Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Program Guide 2012

“Brown Forman is proud to support the 14th Annual Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival!”

2

| MGLFF 2012

MGLFF 2012 |

3

FILM FESTIVAL PROGRAM GUIDE Welcome Letter...............................................05 Miami Beach Mayor Letter..........................06 Miami Dade Mayor Letter.............................07 Sponsors.............................................................08 Official Artwork...............................................09 Festival Team......................................................11

FILMS Kawa....................................................................12 Wish Me Away................................................... 12 Gun Hill Road....................................................13 Vito........................................................................13 Ballroom Rules..................................................14 Kiss Me.................................................................14 Morgan.................................................................15 Celluloid Closet................................................15 Muppets Take Manhattan..............................16 Angel.....................................................................16 Seventh Gay Adventist..................................17 Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same........................................................17 Men To Kiss........................................................18 Funkytown..........................................................18 Leave it on the Floor.......................................19 UNFIT: Ward vs. Ward....................................19 4

| MGLFF 2012

Habana Muda...................................................20 Mosquita y Mari...............................................20 Look at Me Again.............................................21 August.................................................................21 Difficult Love.................................................... 22 Tales of Warria..................................................22 Girl Trash: All Night Long............................ 23 Naked as We Come........................................23 Taking a Chance on God..............................24 What Women Like: Shorts Program........24 What Men Want: Shorts Program............ 25 Mosquita y Mari............................................... 25 Elliot Loves.........................................................26 Habana Muda...................................................26 Austin Unbound.............................................. 27 Out for the Long Run.................................... 27 30 Years from Here........................................ 28 Absent................................................................. 28 Speechless.........................................................29 Miss Tacuarembo............................................29 North Sea Texas...............................................30 Still Around........................................................30 eCupid..................................................................31 This is What Love in Action Looks Like.......................................................... 31 Jobriath A.D...................................................... 32

Membership...................................................... 33 Film Schedule............................................34-35 Studio Heads.................................................... 36 Executive Producers and Producers....... 37 Directors............................................................. 38 Stars & Supporters......................................... 39 Lavender Heart Award..................................41 Angel Award.....................................................43 Made in Miami.................................................. 47 Saving Our Stories.........................................49 Events................................................................... 51 Ticketing......................................................52-53 Venues.................................................................54

WELCOME Dear Film Family, We are thrilled to welcome you to the 14th Annual Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. We are very excited to present our current festival edition containing over 65 films with over 15 countries represented. Our core mission to ENTERTAIN, EDUCATE, AND INSPIRE is accomplished with films such as Kawa, Wish Me Away, Vito, Unfit, Mosquita y Mari, Naked As We Came (a work in progress), Girl Trash: All Night Long (a work in progress), Elliot Loves, and North Sea Texas. Please visit us at www.MGLFF.com to see our new website and view trailers for most of our feature presentations. A new aspect to the film program is that a short film will precede most feature films. Shorts films are important since they serve as testing grounds for many films that become full-length features of the future. We hope you enjoy these special gems!

As the first MAJOR LGBT film festival to occur in the calendar year, we have garnered national and international attention as a springboard for the best of this seasons’ crop of LGBT cinema. In these 10 days, Miami shines as a city that welcomes the arts! In order to shine, we have comprised a team that has put their hearts and souls into creating the best MGLFF experience. That team starts with our dedicated Board of Directors and Staff, to our production partners, and our very loyal volunteers. Thank you for your time, talent and generosity!

We hope that as you skim through the pages of the program, you will find films that will ENTERTAIN, EDUCATE, and INSPIRE you! We also ask that you please take note of our sponsors and please show them similar support .

Best regards, Franc Castro, Executive Director On behalf of the Board, Staff, and Volunteers

MGLFF 2012 |

5

6

| MGLFF 2012

E MAYOR NTY, FLORIDA

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR -DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA MIAMI April 27OF – May 6, 2012 OFFICE THE MAYOR 27 – May 6, 2012 -DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA MIAMIApril

CARLOS A. GIMENEZ MAYOR

CARLOS A. GIMENEZ April 27 – May MAYOR Greetings!

