"I love movies that have complex stuff going on! For instance, my own film Kawa, isn't just about being gay, it also crunches on other stuff like being Maori and married with kids. So one of my favourite LGBT films is Latter Days because while its a hot love story, it involves religion in the mix and you can't get much crunchier than that. A lot gets worse in the film before things get better."

Look for Witi's new film, Kawa on DVD and digital May 8th. Check out the film's trailer after the break.

(Cross-posted on the official Wolfe Video blog: QMovieBlog.com)

One of my favorite gay films is John Greyson's masterpiece Lilies (1996). I saw the film at the Berlin Gay and Lesbian Film Fest. I was lucky enough to have two of my films play at the fest. Leather Jacket Love Story (1997) and Skeletons (1997) starring Christopher Plummer. I had just gotten off the plane and was suffering from jet lag. The film started at midnight and I made it to the theatre just in time. I was simply blown away by this incredible film. The film is a breathtaking, emotionally powerful love story. Lots of tears. The combination of the surreal nature of the film, the jet lag and sleep deprivation made the experience as close to a fever dream as I could imagine. The cinema was packed but was dead silent during the screening. You could hear a pin drop. I'll never forget that night.

David's many films also include the beefcake chiller, Beastly Boyz and the popular 1313 homoerotic horror series which includes such productions as: 1313: Haunted Frat ("A bunch of tasty hunks running around in their tightie whities." --BigDaddyHorrorReviews.com), 1313: Hercules Unbound and 1313: Frankenqueen.

Trailer for 1313: Haunted Frat after the break

(Cross-posted on the official Wolfe Video blog: QMovieBlog.com)

Hmmm... Imagine Me & You because I loved the traffic scene at the end. I fantasize about someone chasing me down and swearing they can't live without me. Also Bound because I love both Gina Gershon (who is incredibly incredible) and Joey Pantoliano. Platonically I mean. Joey that is.

Become a fan of Hilary's politics blog at HuffingtonPost.com today or follow her on Twitter at @HilaryR.

And click through to WolfeVideo.com to watch the trailer for Imagine Me & You (or buy it on DVD)!

(Cross-posted on the official Wolfe Video blog: QMovieBlog.com)

Jan, thanks for making time to talk with us. I know your film has been a huge hit in Poland and at film festivals around the world -- congratulations on the many awards the film has been winning, especially your recent Eagle Award!

Thank you very much. Yes, and I must also say that the film's star Jakub Gierszal (who plays the lead character of Dominik) was just named one of the top ten rising stars of European cinema. They've even published an article about it in Variety calling the film a "cult Polish hit" and one critic has named him "the Polish James Dean."

@SuicideRoom is such a powerful film with such a powerful message --especially about certain perils of the online world. Can you tell us how you decided to make this film?

At first the idea came out after reading a lot about social withdrawal syndrome called hikikomori. See, the thing is, the Internet is probably one of the strongest forms of media ever created (right after newspapers and TV) and to this very day it doesn't have a proportionate representation in cinema. This is strange, isn't it? It's because the Internet itself is quite a non-cinematic medium. You have to be a user, rather than a viewer. That's why the Internet ends up being like a Second Life to people. You can spend hours online anonymously and experience things in total freedom. I wanted so strongly to show this second life.

Read more after the break.

Of course, the Internet also has a great capacity for linking, helping people find each other. But for a growing number of users, especially for those who have issues in their real life -- it becomes like a shelter where they can easily find acceptance, and friends and create their new identity (since we consider Facebook and other social websites as just another platform to build your own avatar gaining "friends" and creating the image of your life's activity).

@SuicideRoom is an extremely intense film and really vividly depicts how hard it is for Dominik to cope with the reality of being bullied -- especially when he does not have the supportive attention of his parents or any real person around him. Can you talk about this aspect of the film?

