Over 11 days, a total of 214 feature films and 253 shorts will be shown at the Cleveland International Film Festival. And again, a part of the festival called 10% Cinema will feature films focusing on LGBTQ issues, topics and stories. So let’s fast-forward to the good parts. Here are five queer festival films that will have us passing the popcorn at Tower City Cinemas. You can find the entire LGBTQ-focused lineup at PrizmNews.com, and you can check out all 467 films at clevelandfilm.org.
After Louie | USA, 100 minutes | Directed by Vincent Gagliostro Sam (Alan Cumming) is an angry middle-aged gay man. Mostly he’s angry because nobody seems angry anymore. When he begins an affair with much-younger Braeden, the battlefront moves to what he sees as the community’s apathy and ingratitude. “After Louie” is a smart, erotic and unflinching look at our community’s passing of the mantle. Friday, April 13 at 8:40 p.m.; Saturday, April 14 at 3:15 p.m.; Sunday, April 15 at 11 a.m.
Alaska Is a Drag | USA, 89 minutes | Directed by Shaz Bennett Leo is an aspiring drag performer and boxer who lives in a small Alaskan town where his cannery co-workers launch daily assaults against him. But Leo is a fighter, literally. “Alaska Is a Drag” is the championship fight between the world and Leo, a charming and ferocious hybrid of RuPaul and Rocky Balboa. Saturday, April 7 at 7:35 p.m.; Sunday, April 8 at 11:05 a.m.
Coby | France/USA, 81 minutes | Directed by Christian Sonderegger This is the intimate story of Chagrin Falls native Coby’s emotional and physical journey as a trans man. The film follows Coby through his transition, focusing on the conflicts he faces with his family and the difficult struggles taking place within. “Coby” is an inspiring documentary about individual courage and the long and sometimes painful voyage it takes to arrive at acceptance. Friday, April 6 at 7:25 p.m.; Saturday, April 7 at 1:40 p.m.
The Feels | USA, 90 minutes | Directed by Jenée LaMarque Andi and Lu are getting married, but their bachelorette weekend with friends doesn’t go quite as planned when Lu reveals she’s never had an orgasm. As truths are revealed, characters describe their first orgasmic experiences to the camera, letting viewers connect with their stories. “The Feels” is a fresh comedy about female sexuality and pleasure. Sunday, April 8 at 9:20 p.m.; Monday, April 9 at 1:50 p.m.
Foreign Lovers | USA, 19 minutes | Directed by Timothy Ryan Hickernell A lonely New Yorker serendipitously meets a mysterious foreigner and sparks ignite. This meditation on life and love in the digital age is part of a 90-minute package of LGBTQ short films. Thursday, April 5 at 9:30 p.m.
April 2018 PRIZMnews.com |
03