6, 2012

Greetings!

As Mayor and on behalf of the more than 2.5 million residents of Miami-Dade County, it is my pleasure to welcome gathered for the residents 2012 Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Greetings!

As Mayor and on behalf of everyone the more than 2.5 million of Miami-Dade County, it Festival. is my pleasure to welcome everyone gathered for the 2012 Miami Gay and Lesbian Film As April 27 –Festival.

MayMayor 6, 2012 and on behalf of the more than 2.5 million residents of Miami-Dade County, it Miami-Dade is proud of its diversity is a wonderful our is my pleasureCounty to welcome everyone gatheredand forthis the event 2012 Miami Gay andaddition LesbiantoFilm multi-cultural programs.

If you are visiting, I encourage you to take advantage of our Festival.

Miami-Dade County is proud of its diversity and this event is a wonderful addition to April 27 – May 6, 2012 hotels, restaurants, shopping, attractions, andadvantage culture, sports, multi-culturalbeaches, programs.

If you are visiting, I encourage you toarts take of our Greetings!world-class and recreation.

Miami-Dade County ishotels, proud restaurants, of its diversity and thisattractions, event is a wonderful additionsports, to our world-class beaches, shopping, arts and culture, As Mayorand and on behalf of the more than 2.5 million residents of Miami-Dade County, it to take advantage of our multi-cultural programs.

If you are visiting, I encourage you recreation.

Greetings! is my pleasure to welcome everyone gathered for the 2012 Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Iworld-class wish all of beaches, the participants attendees shopping, every success, and an enjoyable experience. hotels,and restaurants, attractions, arts and culture, sports, Festival.

As Mayor and on behalf of the more thanrecreation.

2.5 of Miami-Dade County, itevery success, and an enjoyable experience.

Iand wish allmillion of theresidents participants and attendees is my pleasure to welcome everyone gathered forproud the 2012 Gayand and Lesbian Miami-Dade County is of itsMiami diversity this event isFilm a wonderful addition to our Sincerely, Festival. multi-cultural programs.

If you are visiting, and I encourage you to take advantage ouran enjoyable experience.

I wish all of the participants attendees every success, of and Sincerely,

world-class beaches, hotels, restaurants, shopping, attractions, arts and culture, sports, Miami-Dade County is proud of its diversity and this event is a wonderful addition to our and recreation. multi-cultural programs. If you are visiting, I encourage you to take advantage of our Sincerely, idents of Miami-Dade it I wish world-class County, beaches, hotels, restaurants, shopping, attractions, arts andsuccess, culture,and sports, all of the participants and attendees every an enjoyable experience.

12 Miami Gay Lesbian Film andand recreation.

Sincerely, I wish all of the participants and attendees every success, and an enjoyable experience.

nt is a wonderful addition to our Sincerely, ge you to take advantage of our actions, arts and culture, sports,

Carlos A. Gimenez Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez

MGLFF 2012 |

7

PRESENTING SPONSORS

PREMIERE SPONSORS

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

AWARD SPONSORS

MAJOR SPONSORS

CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS COMMUNITY SPONSORS 8

| MGLFF 2012

OFFICIAL 2012

IMAGE ARTWORK Title: Proud, looking to the future Technique: oil / canvas Dimensions: 150 x 100 cm.

Year: 2011

Mexican Artist Luis Selem was chosen to create the official image for the 2012 MGLFF. In his work he mixes universal themes and issues with his own personal world view as a contemporary creative. Through his art, he depicts the human figure and his most intimate thoughts and desires.

He has participated in over 50 group exhibitions and several solo exhibitions in major cultural centers of Mexico, the United States, and in several South American countries. His most important exhibitions have been organized by Alfredo Ginocchio Gallery of Mexico City.

Luis’ statement about the piece created for the 2012 MGLFF: “The work is inspired in me, in my environment, in my way of dress and my outlook on life, always forward, always looking towards the future, but taking with me the essence of my being. This is why this particular body area was chosen, the posterior, so that the viewer of the work also looks ahead to where the character sees, and accompanies him on that vision. The subject’s gender was omitted. It may be a man or a woman, giving an aspect of mystery while at the same time allowing anyone to identify with the character.”