I had a lot of friends in high school who till this day are scared to even talk about their homosexuality (and we are so called adults, with so called independent lives). I was observing a couple of them struggling with depression from not being accepted by their families which was like a disaster -- rooting in to the deepest core of their identity. The pain of not revealing the truth about their homo-orientation, and their second life was very similar to every other pain of anybody who just feels different and has their own identity pushed out, and then they are trying to fill the empty space inside with anything. The situation becomes a time bomb, having those who suffer wait for an explosion, as if in a trap.

The target for me was to show coming of age as a painful and bloody choice between the life one has to choose and the power one has to find in one's self -- the power to fight for yourself. I heard one day: "If people laugh at you because you are different, laugh at them because they are all the same."

Wow! I love that quote! There is a point in the film where that really comes across. You both wrote and directed the film. Can you talk about how you created such a powerful story and what you see as the message of the film?

Making a movie is something that is very inspiring. Well-made cinema makes you feel the character and the story even more. What was most important to me was to make a film that would change reality for the better -- to give hope to "different ones" and to show them that it's worthwhile to fight for your identity, and that you are a part of this world just as much as anybody else.

Also I think there is a strong need to remind everyone else considering themselves at least "quite O.K." to look around and see if there is anybody out there lacking support and needing even a simple smile. We can easily be so ignorant of somebody else's suffering (even those closest to us). We don't like to get out of our warm little shells to actually see the "real" world. We, too, tend to create the virtual world.

I see that the film has an enormous base of fans online and more than 162,000 fans on your Facebook page. You must be very happy about this.

Yes, since the Internet is the main platform for the movie plot the film naturally finds a very convenient place on the Internet itself. There is quite an interesting buzz spontaneously going on in social media. We recently happily discovered this Tumblr page: http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/suicide+room -
Many, many people are sending each other info about the movie and there is a huge fan base. They also tend to make a lot of fan vids on YouTube which is great.

Thanks for talking with us. Is there anything else you want to say to people about your movie?

In Poland the film was accepted by some psychiatric and educational authorities, which resulted in a lot of serious symposiums and discussions followed by screenings of the movie across the country. I really hope the film can help people in other countries as well.

@SuicideRoom is now available on DVD and digital platforms across North America.

Full disclosure: Interviewer Jenni Olson also serves as director of e-commerce and marketing for Wolfe Video, the distributor of @SucideRoom.

My favorite LGBT movie? One of my favorite movies period (not just in the LGBT category): Aimee and Jaguar. I thought the movie was even better than the book - and how often does that happen? The movie captured so well the insanity and terror of Nazi-Germany in the early War years - life ostensibly going on for Aryans, as usual, in nightclubs and restaurants and on the streets, while some Jews and homosexuals (and homosexual Jews like the lesbian Jaguar) tried to find surreptitious ways to live and love in the belly of the beast. Powerful.

Find out more about Lillian Faderman at LillianFaderman.net and get your hands on the recently re-issued paperback of her pioneering volume, Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers: A History of Lesbian Life in Twentieth Century America.

(Cross-posted on the official Wolfe Video blog: QMovieBlog.com)

Well, for obvious reasons Sordid Lives has certainly been very good to me, so I have to list it as my favorite. Seriously, when I think of having the most fun at a gay movie, I'd have to go with Trick. First of all, I love go-go boys and Coco Peru's "It burns" line still makes me laugh when I think about it.

Get your hands on Del's Sordid Lives and don't miss the brand new DVD release of Del Shores: My Sordid Life -- Del's hilarious one-man show (new on DVD this week!).

(Cross-posted on the official Wolfe Video blog: QMovieBlog.com)

My favorite is Before Night Falls. It's just exquisitely directed, with a masterful performance by Javier Bardem (as poet Reinaldo Arenas) and a shape-shifting turn by Johnny Depp. I'm a huge fan of these actors, and Julian Schnabel's direction is seamless. Total transformation of the actors into their roles, total transportation to Cuba over several decades, following an artist who perseveres, through imprisonment and exile, to artistic freedom. Must watch.

Discover Hale's amazing performance in Private Romeo (coming to DVD and digital June 5th from Wolfe). Hale also gives a terrific performance in Pedro -- the popular drama about the late HIV+ gay reality TV star Pedro Zamora.

