AGLIFF (Austin Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival) announced Wednesday the exceptional lineup for its 25th Anniversary, taking place October 3-7, 2012 at the Paramount, Stateside, Alamo Ritz and Violet Crown theaters.
“AGLIFF25 is an opportunity to not only celebrate a significant milestone, but to bring a new vision and guide the festival into uncharted waters, offering innovative and daring programming unprecedented in our history,” says new Program Director, Curran Nault.
This year’s festival theme “A PLACE FOR US,” borrowed from the title of a charming experimental short film by Noam Gonick, signals the festival’s renewed dedication to inclusivity. Boasting a slate of 96 films, a celebrated web series and a diversity of genres from comedy to horror, produced in countries as distinct as Belgium and the Philippines, AGLIFF25 promises abundant selections for all.
According to Nault, “The message of AGLIFF25 is that everyone is welcomed, regardless of sexual orientation or cinematic predilection. AGLIFF25 celebrates the notion of coming together in the spirit of camaraderie, community awareness and cinematic fun.”
In addition to five days of film screenings, AGLIFF’s Film Program will feature panels, performances, parties and industry mixers. Anticipated AGLIFF25 special guests include queer cinema trailblazer Cheryl Dunye and renowned singer-songwriter Justin Vivian Bond. The final conference lineup will be announced in early September. Stay tuned to AGLIFF.org for more information and updates.
AGLIFF 2012 FILM FESTIVAL GALA PRESENTATIONS INCLUDE:
OPENING NIGHT: CLOUDBURST
(Thom Fitzgerald, 2011)
A rollicking road movie, equal parts sweet and sassy, stars Olympia Dukakis as the delightfully ornery half of an elder lesbian couple fleeing a nursing home and pesky relatives to marry in Canada. “The writing is brilliant and the acting’s fantastic. I defy anyone not to enjoy it.” – Lisa Daniel, Time Out.
CENTERPIECE: FOURPLAY
(Kyle Henry, 2012)
A quartet of provocative tales of erotic intimacy, ascending the gamut of outrageous farce to tender drama. Filmed primarily in Austin with a cast and crew of locals, this much anticipated showcase will be an extraordinary homecoming for a film that has already been making waves from Cannes to Sundance.
CLOSING NIGHT: MY BROTHER THE DEVIL
(Sally El Hosaini, 2012)
An explosive urban drama of Arab youths in gangland London negotiating an environment of criminal abandon and casual homophobia with a stunning authenticity that has earned the film top awards at Sundance and Berlinale.
DOCUMENTARY SPOTLIGHT: CALL ME KUCHU
(Katherine Fairfax Wright and Malika Zouhali-Worrall, 2012)
A bold and unforgettable account of David Kato and the courageous fight for LGBT rights in Uganda that has been galvanizing audiences, breaking records for standing ovations, and winning awards at the Berlin Film Festival and beyond.
Hi! I’m actually IN “Cloudburst” and have yet to see it. I am now living between Toronto and Belleville and wondering if it might be playing in Ontario this year. Thanks!