MQFF 2012 Program

15-25 March 2012

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Contents Festival Information

Shorts Packages

Welcome 2 Get the Best of the Fest

Oz Docs

65

3

Ticketing Information

4–5

Sponsors 7

Oz Shorts City of Melbourne Award 66

Awards 9 Touring 93 Credits 94 Patrons Program, MQFF Membership

Short & burly

68

95

Index 96

cocktales 70

Feature Presentations Opening Night FILM & PARTY

12

sex drives & videotape

72

short & girly

74

Cloudburst

Centrepiece Presentations Absent

14–16 We Were Here

Off Beat

Selectors' Choice

boobtube 76 17

Vito

Closing Night FILM & PARTy

Femme Fatalities 18

Leave It On The Floor

Feature FILMS

78

TransFORMATIONS 81 21–45 mix tape

82

queeries 85–87 Documentaries 50–55

Special Presentations

MIDNIGHT MOVIE Hollywood to Dollywood

personal stories

89

Celluloid Casserole

91

57–61

63

Pocket Guide Festival Planner, Maps, Raffles

inside back cover

2012 Melbourne Queer Film Festival Program & Pocket Guide. Published by MQFF ©2012. MQFF, PO Box 21244, Little Lonsdale St VIC 8011. Design and layout by Beige.

1

Welcome Welcome to the 22nd Melbourne Queer Film Festival!

It seems like only yesterday that the hangovers from our record breaking 21st MQFF subsided, and the MQFF team got back down to work. In the last 12 months it feels like the Australian queer community has rediscovered some of its activist mojo, and it's been inspiring to witness an uprising of effort as we protest against marriage inequality, homophobia and bullying in schools, and the ignorant, outdated and homophobic opinions of some celebrities, politicians and sports people. The MQFF may not be out there agitating in the streets, but it is happily agitating in the dark on cinema screens. Film can be a powerful force in social change, and so there's no better time for the Festival to focus on queer community activism.

And whilst we include 3 documentary and panel sessions devoted to various forms of activism, even a cursory glance at the program will prove that this year's MQFF straddles the line brilliantly between providing our audiences with the most entertaining current queer titles, and offering up opportunities throughout the program to become enlightened about various issues our queer communities face the world over.

There's been a marked improvement in the quality of transgender material within the film world over recent years, and the MQFF is excited to be screening several excellent trans features such as Gun Hill Road, Tomboy and Romeos, as well as a great variety of documentaries spread throughout the program, and a trans panel just to top things off.

Of course, there's way too many great titles to list here, but off the top of my head, audiences of any gender will love Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same, We Were Here, Vito, Leave It on the Floor, August, Absent and of course our opening night film Cloudburst. Some would say screening a comedy drama about two elderly lesbians on opening night is a little risky, but stars Olympia Dukakis and Brenda Fricker light up the screen, and I'm guessing even the most cynical of you will love this film.

We're embracing technology even more this year, and audiences will find more and more ways to engage with the Festival via our various social media streams, and for the first time we're trialling Short & Tweet within the Queeries youth shorts sessions which will allow audiences to interact within the cinema via their smart phones, tablets, laptops etc. Of course, for those of us still lugging around a Nokia 3110, there's always the Festival Lounge to indulge in such olde worlde concepts as face to face chat about the films. And your smart phone might be smart, but it won't feed you fine food, wine and fabulous DJs. And finally, we hope audiences embrace the spirit of this year’s focus on activism, and in a small gesture that may lead to bigger things, we suggest you bring a straight friend to a session. You never know the power of a good film in changing attitudes.

Enjoy your Festival!

Lisa Daniel, Festival Director 2

Get the Best of the Fest Feeling Lazy? Let us do the work for you...

Party with us

Take all the hard work out of deciding what to see by purchasing any of our 4 Lazy Passes: curated packages of the cream of the Fest. Pick from the Director's Choice, Lazy Lesbians, Lazy Buggers or Lazy Trans. See page 4.

Don't miss the fun and excitement of our Gala Events book-ending the Festival: Opening Night and Closing Night films and parties, both held at our festival hub, ACMI Cinemas.

See pages 12 and 18.

Is that a Festival in your pocket?

It was a hit last year and returns in 2012 – the MQFF iPhone app expertly provided by eFirst.

Containing all the essential Festival info to get you on your way, such as session times, ticket information, handy updates and stacks of other features. Download for free at the iTunes store.

The best way to support MQFF, and help to make the best Festival money can buy, is to become an MQFF member. Benefits are many but – more than anything – just think of that warm and fuzzy feeling you get from contributing to one of the best queer film festivals in the world. No more sleepless nights wondering if you could have done more! See page 95.

Or simply keep the Festival at your fingertips the old fashioned way with our handy Pocket Guide, snugly placed as a tear out in the back of this Program. It contains the indispensable Festival Planner, as well as screening venue location maps and much more.

Lounge about with your Film Family Fabulous films make up just some of what your MQFF experience can include. To make it an all-round entertainment extravaganza make sure you get down to our Festival Lounge located on the Flinders Street level of ACMI for food, drink, music and general good times!

See Pocket Guide for details.

Don't want to miss any vital festival news?

Need a new BFF? Follow us on Facebook!

Want to chat to other film buffs about what to see, and what you've seen? Join the conversation on Twitter at #mqff22. There's also Focus on Activism at #mqffact2012 and our inaugural Short & Tweet sessions at Queeries at #queeriesmqff. See page 85.

Need more visual stimulation? View film trailers at www.youtube.com/user/mqfftube.

Check out the latest happy snaps from MQFF events in our flickr galleries at www.flickr.com/photos/mqff.

The best and greenest way to the Festival is by tram! ACMI is serviced by 11 routes, with a tram every minute in peak times and every 3-5 min in the evening. Visit yarratrams. com.au for travel info or download the free tramTRACKER® app from iTunes.

Flat rate $8 parking. Secure Parking Flinders Gate, 172–192 Flinders St (opposite Federation Square) offers MQFF Patrons evening and weekend parking for an $8 Flat Rate. Parking discount validation is available on request at ACMI Tickets & Information Desk. For full details see p.94

3

Ticket Information Gala Events OPENING NIGHT Cloudburst

Opening Night film and party with food & bevvies provided

CLOSING NIGHT Leave It On The Floor

Closing Night film & party

$75 full, $63 conc, $58 MQFF member $30 full, $25 conc, $23 MQFF member

Single Tickets SINGLE SESSION

Any 1 session excluding Galas

QUEERIES

1 Queeries session

CELLULOID CASSEROLE

1 Celluloid Casserole session

TRIPLE CHOC PASS

Any 3 sessions excluding Galas

STRAWBERRY PASS

Any 5 sessions excluding Galas

MINT PASS

Any 7 sessions excluding Galas

GOLDEN TOFFEE PASS

ALL SESSIONS including Galas

$18.50 full, $15.50 conc, $14.50 MQFF member $10 full, $8 conc/MQFF member Gold coin donation

Multipasses

Curated Passes

Directors Choice

LAZY LESBIANS PASS

Best girls sessions Lazy Lesbians

LAZY BUGGERS PASS

Best boys sessions Lazy Buggers

LAZY TRANS PASS

Best trans sessions Lazy Trans

4

$41 MQFF member $87 full, $72 conc, $66 MQFF member $121 full, $100 conc, $92 MQFF member $385 full, $325 conc, $305 MQFF member

$87 full, $72 conc, $66 MQFF member

DIRECTOR'S CHOICE

Festival Director Lisa Daniel's favourite sessions

Excludes Queeries, see website for full conditions

$53 full, $44 conc,

07 Hit So Hard Sat 17 Mar, 11am p53 14 Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same Sat 17 Mar, 6.15pm p25 39 Tomboy Tues 20 Mar, 8.15pm p44 45 Beauty Wed 21 Mar, 8pm p22 52 Off Beat Thurs 22 Mar, 8.15pm p16 01 Break My Fall Fri 16 Mar, 6pm p23 08 Wish Me Away Sat 17 Mar, 1.15pm p55 14 Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same Sat 17 Mar, 6.15pm p25 28 With Every Heartbeat Sun 18 Mar, 6.15pm p45 58 Circumstance Fri 23 Mar, 6.30pm p24 13 August Sat 17 Mar, 6pm p21 26 Let My People Go! Sun 18 Mar, 4.15pm p36 40 Four More Years Tues 20 Mar, 8.30pm p29 52 Off Beat Thurs 22 Mar, 8.15pm p16 61 Private Romeo Fri 23 Mar, 9.30pm p42 10 The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye Sat 17 Mar, 2pm p50 16 Gun Hill Road Sat 17 Mar, 8.15pm p31 39 Tomboy Tues 20 Mar, 8.15pm p44 82 Becoming Chaz Sun 25 Mar, 2.15pm p51 86 Romeos Sun 25 Mar, 6.15pm p43

Ticket Information Where To Buy Tickets

Ticket Collection

www.mqff.com.au Our secure 24/7 online ticketing facility.

Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Federation Square, Melbourne.

Open daily 10am–6pm (later during the Festival).

Hares & Hyenas, 63 Johnston St, Fitzroy.

Mon–Wed 10am–7pm, Thu–Sat 10am–7.30pm, Sun 12pm–6pm.

Greater Union, 131 Russell St. Cash door sales only.

Box office open 30 min prior to each day’s first session.

Please note that pre-booked tickets for Greater Union must be picked up from the ACMI Tickets & Information Desk.

Standby Tickets Most sessions listed as 'Sold Out' on the MQFF website will actually have a limited number of tickets available for sale. This is due to the necessity of holding seats for Golden Toffee Pass holders. We eventually sell these seats as Standby tickets.

• 30 minutes prior to the start of a 'Sold Out' session, Festival staff at the ACMI Tickets & Information Desk or Greater Union box office will hand out Standby Reservation Numbers.

• When seats become available (usually anywhere from 15 min before the scheduled start of the session), the Standby Reservation Numbers will be called, and tickets can be purchased.

• Cash sales only, for quick processing of the queue.

• We generally get all patrons into the session. However, in busy sessions some patrons may miss the first minute or two of the film. In extremely popular sessions, some people with Standby Reservation Numbers will miss out.

To avoid disappointment, we suggest you book early!

All pre-booked Festival tickets must be collected from the ACMI Tickets & Information Desk (including tickets for Greater Union sessions).

Ticket Desk open daily during the Festival, 30 min prior to the start of each day’s first session.

Ticketing Rules • Prices include GST & booking fee.

• A ticket or pass is required to enter each session.

• Multipasses can only be used to purchase single tickets to separate sessions, not to purchase multiple tickets to a single session.

• Seating is unreserved. We encourage patrons to arrive early.

• Laws governing film festivals mean that all audience members must be 18 years or over, with the exception of Queeries (patrons 15 years and over permitted).

• No refunds or cancellations unless a session is moved or cancelled.

• One concession ticket per card holder will apply on presentation of valid card.

When picking up pre-booked tickets, please present your concession card.

Valid concessions: full time students, healthcare card, Senior’s Card, Melbourne International Film Festival, ACMI and Classic Cinema members.

• City of Melbourne Companion Card holders are granted free entry.

• MQFF members receive generous tickets discounts and many other benefits (see p.95 for full details).

Frequently Asked Questions Can I buy a multipass and decide on which sessions I want to see later?

No, you must select the sessions when you buy the pass.

Can I use a multipass to buy more than 1 ticket to the same session?

No, multipasses can only be used once per session.

I’m a member but my partner is not, can I still buy their tickets using my membership card for discounts?

No, membership benefits are not transferable.

Can I print out my tickets at home?

No, just print the order confirmation and present it at the ACMI Tickets & Information Desk.

How soon can I collect my tickets after I book them online?

Within half an hour at ACMI Tickets & Information Desk (once the Festival begins, and during opening times).

What if I change my mind about what I want to see?

Or I accidentally chose the wrong film? Can I change my selection?

Sorry, no. Choose carefully as there are are no refunds or exchanges given unless a session is moved or cancelled.

5

This exhibition is organised by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Norton Museum of Art.

Sponsors Principal Partner

Cultural Partner

Major Partners

Major Media Partners

TRAVEL PARTNER

Sponsors

Supporters

Festival Partners

magnifymedia C 100 M0 Y 100 K 35

session sponsors

7

BAREFOOT WINE IS STEPPING OUT AND IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE MELBOURNE QUEER FILM FESTIVAL!

Please call our Melbourne Office on (03) 976 48511 to find your nearest stockist.

barefootwine 1800-559-018

Awards Audience Choice Awards With $8500 in cash to give away to deserving filmmakers across four awards, please take the time to cast your votes for your favourite films in this year’s Festival. Voting forms are available at ACMI Cinemas and Festival Lounge, or you can vote online at www.mqff.com.au.

Best Feature Film All feature films in the Festival are eligible.

Best Documentary All documentaries of 45 min and over are eligible.

Best Australian Short Film All films screening in Oz Shorts are eligible.

Sponsored by MQFF and MQFF Members Warwick Eddington & Tony Hillery

$3500

Sponsored by MQFF and MQFF Life Member David McCarthy

$3000

Sponsored by MQFF and Step Right Up

$1000

Sponsored by MQFF

$1000

Best Short Film All short narrative films in the Festival are eligible (except those screening in Celluloid Casserole).

Jury Awards The Festival's two Jury Awards are worth $3500 and are for short films produced by Australian directors – those featured in Oz Shorts and Celluloid Casserole.

The City of Melbourne Emerging Filmmaker Award for Best Australian Short Queer Film All films screening in Oz Shorts are eligible.

The award will be announced at the Oz Shorts session on Saturday 24 March (Session 73).

See p.66 for this year’s judges and films.

Selectors’ Choice Award for Best Short Queer Film – Celluloid Casserole All films screening in Celluloid Casserole are eligible. The award will be announced at the Celluloid Casserole session at Loop on Wednesday 21 March (Session 44).

Sponsored by the City of Melbourne

Sponsored by Shaun Miller Lawyers

$3000

$500

The winner of The City of Melbourne Emerging Filmmaker Award for Best Australian Short Queer Film qualifies for automatic inclusion in the Iris Prize, the world’s largest prize for gay and lesbian short film.

The winner of the Iris Prize receives £25,000 to make their next short film in the UK. www.irisprize.org

MQFF Festival Director Lisa Daniel with Annmarre J Bell and Craig Boreham (directors of 2011 City of Melbourne Emerging Filmmaker Award winning film, Drowning) with City of Melbourne Cr Jennifer Kanis and Rebecca Thomson (director of 2011 Audience Choice Award for Best Australian Short Film, Slashed). Photo Ross Brownsdon

9

DEPRESSION & ANXIETY – TALK ABOUT IT GLBTI PEOPLE, DISCRIMINATION, DEPRESSION & ANXIETY – GET THE FACTS

Research shows that prejudice and discrimination contribute to depression and anxiety among gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) people.

Depression and anxiety are common and with the right treatment, most people recover. Talking about it to a doctor or other health professional can help.

Get the facts about depression and anxiety at www.beyondblue.org.au/glbti or call 1300 22 4636.

healthcare for all of us www.prahranmarketclinic.com.au pran central, mezzanine level, corner of commercial rd and chapel st

9514 0888

Live it up during MQFF Smokin’ hot stays on Commercial Road, Prahran Reservations 1800 278 468 or thecullen.com.au

Opening Night Gala

12

Opening Night Gala

Cloudburst Dir: Thom Fitzgerald, Canada, 2011, video, 93 min ✰✰Best Film, Montreal Image+Nation Queer Film Festival Olympia Dukakis already has a place in the hearts of queers with her brilliant portrayal of Anna Madrigal in the Tales of the City series, not to mention her performances in Steel Magnolias, The Event, and her Oscar-winning role in Moonstruck. Almost singlehandedly cornering the acting market for strong-willed women, and with a mouth to match, in Cloudburst, you ain’t seen – or heard – nothing yet!

Dukakis plays Stella who’s lived with her partner, Dot (Oscar-winner Brenda Fricker), for over 30 years in Maine, USA, but Dot’s grand-daughter thinks the best place for her grandma is in a nursing home. Tricked into signing over the house and forced to move into a home, Dot is busted out by Stella, and the two women decide to high-tail it to Canada, where same-sex marriage is legal. Getting hitched is their last-gasp bid to stay together. Along the way they pick up sexy hitchhiker, Prentice, a small-town boy turned modern dancer, who’s returning to his Canadian town to visit his dying mother.

