'Sweet' Celluloid! :: FilmOut 2017

The Southern California LGBT film festival circuit kicks off in San Diego this month, and it promises to be a tasty experience whether or not one gorges on candy, ice cream or other sweet treats during its 37 screenings. FilmOut, now in its 19th year, will take place Friday, June 9 through Sunday, June 11 at the historic Observatory North Park Theatre.

Several U.S., West Coast, California and World premieres are included, as
well as award-winning features from both the Sundance and Berlin Film Festivals along with a variety of LGBTQ short films. Many filmmakers and cast members will be in attendance and participate in question and answer sessions with audiences.

This year's opening night film is especially worthy of attention. It will be the San Diego premiere of Del Shores' long-awaited "A Very Sordid Wedding." A cinematic sequel to 2000's hilarious, gay classic "Sordid Lives" (there was
a short-lived TV series follow-up in 2008), it reunites original cast members Leslie Jordan, Bonnie Bedelia and Ann Walker while adding Whoopi Goldberg, Caroline Rhea and Alec Mapa, among others.

Writer/Director Shores and many cast members will be in attendance for the movie's Friday, June 9 screening. They can also be found at the fest's Opening Night party at the Sunset Temple directly across the street from the theater, which will run from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Jennifer M. Kroot's fascinating and inspiring documentary "The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin" will serve as the fest's Closing Night film, as well as the film's West Coast premiere on Sunday, June 11. It explores the life and work of its celebrated, title author/activist. The screening will be followed by a closing night party at West Coast Tavern (how appropriate) in the upper theatre lobby

In between Friday and Sunday nights, are such attention-grabbers as the Girls Centerpiece film "Signature Move," about a Pakistani Muslim lesbian who falls in love with a bold Mexican woman (West Coast premiere); Josh Howard's timely documentary "The Lavender Scare," detailing the U.S. government's history of persecuting LGBT citizens (Festival Spotlight) and the poly-sexual tale "Even Lovers Get the Blues" from Belgium (West Coast premiere and International Spotlight).

After nearly two decades of success, FilmOut San Diego continues to "annually affirm the ongoing integrity and boundless imagination of our community and the artists who tell our stories," according to their press release. The festival's Board of Directors believes its work is an integral part of an ongoing effort to build a vibrant, affirming and sustainable LGBT community in San Diego County.

The Rage Monthly is proud to again serve as a sponsor of FilmOut, as
well as to co-present the 2017 Boys Centerpiece screening, Something Like Summer. A West Coast premiere, this romantic drama with musical moments will screen the evening of Saturday, June 10. Cast members, as well as Carlos Pedraza, one of the film's producers, will be in attendance.

My personal favorite of the men's films selected for this year's fest that I have previewed is the Irish crowd pleaser "Handsome Devil." It will be screening at FilmOut on Sunday, June 11 prior to its local theatrical release. Reminiscent of early 1990s gay coming-of- age movies from the U.K. like "Beautiful Thing" and "Get Real," it is about two roommates at a conservative all-boys school who gradually connect on a deeper level. Acclaimed and super-cute actor Andrew Scott ("Spectre," "Sherlock"'s Professor Moriarty on BBC) plays the school's new English teacher, who has a secret or two of his own.

For the full fest schedule and to purchase tickets or an all-access VIP pass, go to filmoutsandiego.com