The 24th annual Inside Out LGBT Film Festival takes over Toronto tonight. Inside Out has become one of the largest avenues for LGTQ programming in our city and throughout Canada. This year the festival’s International Focus offers a fascinating look at features and shorts from Latin America. The International Focus programme will showcase a diverse group of filmmakers from Mexico, Spain, Argentina, Venezuela and Brazil.
This year, I am glad to see Latin American talent being celebrated at Inside Out as well. And as some of you know, I often like to choose my top picks at each festival. Thus, I give you my Top Picks at Inside Out.
International Focus: Latin America — Feature Films
Sunday, May 25th, 7:15pm
Everybody’s Got Somebody… But me / Todo El Mundo Tiene A Alguien Menos Yo
Dir. Raul Fuentes (Mexico)
When Alejandra, a publishing editor who lives in her own insular world, encounters Maria, a carefree private-school student, sparks ignite. Maria becomes an inspiration to Alejandra, and something of a muse. Alejandra becomes an opportunity for Maria: an escape from frivolous school friends into an exciting new world. Soon the couple become involved in an all-consuming love affair in which they push and challenge each other intellectually and emotionally.
Sunday, May 25th, 9:45pm
The Third One / El Tercero
Dir. Rodrigo Guerrero (Argentina)
This sexy Argentine three-hander begins where many intriguing encounters begin these days—in Internet chat rooms, where flirtation, dares, exposed flesh and typos run rampant. When nervous young Fede finally shows up for dinner at the home of Franco and Hernán, a settled older couple, fantasy gives way to reality—and reality has its own charms. The film possesses a refreshing realism and honesty as the story slowly unfolds and the characters relax and become comfortable with each other.
Other Feature Films
Tuesday, May 27th, 9:30pm
Centrepiece Gala — Love Is Strange
Dir. Ira Sachs
After 39 years together, Ben (John Lithgow) and George (Alfred Molina) finally tie the knot in a quiet ceremony attended by family and friends in lower Manhattan. But when the Catholic school where George works as choir director learns of their nuptials, he is fired from his longtime job. Suddenly, with no real savings to count on, the couple find that they can’t afford the rent on their Chelsea apartment and they lose their home.
Thursday, May 29th, 5:15pm
What It Was
Dir. Daniel Armando (USA)
Adina, a successful Latina actress, returns to New York in the aftermath of her failed marriage and the death of her sister. Unable to face her mother, Adina finds herself in a fog, drifting through her days. Her memories mingle with the present as she tumbles through a series of intense, complex connections with a sexy, butch body artist, a young college student and a former girlfriend.
Friday, May 30th, 5pm
The Case Against 8
Dirs. Ben Cotner & Ryan White
Kris Perry and Sandy Stier, parents of four boys, were married in 2004 during a brief period when San Francisco City Hall issued marriage licences, but the women later received a letter telling them they weren’t legally married. Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo, together since 1998, want to marry for the sake of the family they’re planning. This comprehensive behind-the-scenes documentary follows two couples, who challenge California’s Prop 8, a 2008 ballot initiative designed to thwart the recognition of same-sex marriage in the state.
If you missed this documentary at Hot Docs last month, this is your chance to see it on the big-screen.
Sunday, June 1st, 7:30pm
Closing Night Gala — 52 Tuesdays
Dir. Sophie Hyde (Australia)
Sixteen-year-old Billie’s reluctant path to independence is accelerated when her mother reveals plans to change genders. In order to minimize the stress as Jane transitions to James, it is decided that Billie will live with her father, Tom, for a year and will see James once a week, every Tuesday. 52 Tuesdays was shot on consecutive Tuesdays over the course of a year with a cast of non-professional actors who were given their scripts, and the scenes in which they appear, one week at a time.
Other Screenings and Events
Saturday, May 24th, 12:30pm
Free Family Screening — Shorts For Shorties
Inside Out and TIFFKids have joined forces to bring you only the best in Saturday morning cartoons and short stories to enjoy with the whole family. You can enjoy tales of growing up, getting along, and learning to be yourself and finding your place in the world, as you take a seat and play along with cats, dogs, squirrels and even balloons. How fun!
This program will show 12 short films, including A Purrfect Pair, Maccupation, Papa’s Boy, and Wini + George, just to name a few.
This panel features executive producer Vanessa Piazza and show runner Michael Grassi, along with key cast members, including lead actor Anna Silk. It will showcase some clips, tales from the behind the scenes, and discussion focused around creating, writing and bringing to life strong, engaging bisexual and lesbian characters within the genre of science fiction. This is a not-to-miss for fans of the show and science-fiction geeks as well.
This list should give some of you plenty of choice, and time to go purchase your tickets. Screenings for the 2014 Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival will take place at TIFF Bell Lightbox. Visit insideout.ca for more film and box office information.