Will this unorthodox ‘family’ make it across the border in one piece and realise their dreams?

Winner of numerous awards, Cloudburst is the latest movie from Canadian filmmaker Thom Fitzgerald who has been making award-winning queer cinema for over 15 years, including Three Needles (MQFF 2006), Beefcake (MQFF 2000), The Event (MQFF 2004) and The Hanging Garden. Funny, emotionally engaging and beautifully made, hop aboard this romantic road movie – you’ll be glad you did! (PT)

Melbourne Premiere Followed by our Opening Night Party downstairs at ACMI Cinemas! session

ON

date

time VENUE

Thu 15 March 7.30pm ACMI

Gala Event

Please note change of venue. Opening Night is now at ACMI Cinemas 13

Centrepiece Presentations

Absent Ausente

Presented by

Dir: Marco Berger, Argentina, 2011, DCP, 87 min Spanish with English subtitles ✰✰Teddy Award for Best Feature, Berlin Film Festival 2011 Marco Berger, whose film Plan B was voted the Most Popular Feature at MQFF 2010, returns with Absent. Sixteen-year-old Martin is on the swim team, but he seems more interested in checking out his fellow students in various states of undress in the locker room than in practicing his freestyle. His voyeuristic eye focuses on the coach, Sebastián, and as an excuse to get closer to his teacher Martin fakes an injury, which requires a trip to the hospital. Given the all-clear, Martin is driven home by Sebastián, but no-one’s there and he's left his keys with a mate. Sebastián does not want to bring Martin to his home – it’s inappropriate to have a student there, plus his girlfriend wants to come over – but he’s left with no choice, and the two journey to the teacher’s apartment…

Building a palpable atmosphere of heightened sexual tension, Absent is a moody and unsuspecting film. With its languid pace, hypnotising music and seductive performances, session date time VENUE Absent is another impressive film from one of queer cinema’s Tue 20 March 6.15pm ACMI most exciting new voices. (PT) Australian Premiere

36

14

Centrepiece Presentations

We Were Here

Presented by

Dir: David Weissman, USA, 2012, video, 90 min ✰✰Shortlisted for the Best Documentary Academy Award, nominated for Grand Jury Prize, Sundance Film Festival 2011 We Were Here is a profoundly moving documentary about the unfolding of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in San Francisco by people who lived through that era-defining time. Neither dry nor academic, David Weissman’s superb film is alive with humanity and resilience, providing an invaluable personal insight into a crisis that changed the queer community forever.

We Were Here focuses on five San Francisco residents whose lives changed suddenly, and drastically when their city shifted from a hotbed of sexual liberation to the epicentre of a devastating disease. From their different vantage points as caregivers, activists, researchers, as friends and lovers of the afflicted, and as people with HIV/AIDS themselves, the interviewees share stories which are not only intensely personal, but which also illuminate the much larger themes of that era: the political and sexual complexities, the terrible emotional toll, the role of women – particularly lesbians – in caring for and fighting for their gay brothers. Interweaved throughout is archival imagery of San Francisco from the 70s, when the city was a bastion of sexual freedom of expression, through the 80s and beyond when the epidemic took its toll. David Weissman – who moved to the city in 1976 and brings a personal understanding to this history – has created a landmark film that is essential viewing. (PT) Melbourne Premiere

“Of all the cinematic explorations of the AIDS crisis, not one is more heartbreaking and inspiring than We Were Here… The humility, wisdom and cumulative sorrow expressed lend the film a glow of spirituality and infuse it with grace.” Stephen Holden, New York Times session

42

date time VENUE

Wed 21 March

6pm

ACMI

15

Centrepiece Presentations

Off Beat

Presented by

Dir: Jan Gassman, Switzerland, 2011, video, 96 min Swiss German and German with English subtitles Jan Gassman’s first feature Off Beat charts the tumultuous relationship between two Swiss brothers who live, eat and breathe rap music. Older brother Lucas has quite a following amongst the local fans, but hides his long-term relationship with Mischa, his much older male producer and professional dope cultivator, for fear of a fan backlash. He hasn’t quite made the next step up in his music career, and knows his chances of snaring a desperately desired record contract are fading fast. His teen brother Sami aspires to emulate and overtake Lucas, and is busily trying to nut out his own rap style. It soon becomes clear to Lucas that his time has come and gone, and he quickly lets a drug and alcohol addiction spiral out of control.When Mischa loses patience and dumps Lucas both as a lover and a client, and takes Sami under his wing, a showdown between the two brothers threatens to tear their relationship apart.

An impressive, intense and melancholic film, Off Beat benefits from brilliant writing, acting and directing, and is to be celebrated for highlighting the existence of session date time VENUE gay characters in what can be a very homophobic rs Lazy Thu 22 March 8.15pm ACMI DChirecto Australian Premiere subculture. (LD) oice Buggers

52

16

Selectors’ Choice Each year, the MQFF Selection Panel wades through the 500 plus submissions and over pizza and pad thai decide on which film elicits a strong emotional response. What they’re looking for is a film that deserves to be highlighted, a film which deserves an audience. This year our panel has selected a documentary about seminal gay rights campaigner Vito Russo, whose book The Celluloid Casserole sits on every self-respecting activist and queer film lover’s bookshelf.

Please join the MQFF selection panel for an informal chat and a drink in the Festival Lounge immediately following the session. They’ll be happy to answer questions about the MQFF selection process.

Vito Dir: Jeffrey Schwartz, USA, 2011, video, 93 min

session

49

date time VENUE

Thu 22 March 6.15pm ACMI

The story of Vito Russo is the story of gay liberation and activism. New York City’s answer to Harvey Milk, Vito devoted his life after the Stonewall riots of 1969 to fighting for the rights of GLBT people and their positive representation in the media, especially films.

His landmark book The Celluloid Closet shone a light on how homosexuals have been portrayed by Hollywood since the earliest films, and is still influential today. Vito features beautiful previously lost footage of gay and lesbian characters from silent-era Hollywood productions, and pieces together an intimate history of the representation of GLBT people in the cinema. During the explosion of AIDS in the 1980s, and despite his own failing health, Vito went on to form ACT UP, uniting activists in anger and committing to direct action to end the AIDS crisis.

With startling and expansive archival footage, Vito is a moving tribute to a man whose legacy looms large today and who was a true hero to the gay community. It’s a must for film lovers everywhere. (GS) Australian Premiere

17

Closing Night Gala

18

Closing Night Gala

Leave it On The Floor Dir: Sheldon Larry, USA, 2011, video, 107 min Take a dash of Paris is Burning, add a sprinkle of Dreamgirls, a whole lot of attitude, and blend it together with a pumping soundtrack and you’ve got the perfect recipe for Closing Night. Leave In On The Floor has been a smash hit at Queer Film Festivals around the world, and now it’s Melbourne’s turn to strut the catwalk.

Assemble your ‘House’ and get ready to party!

Caught looking at gay porn, Brad is thrown out of home by his homophobic mother, but not before he steals her car as a defiant final gesture. On the mean streets of LA he cruises a hot guy, Carter, and instead of scoring, has his wallet stolen. In search of Carter, he finds himself in a raucous ballroom, a startling underground scene populated by a ragtag assortment of strays and misfits.

Observing the outrageous costumes and fierce catwalk battles, Brad is picked up by Princess, a member of the ‘House of Eminence’, whose fortunes at the Balls are on the wane. Bringing him back to their house, Princess convinces the Eminence doyen, Queef Latina, to let Brad stay, but there are rules – no sleeping with members of the ‘House’. As the battles in the ballroom heat up, the love triangle between Brad, Carter and Princess gathers steam with equal intensity. Who will win out on and off the catwalk?

With stunning dance pieces by Beyoncé choreographer Frank Gatson Jr., inventive costume and make-up design and fantastic original songs, Leave In On The Floor is an energetic way to celebrate this year’s Festival. (PT)

Australian Premiere. Writer/producer Glenn Gaylord will be in attendance. Followed by our Closing Night Party at ACMI Cinemas. session

CN

date time VENUE

Sun 25 March 8.30pm ACMI

Gala Event

19

Celebrating and proudly supporting festivals and arts in the West Melbourne Queer Film Festival – West Hollywood, Big West Festival, Melbourne Fringe Festival, Quang Minh Tet Festival, Yarraville Arts Festival, Footscray Community Arts Centre, Snuff Puppets, St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, The Women’s Circus, Melbourne Food and Wine Festival – Feasting in Footscray, The Dog Theatre, Seddon Music Festival, Western Edge Youth Arts, Next Wave Festival, Ashiki Africa Festival, Yarraville Carols, East Meets West Lunar New Year Festival, Albanian Festival.

Feature Films

August

Presented by

Dir: Eldar Rappaport, USA, 2011, video, 100 min ✰✰Best Film and Best Actor (Murray Bartlett), Iris Awards 2011 August is a smoldering love triangle that explores trust, love and lust. Charming and handsome Troy (Australian actor Murray Bartlett) has returned home to Los Angeles after a stint in Spain, and catches up with his ex, Jonathan, whose heart he broke several years earlier, in the hope of reigniting their relationship. Although Jonathan thought he’d kicked the habit of his attraction for Troy, his addiction returns with a vengeance, despite his relationship with sexy and devoted Argentine, Raoul. Compounding the problem is the fake marriage Raoul has with Jonathan’s co-worker, in order to secure citizenship that would keep the two men together. Set during a sweltering summer, when everyone’s on edge and actions are unpredictable, August is an absorbing and sexually charged film about desire and its consequences. (PT) Melbourne Premiere

“The acting is superb, and the film is beautifully photographed. Director and writer Eldar Rapaport has crafted an intelligent, well-written, realistic circle of characters.” Edge Magazine

session

13 76

date time VENUE Lazy

Sat 17 March 6pm ACMI Buggers Sat 24 March 8.15pm ACMI

21

Feature Films

Beauty Skoonheid Dir: Oliver Hermanus, South Africa/France, 2011, 35mm, 99 min Afrikaans and English with English subtitles ✰✰Queer Palm for Best Queer Film, Cannes Film Festival 2011 ✰✰South Africa’s official entry for Best Foreign Language Film, Academy Awards 2012 Beauty is an extraordinarily powerful tale of obsession, repression and lust. François is a mid-40s, white, married family man, running a business in central South Africa. At his daughter’s wedding he spots Christian, the son of a family friend, who is visiting from Cape Town. François cannot tear his gaze from this beautiful young man. After the wedding, he lies to his wife that he is going to Cape Town for business, but instead he is determined to catch a glimpse of Christian. A generation gap separates the two men, but the gulf between them is far wider than mere years, as social and political barriers have fallen since François was a young man (apartheid is outlawed and same-sex marriage is legal). His place at the top of society’s ladder has eroded but he steadfastly clings to his outdated and skewed ‘values’.

Beauty is an exceptional film – gripping the viewer from the opening minutes and never letting go. It contains scenes that are shocking and graphic, but filmmaker Oliver Hermanus has created characters that, within

22

their self-contained worlds, are entirely believable, and whose actions portray their place within a fast changing society. (PT)

Warning: Contains scenes of violence that may disturb some viewers session

45

date time VENUE

Wed 21 March

8pm

ACMI

Directors Choice

Feature Films

Break My Fall Dir: Kanchi Wichmann, UK, 2011, video, 102 min Liza and Sally are band-mates and lovers in a relationship that is enduring a slow painful death, made worse by their unstable lifestyle. Their equally fucked up best mates, straight rent boy Vin, and Jamie, who is seeking his gay soul-mate, add to the drama of drug taking, drunken sex and constant fighting. Sally has hopes for a future in music and endures nights at a dead-end job, as she tries to ignore the chaos that surrounds her. Things begin to fall apart in the lead up to Liza’s 25th birthday. After a failed celebration dinner the four friends are plunged into an emotional meltdown at an illegal rave, where their lives will never be the same.

First time director Wichmann uses her London location and lo-fi visual style to great affect, and a single take sex scene which is both passionate and brutal marks her as a talent to watch. (LD)

Melbourne Premiere session

01 50

date time VENUE zy

La Fri 16 March 6pm ACMI Lesbians Thu 22 March 6.30pm Greater Union

23

Feature Films

The Call La Llamada

Circumstance

Dir: Stefano Pasetto, Italy/Argentina, 2010, 35mm, 93 min Spanish with English subtitles

Dir: Maryam Keshavarz, France/USA/Iran, 2011, video, 124 min Farsi and English with English subtitles ✰✰Official selection, Sundance Film Festival 2011 ✰✰Audience Choice Award for Outstanding Feature, Outfest 2011

Lea is a young woman living with her boyfriend with barely a care in the world.

Free spirited, she’s the opposite to Lucia who is an uptight middle-aged woman whose husband is too busy to notice her.

Life throws them both a curve ball when Lucia begins giving Lea piano lessons.

Emerging as if from a deep sleep Lucia’s life begins to take on new meaning around the spirited Lea, and when Lea is offered a job in Patagonia, Lucia impulsively decides to leave Buenos Aires and go with her, leaving her husband bewildered.

At first their relationship flourishes with the gorgeous surrounds of the sea and the dearth of responsibility, but soon vast differences between the women present new challenges, and passion may not be enough to salvage what they’ve created.

(LD) Australian Premiere session

83

date time VENUE

Sun 25 March

4pm

ACMI

Atafeh and her brother, Mehran, have grown up in a home filled with music, art and intellectual curiosity. Atafeh dreams of fame and adventure; she and her best friend, Shireen, explore Tehran’s underground scene with youthful exuberance and determination to be themselves. Meanwhile, Mehran returns home from drug rehab and renounces his former decadent life with a vengeance.

His once obsessive practice of classical music soon finds more destructive outlets.

Having lost his parents’ trust, Mehran is jealous of Atafeh’s loving relationship with their father and tries to find new meaning in his life. He relentlessly watches his family and slowly becomes estranged from them. As Mehran disapprovingly observes a budding intmate relationship between Atafeh and Shireen, he becomes obsessed with saving Shireen from his sister’s influence.

The once close siblings find themselves at dangerous odds with each other. As violence and desire collide, the once safe haven of the family home becomes increasingly claustrophobic and threatening.

Circumstance marks the arrival of an exciting, original talent as first-time feature writer/director Maryam Keshavarz registers a rare glimpse of forbidden love in today’s Iranian youth culture. session

11 58

24

date time VENUE

Sat 17 March 3.30pm ACMI

zy Fri 23 March 6.30pm Greater Union LeLasbians

Feature Films

Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same

Presented by

Dir: Madeleine Olnek, USA, 2011, video, 76 min ✰✰Official selection, Sundance Film Festival 2011 We had you at the title, didn’t we? Well, the great news is that there is so much more to this film than the year’s best title! Hilariously deadpan, it signals the emergence of Madeleine Olnek as a strong new voice in lesbian cinema after years of successful shorts at festivals around the world including the MQFF. Filmed in black-and-white on a micro budget, Co-Dependent… strikes a similar pose to the films from ‘New Queer Cinema’ of the early 90s, such as Go Fish – it’s all about great writing, acting and directing.

Three lesbian aliens are sent to earth to have their hearts broken by earthlings, so their 'big feelings' won’t destroy the ozone on their home planet! Zoinx meets Jane, a shy greeting card store employee, and Zylar and Barr, sensing the neediness of earthlings, begin to connect with each other. Meanwhile, two mysterious ‘Men in Black’ are tracking the aliens…

It’s obvious it was a stack of fun making this film and the joy and humour are effortlessly transferred on screen. The performances are fantastic, especially by the women playing the lesbian aliens. Oh, and you’ll never think of cheesecake the same way again! (PT) Melbourne Premiere

session

14 60

date time VENUE rs

zy

La Sat 17 March 6.15pm ACMI DChirecto oice Lesbians Fri 23 March 8.15pm ACMI

PLUS SHORT

Coffee And Pie Dir: Douglas Horn, USA, 2011, video, 16 min June and October are breaking up.

When one feels her moral superiority justifies the break up, sweet revenge is a dish best served with pie!

25

Feature Films

Daphne Dir: Clare Beavan, UK, 2007, video, 90 min Daphne is another quality bio-pic from the lesbian friendly TV folk at the BBC. Based on personal letters and biographies, the film charts the secret love life of famous and prolific British writer Daphne du Maurier (the self described ‘shy girl with a boy’s heart’).