MGLFF 2012 |

9

10 | MGLFF 2012

Board of directors

FESTIVAL TEAM

Michael Toomey, Chair

Franc Castro, Executive Director

Owen Cone, Vice Chair

Charrise Alexander, Festival Administrator

Wood Kinnard, Treasurer

Cindy Brown, Special Events

Barbara Mersel, Secretary

Lynn Bove, Special Events

PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE

Ivan Cano Producers Circle & Corp. Fulfillment Manager Bridget Pietsh, Social Media Manager

Franc Castro, Co-Chair Victor M. Gimenez, Co-Chair

Alexander Riera, Marketing & Hospitality Manager Lynare Robbins, Festival Experience Manager

Dino Mosquera Ebony Rhodes Technical Direction and Consulting by Theatrical Services Graphic Design by Jacober + Associates Website Design by The Rock Group Public Relations by The Murry Agency MGLFF 2012 |

11

APRIL 27TH

OPENING FILM

APRIL 28TH

KAWA

Wish Me Away

Friday @ 8:30pm | The Colony Director: Katie Wolfe New Zealand 2010 - 79 min.

Drama, Gay, International

Saturday @ 1:00pm | Regal Cinema South Beach Director: Bobbie Birleffi, Beverly Kopf USA 2011 - 120 min.

Documentary, Lesbian, Music

A powerful coming out movie, Kawa is a gorgeously cinematic drama that tells a transcendent tale of bravery, love, family and pride. Based on the novel Nights in the Gardens of Spain by Witi Ihimaera (the writer of The Whale Rider), this deeply moving New Zealand drama tells the story of a successful businessman, Kawa, who finds the courage to tell his wife and kids, his parents, and his traditional Maori community that he’s gay. The struggle he endures is not an easy one.

“Sometimes living one’s honest life is damn near impossible.”

Or so it felt to award-winning country music star Chely Wright. Through sometimes-tearful interviews, video diary entries, music videos, and several of her songs, this touching portrait follows Wright through her public coming out, as she discovers the transformational power of living an authentic life.

12 | MGLFF 2012

APRIL 28TH

preceded by: Time Out

APRIL 28TH

preceded by: Queen of My Dreams

GUN HILL ROAD

VITO

Saturday @ 3:00pm | Miami Beach Cinematheque Director: Rashaad Ernesto Green USA 2011 - 88 min.

Drama, Transgender

Saturday, @ 3:30pm | Regal Cinema South Beach Director: Jeffrey Schwarz USA 2011 - 93 min.

Documentary, Gay, Political, Activism

An ex-con returns home to the Bronx after three years in prison to discover his wife estranged and his teenage son exploring a sexual transformation that will put the fragile bonds of their family to the test.

In the aftermath of Stonewall, a newly politicized Vito Russo found his voice as a gay activist and critic of LGBT representation in the media. He went on to write The Celluloid Closet, the first book to critique Hollywood’s portrayals of gays on screen. During the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, Vito became a passionate advocate for justice via the newly formed ACT UP, before his death in 1990.

MGLFF 2012 |

13

APRIL 28TH

preceded by: 4 Pounds

APRIL 28TH

preceded by: 7 Deadly Kisses

Ballroom RULES

Kiss Me (KYSS MIG)

Saturday @ 5:30pm | Miami Beach Cinematheque Director: Nickolas Bird, Eleanor Sharpe Australia/Germany 2012 - 77 min.

Documentary, Drama, Sport, International

Saturday @ 6:00pm | Regal Cinema South Beach Director: Alexandra-Therese Keinig Sweden 2011 - 90 min. | Swedish w/ English subtitles Drama, Lesbian, International

Set in the competitive world of ballroom dancing, a club from Melbourne, Australia, is determined to compete at the Gay Games in Cologne, Germany, in 2010. This documentary explores the lives of several gay and lesbian couples, competitive or life partners, and their struggles to succeed in sports on the global stage. It shows the courage and determination that comes from dedication and persistence.

