mother Twiggy and her good friend ChiChi Mizrahi, who coach young performers (representing a vast array of the gender and sexual spectrum) as they face off in intense vogueing competitions. Kiki also offers these kids a place to find family in a world that can be challenging for LGBT people of color. The festivities for KIKI will begin before the screening itself, so do not miss out. Arrive by 8pm to catch the stars of KIKI performing a vogueing battle/show with a DJ and commentator.

KING COBRA

Special Centerpiece

(USA, 2016, 91 min)

Directed by: Justin Kelly 

Cast: James Franco, Molly Ringwald, Alicia Silverstone, Christian Slater

James Franco and writer-director Justin Kelly (I AM MICHAEL) return to Outfest Los Angeles with another sure-to-be-talked-about film based on true events. When a small-time porn producer discovers gay adult superstar Brent Corrigan (played by Disney Channel alum Garrett Clayton), two would-be competitors turn to violence as they fight over the future of his career. The all-star ensemble also includes Franco, Christian Slater, Keegan Allen, Molly Ringwald and Alicia Silverstone. Producers Scott Levenson and Jordan Yale Levine present this powerful ripped-from-the-headlines drama exploring real-life greed and obsession.

 

OTHER PEOPLE

Closing Night Gala

(USA, 2015, 97 min)

Directed by: Chris Kelly  

In Sundance Opening Night hit OTHER PEOPLE, Jesse Plemons ("Fargo," "Breaking Bad," "Friday Night Lights") plays a comedy writer who has just moved from NYC home to Sacramento to help care for his sick mother Joanne (Molly Shannon). Fresh off a split with his longtime boyfriend and stuck in a hometown that now feels completely foreign, David struggles to find any semblance of meaning in his circumstances. First-time writer- director and longtime "SNL" scribe Chris Kelly strikes a perfect balance between humor and pathos in this mostly autobiographical tale. His eye for detail mines big laughs from events that feel heartbreakingly real. Plemons nails his first leading role, and a never-better Shannon provides the film with unwavering warmth and humanity, as well as her trademark comic timing. A stellar supporting cast full of familiar faces, including Bradley Whitford ("The West Wing"), Zach Woods ("Silicon Valley"), and John Early (FORT TILDEN), does the rest of the dramatic -- and comedic -- heavy lifting. OTHER PEOPLE is a film that expertly blends the comic and the tragic by remaining achingly honest throughout.

BABY BUMP

International Narrative Feature  

(Poland, 2015, 89 min)

In Polish, English with English subtitles

West Coast Premiere

Directed by: Kuba Czekaj

       

Mickey House is 11 years old and baffled by the changes in his body. His ears are getting bigger, and his mother remains a mystery; at least he's running a successful business at school, selling his urine to classmates for drug tests. Described as a wild collaboration between Walt Disney and David Lynch, this outrageous, hilarious Polish import wowed audiences at the Venice Biennale, where it received a Special Mention from the Queer Lion jury.

 

BEING 17 (Quand on a 17 ans)

International Narrative Feature  

(France, 2016, 116 min)

In French with English subtitles

Directed by: André Techiné

 

 

Damien and Thomas, teenagers from very different upbringings, constantly butt heads at school. When Damien's mother invites Thomas to live with them, the boys are forced to coexist and work through the complicated feelings they have for each other. Renowned French director André Téchiné (WILD REEDS) -- working from a script he cowrote with Céline Sciamma (TOMBOY) -- crafts a touching study of two young men struggling to find their passions in a pivotal life moment.

 

BLUSH (Barash)

International Narrative Feature 

(Israel, 2015, 84 min)

In Hebrew and Arabic with English subtitles

Directed by: Michal Vinik

Naama has a difficult home life outside of Tel Aviv. Already searching for a salve for her problems, she falls fast and hard when she meets Hershko, an impossibly hip and street-savvy new girl at school. As their relationship progresses, Naama descends deeper into Hershko's intoxicating rabbit hole. A coming-of-age story in the spirit of BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR, BLUSH is an honest love letter to sexual and personal awakenings.