Trapped in a loveless marriage, Daphne’s passions come to life when she meets and falls in love with, the glamorous American publishing heiress, Ellen Doubleday, played by Downton Abbey’s Elizabeth McGovern. Set during the tumultuous years between the famous ‘Rebecca’ plagiarism trial and the writing of the short story The Birds, Daphne provides an intimate glimpse into the life of the notoriously private author.

When her love for Ellen remains unrequited, Daphne turns to her father’s ex-mistress, spirited actress Gertrude Lawrence, in what turns out to be a life-changing affair.

Infused with sparkling performances and brilliant art direction, Daphne is a treat not to be missed. (LD) session

37

26

date time VENUE

Tue 20 March 6.30pm Greater Union

Feature Films

Eating Out 5: The Open Weekend

eCupid: Love On The Download

Dir: Q. Allan Brocka, USA, 2011, video, 82 min

Dir: J.C. Calciano, USA, 2011, video, 95 min

Zack and Benji open up their relationship for a weekend of fun at a gay resort in Palm Springs. After Zack runs into his ex-boyfriend Casey, Casey lies and tells him he met someone new to avoid Zack’s pity. When Casey reacquaints with an old high school friend, Peter, he manages to convince him to pretend to be his boyfriend despite Peter’s reluctance that it will interfere with his promiscuous weekend opportunities. As sexual tensions start to mount between Benji and Peter, Zack becomes increasingly dissatisfied with his relationship, while Casey longs for a stable relationship of his own.

Relationship problems? There’s an app for that!

Marshall is a cocky guy working a dead-end job at an uninspiring ad agency for a boss who ignores his talents. After seven years with his boyfriend, Gabe, Marshall's love life has become relaxed and a little too comfortable. To make matters worse, he’s about to turn 30! Feeling a little restless one night, he goes online where he happens upon a quirky little app called eCupid that guarantees he’ll find his perfect partner.

However, there seems to be a major glitch with the app, and from the moment he downloads it, it seems to take over every technological aspect of his life. But not in a good way! The app causes a mountain of misunderstandings and Marshall finds himself suddenly single – which is what he wanted right? Maybe not.

Soon enough, Marshall finds the hot guys all a little jaded, and is soon wishing his comfortable life would return. With the help of a wise waitress (played by Morgan Fairchild), he may just get that chance.

A sexy and outrageous comedy, Eating Out: The Open Weekend serves up plenty of eye-candy and raunchy fun along with the pursuit of finding true love. Rebekah Kochan, Chris Salvatore and Mink Stole light up the screen for a slice of outrageous filmic fun.

Melbourne Premiere PLUS SHORT

Fabulously frothy and bubbly, eCupid reminds us the grass is not always greener. (LD) Melbourne Premiere

Half Share

session

Dir: Jesse Archer & Sean Hanley, USA, 2011, video, 28 min

57

date time VENUE

Fri 23 March

6.15pm ACMI

Check your inhibitions on the mainland and hop aboard the fairy ferry to the Island of Misfit Boys!

Practically heterosexual and fresh out of a fourteenyear relationship, Mac packs his Birkenstocks and his emotional baggage for a summer share on Fire Island with five eccentric roommates.

"Half-Share is more Sex, less City." New York Television Festival Director and star Jesse Archer will be in attendance session

04

date time VENUE

Fri 16 March

8.15pm ACMI

27

Feature Films

The Evening Dress La Robe Du Soir

For 80 Days 80 Egunean

Dir: Myriam Aziza, France, 2009, 35mm, 95 min French with English subtitles

Dir: Jon Garaño, Spain, 2010, 35mm, 104 min Basque with English subtitles

Juliette is a tomboyish 12-year-old who, with her classmate Antoine, is transfixed by their French teacher Madame Solenska, who oozes sensuality at every turn.

Using her appeal to her own advantage, Madame Solenska is able to virtually seduce her students into learning, but at times strays towards the edges of inappropriateness by incorporating phrases such as ‘teachers tits’ into grammar lessons. At first Juliette is rapt when Madame Solenska loans her a cherished personal copy of a book, but becomes outraged when Madame Solenska’s attention moves to Antoine. With a jealously that moves quickly toward obsession and stalking, Juliette follows Madame Solenska, hoping to catch her in a compromising situation with Antoine, which eventually leads to a surprising revelation.

Abandoned by her daughter and ignored by her husband, 70-yearold Axun, is living out a traditional life in a Basque farmhouse with little in the way of happiness or fun. Out of a sense of duty (and to perhaps to fill her days), she begins visiting her comatose ex-son-in-law in the hospital. Axun soon realises that the high spirited woman visiting the patient in the next bed is in fact her childhood friend Maite from 50 years ago. The two women revive their friendship, but hit a brick wall when Maite reveals her lesbianism to the unworldly Axun.

When memories of a fateful kiss between the women resurfaces, Axun finds herself caught between a late blooming but all consuming passion, and her sense of obligation and propriety. Maite on the other hand has been out for 50 years and finds Axun’s conservatism grating. Will Axun take her chance at love and follow her heart, or succumb to the call of duty?

Aptly capturing the pain, awkwardness and over-worked imagination that often goes hand in hand with sexual awakening, Aziza’s award winning film will strike a chord with anyone who has had a ‘thing’ for their teacher. (LD) Melbourne Premiere session

03

date time VENUE

Fri 16 March

8.15pm ACMI

For 80 Days is an utterly engrossing, and charming film which is made all the better for outstanding performances by the leads and supporting cast. (LD) session

12

28

Presented by

date time VENUE

Sat 17 March 3.30pm ACMI

Feature Films

Four More Years Fyra Ă…r Till

Going Down in La La Land

Dir: Tova Magnusson-Norling, Sweden, 2010, 35mm, 87 min Swedish with English subtitles

Dir: Casper Andreas, USA, 2011, video, 107 min

Four More Years is a funny and utterly charming romantic comedy set in the political world.

For years, David Holst has been hot favourite to become the next Prime Minister of Sweden.

Handsome, married and seemingly confident, he appears to have all the necessary requirements to make a strong leader. However, after a surprise defeat, he is left to ponder another four years on the sidelines. Down in the dumps, he drags himself from one dull meaningless political meeting to another.

Based on the laugh-out-loud Presented by novel by Andy Zeffer, Going Down in La La Land tells the story of young, hunky and ambitious Adam who has arrived in LA from NYC in pursuit of an acting career. Moving in with wacky bestie Candy, it soon becomes clear that Adam is further than ever from achieving his dream.

Candy is a force of nature in her own right, and tries to help Adam, but soon becomes distracted by her own ambitions for stardom and finding a wealthy benefactor.

Adam eventually gets hooked up with a reception job by new and dubious friend Nick, at a porn production house, and despite repeated offers from his slimy boss, refuses to go in front of the camera. Until, of course, the bills mount up and he acquiesces out of necessity, eventually getting caught up in a world of gay porn and prostitution, getting pimped out by his boss to a famous closeted TV star. When Adam falls for the TV star his dreams of an acting career and finding true love hang in the balance. (LD) Melbourne Premiere session

02

date time VENUE

Fri 16 March

6pm

ACMI

Then, when he suddenly falls in love with Martin, the biggest problem isn’t that he's fallen in love with another man, but that Martin is a key member of the party that won the election! Not only does David need to navigate a newly found sexuality but ask himself, should he give up his career, throw away his marriage and abandon his colleagues? (PT) Melbourne Premiere session

40

date time VENUE Lazy

Tue 20 March 8.30pm Greater Union Buggers 29

Feature Films

The Green Dir Steven Williford, USA, 2011, video, 90 min ✰✰Best Narrative, San Diego Lesbian and Gay Film Festival ✰✰Best Feature, Pittsburgh International LGBT Film Festival Michael and Daniel (Cheyenne Jackson, 30 Rock) have moved from heady NYC to a sleepy Connecticut town in search of a quiet, simple life. Michael, an ‘out’ teacher, has a good job at a local private school, while Daniel runs a catering company, and life seems to be traveling along just fine. That is, until Michael and Daniel’s world is turned upside down when, following a misunderstood encounter, Michael is accused of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ with a young male student.

When the student runs away leaving his mother and her devious boyfriend to follow up the accusations, Michael turns to lesbian civil rights lawyer Karen (Julia Ormond, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) for help. Facing the suspicions of co-workers, and the homophobia of friends and neighbours, Michael’s future and relationship with Daniel is threatened further when Karen unearths a potentially damaging secret that he’s held onto for years, and was unknown even to Daniel.

30

Delving into the unmistakable homophobia that exists amongst us, the multi-award winning The Green will leave you with more to think about than when you arrived. (LD)

Melbourne Premiere “A smart and sophisticated film about life in a post-marriage equality world” San Francisco Chronicle. session

38 53

date time VENUE

Tue 20 March Thu 22 March

8pm 9pm

ACMI Greater Union

Feature Films

Gun Hill Road

Presented by

Dir: Rashaad Ernesto Green, USA, 2011, video, 88 min ✰✰Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize, Sundance Film Festival 2011 Returning to his Bronx home after a 3 year stint in prison, Enrique is met with a cold reception by his family: wife, Angela, who’s had to break off an affair with a man she loves; and teenage son, Michael, who now secretly identifies as Vanessa, and plans for gender reassignment. Enrique, a ball of machismo rage, loves his family, but he cannot accept Michael’s femininity – he wants his son to behave like a ‘man’ – and his grip as head of the family begins to crumble. Michael, as Vanessa, ventures out at night to a drag club and transforms into the person she wishes to be. There, she meets a guy and a romance blossoms, but will he treat her with the love and respect she craves? Recalling last year’s MQFF hit, La Mission, Gun Hill Road is an absorbing story of a family in transition. (PT)

Melbourne Premiere session

16

date time VENUE

Sat 17 March 8.15pm ACMI

Lazy Trans

31

Feature Films

Harvest Stadt Lund Fluss Dir: Benjamin Cantu, Germany, 2011, video, 85 min German with English subtitles ✰✰Winner Reader Jury, Berlin International Film Festival 2011 ✰✰Best Film, Czech Gay and Lesbian Film Festival 2011 Harvest is an award-winning German-set tale of two young farmhands who form a friendship that turns into a tentative romance.

Marko is an apprentice in the final throes of his studies to be a qualified farmer. Withdrawn and mocked by his fellow students, he seems unsure of what he wants.

His self-imposed solitude is interrupted by the arrival of Jacob, who has quit banking for a life on the land.

Initially clumsy and somewhat lost, Jacob soon builds in confidence, and enjoys hanging out with Marko. An unspoken barrier exists between the two young men, one of sexual tension that is becoming increasingly frayed as they spend more time with each other. But who will let their guard down first and give in to the feelings they seemingly share?

Observed with an authenticity rarely seen – the film was shot on a working farm and all cast except the two leads are non-actors, but actual farmers – Harvest is a film of subtlety and quiet, beautiful insights. (PT)

Melbourne Premiere 32

session

31

date time VENUE

Mon 19 March

6pm

ACMI

Feature Films

Insects in The Backyard Dir: Thanwarin Sukhphisit, Thailand, 2010, video, 91 min Thai with English subtitles Banned in Thailand, Insects in the Backyard features Johnny and Jennifer, two teenagers who are being brought up by their ‘big sister’ Tanya, a transwoman with a healthy obsession with old Hollywood movies, an unhealthy obsession with smoking and Western cooking, and who the teenagers treat quite badly out of shame and immaturity. Both kids mess up their pursuit of romance, and both look for ways to achieve some independence.

For Johnny, this entails trying his hand at male prostitution, while Jenny makes other mistakes, but both of them wind up deeply dissatisfied. When Johnny catches Tanya trying to seduce one of his friends, things start to go downhill for the odd family unit.

Despite the dysfunctional trio, the film is a fascinating exploration of the complex problems in this peculiar family, and is an excellent example of sexuality as a fluid entity. (LD)

Australian Premiere session

35

date time VENUE

Tue 20 March

6pm

ACMI

33

Feature Films

Jamie And Jessie Are Not Together Dir: Wendy Jo Carlton, USA, 2011, video, 89 min Indie writer/director Wendy Jo Carlton follows up her popular 2009 hit Hannah Free with a complete change of pace.

What she delivers is a lesbian musical hybrid, cum romantic comedy relationship drama.

Jessie is in love with Jamie, but Jamie, oblivious to the fact, is moving from Chicago to NYC to try her luck on Broadway. Jessie, trying to mend her broken heart and hoping to make Jamie jealous, embarks on a series of hilarious dates, including Jamie’s own girlfriend, as moving day approaches. But, of course, the plan backfires in a way that Jessie could never have anticipated. Fun musical numbers, and cool music by Tegan and Sara and She make this one a keeper. (LD)

Melbourne Premiere “A pop confection with surprising depth, this may very well be the narrative hit of this summer’s festival crop.”

Danielle Riendeau, AfterEllen.com session

59

34

date time VENUE

Fri 23 March

8pm

ACMI

Jitters Oroi Dir: Baldvin Zophoníasson, Iceland, 2010, video, 85 min Icelandic and English with English subtitles 16-year-old Gabriel has journeyed from his Icelandic home for a twoweek study trip to Manchester. Trying hard to resist all influences and concentrating on the task at hand, he ends up late one night walking home with fellow Icelander, Markus. Despite Markus bragging about girlfriends, he ends up kissing Gabriel. They exchange phone numbers and return home, to their usual lives. Back in Reykjavik, Gabriel’s friends are all dealing with their own dramas: Stella’s over-protective grandmother doesn’t approve of her budding relationship with a work colleague; Teddi just wants to bed his girlfriend; and Greta moves out of home, into a share house with all the fun and dramas that that entails! Meanwhile Markus texts Gabriel, but does Gabriel want to continue where they left off…

Jitters has a been a huge hit at Festivals world-wide and it’s easy to see why – these believable, realistic characters resonate. After all we were all teenagers once, and the joys, pains and dramas of growing up are universal. (PT)

Australian Premiere session

46

date time VENUE

Wed 21 March 8.30pm Greater Union

Feature Films

Joe + Belle

Kawa

Dir: Veronica Kedar, Israel, 2011 video, 88 min Hebrew, French and English with English subtitles

Dir: Katie Wolf, New Zealand, 2011, video, 76 min

Joe + Belle is a dark comedy about two girls who fall in love with their country and with each other en route from Tel Aviv to Sderot (the ongoing target of Qassam rocket attacks). Joe is a charismatic and laid back drug dealer, while Belle is a forlorn French psychopath who, once attached to Joe, refuses to let go. The two fall madly in love against the backdrop of a wild cross country getaway, after they accidentally kill one of Joe’s druggie associates. With a whimsically dark sensibility and channeling Thelma and Louise and Reservoir Dogs in equal measure, Joe + Belle makes for a wild ride. (LD)

Australian Premiere “A creative tour-de-force… Joe + Belle manages to say something deep about love and violence while still offering all the gallows humor you could hope for.” AfterEllen.com session

15 56

date time VENUE

Sat 17 March 8.15pm ACMI Fri 23 March 6pm ACMI

Based on the novel Nights in the Gardens of Spain

by Witi Ihimaera, Kawa is a psychological drama about a family in crisis as Kawa, a successful Maori businessman in Auckland, is forced to reveal the lifelong secret that he’s gay after his lover Chris begins to push for more commitment. Kawa is a man who is living the high life. He’s a corporate high flyer being groomed to take over the family business upon his father’s imminent retirement, and is married to Annabelle with two children that he loves desperately. Annabelle senses there is something amiss, but despite repeated questions, Kawa can’t find the strength to be honest with her.

After Chris’ ultimatum to reveal his secret, Kawa must weigh up his strong sense of duty and obligation to his family and business, with living a true and honest life. When a distraught Chris turns up unexpectedly at Kawa’s father’s birthday celebration, the secret is blown and Kawa must deal with the consequences. (LD)

Melbourne Premiere PLUS SHORT:

Fortune Cookie Magic Tricks Dir: Alex Chu, USA, 2011, video, 10 min A traditional Chinese father struggles to cope with his son's homosexuality during a family dinner party, which then takes an absurd and comical turn for the worse. session

23

date time VENUE

Sun 18 March 2.15pm ACMI

35

Feature Films

Let My People Go! Dir: Mikael Buch, France/Finland, 2011, 35mm, 88 min French and Finnish with English subtitles Utilising a stylised Disney-esque small town ambience, Let My People Go! is a camp, absurdist comedy that tells the story of Ruben and his quest to find his place in the world. Everybody knows Ruben is a Jewish, gay, half-Finnish mailman, unworthy son, uncooperative brother, disappointing lover, shady killer and reluctant thief. Yet, Ruben seems incapable of knowing who he is. Despite living with his gorgeous blonde lover Teemu in an idyllic Finnish lakeside cabin, Ruben is restless.

