Outfest 2009 kicks off tomorrow! If you’re in Los Angeles, I urge you to come see the latest in LGBT film, including a number of excellent trans-themed projects.
against a trans narrative
Trans filmmaker Jules Rosskam examines how we reconcile our personal identities with our larger communities in this unique exploration of gender politics. Preceded by:
Queerer Than Thou
Beautiful Darling: The Life and Times of Candy Darling
Candy Darling, iconic and glamorous Warhol Superstar, went from her suburban Long Island roots to star turns in Warhol Factory films and inspired Lou Reed’s song “Walk on the Wild Side.” In this in-depth tribute, Candy is immortalized in rare archival footage, while Julie Newmar, Tennessee Williams and John Waters share insights and divulge classic Candy moments. Her dearest friend Jeremiah Newton’s devotion to Candy drives this documentary, which serves as a love letter to Candy and her unrealized dreams.
Maggots and Men
An experimental narrative set in post-revolutionary Russia, MAGGOTS AND MEN recounts the 1921 Kronstadt sailor uprising with a twist of gender anarchy. Shot on Super 8 and 16mm, this theatrical homage to silent Soviet cinema fantasizes the historical – and homoerotic – relations of the all-male crew with queer and transgender actors from across the masculine spectrum. Preceded by: Martí and I
Prodigal Sons
Filmmaker Kimberly Reed returns home for her high school reunion, ready to reintroduce herself to the small town as a transgender woman and hoping for reconciliation with her long-estranged adopted brother Marc. Things are complicated by the shocking revelation that Marc may be the grandson of Orson Wells and Rita Hayworth, forcing Kim and her family to explore questions of sexual orientation, identity, severe trauma and love. Preceded by: Ready For Love
Still Black: A Portrait Of Black Transmen
In the award-winning STILL BLACK, first-time feature director Kortney Ziegler gives voice to a frequently marginalized community (even within LGBT circles) – African American transgender men. Coming off a successful screening at Fusion: The Los Angeles LGBT People of Color Film Festival, this consistently engaging film allows six men from around the country to speak for themselves about the complex experience of being black, trans and male in America today.
Straightlaced – How Gender’s Got Us All Tied Up
Academy Award-winning director Debra Chasnoff crafted this powerful documentary about the lives of teens and young adults as seen through the gender lens. Approaching society’s ideas and ideals of gender through clothes, sexuality, sports, dance, safety, consumerism and emotion, the film addresses the complexities of conceptions of masculinity and femininity for Generation Z. STRAIGHTLACED is a striking and diverse film for all ages, genders and sexualities. Preceded by: State of the Movement
Two Spirits: Sexuality, Gender, and the Murder of Fred Martinez
Filmmaker Lydia Nibley explores the cultural context behind a tragic and senseless murder. Fred Martinez was a Navajo youth slain at the age of 16 by a man who bragged to his friends that he “bug-smashed a fag.” But Fred was part of an honored Navajo tradition – the “nadleeh” or “two-spirit”, who possesses a balance of masculine and feminine traits. Through telling Fred’s story, Nibley reminds us of the values that America’s indigenous peoples have long embraced. Preceded by: The Shoes of Aristeu (Os Sapatos de Aristeu)
Shorts programs
“Kaden Later” in Queerer Than Fiction: Documentary Shorts
“Ookie Cookie” (precedes It Came From Kuchar)
“Transliminal Criminal” in Women on the Verge
“Transproofed” in Bitches Buttholes and BFFs
Calpernia and I are scheduled to be at both screenings of Transproofed, so we hope to see you there!
http://www.outfest.org/tixSYS/2009/filmguide/Title/AZ/2009/TRANS/ALL/