I had posted this in CT, but thought it might be worth adding it to this thread as well. Forgive the repetition, but it might helpful for some people.
So I mentioned that I've been volunteering with LA's OutFest, the lgbt film festival. It's the longest continuously running film festival in LA, and will celebrate it's 25th anniversary next summer. Anyway, I've been working mostly as usher/ticket taker, and only worked one of their many parties. As usher I got to sit in on many films, and there have been some really good films this year that I'd highly recommend.
Keep your eyes out for
C.R.A.Z.Y. It's already hitting Canada, I believe. A beautifully film about a boy who's the fourth of five sons, dealing with his sexuality as well as his relationship with his brothers and his father. It's funny and evoked the 70's beautifully. It's also made great use of the soundtrack, which includes music from Pink Floyd, Bowie, Patsy Cline among others. The music didn't simply function as filler, but rather helped to tell the story. Definitely a dvd I'm looking forward to adding to my collections.
http://www.outfest.org/tixSYS/2006/filmguide/eventnote.php?EventNumber=4742 Reinas (Queens) is a film out of Spain, featuring 5 actresses who are known as Amodovar's muses. It follows 6 gay men, their mothers and fathers, as they all prepare for Spain's first gay marriage ceremony. It's fun film with lots of absurd plot points that are funny and entertaining.
http://www.outfest.org/tixSYS/2006/filmguide/eventnote.php?EventNumber=4740Un Amour à Taire (A Love to Hide) from France follows two gay men during the turmoil World War II. This is a film that hits hard emotionally, so be prepared to cry a bit. I left the theater and there was more than few people breaking down in various corners of the theater.
http://www.outfest.org/tixSYS/2006/filmguide/eventnote.php?EventNumber=4770Boy Culture is the big hit this year. I didn't end up seeing the film, but it won OutFest's big award this year and everyone I talked to loved it. The synopsis is this "a reflective, high-priced Seattle prostitute known as X, who’s dodging the overtures of one roommate while hiding his feelings for another."
http://www.outfest.org/tixSYS/2006/filmguide/eventnote.php?EventNumber=4681Puccini for Beginers is was chosen as the film to open the festival. Again I didn't get to see the film, as I was helping set up the Opening Night Gala. You can read the synopsis at the following link. Most everyone I talked to said they really liked the film.
http://www.outfest.org/tixSYS/2006/filmguide/eventnote.php?EventNumber=471620 Centimetros (20 Centimeters) is the Closing Night feature. The Spanish film tells a tale of a narcoleptic pre-op tran-sexual prostitute who falls asleep at inopportune times, though when she does, she dreams in musical numbers. 20 Centimeters estimate to roughly 8 inches, so you can guess what that refers to.
http://www.outfest.org/tixSYS/2006/filmguide/eventnote.php?EventNumber=4673The Gymnast is another much talked about film this year. The actress won OutFest's best actress award for her performance. I will definitely check this one out when i get a chance.
http://www.outfest.org/tixSYS/2006/filmguide/eventnote.php?EventNumber=4699