After a comical misunderstanding with a dead body and a stash of euro, Ruben breaks up with Teemu and heads back to Paris in time for Passover, where his patient family attempt to help him get his chaotic life in order. Various hilarious subplots ensue which see uncoordinated Ruben forced to play tennis with his father’s mistress, and encounter elderly and randy Jewish community leader Maurice at the local gay nightclub Out of Egypt. Amongst the slapstick it becomes clear that Ruben pines for Teemu, and a reconciliation becomes possible.

36

Crammed with laugh out-loud gags and awash with great performances from Nicolas Maury as Ruben and Almodóvar stalwart Carmen Maura as Ruben’s mother, Let My People Go! is not to be missed. (LD)

Melbourne Premiere session

26

date time VENUE

Sun 18 March 4.15pm ACMI

Lazy Buggers

Feature Films

Love Actually…Sucks Dir: Scud, Hong Kong, 2011, Video, 82 min Chinese with English subtitles Taking inspiration from six different court cases involving crimes of the heart, prolific director Scud (Amphetamine MQFF 2011, Permanent Residence), examines the intense, often self-destructive sexual longings among several wellto-do young Hong Kong residents – gay, lesbian and straight.

The film opens with the most scandalous wedding reception ever put on film: a young couple’s marriage ends (in the most dramatic fashion) before it begins. There is the 30-ish married gym instructor who trolls the active bathroom scene for young flesh; a lesbian couple with role-play issues; a dance instructor who becomes the object of attraction to his much older student; a married painter who falls for his male model; a brother and sister who take family togetherness a bit too literally; and a young man who becomes increasingly deranged until he takes his love interest problems into his own hands. In Scud’s world, every love story is a fairy tale – but here the stories are sexual and troubling.

Australian Premiere "Overall, a complex, sensual and compelling film." Philadelphia QFest Plus short:

My Night With Andrew Cunanan Dir: Devin Kordt-Thomas, USA, 2011, video, 11 min Inspired by real life events in 1997, one young gay drunken man's decisions during an encounter in San Francisco with future serial killer Andrew Cunanan invites us to consider whether fate can be changed and the murder of fashion icon Gianni Versace thwarted.

Director will be in attendance session

43

date time VENUE

Wed 21 March 6.30pm Greater Union

37

Feature Films

Man At Bath Homme Au Bain Dir: Christophe Honore, France, 2010, video, 72 min French with English subtitles Opening the Hong Kong Queer Film Festival in 2011, Man at Bath stars famed French porn star François Sagat as Emmanuel, one half of an unusual couple who go to great lengths to prove they’re not in love with each other. When he’s not trying to dissuade his partner, he’s working as a hustler, and spends most of the film naked or having sex. Not that there’s anything wrong with that!

Things go a little awry though, when Emmanuel is asked by a client to assault someone.

Both a celebration of Sagat’s sculpted body, and an intense examination of desire and attraction, Man at Bath provides audiences with a sense of intimacy, but also a level of discomfort that makes us consider the concepts of viewing and being viewed – a discussion which is taken up in the accompanying documentary about Sagat’s life and work. (LD)

Melbourne Premiere Warning: High level sex scenes and scenes which may disturb some viewers.

38

Plus short

Sagat: The Documentary Dir: Jerome Roche & Jerome de Oliveira, France, 2011, video, 40 min French with English subtitles This short documentary follows French porn star François Sagat's working career with a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the cult actor's performances, along with interviews with his family, and notables in the industry including Chi Chi La Rue and Bruce La Bruce who calls Sagat "the Marilyn Monroe of gay porn – Marilyn had her breasts, François has the arse". session

18

date time VENUE

Sat 17 March 10.15pm ACMI

Feature Films

Mommy is Coming

Plus short

Dir: Cheryl Dunye, Germany/USA, 2012, video, 80 min German with English subtitles

Cold Star

Dylan, a sexy young Berlin femme and her lover Claudia, an American dyke hotel clerk, have that raunchy sex life every one dreams of. They fuck all over the city – whenever they want to, however they want to. But hot queer couples have their share of problems.

Dylan wants more from Claudia without giving back her heart, while Claudia wants romance and love. And to make matters worse, Dylan’s mother Helen is in the midst of her own mid-life crisis to worry about. When Dylan breaks up with Claudia everything starts to heat up and gets even more crazy when Helen decides on a surprise visit to check up on things.

A mesmerising celebration of the acceptance of varieties of sexual identity.

Mommy is Coming is a raunchy queer sex-filled romance set in the international melting pot that is Berlin. A take on screwball romantic comedies, director Cheryl Dunye (The Watermelon Women, The Owls MQFF 2011) adds sexual imagery to her ingenious form of storytelling.

Mommy is coming, and boy does she come!

Warning: High level sex scenes.

Australian Premiere

Dir: Kai Stänicke, Germany, 2011, video, 7 min

session

63

date time VENUE

Fri 23 March 10.15pm ACMI

39

Feature Films

Morgan

The Mountain Fjellet

Dir: Michael D Akers, USA, 2011, video, 90 min

Dir: Ole Giæver, Norway, 2011, 35mm, 73 min Norwegian with English subtitles ✰✰Official selection, Berlin International Film Festival 2011

Morgan is a fit competitive cyclist who suffers a catastrophic accident during a race that leaves him paralysed from the waist down and forever confined to a wheelchair. After a long stint in hospital he’s now able to live at home, but depends heavily upon his mother after he lost his job and his boyfriend left him during recovery.

His loss of independence makes him justifiably angry as he struggles with the difficulty of performing simple daily tasks in an effort to regain some independence.

For awhile he lets negative feelings get the better of him and turns to alcohol for comfort, but before long finds the strength to get out into the world again, where he meets and begins dating Dean, who is trying to resurrect his own life after nursing his sick mother. As they negotiate the vagaries of their new relationship, they must also face their own substantial fears.

After Morgan buys a new wheelchair and begins training for a race, he is forced to face some difficult personal truths. (LD)

Australian Premiere session

84

40

date time VENUE

Sun 25 March 4.15pm ACMI

Nora and Solveig are a grief-stricken couple on a hike through a mountain range where they had a traumatic and life changing experience two years prior. At first the stunning scenery disguises a notable disquiet between the women, but it soon becomes obvious that their relationship is at breaking point. As they trudge through the snow it’s clear that they each have differing ways of dealing with their grief, and another life changing event that approaches. The closer they get to the location of the tragic accident, the more pointed the blame and recriminations become.

To reveal any more would spoil your viewing of the film, so take a leap of faith and add The Mountain to your ticket list. Festival audiences the world over can’t be wrong. (LD) Melbourne Premiere session

69

date time VENUE

Sat 24 March 2.15pm ACMI

Feature Films

My Last Round Mi Ultimo Round

An Ordinary Family

Dir: Julio Jorquera Arriagada, Chile/Argentina, 2011, video, 87 min Spanish with English subtitles

Dir: Mike Akel, USA, 2011, video, 93 min

Octavio is a rugged boxing trainer living in Santiago, Chile. When he meets Hugo, a chef looking for work, the chemistry between them is instant, and they quickly form a tender and committed relationship, albeit behind closed doors as Octavio is reluctant to reveal his private life to the macho boxers he spends time with. Upon learning he has epilepsy, Octavio is advised to give up boxing, a concept he has trouble with, as he sees the sport as a key definer in his life. Meanwhile, Hugo suffers some confusion about his feelings for his new boss’s daughter. A misunderstanding between Octavio and Hugo causes a major falling out between them, and Octavio decides to ignore his doctor’s advice by re-entering the ring and putting his life at risk.

Outstanding acting adds to this compelling story that shows that love can be found, and possibly lost, in the most unexpected places. (LD)

Australian Premiere session

27

date time VENUE

Sun 18 March

6pm

ACMI

Seth grew up in Texas with a sister and a brother as part of a close, conservative religious family. Upon reaching adulthood he moved to Chicago to meet up with William whom he’d formed a relationship with after meeting online. After Seth’s gruff father dies, he decides it’s now safe to merge his two worlds and bring William home to meet the rest of his family, which by now includes various nieces and nephews. Approaching the front door, Seth admits to William that he hadn’t got around to telling his family that William would be coming. For all they know he’s single and waiting for the right girl to come along. What follows is right up there with one of the most awkward family dinners ever, as Seth’s Minister brother Thomas struggles to accept his news, Thomas’s wife tries in vain to smooth things over, and his sister Sharon’s husband becomes irrationally terrified that William will make a move on him.

With subtle and nuanced performances by the ensemble cast, a good dash of humour and some pathos thrown in, An Ordinary Family reminds us that family bonds can be complex and powerful and that there is really no such thing as an ordinary family. (LD)

Australian Premiere session

48

date time VENUE

Thu 22 March

6pm

ACMI

41

Feature Films

Our Paradise Notre Paradis

Private Romeo

Dir: Gaël Morel, France, 2011, DCP, 100 min French with English subtitles

Dir: Alan Brown, USA, 2011, video, 98 min ✰✰Winner, Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Actor in a feature Film for the entire cast, Outfest 2011

Vassili is a 35-year-old prostitute, plying his trade on the Parisian streets and upscale homes of rich, older clientele. But he has a very dark side, often killing his trade with cold-blooded steeliness. One night he comes across a young man who has been beaten unconscious in the notorious beat, Bois de Boulogne, and takes him home. The young man cannot remember his name, so Vassili christens him Angelo, because of his youthful beauty. The two men become lovers, and accomplices in crime – at first robbery, but quickly Vassili’s murderous impulses re-emerge. When they narrowly avoid capture and flee the city, the two men embark on a road trip, visiting Vassili’s former swinger pal, Anna (Béatrice Dalle, Betty Blue), and his first sugar daddy, Victor. But how long will Vassili be able to resist the impulse to spill more blood?

Stephane Rideau, who starred in the French queer 90s classic, The Wild Reeds, delivers a forceful performance as Vassili, a man with unquenchable sexual desire and killer impulses. (PT) Melbourne Premiere session

34

42

date time VENUE

Mon 19 March

9pm

ACMI

Eight virile young male cadets are attending an isolated military high school. As part of their curriculum, they’re studying William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The more involved they become with the story, the more the story starts to permeate their daily lives, causing the dormitories to be awash with romance and outbreaks of boy-on-boy kissing.

Director Alan Brown utilises a fascinating and original structure within the film, incorporating the original Shakespearean text with YouTube videos and indie rock music to reinterpret the Bard’s famous love story. The physical and competitive nature of the boys’ interpretation of the text brings a fabulously fresh approach to the timeless words, and Brown’s unique approach straddles the lines of several genres all at once.(LD)

Melbourne Premiere “One of the best overlooked films of 2011.” Advocate Magazine session

30 61

date time VENUE

Sun 18 March 8.30pm ACMI Lazy Fri 23 March 9.30pm Greater Union Buggers

Feature Films

Romeos

So Hard To Forget Como Esquecer

Dir: Sabine Bernardi, Germany, 2011, video, 94 min German with English subtitles

Dir: Malu De Martino, Brazil, 2010, 35mm, 100 min Portuguese with English subtitles

Lukas has turned 20 and moved into a hostel but the authorities have made an error – he’s been placed in the female nurses’ residence because he’s still legally female. Going through hormone replacement therapy to induce male puberty, and keeping his transitioning a secret, Lukas finds solace in Ine, a friend he’d lost touch with. Ine, a lesbian and well acquainted with the queer scene, introduces Lukas to the nightlife of Cologne.

Despite his initial reluctance that he’ll be found out as transgender, Lukas is fascinated by the sweaty clubs, full of topless, buff guys, the epitome of masculinity to which he aspires. He meets Fabio, who embodies all that Lukas feels he lacks – confidence and an assured, erotic masculine swagger – and the friendship between the two soon begins to develop into romantic attraction.

Desiring to go further, but unsure how Fabio will respond, Lukas has to decide if he’s prepared to take a huge risk and reveal himself. (PT)

Brazilian university professor Julia is traumatised by the break up of her 10-year relationship with enigmatic Antonia. She can’t bear the thought of moving on, but knows she can’t let her life stagnate either. Grabbing on to an offer to move into a large house close to the sea, she then turns to her good friend Hugo, new housemate Lisa and student Carmen for support, as they’ve also endured painful life experiences. Along the way Julia meets Lisa’s cousin Helena, an artist and talented chef, and soon enough Julia starts to feel some light come back into her life. The two women quickly form an emotional attachment, and despite Helena also having experienced a painful loss, the relationship forges on ahead. But there are some hurdles to overcome. Will Julia survive her painful break up and allow new love into her life?

Australian Premiere “Romeos resonates with outstanding storytelling, balancing sweetness and authenticity.” Frameline Film Festival session

86

date time VENUE

Sun 25 March 6.15pm ACMI

Lazy Trans

So Hard to Forget is an emotion-filled story of love, loss and recovery. (LD) Melbourne Premiere session

29 51

date time VENUE

Sun 18 March Thu 22 March

8pm 8pm

ACMI ACMI

43

Feature Films

Suicide Room Sala Samobójców

Tomboy

Dir: Jan Komasa, Poland, 2010, DCP, 110 min Polish with English subtitles

Dir: Céline Sciamma, France, 2011, video, 107 min French with English subtitles ✰✰Audience Award, Frameline Film Festival ✰✰Teddy Jury Award, Berlin International Film Festival

Moody, dark and handsome Dominik is tormented by homophobic classmates after video footage of his drunken kiss with school bully Alex is spread across the internet. Grappling with the public humiliation, Dominik seeks solace in an avatar based virtual network ‘Suicide Room’ where the pink-haired rebel and would-be suicider Sylvia consoles him. He’s quickly drawn into her murky world, and soon enough the game gets out of hand. “We’re freaks, weirdos, outside the norm. You’re different. Treasure that,” Sylvia tells him. As Dominik’s depression worsens, his wealthy, inattentive parents fail to deal with the problem, only making things worse.

Suicide Room is a gripping psychological ride taking us on Dominik’s virtual adventures (in stunning animated sequences) all the way through to the film’s dark conclusion.

Australian Premiere “A stunning examination of life and finding the will to live it.” MetroWeekly session

32

date time VENUE

Mon 19 March 6.15pm ACMI

Ten-year-old Laure and 6-year-old Jeanne, move to a new suburban neighbourhood during the summer holidays. When she meets the local kids, tomboyish Laure with her short haircut is mistaken for a boy and she decides not to correct the mistake, passing herself off as ‘Michael’. At home with her family Laure continues to be a daughter and sister, but outside maintains her Michael persona. Michael wins admirers for his soccer skills and attracts the ardent attention of local youngster Lisa, but doesn’t think ahead to the start of the school term, and the inevitable revealing of his secret. The stress of keeping up the subterfuge and continuing to enjoy the attentions of Lisa become stressful, all the more from the interference of cheeky younger sister Jeanne.

With outstanding performances from the children, Zoé Héran and Malonn Levana as Laure/Michael and Jeanne respectively, Tomboy is a funny, touching and sometimes heartbreaking exploration of gender identity and the relationships between children, and between children and parents. A Festival highlight! (LD) session

39

44

date time VENUE

Tue 20 March 8.15pm ACMI

Directors Choice

Lazy Trans

Feature Films

What Happens Next

Presented by

Dir: Jay Arnold, USA, 2012, video, 98 min Paul Greco (handsome daytime soap star Jon Lindstrom from As the World Turns and General Hospital) is an unmarried billionaire socialite who seems to have the world at his feet. Of course money does not buy happiness, and Paul’s life seems remarkably empty for someone with everything, besides a great relationship with his well meaning, but slightly overbearing sister Elise, delightfully played

by Wendie Malick (Just Shoot Me, Hot in Cleveland).