A love story with a twist: two stepsisters-to-be fall in love, creating turmoil and heartbreak for everyone involved. Kiss Me pushes us into the unexpected — and for Mia, the film’s main character – the unexpected is exactly where she ends up. Beautifully shot and warmly humorous, Kiss Me tells a strong probing story, featuring a fantastic soundtrack that includes 90’s favorite Robyn.

14 | MGLFF 2012

APRIL 28TH

preceded by: I Don’t Want to Go Back Alone

APRIL 29TH

Retrospective Screening

Morgan

CelluloId Closet

Saturday @ 8:30pm | Regal Cinema South Beach Director: Michael D. Akers USA 2012 - 90 min.

Drama, Gay

Sunday @ 1:00pm | Regal Cinema South Beach Director: Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman USA 1995 - 102 min.

Documentary, Gay, Activism, Retrospective

Newly paraplegic Morgan just wants his life to be like it was before the accident. A chance encounter with Dean in the park sparks a relationship. Morgan decides to enter in a race as a wheelchair competitor and risks his life to win, causing Dean to walk out. Morgan is pushed to the brink, teetering between what he wants and what he needs.

To compliment the screening of Vito, the MGLFF is proud to present Celluloid Closet, as its 2012 retrospective screening.

Based on Vito Russo’s book with the same name, this film surveys the various Hollywood screen depictions of gays and the attitudes behind them through the use of film clips and interviews.

MGLFF 2012 |

15

APRIL 29TH

Free Screening

APRIL 29TH

Muppets Take Manhattan

Angel

Sunday @ 1:00pm | Miami Beach Cinematheque Director: Frank Oz USA 1984 - 94 min.

Comedy, Family

Sunday @ 3:00pm | Miami Beach Cinematheque Director: Sebastiano d’Ayala France 2011 - 70 min. | Spanish w/ English subtitles Documentary, Transgender, International

The Muppets graduate from college and decide to take their senior revue on the road. They hit the streets of Manhattan trying to sell their show to producers, finally finding one young and idealistic enough to take their show. After several mishaps and much confusion, things begin to come together for them.

Angel, a former boxer from Ecuador, is now a transsexual prostitute living in France. In his first trip home, he is confronted with the harsh reality of his country, and an ambiguous relationship with his family. Angel offers compelling insight into the complexities of identity and economic struggle while telling the touching story of a remarkable individual and his fight for acceptance.

16 | MGLFF 2012

APRIL 29TH

preceded by: Arrival

Seventh Gay Adventist Sunday @ 3:30pm | Regal Cinema South Beach Director: Daneen Akers, Stephen Eyer USA / Canada 2011 - 100 min.

Documentary, Community, Religion, International David loves Jesus and wants to go to heaven, but he also wants Colin. Marcos was fired for being gay, but wants to be a pastor again. Sherri wants her kids to grow up to be good Seventh-day Adventists. All three are caught in the middle between the church they know and love, and their desire to be fully accepted for who they are.

APRIL 29TH

preceded by: Cupcake

Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same Sunday, April @ 5:30pm | Miami Beach Cinematheque Director: Madeleine Olnek USA 2011 - 76 min.

Comedy, Lesbian, Romance, Sci-Fi This original mash-up of a “low-fi� New York City romantic comedy and a sci-fi B-movie spoof, tracks the misadventures of three aliens sent to Earth to rid themselves of romantic emotions. Zoinx, one of the aliens, falls for Jane, a mild mannered Earthling, and the feeling is mutual. While the two other aliens, Zylar (promiscuous and sassy) and Barr (codependent and clutchy) fall into an unfortunate romance with each other.

MGLFF 2012 |

17

APRIL 29TH

APRIL 29TH

Men to Kiss (MAENNER ZUM KNUTSCHEN)

FUNKYTOWN

Sunday @ 6:00pm | Regal Cinema South Beach Director: Robert Hasfogel Germany 2012 - 83 min. | German w/ English subtitles Comedy, Gay, International

Sunday @ 8:30pm | Regal Cinema South Beach Director: Daniel Roby Canada 2011 - 132 min.