Trailer after the break.

(Cross-posted on the official Wolfe Video blog: QMovieBlog.com)

"I love Velvet Goldmine. I can see it over and over and over and over. It's a beautiful film about an inspiring time and all about my favorite rock stars and their impact on society and each other. The soundtrack is also incredible, and I wrote a song with Grant Lee Phillips, whose song 'The Whole Shebang' from that album inspired the song on my record 'Eat Shit and Die.' This is one of the greatest films of all time, and my favorite queer movie of all."

Margaret's latest concert film, Cho Dependent (shot at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, GA) came out recently on DVD. Cho Dependent was an official selection at last year's Outfest, Newfest and Frameline fests; and was the audience winner for Best Comedy at Atlanta's Out on Film Festival. We also love Margaret's dramatic debut feature, Bam Bam & Celeste.

Margaret's movie pick, Velvet Goldmine is recently out in a new Blu-ray edition which includes a great director's commentary from director Todd Haynes and producer Christine Vachon.

(Cross-posted on the official Wolfe Video blog: QMovieBlog.com)

What is the LGBT movie to watch out for according to Alison?

My favorite LGBT film is Maurice. I'm a sucker for Maurice. All that repressed longing and guilt and boys in beautiful Edwardian suits and starched collars sitting around their rooms at Cambridge translating Plato. The scene where Maurice strokes Clive's hair, and Clive leans his head back against Maurice's perfectly creased white flannel knee, and they almost kiss but get interrupted? That's my favorite sex scene ever, even though Hugh Grant is in it.

Find out more about Alison and her new book at DykesToWatchOutFor.com!

(Cross-posted at QMovieBlog.com)

My fave LGBT films would be: Desert Hearts. I think it's a total classic! Also, a hot gal pal of mine turned me on to My Summer of Love. Really engaging storytelling. And for da Boys, a special mention of The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of The Desert and The Crying Game.

Look for Traci's upcoming appearance at the Sweet Cozumel Palace Resort (September 1-8) and discover her additional talents as a yoga instructor!

Elena Undone trailer after the break.

(Cross-posted on the official Wolfe Video blog: QMovieBlog.com)

From the moment you see him, it is clear that Gierszal was born to be on the big screen. Revealing a kaleidoscope of emotions, his ability to draw you into a story is unparalleled. He is touching, believable, sensitive - a pure and unique talent.

Gierszal, who has also been described by the media as "the Polish James Dean" can now be seen by US audiences in the chilling gay drama, @SuicideRoom (on DVD and digital from Wolfe starting March 13th).

Trailer after the break

(Cross-posted on the official Wolfe Video blog: QMovieBlog.com)

Always a hard question, because there are so many that I love. But one of my favorites is I Shot Andy Warhol. Seeing this woman who was in the Warhol factory, amongst artists who considered themselves the most cutting-edge in the entire world, and meanwhile, she was too wierd, even for them! There was so much I could relate to, and told with such humor, and -- while it's clear she's totally nuts -- you can completely identify with her.  

I knew nothing about Valerie Solanis walking in to the film (I actually didn't even know it was a gay movie!) and I will never forget what a thrill it was to see this unique and subversive story unfold in front of me. That the shooting at the end is still a shock -- despite the title -- is a statement of how intelligent and sophisticated the film truly is.

Discover Madeleine's wonderful film, Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same.

(Cross-posted on the official Wolfe Video blog: QMovieBlog.com)

The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Hellloooo! Don't dream it, be it.

You've no doubt heard about Becoming Chaz -- the most recent queer documentary from Randy (and producing partner Fenton Bailey). Not to mention such classics as Party Monster and The Eyes of Tammy Faye (and a string of TV hits ranging from TransGeneration to RuPaul's Drag U). Stay tuned for The Strange History of Don't Ask, Don't Tell and Being Chaz.

And follow Randy on Twitter @RandyBarbato!