When Elise buys him the world’s cutest French bulldog puppy, Paul dutifully embarks on a daily puppy walking ritual to his local park and encounters selfemployed young advertising whiz Andy. What starts off as general dog-related chit-chat eventually tail spins (pun intended!) into something more intimate. Sliding easily between comedy and pathos, What Happens Next is a well-structured rom-com/drama full of comic misunderstandings, plot twists and turns, and an adorable scene-stealing puppy. (LD) Australian Premiere Plus short:

With Every Heartbeat (aka Kiss Me) Kyss Mig

Dir: Alexandra-Therese Keining, Sweden, 2011, 35mm, 105 min Swedish with English subtitles When Mia meets Frida she’s about to announce her engagement to Tim. Unlike Frida, who is openly lesbian, Mia has led a conservative, by the book life.

So when Frida sparks unexpected feelings within Mia, she’s more than a little shocked. To make matters more complicated, through their parents’ recent engagement, Mia and Frida are soon to become stepsisters! But of course, the path to true love is rarely uncomplicated in the film world, and as Mia and Frida cope with their emerging powerful emotions, they must deal with issues both internal and external. Their relationship is bound to cause chaos for everyone close to them, but it isn’t something either of them is capable or willing to walk away from.

With gorgeous leads and great love scenes, With Every Heartbeat is bound to be the hit lesbian film of the Festival. (LD) Melbourne Premiere session

Deaf Relay - At Your Service!

Presented by

28 75

date time VENUE zy

La Sun 18 March 6.15pm ACMI Lesbians Sat 24 March 8pm Greater Union

Dir: Diane Wilkins & Jeanette Castillo, USA, 2010, video, 4 min An hilarious inside look at the high-tech critical communications service provided to the deaf or hard-of-hearing community. A call from the Deaf Relay Service might just be the most exciting call of the day!

This is an Auslan signed session courtesy of Yarra Trams session

74

date time VENUE

Sat 24 March

6pm

ACMI

45

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Documentaries

The Advocate For Fagdom Dir: Angelique Bosio, France, 2011, video, 90 min

session

47

date time VENUE

Wed 21 March 10.15pm ACMI

There is only one Bruce LaBruce. Provocative, transgressive, loved and feared, LaBruce has challenged audiences for over twenty years with groundbreaking films that have celebrated the most extreme sexuality, perversions and political ideology. This portrait sheds light on the obsessions and drive of the radical who offended so many with such films as No Skin Off My Ass, Skin Flick, Hustler White, The Raspberry Reich and L.A. Zombie, which was banned in Australia in 2010. Scenes from his films and fascinating behind-the-scenes footage of the filmmaker at work are woven with interviews with some of the biggest names in queerness including John Waters, Harmony Korine, Gus Van Sant and the man himself. The Advocate for Fagdom gives us an artist at war with cultural norms; a filmmaker who embraces the queerest of identities, however perverse, rather than striving to mirror a more accepted form of heteronormity. (GS) Melbourne Premiere Warning: Graphic scenes of violence and high level sex scenes.

The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye Dir: Marie Losier, France, 2011, video, 72 min ✰✰Teddy Award for Best Documentary, Berlin International Film Festival 2011

session

10

date time VENUE

Sat 17 March

2pm

ACMI

Lazy Trans

Marie Losier’s first feature documentary is riveting from start to finish. Losier follows ground-breaking performance artist and music pioneer Genesis Breyer P-Orridge (Throbbing Gristle, Psychic TV) and her wife and collaborator, Lady Jaye Breyer, as they decide to meet each other in the gender-middle by creating a new body, a project they called ‘Creating the Pandrogyne’. Undergoing extensive reassignment and cosmetic surgery to become a reflection of each other, Genesis and Lady Jaye began the creation of what they called a third sex, so each could become the other.

Using a range of interviews, home movies and performance footage, Losier captures the essence of the partnership and of the performance career of Genesis, and when Lady Jaye tragically dies mid-way through the filming, Genesis is left to reflect on her grief and on whether she will continue with the project. Not to be missed! (LD)

50

Documentaries

Becoming Chaz Dir: Fenton Bailey & Randy Barbato, USA, 2011, video, 86 min Becoming Chaz follows Chaz Bono on his remarkable journey of transformation. Born Chasity Bono, to famous parents, Cher and Sonny Bono, Chaz has spent a life in the limelight, as a child on his parents’ TV show, to coming out as a lesbian, but when he decided to undergo gender reassignment, the biggest media circus was yet to come.

With unprecedented access, queer filmmakers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato (Party Monster MQFF 2004, 101 Rent Boys MQFF 2001, The Eyes of Tammy Faye MQFF 2001), track Chaz from the first shot of testosterone to top surgery. Jennifer Elia, Chaz’s now ex-partner, is there virtually every step of the way and provides a remarkable witness to the side-effects (increased sex drive and mood swings being just two examples) of the drugs, and the decision by Chaz to pro-actively address the media and come out as a transman.

Featuring interviews with Chaz’s family members – including Cher – Becoming Chaz is a fascinating and revelatory film not only about the transition process, but highlighting one person’s courage and determination in light of myriad distractions and obstacles, to finally become the man he always wanted to be. (PT) session

82

date time VENUE

Sun 25 March 2.15pm ACMI

Lazy Trans

Plus short

Trans Boys: Dex Dir: Ali Russell & Monique Schafter, Australia, 2012, video, 6 min Since beginning testosterone after 40-odd years as a dyke, Dexter has discovered he’s attracted to men, and finds himself learning the ropes all over again.

51

Documentaries

Cancerpants

session

Dir: Nevie Owens, USA, 2011, video, 80 min

25

date time VENUE

Sun 18 March

4pm

Cancerpants invites us into the struggles, losses, triumphs and joys of breast cancer to show how one of the world's most common illnesses, affects not only those diagnosed but their family, friends and community as well. While breast cancer will be a part of 36 year old Rochelle Poulson's life for the rest of her life, she doesn't see cancer as a curse: "I want women to see the value in telling their story and to choose to learn from the experience." Cancerpants, with its warm wit and wisdom, arms an audience of women and all those touched by breast cancer to face its reality with courage and clarity.

ACMI

Presented by

Cancerpants is an intimate, honest and often raw account, that gives audiences an insider’s view of Rochelle and her partner Julie’s journey through diagnosis, illness and recovery.

Australian Premiere

The Cure: A Documentary Film Dir: Heather Corkhill, Australia, 2011, video, 60 min

session

65

date time VENUE

Sat 24 March

Midday ACMI Studio

This new Australian documentary investigates reparative programs (ex-gay ministries) and the mental health implications of trying to 'change' one’s sexuality. Emerging from the vestiges of the 1970s ex-gay movement, many organisations (both here and overseas) continue to promote ‘freedom’ or ‘transformation’ from homosexuality. Through a series of candid interviews, The Cure breaks through the semantics of a range of reparative methodologies to unveil a single ultimatum to homosexual Christians – you must change. The lexicon of such programs has evolved to suggest a more temperate approach than aversion therapies, such as electro-shock therapy, once used in the past to re-orientate sexuality. But even in their current incarnation within organisations such as Exodus and Living Waters, these programs continue to have devastating effects on the mental and emotional health of many participants.

Such stressful emotional turmoil is compounded within the Christian context, where a failure to change or even suppress one’s homosexuality bears the consequence of ostracism from the church community and support network, and the threat of eternal spiritual damnation. Ultimately though, The Cure discovers the resilience of the human spirit in the pursuit of true happiness. In accepting themselves for who they really are and embracing their identity, participants finally experience the happiness of living an authentic life, and a tangible sense of freedom.

Melbourne Premiere 52

Join us for a Q&A with filmmaker Heather Corkhill after the session.

Documentaries

Fake Orgasm Dir: Jo Sol, Spain, 2010, 35mm, 72min Spanish with English subtitles

session

33

date time VENUE

Mon 19 March

8pm

ACMI

A man stands before an audience hosting a competition where women and men fake orgasms, discussing why people fake sexual pleasure... but this is not a documentary about faking orgasms. The subterfuge is something else entirely, spinning this documentary into a surprising and confronting clash of gender, sexual politics, love and identity.

Following Lazlo Pearlman as he takes his show across Barcelona, Fake Orgasm is in his words about recognising ‘the absurdity of this world's "rules and regulations"; the requirements we live under and feel obliged to live up to, whether they suit us or not.’ After smashing our preconceptions, Lazlo undertakes an anarchic and poignant search for freedom, both for himself and for everybody.

Part mockumentary, part documentary, part conceptual artwork, this Christine Vachon produced piece is a confounding and startlingly original documentary. (GS)

Hit So Hard: The Life & Near Death of Patty Schemel

session

07

date time VENUE

Sat 17 March

11am ACMI

Directors Choice

Dir: P. David Ebersole, USA, 2011, video, 103 min It’s a long way down from the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Cut together from never-before-seen personal footage comes this account of Patty Schemel, the openly gay drummer of Courtney Love’s rock band, Hole. Given unprecedented backstage access, on the tour buses, in hotel rooms, and at home with intimate footage of Courtney, Kurt Cobain and their daughter, Frances Bean, we go right to the top with Patty, and then chart her devastating descent into drug addiction and homelessness (and then back again). Plagued by the tragedy of Cobain’s suicide, the overdose of bassist Kristen Pfaff and other personal tragedies, never was a band surrounded by so much darkness.

Yet what shines through is the impact of the music, the humour and wit of Patty and Courtney, and the guts of a woman determined to survive while struggling to keep from falling out of time. (GS) Melbourne Premiere

53

Documentaries

Kink Crusaders Dir: Mike Skiff, USA, 2011, video, 74 min ✰✰Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary, Cinekink NYC 2011 ✰✰Best Documentary, Gay Film Festival UK

session

78

date time VENUE

Sat 24 March 10.30pm ACMI

Presented by

This revealing, entertaining and engaging documentary about the annual Mr. Leather competition, provides an intimate glimpse into the leather/fetish subculture at the 30th anniversary contest in Chicago. There’s enough flesh and fetish to whet the curiosity and desire of outsiders and long-time leather players alike. In addition to the puppy play and cracking of single-tail whips, Kink Crusaders tells the story of an evolving community. “It’s not just a ‘white gay male’ event anymore. We are inclusive,” says founder Chuck Renslow. Mr. Leather has celebrated competitors who are men of colour, bisexual or straight allies, elders, FTM-identified and disabled persons – including Mr. Leather Ottawa, the first competitor who uses a wheelchair. Proudly partnering with the women’s leather community is also a part of recent change. Juxtaposed with this growth is a historic look at the men who bravely began Mr. Leather: kinky elders talk about what it was like to come out as leather-identified in the 50s.

Melbourne Premiere

Producer (and director Mike Skiff's partner) Tony McEwing will be in attendance.

Rent Boys Die Jungs Vom Bahnhof Zoo Dir: Rosa Von Praunheim, Germany, 2010, video, 84 min German with English subtitles

session

41

date time VENUE

Tue 20 March

10pm ACMI

Celebrated queer director Rosa Von Praunheim catches up with several men who spent time in the late 80s working the street at Bahnhof Zoo, the Zoological Gardens stop of the Berlin subway. Roundly despised, stigmatised and suppressed to the fringe of society, Praunheim depicts the challenging reality young male prostitutes face in Berlin.

Most of the hustlers are immigrants, a lot of them act out of necessity and desperation. Following the young men while they work in bars, porn movie theatres and on the street, he depicts their motivations, their stories and above all, their strong will to survive and thrive. (LD) Australian Premiere

54

Documentaries

Sexing The Transman Dir: Buck Angel, USA, 2010, video, 60 min Finally, a film that breaks through the mystique of transmen and their sexuality. Buck Angel, the first porn star transman, interviews other transmen about their bodies, transitions, sexual orientations, sexualities, likes and dislikes. And just to spice things up Buck also shows us the interviewees while they’re having sex, either alone or with other transmen. But wait there’s more! As an added bonus, we also get to see Buck himself show off his much-admired prowess between the sheets. In equal parts educational, entertaining, and just plain saucy, Buck gets to the bottom of all things transman! (LD)

Australian Premiere Warning: high level sex scenes.

Wish Me Away

session

05

date time VENUE

Fri 16 March 10.15pm ACMI

Plus short

Crowned and Bound Dir: Jeffrey McHale, USA, 2010, video, 23 min Delves into the world of International Mr. Leather. In 2010, a landmark year for the competition, depicts the crowning of the first transgendered and disabled Mr. Leather, Tyler McCormick. Australian Premiere

session

08

date time VENUE

Sat 17 March 1.15pm ACMI

Dir: Bobbie Birleffi & Beverly Kopf, USA, 2011, video, 120 min ✰✰Jury Award for Best Documentary, Los Angeles Film Festival ✰✰Audience Award, Nashville Film Festival ✰ Grand Jury Award, Best Documentary, Frameline Film Festival

Lazy Lesbians

US country and western singer Chely Wright (Shut Up and Drive, Single White Female), had the career she’d always dreamed of, was adored by country music fans the world over, and was the darling of Nashville. But, it all seemed empty as she fought the internal demons associated with living a lie and keeping yourself from the world.

After a lifetime of hiding from herself, her family, and her fans, Chely decides to quit her double life and become the first commercial country music singer to come out as a lesbian, in the process shattering cultural stereotypes within Nashville, and her conservative bible belt community. With unprecedented access, including private video diaries, the film depicts Chely's rise to fame in the late 90s, the execution of her coming out plan (and worries that it will be career suicide), and culminating in the exciting moment when she steps into the media glare to reveal she’s a lesbian. The film shows both the destructive nature of internalised homophobia and the transformational power of living an authentic life. Whether you’re a country music fan or not, Chely’s story is a moving and inspiring message to us all.(LD) Australian Premiere

55

Special Presentations Focus on Activism

Join the Focus on Activism conversation on Twitter #mqffact2012

3 Special Presentation films and panels dedicated to the power of activism to make a difference.

As Australia's queer community improves our equality in many legal and social ways, and as we face the inevitability of equal marriage either in the long or short term, it’s worth stopping to consider that there are still many in GLBTI communities the world over who suffer persecution, bullying, homophobia and even the threat of death merely due to their sexuality. The MQFF encourages our audiences to find out about the lives of our GLBTI friends around the globe, and perhaps get involved with organisations which seek to support queers in less socially evolved countries. It’s ironic that the documentaries listed in our activism package have either been made by directors who live outside of the culture they seek to educate us about, or refer to the inequality of our GLBTI cousins in the USA. The fact remains, however, that it is virtually impossible to make and distribute films about GLBTI issues in some parts of the world. It would simply be too risky.

East Bloc Love

Activist Filmmakers panel

Dir: Logan Mucha, Australia, 2011, video, 70 min

Join our panellists as they discuss the possibility that filmmakers are able to affect change in the world around them via education, entertainment and the promotion of discussion.

Can the pride of a brave few rise above a nation's hate? In Belarus, where being openly gay leads to beatings and arrest, Australian filmmaker Logan Mucha gets to the heart of the matter filming across six Eastern European countries and interviewing young Sergey and a few brave activists who take to the streets to demand equality.

Melbourne Premiere Plus short

Lukela’s Story Dir: Brandon Blommaert & Ariel Travis for Organisation for Refuge, Asylum & Migration (ORAM), USA, 2011, video, 4 min Lukela is cast out of Zimbabwe after being outed as a lesbian. She soon finds life in South Africa to be as difficult as Zimbabwe.

PanelLists

Grant Scicluna is is the writer/director of several short films including The Wilding MQFF 2012, Golden Girl, and Neon Skin MQFF 2010. He completed an internship with Bruce Beresford on the feature film Mao's Last Dancer in 2008 and his feature Scratch The Surface was selected in 2011 for Screen Australia's Springboard program.

Kim Munro is a Melbourne-based documentary filmmaker and lecturer, who believes in the power of film to inspire personal and social change. Her latest film, Nerve, will screen on the ABC as part of Matchbox's Anatomy series 3, and is screening at MQFF 2012.

Logan Mucha is a talented emerging filmmaker and director of East Bloc Love. He will be attending the Australian Film, TV & Radio School in 2012 and is currently producing a new documentary on Russian LGBT activist Nikolai Alekseev.