Drama, International

Ernie is a buttoned up young banker who recently moved to Berlin, and is in a relationship with the artistic & flamboyant Tobie. Together they form an odd-couple relationship as they forge a life together. But what happens when Ernie’s female friend Uta—a trained Israeli secret service agent who will do anything to get her “man”—comes to town?

1976. Montreal. Eight people who wanted to see and be seen at the trendiest disco will be juggling fame and anonymity until they are forced to make sober choices in an era when excess was the norm and disco was king. Strong denial compels each character to make surprising decisions and to deal with the consequences that result.

18 | MGLFF 2012

APRIL 30TH

APRIL 30TH

Leave it on the Floor

UNFIT: Ward vs. Ward

Monday @ 7:15pm | Miami Beach Cinematheque Director: Sheldon Larry USA 2011 - 101 min.

Drama, Gay, Musical

Monday @ 7:30pm | Regal Cinema South Beach Director: Katie Carmichael, Edwin Scharlau, Penny Edmiston USA 2012 - 90 min.

Documentary, Lesbian, Community

Sheldon Larry’s audacious, raunchy, and big-hearted musical—with songs by Beyoncé’s music director Kim Burse and her choreographer Frank Gatson Jr. —takes us into the fabulously funky world of voguing. The setting is contemporary downtown L.A., where our hunky, homeless hero Brad is discarded by his homophobic mom. Out on the streets, Brad falls in with the members of The House of Eminence, ruled by the stern aging diva Queef Latina.

Who is more fit to raise a child: a convicted killer or a lesbian? In 1995 a judge in Pensacola, Florida, declared the father, a convicted killer, was more fit; even though he did not know what grade his daughter was in nor what school she attended. This is the story of that case and its aftermath.

MADE IN MIAMI

MGLFF 2012 |

19

APRIL 30TH

preceded by: I Don’t Want to Go Back Alone

MAY 1ST

Habana Muda

Mosquita y Mari

Monday @ 9:30pm | Regal Cinema South Beach Director: Eric Brach France/Cuba 2010 - 61 min. | Spanish w/ English subtitles Documentary, Bisexual, International

Tuesday @ 7:00pm | Regal Cinema South Beach Director: Aurora Guerrero USA 2012 - 101 min.

Lesbian, Youth

Documentary Director E. Brach spent 3 years in Havana filming Chino, a deaf-mute who works on a farm. Together Chino and his deaf-mute friends, and wife go over the pros and cons of him fleeing Cuba to join Jose. Jose is a gay Mexican, who has fallen in love with Chino and is ready to help him leave the country to work in Mexico.

Insecurities arise as Jose wonders if Chino loves him, or if he just wants to earn a better life and send money back to his needy wife and young children.

Set in a predominately Mexican, immigrant neighborhood in Los Angeles, Mosquita y Mari tells the story of two 15-yearold Chicanas growing up in an immigrant community. As a sheltered, only-child to her immigrant parents, Yolanda’s sole concern is securing her college-bound future. Street-wise Mari hustles to help her undocumented family stay above water. Despite Yolanda and Mari’s contrasting approach to survival, they forge a friendship that soon proves more complex and sensual than anticipated.

20 | MGLFF 2012

preceded preceded Faceby: Poker Face MAY 1STby: Poker

MAY 1ST

Look at Me Again (OLHE PRA MIM DE NOVO)

August

Tuesday @ 7:00pm | Miami Beach Cinematheque Director: Kiko Goifman, Claudia Priscilla Brazil 2012 - 77 min. | Portuguese w/ English subtitles Documentary, Transgender, International

Tuesday @ 9:30pm | Regal Cinema South Beach Director: Eldar Rapaport USA 2011 - 100 min.

Drama, Gay, Romance

A road movie that whisks us away with Silvyo Luccio, (“I was born a woman, became a lesbian and am now a man�), who is now in the throes of transition. Before him lies a baking hot road through regions of Brazil marked with several encounters with extraordinary people. At the heart of his journey lies an anxiously awaited encounter with his estranged, daughter and hope of reconciliation.