(Cross-posted on QMovieBlog.com)

There are so many! The most poignant LGBT movie for me personally was Another Country, which was sort of my coming out film. Had a terrible crush on Rupert Everett back then and that film helped me feel proud to be gay, as did Maurice years later. There's a whole collection of off-beat LGBT films from Mysterious Skin to Hedwig to Boys Don't Cry to The Joy of Life that would make my top 10 list. Being a film festival junkie, sometimes my favorites are the small films I see at a festival like the documentary on Bayard Rustin, Brother Outsider, which I saw at Sundance and led to proud tears for this gay civil rights leader.

Check out Chip's website for info about his new New York Times best-selling book, Emotional Equations.

(Cross-posted on QMovieBlog.com)

"I have found myself thinking about Marlon Riggs' film Tongues Untied a lot lately. I first saw it in the Castro Theater in 1991 and was deeply affected by its poetic, forceful and unflinching portrayal of the experience of men of color in America. As a feminine white queer I found it resonated very deeply with my own experience as well and continues to do so.

This amazing film deserves a fresh viewing not only for the political and social issues it addresses but more importantly, to me, for the haunting beauty of the words of poet Essex Hemphill."

Visit the JustinBond.com website to find out everything you want to know about the fabulous Mx Justin Vivian Bond including v's new book, Tango: My Childhood, Backwards and in High Heels.

Mx Justin Vivian Bond's February 2012 Events Calendar after the break

Feb. 9 and 10, 10 pm
Justin Vivian Bond reads from v's memoir Tango
followed by a book signing
Rhubard Festival
Buddies in Bad Times Theater

SAN FRANCISCO

Valentine's Day! 8pm
Love: Ali McGraw
Special guest for Screening of Love Story and Conversation with Ali McGraw! Featuring Mx Bond singing a "Sorry" medley. Should be kooky.
Tue, February 14, 2012 -- 8:00 pm, Tix: $22.50 - $45.00
Castro Theatre

LOS ANGELES

February 17,18 -8:30 pm
February 19 -7:00 pm
Justin Vivian Bond's Low Double Standards -an Entitlement Program
in concert with Lance Horne and Nathann Carrera
The Red Cat
631 West 2nd St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213 237-2800

SAN FRANCISCO
Feb. 21

Hosting Radar Productions Spring Benefit
Info/Tickets

SAN FRANCISCO
Feb. 23

Doors 8 pm Show 9 pm
A VERY SPECIAL CONCERT EVENT
Tonight Mx Bond returns to SF in concert with an evening of "Low Double Standards"
Mx Bond will be joined by Leigh Crow -Aka Elvis Herselvis
and THE WHOA NELLIES!
20 years ago Mx Bond and Leigh Crow were married and tonight they celebrate their perfect long-term, long-distance love affair with a blow-out concert and party.
THIS IS A DO NOT MISS EVENT!
The Great American Music Hall
859 O'Farrell St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
415-885-0750

SAN FRANCISCO
Feb. 25

RADAR Book Club featuring Justin Bond & Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore
Saturday, February 25
Viracocha, 998 Valencia St.
$10, Doors 2:30/ Show at 3
Special guests Justin Bond (Tango: My Childhood, Backwards and in High Heels) and Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore (Why Are Faggots So Afraid of Faggots?). Hosted by Michelle Tea. Limited seating. Advance tickets will be available!

(Cross-posted on QMovieBlog.com)

One of my favorite lesbian movies has to be D.E.B.S. I had no idea what I was getting into when I rented it, but as the film unfolds one could make super strong arguments for the presence of some really clever metaphor. The girls themselves were like Freud's personality components. "Dominque" the id, "Max" the super ego and "Amy" the ego. "Janet" gives voice to the inner child and together they engage in a journey that illustrates the development of one solid self as it faces the anxiety of discovering it doesn't fit inside society's box. I loved it. Or... I made all of that up in my own head. Either way director Angela Robinson is brilliant for taking me there.

Check out Cathy's weekly radio show on Tuesdays at Noon (PST) via her website, Cathy Is In. And enjoy Cathy's terrific performances on DVD in the hit lesbian comedy/drama AND THEN CAME LOLA -- freshly re-released for Valentine's Day 2012 with new box art and a new low price, and in her hilarious web series WE HAVE TO STOP NOW: SEASON 1 (both now available from WolfeVideo.com.