 

CLOSET MONSTER

International Narrative Feature  

(Canada, 2015, 90 min)

Directed by: Stephen Dunn  

 

A coming-out story, Cronenberg-style, CLOSET MONSTER focuses on Oscar (Connor Jessup), who's struggling to find his place in the world after a rough childhood left wounds he's still grappling with. Oscar devotes most of his time to monster makeup and to his pet hamster, Buffy (voiced by Isabella Rossellini), until the day he meets a mysterious young man. Stephen Dunn's visually arresting debut feature explores the messy, often chaotic transition between adolescence and adulthood. Awarded the Jury Prize at the Toronto International Film Festival.

 

DEPARTURE

International Narrative Feature  

(France, United Kingdom, 2015, 109 min)

In French and English with English subtitles

Directed by: Andrew Steggall

 

 

Elliot (Alex Lawther) and his emotionally restrained mother Beatrice (Juliet Stevenson) arrive at their French vacation cottage to prepare for its sale in this cinematic meditation on language, silence and secrets. Elliot identifies and explores his desire through the courtship and seduction of a local tough boy, while Beatrice confronts her failed marriage and takes the first, halting steps toward changing her life. DEPARTURE finds visual, verbal and aural means to express the indefinable -- and the results are divine.

 

FIRE SONG

International Narrative Feature  

(Canada, 2015, 85 min)

Directed by: Adam Garnet Jones  

 

Fresh from its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, First Nations director Adam Garnet Jones' feature film debut introduces us to Shane, a Two-Spirited Anishinaabe. Shane lives in an aboriginal community in Northern Ontario with his mother Jackie, who is mired in the past. Conversely, Shane immerses himself in the future, planning his escape from the reservation. When his opportunity for college is put in jeopardy, Shane's decisions force him and those around him to confront the present.

GIRLS LOST (Pojkarna)

International Narrative Feature  

(Sweden, 2015, 106 min)

In Swedish with English subtitles
Directed by: Alexandra-Therese Keining

What would happen if you discovered a way to temporarily change your gender? Three bullied teenage girls find out in this supernatural body-swap drama from Swedish filmmaker Alexandra-Therese Keining (KISS ME). The trio jump at the chance to explore freedoms they have never known, redefining gendered power dynamics and challenging the complexities of teen friendship and the definition of identity and sexuality. Wherever you fall on the LGBTQ spectrum, you need to see this wildly original adventure.

 

HE HATED PIGEONS

International Narrative Feature  

(Canada, 2015, 80 min)

In Spanish with English subtitles
Directed by: Ingrid Veninger

 

Compelled by the last memories of his boyfriend, a heartbroken Elias fulfills a promise to embark on the road trip they planned before his unexpected death. Against the striking backdrop of Chile, Elias travels from the Northern Atacama Desert through Patagonia, down to the "end of the world." Chance meetings with fellow travelers along the way gradually heal him, ultimately leading to a profound catharsis. A mesmerizing love letter to Chile, starring Pedro Fontaine and Cristobal Tapia Montt. 

 

HOLDING THE MAN

International Narrative Feature  

(Australia, 2015, 127 min)

Directed by: Neil Armfield  

 

Tim and John couldn't be more different (John's the captain of the football team, Tim's in the drama club), but these high-schoolers manage to build a relationship that will last through years of challenges in this poignant drama. Featuring achingly romantic lead performances by Ryan Corr and Greg Stott -- as well as supporting turns by Guy Pearce, Anthony LaPaglia, and Kerry Fox -- this award-winning Australian import proves that even an unlikely love can be an enduring one.