This is the story of Troy and Jonathan, who reunite after a long-ago, painful breakup. A seemingly innocent rendezvous turns into an attempt to revive old passions. A rekindled romance proves difficult since Jonathan has a new beau, Raul. Forced to make a decision, will Jonathan choose the stability of his current relationship or follow his desire for a second chance?

MGLFF 2012 |

21

DOUBLE FEATURE

Beach Cinematheque WED. MAY 2ND @Miami 7:00pm Miami Beach Cinematheque

Difficult Love

Tales of the Waria

Director: Zanele Muholi, Peter Goldsmid South Africa 2011 - 47 min.

Africans w/ English subtitles Documentary, Lesbian, Art, International

Director: Kathy Huang USA / Indonesia 2011 - 57 min.

Indonesian w/ English subtitles Documentary, Transgender, International

Difficult Love is an intimate, thought-provoking portrait of internationally celebrated South African lesbian photographer, Zanele Muholi. This poignant documentary takes us behind the façade of art making, and forces us to confront the intersection of race, class, gender, and sexuality, all through Muholi’s lush photography.

Tales of the Waria is a moving portrait of a community that dares to live differently from the norm, despite what consequences may await them. This documentary interweaves the stories of several waria — biological men who live as women in Indonesia — who make extraordinary sacrifices for love.

22 | MGLFF 2012

WOMEN’S preceded by: Poker Face SPOTLIGHT (work in progress) MAY 2ND

MAY 2ND

Girl Trash: All Night Long

Naked As We Came

Wednesday @ 8:30pm | The Colony Theater Director: Alexandra Kondracke USA 2012 - 90 min.

Musical, Lesbian, Crime

Wednesday @ 9:00pm | Regal Cinema South Beach Director: Richard LeMay USA 2011 – 90 min.

Drama, Gay

Made through Powerup Film’s Filmmaking-Mentorship Program, Girl Trash: All Night Long (a work in progress) is a tale of five girls in one epic night, where they find sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll in this romantic musical comedy about going broke and believing in yourself.

After an unexpected phone call, Laura, and her brother Elliot, rush to their family’s country estate to find their mother, Lilly, gravely ill and living with a handsome young stranger named Ted. Their mother’s condition sets Laura and Elliot on a path to realizing where their own lives have gone wrong.

Love, loss, and hope are all explored in this powerful drama which asks the question: What is your dream?

MEN’S SPOTLIGHT (work in progress)

MGLFF 2012 |

23

MAY 3RD

MAY 3RD

Taking a Chance on God

what women like: A shorts program

Thursday @ 7:00pm | Regal Cinema South Beach Director: Brendan Faye USA 2011- 54 min.

Documentary, Gay, Religion, Activism

Thursday @ 7:00pm | Miami Beach Cinematheque

A chronicle of the extraordinary life and legacy of 85 year old John McNeill, gay Catholic priest, founder of the LGBT spiritual movement and a pioneering voice of gay liberation.

Refusing to betray his own conscience, McNeill stood up to the man who became Pope Benedict XVI and would not be silenced. Theologians, journalists, activists, and LGBT religious figures, including openly gay Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson, movingly testify to McNeill’s influence and importance.

24 | MGLFF 2012

The wonderful thing about women is their complexity.

From revealed secrets between close friends or strained relationships in aWaria long term marriage,portrait to budding and Tales of the is a moving of a love community a new for life.

The differently women’s shorts tellsdespite the thatlust dares to live fromprogram the norm, beautiful, intricate, and even hilarious stories of women as what consequences may await them. This documentary theyinterweaves embark intothe thestories world of of several love, loss, and everything waria – biologicalin men between. who live as women in Indonesia – who make extraordinary Shorts to be for Featured: sacrifices love. (In Indonesian with English subtitles) Poker Face • No Direction • Slow Burn • Fresh Air TherapyLust Life • Through the Window

MAY 3RD

MAY 4TH

what men want: A shorts program

Mosquita y Mari

Thursday @9:30pm | Miami Beach Cinematheque

Friday @ 7:00pm | Coral Gables Art Cinema Director: Aurora Guerrero USA 2012 - 101 min.