Sari Braithwaite is Programming Manager at the Human Rights Arts and Film Festival. session

09

date time VENUE

Sat 17 March

2pm

ACMI Studio

57

Special Presentations

Help! We’ve Got A Gay in The Class

People Power panel

Dir: Doesjka Van Hoogdalem, The Netherlands, 2010, video, 49 min

Join our panellists as they discuss the realities of individual activism and activism which exists under a more structured and formal umbrella. Does the power of an organisation pack more punch than an individual or can they complement each other?

Activists visit schools in Holland, talking about GLBTI issues, which results in shocking and moving dialogues with the students; an honest portrayal of young people’s thoughts about homosexuality in the new decade. One message is clear: Information and debate about GLBTI issues in schools are still relevant, as is the continued assistance of activists and politicians alike.

Australian Premiere Plus short

Marwan’s Story Dir: Brandon Blommaert & Kaveh Gilman for ORAM, USA, 2011, video, 4 min Marwan is violently attacked while walking in his Iraqi city, and his lover is killed. He flees to Syria, but how long can he stay there when his reason for seeking refuge is not accepted?

panellists

Adam Bandt MP has dedicated many years to public interest campaigning and workplace rights, as a barrister. Now, as the Federal Member for Melbourne, he is advocating for Melburnians’ real values on issues like accessible healthcare, fair and flexible working arrangements, quality education and equality for all including the rights of people of all genders to marry the people they love.

Daniel Witthaus has been challenging homophobia both in Australia and abroad for the last 15 years. Last year he launched his first book, Beyond 'That's So Gay' and completed a national challenging homophobia tour of rural Australia in a truck called Bruce. www.thatssogay.com.au session

21

58

date time VENUE

Sun 18 March

2pm

ACMI Studio

Special Presentations

Marriage Equality panel Illegal Love

Presented by

Dir: Julie Gali, France, 2011, video, 45 min This well produced and entertaining documentary explores the controversial Proposition 8 vote in California where, for the first time in US history, a civil right (for same-sex couples to marry), was taken away after it had previously been granted.

Initially intended to be a documentary about Barack Obama’s historic win at the 2008 presidential election, French director Gali was so taken by the passion the issue invoked that she spent the following year talking to as many sides of the Prop 8 campaign that she could. Interviews with church members who bankrolled a massive anti gay marriage campaign, to discussions with gay activists about the devastating impact of Prop 8 to the American GLBTI community, Illegal Love is a cautionary tale for Australians who might assume equality is inevitable. Australian Premiere Plus short

Naheed’s Story Dir: Brandon Blommaert & Kaveh Gilman for ORAM, USA, 2011, video, 4 min Naheed’s father kicks her out of the house after eavesdropping on her and her girlfriend.

She and her lover try to flee to Turkey, but the girlfriend is intercepted. Naheed makes it, but faces an uphill struggle.

Join our panel for a discussion about the latest state of play for marriage equality in Australia.

Panellists

Dr Paula Gerber practiced law for 20 years and is now Associate Professor at Monash University Law School and Deputy Director of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law. She specialises in law relating to same-sex relationships and children's rights, and is coeditor with Adiva Sifris of Current Trends in the Regulation of Same-sex Relationships.

Jamie Gardiner is a long-time queer activist. His chapter 'Same-Sex Marriage: A Worldwide Trend?' was published in Current Trends in the Regulation of Same-sex Relationships.

He is a vice-president of Liberty Victoria and chairs the LIV Human Rights Committee.

Corey Irlam has been a national advocate for the LGBTI community with Australian Coalition for Equality since 2007 and ACON Health since 2009. As a passionate advocate for the inclusion of older Australians and the full inclusion of all parts of the lgbTI community Corey is a staunch advocate for marriage equality. session

70

date time VENUE

Sat 24 March

4pm

ACMI Studio 59

Special Presentations

Photos of Angie

Presented by

Dir: Alan Dominguez, USA, 2011, video, 55 min In 2008, 18 year-old Angie Zapata was found dead in her small apartment in Colorado.

The media reported that she was a typical teenager – but what was not reported was that Angie was born as Justin. That year, there were 44 reported murders of transgender persons worldwide and the US Congress was beginning to debate national hate crimes legislation. With this as the backdrop, a conservative, small-town jury was about to hear what had never been successfully done in a US courtroom – prosecuting the murder of a transgender person as a hate crime.

Photos of Angie provides a compelling look at the complexities of sexual identity across the globe through the eyes of a small-town girl whose life was cut short. The film looks at Angie’s journey of selfdiscovery, transgender lives in various cultural contexts, hate crime legislation, and the mysterious nature of her killer. Photos of Angie not only explores the transphobia of the killer and the culture that supports it, but also gives a voice to her suffering family, those that acted on her behalf, and ultimately, Angie herself. Australian Premiere

Warning: contains footage and broaches issues that may upset some viewers. plus short

Paul’s Story Dir: Christian Robinson & Daniel Ewing for ORAM, USA, 2011, video, 3 min In Jamaica, Paul is ostracised by his neighbours for being openly gay. He tries to flee to the UK, but will he make it?

60

Transgender Activists panel Please join our panellists as they discuss the current legal and social situation for the transgendered community in Australia.

Panellists

Sally Goldner has been an active participant in Melbourne’s queer community for the last 14 years including ongoing involvement with TransGender Victoria, 3CR’s ‘Out of the Pan,’ and VGLRL. Simba Kennedy is a trans boy who is very involved in activism and is President of YGender who have provided events and programs almost weekly for sex & gender diverse young people, allies and friends since 2010.

Brian Walters SC is a Melbourne senior counsel and has appeared in many criminal trials. He is former president of Liberty Victoria and has been active in supporting GLBTI issues. session

24

date time VENUE

Sun 18 March

4pm

ACMI Studio

Special Presentations Queer As Fxxk

Presented by

Season 5 complete and uncut Dir: Colin Batrouney, Neil Armfield & Shannon Murphy, Australia, 2011, video, 90 min Men! Sex! Jiu Jitsu! Music! Dancing! Geoffrey Rush, Judith Lucy, Denise Scott, Adam Richard, Jane Menelaus, Andrea Powell, Dan Wylie all star in series 5 of Queer as Fxxk. Brendan has been bashed, HIV-positive Pete is freaking out, his young boyfriend Toby is confused, Davo’s going to Vegas, Aaron’s so far up his own arse he can’t find himself and newcomer Zoltan wants to get hands-on with everyone – confused? Come to the MQFF screening of series five of Queer as Fxxk and see how it all works out.

Followed by cast and crew Q&A session. Written by Colin Batrouney & Chris Anastassiades, produced by X-Machine.

This screening is supported through an unrestricted educational grant from Gilead. session

71

date time VENUE

Sat 24 March

4pm

ACMI

Still Around Dir: various, USA, 2011, video, 82 min Still Around is a feature-length compilation of 15 short films about surviving and thriving with HIV/AIDS. Made to mark the 30th anniversary of one of the world's most substantial health pandemics, it weaves together a diverse slate of powerful stories into an unmatched portrait of courage and hope.

Filmmakers include Jörg Fockele, Robert Dekkers, Marc Smolowitz, Amir Jaffer, Debra A Wilson and Australia’s own Daniel Cardone.

Australian Premiere

Plus short

UB2 Dir: Dan Goldes, USA, 2011, video, 5 min Interviewees talk about being 'clean and disease free' as seen in dating sites. session

81

date time VENUE

Sun 25 March

2pm

ACMI

61

A new kind of Civil Celebrant & member of your community.

ELLEN SPALDING CELEBRANT CertIVCel(VU), BA(Hons)(Melb.)

GradDipMedia Studies(La Trobe)

tel 0407 058 006 celebrant@ellenspalding.com.au ellenspalding.com.au

Commitments, Renewal of Vows, A newWeddings, kind of Celebrant Baby Namings, Funerals, or any significant & member of your community life event celebrated.

10% OFF

a fabulous piece of eyewear when you present a ticket stub from

MQFF 2012

104 ormond road, elwood www.winkoptom.com.au

Midnight Movie

Hollywood To Dollywood Dir: John Lavin, USA, 2011, video, 79 min On the fumes of a dream, gay twin brothers Gary and Larry Lane have written a script with a plum role for their ultimate idol, Dolly Parton. The question is, how will they get it to Dolly? Not being familiar with the term ‘wild goose chase’, the boys and a friend embark on a crosscountry journey in their RV named Jolene to meet Dolly and hand over the script.

Enlisting the help of stars such as Chad Allen, Leslie Jordan and Dustin Lance Black, the boys encounter all manner of adventures along the way, and also have time to reflect on their own lives. Featuring many of Dolly’s classic hits, Hollywood to Dollywood is a wildly entertaining documentary about the power of chasing your dreams. Will the boys find Dolly?! (LD)

Melbourne Premiere. session

64

date time VENUE

Fri 23 March Midnight Greater Union

Come dressed as Dolly.

Prizes for the best dressed!

63

queer film ad.indd 1

12/19/2011 2:07:16 PM

Oz Docs This year’s excellent trio of Oz Docs covers a diverse representation of subjects and themes from ballroom dancing, to a skateboarding transwoman and an upcoming life changing surgery.

Representatives from the films will be in attendance for a Q&A in the Festival Lounge following the session.

ballroom rules

Ballroom Rules Dir: Nickolas Bird & Eleanor Sharpe, Australia, 2012, video, 76 min Australian same sex ballroom dancers battle homophobia, injury and personal dramas as they pursue their dream of competing at the 2010 Gay Games in Germany.

PLUS

Trans Boys: Xavier Dir: Ali Russell and Monique Schafter, Australia, 2012, video, 5 min trans boys: xavier

Xavier is 27 and after many years of binding his breasts, is about to go under the knife for ‘top surgery’ a double mastectomy.

PLUS

A Piece of Amandarin: A Trans Woman’s Experience Dir: Hemma Kearney, Australia, 2010, video, 3 min Transwoman Amanda Dean talks about her experiences with being trans, and possible surgery with some fun skateboarding thrown in the mix. session

68

date time VENUE

Sat 24 March

2pm

ACMI

A Piece Of Amandarin: A Trans Woman’s Experience

65

Oz Shorts In partnership with the City of Melbourne, the MQFF is proud to present this year’s package of Australian shorts. The City of Melbourne has confirmed their long-standing support of the Festival by generously providing a $3000 cash prize for The City of Melbourne Emerging Filmmaker Award for Best Australian Short Queer Film. Only the films listed in the Oz Shorts package are eligible for this Award, which will be voted by a panel of judges.

This year’s Oz Shorts judges are: Monique Schafter is a Walkley Award winning reporter/producer who co-hosted ABC's groundbreaking current affairs program Hungry Beast. Monique also writes a weekly column 'Tomboy Tales' for LGBTI newspaper and MQFF media partner Star Observer. Three of her short documentaries screen throughout this year’s MQFF. Benjamin Law writes for frankie, The Monthly and Qweekend, and is author of The Family Law and the forthcoming Gaysia. Andrew Bolt once described him as "a gay with startling comprehension issues". www.benjamin-law.com

battlefield

Adam Sharah is an LGBTI and Indigenous activist, artist, Indigenous cultural facilitator and media liasion who represents and promotes Aboriginal traditional and contemporary arts and culture. Adam recently reclocated to Melbourne to take up the position Executive Producer of Deadly Funny at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Cr Jennifer Kanis (City of Melbourne) is an Employment and Industrial Relations lawyer and is the Convenor of Victorian Women Lawyers.

Prior to becoming a lawyer, Jennifer was a secondary school teacher and communications consultant. Jennifer is also a long time resident of the Flemington and Kensington area. She is President of the Flemington Kensington Bowling Club.

these empty streets

66

echo

unfinished thoughts

Presented by

Oz Shorts Battlefield

The Wilding

Dir: Tim Marshall, Australia, 2011, video, 9 min

Dir: Grant Scicluna, Australia, 2008, video, 8 min ✰✰Official Selection Berlin International Film Festival 2012

Two men bound by habit and idiosyncrasy negotiate the emotion of a one night stand.

Echo Dir: Iain Murton, Australia, 2012, video, 12 min

When juvenile inmate Malcolm is offered a shot at parole, his action inadvertently makes his lover and cell mate Tye a target for attacks by other inmates. Malcolm is torn between freedom and protecting the one he loves.

A middle-aged man mourns the loss of a loved one.

Adam’s Tallit

These Empty Streets

Dir: Justin Olstein, Australia, 2011, video, 16 min

Dir: Jarrah Gurrie, Australia, 2011, video, 29 min A teen boy runs away from home when his mother won't accept him as he is.

Unfinished Thoughts Dir: Dimitrios Pouliotis, Australia, 2011, video, 15 min Greek with English subtitles Two older women ponder their life long friendship as one of them is on her deathbed.

the wilding

An exuberant young Jewish boy with a penchant for dressing in his grandmother’s lipstick and pearl earrings, teaches her a life lesson.

The Confession of Father John Thomas Dir: Elka Kerkhofs, Australia, 2011, video, 5 min Being true to yourself is stronger than any dogma.

Filmmakers will be in attendance. session

73

date time VENUE

Sat 24 March

6pm

ACMI

adam's tallit

the confession of father john thomas

67

Short & Burly From wrestlers and truckies filled with longing, to Glee inspired teens and a man who can’t wake from his ultimate nightmare – it’s all here in this package of gay shorts from around the world.

Along The Road Längs Vägen Dir: Jerry Carlsson & Annette Gunnarsson, Sweden, 2011, video, 8 min Swedish with English subtitles Truck drivers, Ronny and Micke, have a secret relationship. They meet up at rest areas along the road, where no one can see them. Both are longing for something more, but Ronny already has a family.

along the road

The Main Event Dir: Clare Smyth, USA, 2010, video, 10 min Two pro wrestlers, Righteous Ted and The Axe, grapple both within and outside the ring. A macho man romance to rival WWF Superstars.

Boys’ Village Dir: Till Kleinert, UK, 2011, video, 22 min ✰✰Audience Choice Award, Beijing Film Festival 2011

boys' village

the main event

68

The Boys' Village was once a holiday home for coalminers' sons. Fifteen years since its closure, little remains of its former glory, but young Kevin has a special relationship to it.

Short & Burly

in the light

In The Light Dir: Glen Wood, Canada, 2011, video, 27 min Zack and John wake up disoriented after a passionate one-night stand. Now, having been intimate, they discover how to be honest with each other and themselves.

Pura Vida pura vida

Dir: Andreas Hazelius, Sweden, 2011, video, 23 min Swedish with English subtitles Two middle-aged men from different social environments meet, and a tragic love story ensues.

Bald Guy Skalla Mann Dir: Maria Block, Norway, 2011, video, 12 min Norwegian with English subtitles ✰✰Best Short Film, Frameline Film Festival 2011 A kiss inspires a burst of song for a young Norwegian. bald guy

52 Dir: Josh Levy & Robi Levy, Canada, 2010, video, 4 min Could this be the worst of all nightmares? session

54 77

date time VENUE

Thu 22 March 10.15pm ACMI Sat 24 March 10.30pm ACMI

52

69

Cocktales The latest and greatest in gay shorts from around the world.

junk

Junk Dir: Joe Morris, UK, 2010, video, 23 min A confused, naïve teenager desperately attempts to keep hold of the only companion he has left.

4 Pounds Dir: Josh Levy & Robi Levy, Canada, 2010, video, 8 min An actor fighting the middle aged spread wants to lose 4 pounds for an upcoming acting gig.

La Dérade Dir: Pascal Latil, France, 2011, video, 13 min French with English subtitles

4 pounds

la dÉrade

70

Simon and his sailor boyfriend François are devoted to each other. But Simon has a chronic illness and is awaiting a heart transplant.

Cocktales Blokes Dir: Marialy Rivas, Chile, 2011, video, 15 min Spanish with English subtitles ✰✰Best Narrative Short, San Francisco International Film Festival 2011 A young teen in an apartment tries to get some privacy as he lusts after his soccer playing neighbour.

Your Warmth ‫חום גופך‬ blokes

Dir: Zvi Landsman, Israel, 2011, video, 14 min Hebrew with English subtitles Jonathan's thirst for love brings him to the park for the first time. What will the park offer him and what will it take in return?

Regrets Dir: Michelle Pollino, USA, 2011, video, 11 min An exciting one-night-stand – what could possibly go wrong?