 

I PROMISE YOU ANARCHY (Te prometo anarquía)

International Narrative Feature  

(Germany, Mexico, 2015, 88 min)

In Spanish with English subtitles

Directed by: Julio Hernandez Cordon

 

Miguel and Johnny like to skate, hang out, and have sex (whether or not Johnny's girlfriend is in the room). But when their scheme for easy money goes off the rails, the young lovers find themselves in way over their heads. Director Julio Hernández Cordón boldly combines stylish noir and gritty realism in this sexy tale of skate punks, blood trafficking, and romance in Mexico City. Outstanding performances by newcomers Diego Calva and Eduardo Martínez Peña.

 

LOVE (Yêu)

International Narrative Feature  

(Vietnam, 2015, 105 min)

In Vietnamese with English subtitles

Directed by: Viet Max

 

Pop music sensations Chi Pu and Gil Le star in Vietnam's first mainstream LGBTQ film, directed by hip hop guru Viet Max. Nhi, the frontwoman of an all-girl band, and Tu are longtime friends, but lately their personal struggles have brought them much closer together. The girls are afraid to acknowledge their deepening relationship aloud at first, still grappling with feelings that they did not know they had. LOVE examines the relatable issues of familial obligation and societal disapproval, and Max's underlying message is a triumphant one: love wins. 

 

THE NEST

International Narrative Feature  

(Brazil, 2016, 115 min)

In Portuguese with English subtitles
Directed by: Filipe Matzembacher, Marcio Reolon  

    

On leave from the military, handsome twenty-something soldier Bruno travels to Porto Alegre determined to find his estranged older brother Leo. What he finds instead is a vibrant queer community that happily embraces him, inviting him into their alt social scene. Through these unconventional new friends, Bruno discovers a new space where he is free to explore his sexuality. Away from home, he's found a new family and found himself, and his lost brother feels closer than ever.       

 

PARIS 05:59: THEO + HUGO (Théo et Hugo dans le même bateau)

International Narrative Feature  

(France, 2016, 97 min)

In French with English subtitles

Directed by: Olivier Ducastel, Jacques Martineau

SHORTBUS meets WEEKEND in this year's Audience Award winner at the Teddys, an erotic, dazzling, real-time drama from the directors of CÔTE D'AZUR. The titular characters meet at an underground Paris sex club and have a passionate first encounter. Afterwards, the two spend the rest of the early morning hours getting to know each other in ways that are both lyrical (bicycling through empty streets) and dramatic (waiting for HIV test results at a hospital) in this powerful love/lust story.

 

SUMMERTIME (La belle saison)

International Narrative Feature  

(Belgium, France, 2015, 105 min)

In French with English subtitles

Directed by: Catherine Corsini

 

Set to the hazy beats of 1970s France, SUMMERTIME follows Delphine (Izïa Higelin), a young student in Paris who becomes involved in the fight for women's rights, equally enthralled by the cause and its alluring leader Carole (Cécile de France). When Delphine is forced to return home to the countryside, she finds herself at a crossroads. Veteran filmmaker Catherine Corsini deftly captures the essence of a burgeoning love with the veracity and spirit that defined the era. 

 

WHERE ARE YOU GOING, HABIBI?

International Narrative Feature  

(Germany, 2015, 80 min)

In German with English subtitles
Directed By: Tor Iben

 

 

Caught between the old world ideals of his conservative Turkish family and the boundless possibilities of contemporary Berlin, closeted twenty-something Ibo, an adrift college graduate, moonlights in a sex shop, gently fights the power, and stumbles into an unconventional relationship with a straight, white wrestler with a prison record. Tenderly exploring Ibo's search for connection, HABIBI dares to show its open heart, balancing the theme of societal intolerance with the redeeming powers of friendship, multicultural meatballs, and the pursuit of self-expression. 

 

FORBIDDEN: Undocumented and Queer in Rural America

Documentary Feature  

(USA, 2016, 90 min)

In English and Spanish with English subtitles
Directed by: Tiffany Rhynard

  

      

When Moises Serrano was a baby, his parents risked everything to flee Mexico in search of the American Dream. Growing up in the rural South as an undocumented gay man, forbidden to live and love in the country he calls home, Serrano sees only one option -- to fight for justice and equality. Driven by a deep love for his family, who have come to accept being treated as invisible, Moises seeks to change the world.

