The organizers at Outfest are beaming ear-to-ear this week for good reason.
The 30th Anniversary celebrations have been an unprecedented success.
For example, in spite of the fact a slew of screenings were slated on “work nights” this week, droves of film fans threw caution to the wind and proceeded to descend on the DGA (and other venues hosting the event) to catch popular films such "Young and Wild", "Joshua Tree 1951: A Portrait of James Dean", "Keep the Lights On", "Le Reflet", and "Our Paradise".
Afterwards, film buffs even sauntered into the DGA Atrium to sip on cocktails and "Barefoot Bubbly" – munch on delicious finger foods – and chat each other up over the state of Queer Film around the country.
Frankly, I was pleasantly surprised to spy a large number of older “silver-haired” gay men – usually in long-term relationships - turn out in full force this year.
And, at screenings - where the subject matter tended to appeal to a younger set - a slew of fashion-conscious head-turning beauties usually packed the houses, too.
I was surprised by the response of one Outfest Board Member, though, when I quizzed him about the good films he'd seen.
"I only attend the parties," he uttered up without a hint of guilt.
That’s bad!
Meanwhile, the fest is going full steam this week with a handful of delightful "shorts" programs, thought-provoking documentaries, what are expected to be lively panel discussions, and - of course - full-length features that are sure to appeal to every taste across the board.
Tonight, I am attending “I Do!” at the Ford Theatre which will screen “under the stars”.
Later in the week, I intend to take in “White Frog” (a film by Quentin Lee), Desperate Living (helmed by John Waters), and maybe a panel discussion on the “Happy Endings” TV show (slated for Sunday afternoon).
By the way, I’ve noticed that when a screening is sold out (usually!) Outfest attendees rarely complain. They just shift gears and move on to another entertaining offering.
Uh-huh!
The LGBT community tends to be flexible.
With all the struggles gays have gone to achieve equality in recent years, it comes as no surprise, eh?
See ‘ya at Outfest this week!
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