Taboule: A Story About Secret Codes your warmth

Taboule: Una Historia Sobre Codigos Secretos Dir: Richard Garcia, Spain, 2011, video, 4 min Spanish with English subtitles Love means never having to share your pin code.

Arts & Crafts Spectacular #1 Dir: Wolf & Ritterskamp, Germany, 2010, video, 1 min Gilbert and George reflect on their idyllic day out in the English countryside in their own irreverent way. session

17 62

date time VENUE

Sat 17 March 10.15pm ACMI Fri 23 March 10.30pm ACMI

regrets

Taboule: A Story About Secret Codes

arts & crafts spectacular #1

71

Sex Drives & Videotape This eclectic shorts package explores the gay male sex drive in all its diverse glory.

winner takes all

Winner Takes All Dir: Camilla Carida, USA, 2011, video, 17 min An unapologetic manipulator engineers a fight between his two lovers‌ with himself as the ultimate prize.

Love is Not Enough Dir: Bryan Darling, USA, 2011, video, 11 min When Eric meets Conrad, it’s love at first sight. Once their whirlwind romance turns domestic, both men must face their conflicting ideas about relationships. love is not enough

short name

spring

72

Sex Drives & Videotape Spring Dir: Hong Khao, UK, 2011, video, 13 min A young man meets a stranger for sex, an experience that will change his life forever.

Beast Septimo Dir: Valentina Chamorro, Sweden, 2011, video, 24 min Swedish with English subtitles Gustav falls in love with the beautiful and mysterious recluse Vincent, who carries a dark secret.

beast

Couples Therapy Dir: Mike Rose, USA, 2011, video, 8 min A couple fights over a joke that just won’t die.

Fuckbuddies Dir: Juanma Carillo, Spain, 2011 video, 6 min Spanish with English subtitles A lunchtime quickie takes a turn for the mundane. session

couples therapy

06 55

date time VENUE

Fri 16 March 10.30pm ACMI Thu 22 March 10.15pm ACMI

fuckbuddies

73

Short & Girly You’ll laugh and you’ll cry, but you’ll love this collection of new lesbian short films.

BEHOLDER

Beholder Dir: Nisha Ganatra, USA, 2011, video, 19 min In the future, life is predetermined and pre-selected during the conception and birth of children. When the pregnant wife of a politician discovers her foetus has the gay gene she is confronted with her past and future.

Always Again Dir: Estel Campreciós, UK, 2011, video, 6 min Kim's straight friend gets a first hand look at how awkward it can be to explain your same sex relationship to strangers.

AWOL Dir: Deb Shoval, USA, 2010, video, 14min

ALWAYS AGAIN

AWOL

74

Days before her deployment to Afghanistan, 19-year-old Joey comes home to rural Pennsylvania for Christmas, with big dreams of running away to Canada with her girlfriend and her kids.

Short & Girly

POKER FACE

TSUYAKO

Poker Face Dir: Becky Lane, USA, 2011, video, 14 min A girls’ night out game of poker takes a turn from gigglefest to an evening of secrets revealed.

Tsuyako Dir: Mitsuyo Miyazaki, Japan, 2011, video, 25 min Japanese with English subtitles In post-war Japan, Tsuyako, a factory worker and mother must decide between duty and love, her family and her freedom.

MISERABLE ANIMALS

Miserable Animals Dir: Desiree Akhaven & Ingrid Jungermann, USA, 2011, video, 5 min A couple argues over who is more lesbian.

Lesbian Cliché Song Dir: Bob Koherr, USA, 2011, video, 6 min Sapphic stereotypes with a touch of song. session

20

date time VENUE

Sun 18 March 12.15pm ACMI

LESBIAN CLICHÉ SONG

75

Boobtube The latest and greatest in lesbian short films.

cross your fingers

Cross Your Fingers Dir: Yun Joo Chang, UK, 2011, video, 16 min Good Catholic girl Su-Yeon, is confronted with her desire and feelings when punk girl Maya walks into her manicure salon and takes her hands.

Curvature Dir: Cricket Ellis, USA, 2010, video, 7 min Just because you're straight, doesn't mean you can't bend. curvature

76

Boobtube Lost Tracks Dir: Jon Stanford, UK, 2011, video, 21 min Teenaged Tobi prepares to run away as her disillusionment with family life, friends and the community around her becomes too much.

Recessive Dir: Logan Kibens, USA, 2010, video, 31 min Shay knows she may carry the marker for a serious genetic disorder and must decide whether to have a child with her wife Nora. lost tracks

Ketheron’s Bucket Mending and Hymen Emporium Dir: Anton H Gill, USA, 2011, video, 13 min Desperate for funds, a lesbian charlatan uses song and dance to earn the trust of a woman who is desperate to get married. session

66

date time VENUE

Sat 24 March 12.15pm ACMI

recessive

Ketheron’s Bucket Mending And Hymen Emporium

77

Femme Fatalities From the battle of the t-shirts, to transgressive coffee drinking in a tea drinking world, and lesbians bickering over who is more attractive, this collection of quirky tales will appeal to those wanting something a little more out of the box.

This is Me Dit Is Ek Dir: Lori Young, Australia, 2011, video, 25 min Tarryn, a lesbian detective is investigating the current uprise in corrective rape hate crime in Cape Town, when she and her girlfriend Stacey are attacked.

Flyers Dir: Laura Terruso, USA, 2010, video, 3min A street flyer leads to a surprising discovery.

Lust Life Dir: Lynda Tarryk, USA, 2010, video, 9 min this is me

Paris is the world’s most passionate city, but a woman who has lost her lust for life is caught between possibility and reality.

Some Things Are Worse Than Being Gay Dir: Regine Richards, USA, 2011, video, 7 min Leah, a young Jewish woman has decided to come out to her parents. She’s expecting the worst…

Slow Burn Dir: Christine Chew, Canada, 2011, video, 14 min It’s the high noon of ink, and two artists are preparing to tattoo at ten paces. Cowboy chic meets steampunk meets gorgeously inked ladies, as a mysterious girl looks for her first tattoo.

flyers

lust life

78

some things are worse than being gay

Femme Fatalities

slow burn

Fluid Dir: Dara Sklar, Canada/USA, 2011, video, 17 min In a playful satire on strictly enforced identities, Angie’s transgressive coffee drinking threatens her position on the tea-drinkers-only Ice Teasers flag football team.

Pretty People Dir: Desiree Akhavan & Ingrid Jungermann, USA, 2011, video, 4 min A lesbian couple argue over who is more attractive.

Nice Shirt Dir: Erik Gernand, USA, 2011, video, 5 min Two exes go head to head in a game of one upmanship, when one of them turns up to lunch wearing a t-shirt that reads ‘taken’. session

79

date time

VENUE

Sun 25 March 12.15pm ACMI

____

_

fluid

pretty people

nice shirt

79

Transformations Here’s an eclectic package of great transgender documentaries guaranteed to entertain and enlighten.

Death Of My Daughter Dir: Leon Mostovoy, USA, 2010, video, 9 min

death of my daughter

Death of My Daughter is a short personal documentary about the experience of transitioning from female to male. Director Mosovoy came up with the idea for the film after his mother (upon learning of his transition) announced to his family that he was dead to her, and that her daughter was gone.

Home For The Golden Gays Dir: Nola Grace Gaardmand, Denmark/Philippines, 2010, video, 13 min

Trans Phats home for the golden gays

In the vibrant slums of Manila lives Semmy Baisa, a community man and one-time father. He has been slowly coming out of the closet for many years. He hears of a sometimes legendary, sometimes notorious place where gay men, lesbians and trans people retire and live out the last of their glamorous years. With touching trepidation, Semmy finds out if it is the place for him.

Family Journey: Raising Gender Non-Conforming Children Dir: Jonathan Skurnik, USA, 2010, video, 15 min This engaging documentary charts the emotional and intellectual transformations parents and siblings must make in order to successfully nurture their gender nonconforming family members. family journey: raising gender non-conforming children

Trans Boys: Danny Dir: Ali Russell & Monique Schafter, Australia, 2012, video, 5 min After a tough childhood, 30-year-old trans man Danny never realised having a son would be the happiest day of his life.

Austin Unbound Dir: Eliza Greenwood and Sel Staley, USA, 2011, video, 43 min trans boys: danny

Austin was born deaf and grew up near Portland, Oregon. From the age of 3 he knew that his female anatomy did not fit him. Charismatic Austin takes us through a pivotal time as he moves through a milestone in his gender transition: preparing for a double mastectomy.

This is an Auslan signed session session austin unbound

72

date time

VENUE

Sat 24 March 4.15pm ACMI

_____

81

Mix Tape Mix Tape is our new eclectic highlights package: a collection of the very best gay and lesbian short films screening in this year's Festival. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this feast of spectacular shorts.

Arts & Crafts Spectacular #1 Dir: Wolf & Ritterskamp, Germany, 2010, video, 1 min Iconic gay artists Gilbert and George reflect on their idyllic day out in the English countryside in their own irreverent way.

Flyers arts & crafts spectacular #1

Dir: Laura Terruso, USA, 2010, video, 3min A street flyer leads to a surprising discovery.

Bald Guy Skalla Mann Dir: Maria Block, Norway, 2011, video, 12 min Norwegian with English subtitles ✰✰Best Short Film, Frameline Film Festival 2011 A kiss inspires a burst of song for a young Norwegian. flyers

Couples Therapy Dir: Mike Rose, USA, 2011, video, 8 min A couple fights over a joke that just won’t die.

Nice Shirt Dir: Erik Gernand, USA, 2011, video, 5 min Two exes go head to head in a game of one upmanship, when one of them turns up to lunch wearing a t-shirt that reads ‘taken’. bald guy

Fuckbuddies Dir: Juanma Carillo, Spain, 2011 video, 6 min Spanish with English subtitles A lunchtime quickie takes a turn for the mundane.

Regrets Dir: Michelle Pollino, USA, 2011, video, 11 min

couples therapy

nice shirt

82

An exciting one-night-stand – what could possibly go wrong?

fuck buddies

Mix Tape Ketheron’s Bucket Mending and Hymen Emporium Dir: Anton H Gill, USA, 2011, video, 13 min Desperate for funds, a lesbian charlatan uses song and dance to earn the trust of a woman who is desperate to get married. regrets

Cold Star Dir: Kai Stänicke, Germany, 2011, video, 7 min A mesmerising celebration of the acceptance of varieties of sexual identity.

Miserable Animals Dir: Desiree Akhaven & Ingrid Jungermann, USA, 2011, video, 5 min A couple argues over who is more lesbian.

Ketheron’s Bucket Mending & Hymen Emporium

Taboule: A Story About Secret Codes

Taboule: Una Historia Sobre Codigos Secretos Dir: Richard Garcia, Spain, 2011, video, 4 min Spanish with English subtitles Love means never having to share your pin code.

52 Dir: Josh Levy & Robi Levy, Canada, 2010, video, 4 min Could this be the worst of all nightmares!? cold star session

85

date time VENUE

Sun 25 March

6pm

ACMI

miserable animals

Taboule: A Story About Secret Codes

52

83

eFirst is proud to supply the MQFF iPhone app Ticketing • eCommerce • Apps iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

1300 722 005

eFirst.com.au

Queeries 1 Curated by Madeleine Paulson, Micah Scott, Alice Chesworth and Edward McAndrew, this collection of international shorts explores gender and sexuality issues relevant to younger audiences.

Mathi(eu)

Short & Tweet All Queeries sessions will feature a live feed tweet screen in the cinema.

Bring your smart phone, tablet or laptop to tweet about the films during the sessions!

Join the Twitter conversation at #queeriesmqff

Dir: Coralie Prosper, France, 2011, video, 19 min French with English subtitles Mathilde has known she is a boy since she can remember. She's still a young kid, but she wants to be accepted for who she really is.

The First Dir: James Sweeney, USA, 2011, video, 13 min A teen journeys through the discovery of his sexuality.

You always remember your first time.

Out Of Bounds Dir: Nicholas Paul Ybarra, USA, 2010, video, 18 min Rose and Samantha are on the cusp of moving out of town and moving in with each other. But Rose’s conservative mother doesn’t know she’s gay. mathi(eu)

Coming Out Komma Ut Dir: Jerry Carlsson, Sweden, 2011, video, 5 min Swedish with English subtitles Joel has made up his mind, or so he thinks. Tonight he's going to tell his parents, but is this the right moment?

How should he do it, and what should he say?

Student Body the first

out of bounds

Dir: Brett Ashley, Canada, 2010, video, 12 min Jack escapes his reality of straight A's by delving into the world of online hook-ups. His desire to explore his sexuality forces Jack to lead a double life of random encounters while struggling with his family and friends.

The Red Bike Dir: Andrew Steggall, UK, 2011, video, 12 min

coming out

student body

Mikey can't ride a bike. According to his mother, he can't balance properly. But when he overhears an older boy, Aiden, saying he is saving up for a bike, Mikey decides to rescue an old frame and present the finished, red bike to him is a gift.

Y-Glam Talks About Love Dir: Y-Glam, Australia, 2012, video, 5 min The team from Melbourne’s Y-Glam give us their take on love. session the red bike

Y-Glam talks about love

19

date time

VENUE

_____

Sun 18 March Midday ACMI Studio

85

Queeries 2 I Am A Girl Ik Ben Een Meisje Dir: Susan Koenen, The Netherlands, 2010, video, 16 min Dutch with English subtitles Every 13-year-old girl dreams of that nice, but hard-toget, boy. And Joppe is no different, consulting her friend on how to ask Brian out. But just how should she tell him that she was born a boy? i am a girl

Change Dir: Melissa Osborne & Jeff McCutcheon, USA, 2010, video, 24 min A gay African-American teenager grapples with his identity on the night Obama was elected President of the USA, and Proposition 8, the voter initiative to eliminate same-sex marriage, passed.

Love is All You Need Dir: Kim Rocco Shields, USA, 2011, video, 20 min change

Ashley lives in a world where the terms ‘gay’ and ‘straight’ are switched, and she must face the fact that she is straight in a gay world.

Lost Tracks Dir: Jon Stanford, UK, 2011, video, 21 min Teenaged Tobi prepares to run away as her disillusionment with family life, friends and the community around her becomes too much. love is all you need

The Queen Dir: Christina Choe, USA, 2009, video, 8 min Bobby, a Korean-American teenage outcast, is working at his parents' dry cleaners on prom weekend. When the prom queen and her boyfriend stop by with their dress and tuxedo, Bobby creates his own night to remember. session

lost tracks

the queen

86

67

date time

Sat 24 March

2pm

VENUE

_____

ACMI Studio

Queeries 3 Revolution Dir: Abdi Nazemian, USA, 2011, video, 15 min Jack is a 16-year-old Iranian boy in LA, 1989. With the 1979 Iranian revolution a distant memory, and AIDS as a backdrop, Jack stages his own much smaller revolution within the confines of his traditional family.

One On One revolution

Dir: Luis Fernando Midence, USA, 2010, video, 10 min Alex kisses his boyfriend in full view of their basketball team after a game. Will he let internalised homophobia ruin his relationship?

Deep End Dir: Bretten Hannam, Canada, 2011, video, 8 min Thirteen-year-old Dane must choose between supporting his gay older brother and suffering social stigma, or going along with the homophobia and risk losing his brother. one on one

Dear Photo Dir: Greg Teh, Australia, 2012, video, 3 min A sweet reflection on love.

Over and Out Dir: Melissa Perez, USA, 2011, video, 26 min When a romance ends over her addiction to technology, a Santa Barbara girl tries amusing new ways to connect with people.

The Pier

deep end

Dir: Chris Trim, Australia, 2010, video, 5 min A young boy is wagging school after being called a 'queer'.

Why Does God Hate Me? Dir: Joel Ashton McCarthy, USA, 2011, video, 15 min A boy struggles to come to terms with his homosexuality growing up in a fundamentalist Christian community. session

dear photo

over and out

80

the pier

date time

Sun 25 March

2pm

VENUE

ACMI Studio

why does god hate me?

87

hawthorn east vet Opening Hours Monday–Friday 8am–7pm Saturday 9am–1pm Sun/Public Holidays closed

1 Victoria Rd. Hawthorn East VIC 3123 ph 03 9882 0007

www.hawthorneastvet.com.au proudly supporting our community

Personal Stories Sit back and enjoy these entertaining and enlightening docos about the fascinating lives that people lead.