MAJOR!

Documentary Features

(USA, 2015, 91 min)

Los Angeles Premiere

Directed by: Annalise Ophelian

 

In this inspiring documentary, Miss Major Griffin Gracy's revolutionary life secures the legacy of black trans women as resilient activists, leaders, and survivalists, anchoring their communities against the rampant transphobia that trans women of color face daily. Filmmaker Annalise Ophelian channels this transformative biography into a powerful film that highlights the impact one woman and her interwoven communities have had on the foundation and growth of advocacy for trans rights and liberation.

SOUTHWEST OF SALEM: The Story of the San Antonio Four

Documentary Feature  

(USA, 2016, 90 min)

Southern California Premiere

Directed by: Deborah S. Esquenazi

      

Witch hunts aren't confined to the 17th century, as four falsely charged lesbians in late-90s Texas discover. Accused of child molestation and Satanism by a jealous ex, the "San Antonio Four" are quickly tried by a homophobic jury and sentenced by a disinterested court. Director Deborah S. Esquenazi uses her prodigious talent to build a strong case for their innocence and an even stronger argument for their exoneration in this gripping true-crime doc, as compelling as "Making a Murderer."   

 

STRIKE A POSE

Documentary Feature 

(Belgium, Netherlands, 2016, 83 min)

Directed by: Ester Gould, Reijer Zwaan

  

      

Madonna's 1990 Blonde Ambition tour had more backstage stories than TRUTH OR DARE could fit, and now her backup dancers (six gay, one straight) take center stage to share their own experiences. A quarter-century later, they look back on how the experience changed their lives: From wild tales of the road to finding the courage to be out and proud during the first Bush era, these performers have seen it all, and now they're telling all.

UNCLE GLORIA: One Helluva Ride!

Special Events

(USA, 2016, 76 min)

Directed by: Robyn Symon

 

 

A new twist on transgender life, UNCLE GLORIA is a darkly funny film, full of drama and family fireworks. The macho owner of an auto-wrecking company in Florida goes into hiding from the law as a woman, setting off an unexpected journey of self-discovery. Undergoing a risky sex-change operation, Gloria becomes a dominatrix and a transgender activist and finds gender-bending love, all while trying to reconcile with her dysfunctional family.

 

UNCLE HOWARD

Documentary Feature 

(United Kingdom, USA, 2016, 96 min)

Directed by: Aaron Brookner   

    

 

Aaron Brookner's tribute to his late uncle Howard Brookner, an acclaimed director who lost his life to AIDS in 1989, brims with affection for both his talented relative and a bygone era of New York City. Archival and interview footage, featuring artists from Jim Jarmusch and Andy Warhol to Laurie Anderson and Madonna, chronicles Aaron's search for the lost negative of his uncle's film BURROUGHS: THE MOVIE (also screening at Outfest Los Angeles) while Aaron finds purpose in celebrating a man who died far too young.

 

WEEKENDS

Documentary Feature  

(South Korea, 2016, 98 min)

In Korean with English subtitles

North America Premiere

Directed by: Lee Dong-ha

     

"G-voice" is Korea's first, and only, amateur gay men's chorus. On the eve of their 10th anniversary concert, they are invited to perform at Korea's first gay wedding, making them the pitch-perfect voice of a growing LGBTQ rights movement. Dong-ha Lee's glossy, confident direction gives each of his subjects a fierce individuality. Even in the face of vitriolic discrimination, these young singers are determined to stand and proudly assert their rights as gay men. 