Trailers after the break.

With Torch Song Trilogy the film, Harvey Fierstein has crafted his play into a fine screenplay for the most part, although there are some rough transitions in the film that perhaps worked better on the stage. The strength of the film lies in Fierstein's conveyance of gay humor and pathos and in his focus on issues and situations revolving around being gay (or lesbian), such as coming out, homophobia, losing a lover, and anti-gay violence.

The film is somewhat overambitious in its chronological scope, covering nearly ten years (1971-1980), in which there are several jumps through time, which disrupt the cohesiveness of the narrative. However, these difficulties are more than made up for by the many brilliant moments of the film, such as Arnold (Fierstein) and his fellow drag queens harassing the saleswomen in a woman's clothing store. Alternating with these comic sequences, Fierstein punctuates the film with several highly emotional dialogues with his mother, played by Anne Bancroft. In these interactions Arnold conveys a well measured degree of anger at the world's homophobia along with a measure of sadness in his frustration at attempting to confront the homophobia in his mother.

Since it has been picked up for major distribution by the Cineplex-Odeon Theatre chain, Torch Song will reach a wide general audience as it plays in suburban multiplex theatres all over the country. As with most "mainstream" releases dealing with gay and lesbian themes as their primary subject matter (Personal Best, Making Love, Cruising, etc.) the publicity campaign downplays the "gayness" of the film, presumably in an attempt to appeal to a wider (heterosexual) audience by identifying the concerns of the film as "universal."

In his explanation of the film to fellow critic Gene Siskel, Roger Ebert commented: "It's not a gay play anyway, it's about people who love each other who happen to be men." Ebert's comment begs the question if this depiction of love between men is not a gay play, what is his definition of gay? His statement follows a historical pattern of statements made by those involved in the production and promotion of "gay, but not gay" Hollywood films. Director William Wyler, on the set of his 1962 film version of Lillian Hellman's The Children's Hour, "The Children's Hour is not about lesbianism."; actor Rod Steiger on his 1968 film The Sergeant, "The Sergeant is not about homosexuality, it's about loneliness."; director William Friedkin on his 1970 film version of Mart Crowley's The Boys in the Band, "The Boys in the Band is not about homosexuality."; director William Freidkin on his 1980 film Cruising, "Cruising is not about homosexuality." (Thank you Vito Russo for the research).

From these quotations it becomes apparent that Roger Ebert's brand of euphemistic logic is precisely the strategy (an inherently homophobic strategy) of Hollywood's marketing of gay and lesbian themed films. By manipulating the promotion of the film the studio can capitalize on the gay or lesbian theme as a unique twist while simultaneously downplaying (and denying the validity) of the gay or lesbian aspect of the film and promoting it as dealing with "human" issues. Thus, the film can gain a straight audience while at the same time pulling in a gay and lesbian audience that, starved for representations of itself in mainstream culture, takes what it can get.

This Hollywood phenomenon (leaving out, for the moment, foreign and independently produced films) of minimizing the significance of the gayness of gay charcters in gay themed films can be explained by the fact that the Hollywood film industry is first and foremost an industry interested in making money. It follows that the individual film company markets such films to reach a wider ticket-buying (straight) audience to make more money off the film.

As for Torch Song, if one gives the film company credit as having some social conscience (which I am inclined to grant to a certain degree in the case of Torch Song given Harvey Fierstein's involvement in the production), perhaps they genuinely believe that straight audiences should see the film because it might further their understanding or enlighten them to the homophobia in society and precipitate actual social change. Still, in denying the validity of the "gayness" of the film on its own terms by promoting it as being of "universal/human" interest rather then asserting that it might be okay for a straight audience to go see a film about gay people because it IS about gay people, the film is tainted by the homophobia of its marketing campaign. This, in itself, subverts the very anti-homophobic message Torch Song seems to be trying to convey.

Enjoy the trailer!