Gay film fest showcases art, not just sexuality
Alysson Cwyk
Issue date: 7/11/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Open your mind. Have you ever encountered something out of your comfort zone, but grown to love it after it was done? Or maybe jumped to conclusions too early in the game, only to find that your initial thought just pulled a 180 on your mind? One might experience this phenomena if they attend the 14th Annual Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, taking place at venues across Center City July 10-22.
Programmed by the Philadelphia Film Society, PIGLFF is more than just a series of events and movie screenings revolving around sexuality. It is an outlet for artistic expression, presenting top-notch documentaries, centerpiece comedies, stirring dramas and social gatherings that will trump any party you ever went to following a blockbuster viewing at your hometown cinema.
Sure, lifestyles that you might not practice are projected among these films, but storylines and themes run universally through most films-independent to mega-studio produced, gay to straight. Tales of families, friendship, love, hate and every other possible topic can be found throughout the 120 plus films presented at this year's festival-there are even some zombie films.
"Tru Loved" illustrates a straight girl's encounter with breaking down homophobia in her new high school. The July 12 Philadelphia premiere is sure to be a sell-out, so make sure to buy your tickets in advance.
Canadian directed film "Breakfast with Scot" has been garnering strong reviews amongst film festival viewers around North America and it will be making its Philadelphia debut July 18. This unconventional, family-friendly comedy shows the obstacles any parents could encounter when adopting a child, with a twist.
Aside from all of the film screenings, happy hours and after-parties will be in full swing during the 13-day festival. Discount drinks, meals and admission covers are granted at certain locations around Center City by presenting your ticket stub. And aside from the fancy bar and restaurant happenings, free events (a favorite college student phrase) are taking place on the weekends of the PIGLFF.
Programmed by the Philadelphia Film Society, PIGLFF is more than just a series of events and movie screenings revolving around sexuality. It is an outlet for artistic expression, presenting top-notch documentaries, centerpiece comedies, stirring dramas and social gatherings that will trump any party you ever went to following a blockbuster viewing at your hometown cinema.
Sure, lifestyles that you might not practice are projected among these films, but storylines and themes run universally through most films-independent to mega-studio produced, gay to straight. Tales of families, friendship, love, hate and every other possible topic can be found throughout the 120 plus films presented at this year's festival-there are even some zombie films.
"Tru Loved" illustrates a straight girl's encounter with breaking down homophobia in her new high school. The July 12 Philadelphia premiere is sure to be a sell-out, so make sure to buy your tickets in advance.
Canadian directed film "Breakfast with Scot" has been garnering strong reviews amongst film festival viewers around North America and it will be making its Philadelphia debut July 18. This unconventional, family-friendly comedy shows the obstacles any parents could encounter when adopting a child, with a twist.
Aside from all of the film screenings, happy hours and after-parties will be in full swing during the 13-day festival. Discount drinks, meals and admission covers are granted at certain locations around Center City by presenting your ticket stub. And aside from the fancy bar and restaurant happenings, free events (a favorite college student phrase) are taking place on the weekends of the PIGLFF.
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