 

WOMEN HE'S UNDRESSED

Documentary Feature  

(Australia, 2015, 95 min)

Directed by: Gillian Armstrong  

 

You might not know the name Orry-Kelly, but you know the Oscar-winning costume designer's work, from Rosalind Russell's ensembles in AUNTIE MAME to the dresses he made for Marilyn Monroe and for Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis in SOME LIKE IT HOT. Legendary Australian filmmaker Gillian Armstrong (MY BRILLIANT CAREER) mixes recreations of Orry-Kelly's life (including an affair with young Cary Grant) with testimonies from peers and admirers to create an unforgettable portrait of one of Hollywood's grand godfathers of glamour.

DADDY'S BOY       

U.S. Narrative Feature  

(USA, 2015, 78 min)

Directed by: Daniel Armando

 

     

Four young men from different backgrounds living in the big city explore their own daddy issues as they shed their inhibitions and clothes during softcore porn shoots to make money. This black-and-white exploratory film is a queer neo-noir, exposing the complexities of male identity and sexuality through its characters, as they question the responsibilities of adulthood while leaving behind their boyhoods.

 

FRONT COVER

U.S. Narrative Feature  

(USA, 2015, 87 min)

Directed by: Ray Yeung  

 

 

Ryan is a stylist for the hottest fashion magazine in Manhattan -- and he's damn good at it. He's also Chinese-American, but that's something he doesn't like to advertise. To advance his career, he begrudgingly agrees to dress China's hottest movie star, the brash and high-maintenance Ning. They clash instantly, but soon both men find their ideas about identity challenged, as their developing friendship blossoms into something more complicated. Can love survive the personas they've created for themselves?

 

LAZY EYE

U.S. Narrative Feature 

(USA, 2015, 86 min)

Directed by: Tim Kirkman

 

      

When Dean unexpectedly hears from his ex-boyfriend Alex for the first time in 20 years, they flee to Joshua Tree for a romantic weekend of whirlwind perspective shifts, nonstop conversation, and second chances. Sunkissed and exposed, their past, present, and future choices collide in LAZY EYE, a naturalistic love story with no easy answers. Outfest alum Tim Kirkman (LOGGERHEADS, DEAR JESSE) revels in these moments, exploring transcendent truths about relationships and reconciliation against an epic desert backdrop.

MILES     

U.S. Narrative Features

(USA, 2016, 90 min)

Los Angeles Premiere

Directed by: Nathan Adloff

      

It's 1999, and high-school senior Miles is desperate to go to college far from his rural town in Illinois. An athletic scholarship seems like the obvious solution, but Miles' sport of choice is volleyball -- which, at his school, is strictly for girls. Featuring a deep bench of comedy vets (including Molly Shannon, Missi Pyle, and Paul Reiser), this charmingly sweet, family-friendly comedy reminds us that gender rebellion can take many forms.

 

PUSHING DEAD

U.S. Narrative Feature 

(USA, 2016, 110 min)

Directed by: Tom E. Brown 

 

 

 

PUSHING DEAD uses its impeccable comic timing to burst preconceptions of how to approach HIV on the big screen. Positive for 22 years, Dan accidentally prices out of his health insurance plan after cashing a birthday check. Now he is left scrambling to access his medication. Writer-director Tom E. Brown paints drolly honest images packed with idiosyncratic charm. James Roday, Robin Weigert, Danny Glover, and Khandi Alexander gracefully bring this community of resilient recovery to life.

 

WOMEN WHO KILL      

U.S. Narrative Feature 

(USA, 2016, 93 min)

Directed by: Ingrid Jungermann   

 

      

As true-crime podcasters obsessed with the secrets of female serial killers, ex-girlfriends Morgan and Jean know that mystery keeps relationships alive. But as their macabre musings become popular around Brooklyn, shady femme fatale Simone (Sheila Vand) may just rip them apart. With a lethal dose of wry wit in the vein of vintage Woody Allen, debut director-writer-star Ingrid Jungermann (F TO 7TH) acerbically sharpens the dull edges of urban complacency into a dark comedy of manners. Winner of Tribeca's Best Screenplay Award.  

For a complete list of films and screening schedule please visit: OUTFEST 2016