Hair Dir: Paola Morabito, Australia, 2011, video, 27 min For the longest time the woman, and the man, within Paul Capsis has been defined by his long hair. In the recent past, the cabaret star, singer, and actor has moved through a deep change, most clearly expressed by the choice to cut off his hair.

Hold On Tight Dir: Anna Rodgers, Ireland, 2011, video, 13 min hair

Holding hands or kissing in public isn't for everyone.

When it comes to same-sex relationships, showing your love outside of the home is a complicated personal choice. This documentary moves between public and private spaces in which lesbian and gay couples live, and explores small gestures of human connectedness.

Nerve Dir: Kim Munro, Australia, 2011, video, 27 min In a study of social beliefs, London-based Australian photographer Paul Knight, attempts to find two strangers of any gender or sexual orientation, to meet and have sex on film. hold on tight

The Only Gay On The Estate Dir: Michael Ogden, UK, 2011, video, 25 min Michael Ogden makes a personal journey back to his roots in Manchester, exploring his past as a closeted gay teenager and meeting up with his childhood best friend, David, a boy he bullied for being gay. For Michael, this film becomes an opportunity to clear the air once and for all, confronting those closest to him with who he really is, including an emotional encounter with the boy he bullied all those years ago. session

22

date time

Sun 18 March

2pm

VENUE

ACMI

_____

nerve

the only gay on the estate

89

DO NOT ADJUST YOUR SET. info@looponline.com.au www.looponline.com.au

Celluloid Casserole MQFF and LOOP present an eclectic menu of new Australian shorts. For just a gold coin donation you can see talented emerging filmmakers in action.

The Last Waltz Dir: Nickolas Bird, Australia, 2012, video, 21 min

Tragedy befalls a gay couple who seem to have the world against them.

Beastliness Dir: Deborah Kelly, Australia, 2011, video, 5 min

Lesbian bestiality meets cannibalism.

With dancing.

THE LAST WALTZ

beastliness

oscar's first kiss

family portrait

wild imaginings

role clarity

charlotte

kaleidoscopic

Oscar’s First Kiss Dir: Toby Angwin, Australia, 2010, video, 6 min

A crowded tram. A pretty girl. A case of mistaken identity.

Family Portrait Dir: Demetra Giannakopoulis, Australia, 2011, video, 9 min

Coming out is always a challenge, but throw in a traditional Greek mother and a not-too-pleased girlfriend and you’ve got a lot on your proverbial plate.

Wild Imaginings Dir: Daniel Monks, Australia, 2011, video, 9 min

A teenage boy fantasises about a beautiful woman, but when he accidentally lets his mind wander, he is forced to come face to face with his biggest fear – and himself.

Role Clarity Dir: Susan Earl, Australia, 2011, video, 3 min

It's Suze's first day in her new job, but it's just a little unclear what some of her new colleagues actually do...

Charlotte Dir: Daniel Monks, Australia, 2011, video, 4 min

A woman musters up the courage to go on her first blind date, but she and her date don't see eye to eye.

Kaleidoscopic Dir: Leesa Maree Geere & Tom Nagy, Australia, 2011, video, 7 min

A backyard festival is the setting for an exploration of desires, fantasies and distorted realities.

Why Me? Dir: Victoria Stanford, Australia, 2011, video, 22 min

Cheryl is hopelessly in love with her piano teacher and hopeless at piano.

Her only hope of winning her love is by playing to perfection.

Filmmakers and cast will be in attendance session date time VENue

44

Wed 21 March 7.30pm Loop

why me?

91

Touring Every year, the MQFF sends off an excellent selection of queer titles that screen during the Melbourne season to our queer film starved friends around the nation. This year, highlights can be found in Bendigo, various locations in Far North Queensland, for the first time in Adelaide, and at the 2nd West Hollywood in Melbourne's West.

So pop on a bus, train or plane to catch the latest in queer film from Australia and around the world!

Adelaide

Bendigo

The Best of Melbourne Queer Film Festival hits Adelaide for the first time! Five sessions of feature, documentary and shorts highlights will screen at the Adelaide Mercury Cinema, Friday 30 March to Sunday 1 April 2012.

Bendigo Queer Film Festival screens from Friday 20 April through to Sunday 22 April 2012 in Bendigo, Victoria.

Details at www.mercurycinema.org.au

For full program and information, please visit bendigoqueerfilmfestival.com.au

Melbourne´s West MQFF heads west for a mid-Winter smorgasbord of queer film delights from 1–3 June. Screening at Yarraville's iconic Sun Theatre and featuring a selection of 2012 Festival favourites.

Proudly supported by the City of Maribyrnong.

Full program and details at www.mqff.com.au from May.

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Credits Selection Panel David Collins Lisa Daniel General Manager Alexander Edwards Danae Gibson Teague Leigh Festival Operations Manager Kim Montgomery Mark Pace Natalie Grigg Stuart Richards Marketing Intern Elizabeth Robinson-Griffith Nicki Russell Ash Starr Leanne Sumpter Festival Intern Paul Tonta Claire Connors Festival Director Lisa Daniel

Social Media Intern Melissa Edwards Board of Management Paul Clifton Co-convenor Fiona Kelly Co-convenor Antony Jarvis Treasurer/Secretary Elizabeth Bennett Cath Borg Scott Herron Claire Jackson Paul Kearney from Feb 2012 Steve Lucas to Feb 2012 Gerard Long Alice Murray Aydin Sipaloglu Susie Wickes

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Queeries Panel Alice Chesworth Edward McAndrew Madeleine Paulson Micah Scott Festival Office Level 8, 225 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia Ph +61 3 9662 4147 Fax +61 3 9660 3950 Email info@mqff.com.au ABN 47 483 109 783

2012 Poster/Key Art Chris Orr, Beige www.beige.com.au

Website Site: Rhombus Digital www.rhombus.com.au

2012 Festival Trailer Animator:Dale Anderson daleando.tumblr.com Music: Allan Hortle

Hosting: Connexus www.connexus.com.au

Program Guide Editor: Lisa Daniel

Digital Inserters:

Claire Jackson

Steve Lucas

Production Manager:

Paul Clifton Layout & Design: Beige Proofreader: Alice Murray Notes:

Lisa Daniel (LD) Paul Tonta (PT) Grant Scicluna (GS)

Festival Graphic Design Beige www.beige.com.au Publicist Limelight PR www.limelightpr.com.au

Management & Design:

Gerard Long

iPhone app eFirst www.efirst.com.au Print Distribution Step Right Up www.steprightup.com.au Festival Photographer Ross Brownsdon Launch & Opening Night Production Manager:

Susie Wickes

Life Members Rowland Thomson, Crusader Hillis, Madeleine Swain, Suzie Goodman, miss jan horstman, David McCarthy, Richard Watts, Suzy Green, Rowena Doo, Luke Gallagher, Alex Green, Paul Tonta, Leanne Sumpter, Colin Billing.

Patrons Program The Sweethearts annual giving Patrons Program has been developed to raise funds to enhance the Festival's work. It is the Festival's primary means of acknowledging the generosity of Melbourne's philanthropic community.

As a Patron you will be at the very heart of what we do. Sweethearts embody the very spirit of the Festival; you share our belief that powerful queer film can inform and transform audiences, celebrate our lives and act as a catalyst for understanding and change.

If you would like more information on becoming a Sweetheart or making a tax-deductible donation to the Festival, please contact Danae Gibson, General Manager on 03 9662 4147 or download our Sweethearts program brochure at www.mqff.com.au/sweethearts.

MQFF warmly thanks the following individuals for their generous support of the 2012 Festival: Diamond Patrons

Emerald Patrons

Ruby Patrons

Sapphire Patrons

David Owen and David Sloan

Fiona Kelly

Daniel Neal

Gill Walker

Suzie Goodman

Claire Jackson

Kenneth W. Park

Serena Chow

Zoe Warwick

Sally Green

Iain McKinnon

Lan Wang

Duncan Hewitt

Athol Willoughby OAM

SWEETHEARTS

MELBOURNE QUEER FILM FESTIVAL PATRONS PROGRAM

Membership MQFF membership is your passport to the very best Festival experience!

Membership is an investment in queer film, a show of support for your community, your value trip to the Festival and an opportunity to enjoy a range of other great benefits all year round. Make sure you're a card carrying member!

Benefits include: • MQFF ticket discounts.

• Drink discounts at Festival Lounge.

• Priority ticket bookings in advance of non-members.

• Invitation to the Program Launch.

• Updates, newsletters and advance information on special offers.

• Discounts at Melbourne International Film Festival, ACMI Cinemas, Cinema Nova, Kino Cinema, Classic Cinema.

• Discounts at Hares & Hyenas.

• Voting rights at the AGM. Join online at www.mqff.com.au, pick up a form at the Festival, or contact the Festival Office, info@mqff.com.au

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Index FILMS

East Bloc Love...................57 4 Pounds..........................70 Eating Out 5: The Open Weekend....................27 52 ..........................69, 83 Echo................................67 Absent.............................14 eCupid: Love On The Download....................27 Adam’s Tallit.....................67 The Advocate For Fagdom...50 The Evening Dress..............28 Along The Road.................68 Always Again....................74 Fake Orgasm....................53 Arts & Crafts Spectacular #1... Family Journey: Raising Gender Non-Conforming 71, 82 Children......................81 August.............................21 Austin Unbound.................81 Family Portrait...................91 AWOL..............................74 The First...........................85 Fluid................................79 Bald Guy...................69, 82 Flyers........................78, 82 For 80 Days......................28 The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye....................50 Fortune Cookie Magic Tricks.... .35 Ballroom Rules..................65 Battlefield.........................67 Four More Years................29 Beast...............................73 Fuckbuddies...............73, 82 Beastliness.......................91 Beauty.............................22 Going Down in La La Land...29 Becoming Chaz.................51 The Green.........................30 Beholder..........................74 Gun Hill Road....................31 Blokes.............................71 Hair.................................89 Boys’ Village.....................68 Half Share........................27 Break My Fall...................23 Harvest............................32 The Call............................24 Help! We’ve Got A Gay in The Class..........................58 Cancerpants......................52 Change............................86 Hit So Hard: The Life & Near Death Of Patty Schemel.53 Charlotte..........................91 Circumstance.....................24 Hold On Tight....................89 Cloudburst........................13 Hollywood To Dollywood.....63 Home For The Golden Gays.81 Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same.........25 Coffee And Pie..................25 Cold Star...................39, 83 Coming Out......................85 The Confession of Father John Thomas.......................67 Couples Therapy.........73, 82 Cross Your Fingers.............76 Crowned and Bound...........55 The Cure: A Documentary Film. .................................52 Curvature..........................76

I Am A Girl........................86 Illegal Love.......................59 Insects in The Backyard......33 In The Light......................69 Jamie And Jessie Are Not Together.....................34 Jitters...............................34 Joe + Belle.......................35 Junk................................70 Kaleidoscopic....................91 Kawa...............................35 Ketheron’s Bucket Mending and Hymen Emporium....... .77, 83 Kink Crusaders..................54

Daphne............................26 Deaf Relay - At Your Service!... .................................45 Dear Photo.......................87 Death Of My Daughter........81 Deep End..........................87 La Dérade.........................70

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The Last Waltz..................91 Leave It On The Floor.........19 Lesbian Cliché Song...........75 Let My People Go!.............36 Lost Tracks.................77, 86 Love Actually…Sucks........37 Love Is All You Need..........86 Love is Not Enough............72 Lukela’s Story...................57 Lust Life...........................78

Sagat: The Documentary.....38 Sexing The Transman.........55 Slow Burn........................78 So Hard To Forget..............43 Some Things Are Worse Than Being Gay...................78 Spring..............................73 Still Around.......................61 Student Body....................85 Suicide Room....................44

The Main Event.................68 Man At Bath.....................38 Marwan’s Story.................58 Mathi(eu)........................85 Miserable Animals.......75, 83 Mommy is Coming.............39 Morgan............................40 The Mountain....................40 My Last Round..................41 My Night With Andrew Cunanan.....................37

Taboule: A Story About Secret Codes..................71, 83 These Empty Streets...........67 This Is Me.........................78 Tomboy............................44 Trans Boys: Danny.............81 Trans Boys: Dex.................51 Trans Boys: Xavier.............65 Tsuyako...........................75 UB2.................................61 Unfinished Thoughts...........67

Naheed’s Story.................59 Nerve...............................89 Vito.................................17 Nice Shirt..................79, 82 We Were Here..................15 Off Beat...........................16 What Happens Next...........45 One On One......................87 Why Does God Hate Me?...87 The Only Gay On The Estate.... Why Me?.........................91 Wild Imaginings................91 .89 An Ordinary Family............41 The Wilding......................67 Oscar’s First Kiss................91 Winner Takes All................72 Our Paradise.....................42 Wish Me Away..................55 Out Of Bounds..................85 With Every Heartbeat.........45 Over and Out....................87 Y-Glam Talks About Love.....85 Paul’s Story......................60 Your Warmth....................71 Photos of Angie.................60 A Piece of Amandarin: A Trans COUNTRIES Woman’s Experience....65 Argentina............14, 24, 41 The Pier............................87 Australia.... 51, 52, 57, 61, 65, 67, 78, 81, 87, Poker Face.......................75 89, 91 Pretty People....................79 Private Romeo...................42 Brazil...............................43 Pura Vida.........................69 Canada..... 13, 69, 70, 78, 79, 83, 85, 87 The Queen........................86 Chile.........................41, 71 Queer As Fxxk...................61 Denmark..........................81 Finland.............................36 Recessive.........................77 France.24, 28, 36, 38, 42, The Red Bike....................85 44, 50, 59, 70, 85 Regrets.....................71, 82 Germany... 32, 39, 43, 54, Rent Boys.........................54 71, 82, 83 Role Clarity.......................91 Hong Kong.......................37 Romeos............................43 Iceland.............................34

Iran.................................24 Ireland.............................89 Israel........................35, 71 Italy.................................24 Japan..............................75 New Zealand.....................35 Norway..............40, 69, 82 Philippines........................81 Poland.............................44 South Africa......................22 Spain.28, 53, 71, 73, 82, 83 Sweden..... 29, 45, 68, 69, 73, 85 Switzerland......................16 Thailand...........................33 The Netherlands.........58, 86 UK 23, 26, 68, 70, 73, 74, 76, 77, 85, 86, 89 USA.......... 15, 17, 19, 21, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31, 34, 35, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 45, 51, 53, 55, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 68, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 81, 82, 83, 85, 86, 87

PANELS Activist Filmmakers............57 Marriage Equality...............59 People Power....................58 Transgender Activists..........60

SPONSORED SESSIONS ACMI..................14 , 15, 16 Breastscreen Australia.........52 City of Melbourne..............66 Council Of The Aging..........28 Doggie Dooz.....................45 GLHV...............................28 Joy 94.9..........................25 Law Institute of Victoria.59, 60 Mannhaus........................54 Nicholes Family Law...........31 Same Same......................21 Star Observor Online..........29 VAC/GMHC......................61 Yarra Trams......................45

City of Yarra, proudly supporting major festivals & events

Celebrating Local People, Practice & Place Melbourne Queer Film Festival The Victoria Street Lunar Festival Johnston Street Fiesta The Village Moon Lantern Festival Emerge Midsumma Festival Next Wave Festival Overload Poetry Festival Tet Festival The Melbourne Stencil Festival NAIDOC Family Day Fairfield Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series For more information on City of Yarra Community Grants t. (03) 9205 5555 w. www.yarracity.vic.gov.au

100 % Melbourne Melbourne town hall 4, 5 and 6 May 2012

after 100% berlin, vancouver and vienna now it’s time for 100% Melbourne.

Informed by statistical data, the demographics of this city are brought to life through 100 everyday Melburnians in a unique event that is parttheatre, part-game and part-reality.

“I love My MuM and My horses, I see freedoM and fresh aIr out My wIndow and I aM nuMber 25%” Meet Justin at 100% Melbourne, he is proudly gay and proudly Melbourne.

Melbourne town hall - 4, 5 and 6 May 2012 tickets through www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/artsparticipation

100% Melbourne is presented by the City of Melbourne and rimini Protokoll, supported by the victorian Government through arts victoria and the Community support fund, the Goethe-Institut australien and the hebbel theatre berlin.