Lesbian, Youth

From an odd way to measure your manhood, to a zombie apocalypse, to a funny phone connection, and the loss of a friend; from not knowing howAll toNight let go,Long,” to getting know POWER UP’s “GIRLTRASH: was to created too much about your children, and writers to learning

by Angela Robinson (one of the froma secret The L about husband.

The Men’s Shorts Program takes you Word),your based on her extremely successful Web series around the world and to different peoples & cultures. from Showtime. In one epic night, these girls find sex, drugs and rock’ n ‘roll in this ensemble musical about Shorts to be Featured: going for broke and believing & being yourself.

33 Teeth • Cupcake • Deaf Relay • Fallen Comrade • Las Llaves •Shabbat Dinner • Sounds of Oud

preceded by: Not So Subtle Subtext

Set in a predominately Mexican, immigrant neighborhood in Los Angeles, Mosquita y Mari tells the story of two 15 year old Chicanas growing up in an immigrant community. As a sheltered, only-child to her immigrant parents, Yolanda’s sole concern is securing her college-bound future. Street-wise Mari hustles to help her undocumented family stay above water. Despite Yolanda and Mari’s contrasting approach to survival, they forge a friendship that soon proves more complex and sensual than anticipated.

MGLFF 2012 |

25

DOUBLE

MAY 4TH

FRI. MAY 4th @ 9:30pm

FRIDAY NIGHT SPOTLIGHT

Elliot Loves

Habana Muda

Friday @ 8:30pm | Miami Beach Convention Center Director: Terracino USA 2012 - 92 min.

Romantic Comedy, Gay

Director: Eric Brach France/Cuba 2010 - 61 min. | Spanish w/ English subtitles Documentary, Bisexual, International

The story of Dominican-American Elliot Ayende at two stages of his life: as a 9-year-old who is side-kick and confidant to his barely-keeping-it-together single mom; and as a 21-year-old looking for love in New York City. A comedy—drama that shows you can survive anything life throws at you— just “keep it cute, papi.”

Documentary Director E. Brach spent 3 years in Havana filming Chino, a deaf-mute who works on a farm. Together Chino and his deaf-mute friends, and wife go over the pros and cons of him fleeing Cuba to join Jose. Jose is a gay Mexican, who has fallen in love with Chino and is ready to help him leave the country to work in Mexico. Insecurities arise as Jose wonders if Chino loves him, or if he just wants to earn a better life and send money back to his needy wife and young children.

26 | MGLFF 2012

FEATURE

Coral Gables Art Cinema

MAY 5TH

AUSTIN UNBOUND

OUT FOR THE LONG RUN

Director: Eliza Greenwood, Sel Staley, Basil Shadid USA 2011 – 44 min. | Sign Language (ASL) w/ Eng. subtitles Documentary, Transgender

Saturday @ 3:00pm | Coral Gables Art Cinema Director: Scott Bloom USA 2011 – 77 min.

Documentary, Gay, Lesbian, Community

This is the first documentary about a man who is deaf & trans, and who also is a charismatic communicator. From the age of three, Austin knew that his female anatomy did not fit him. In middle school, he changed his name and began to dress as a boy. Now he will get surgery so he can breathe freely and finally swim in public.

This film focuses on openly gay high school athletes and follows them through their senior year in high school as they navigate the turbulent waters of their uncertain world. These athletes show the world a new generation of courage in the most homophobic place on a high school campus: the locker room.

preceded by: 33 Teeth

MGLFF 2012 |

27

MAY 5TH

preceded by: Wink

MAY 5TH

preceded by: Hard to Say

30 Years from Here

ABSENT (AUSENTE)

Saturday @ 3:00pm | The Wolfsonian Director: Josh Rosenzweig USA 2011 - 77 min.

Documentary, Gay, Political, Activism

Saturday @ 5:30pm | Coral Gables Art Cinema Director: Marco Berger Argentina 2011 - 87 min. | Spanish w/ English subtitles Drama, Gay, Thriller, International

The documentary looks at how AIDS has affected many lives over many years. Hear personal accounts from people who were there in the beginning, have seen both the sorrow over lives lost, and the hope generated by advances in medical research. Activists, medical experts, and people who were on the ground describe their stories from the war on AIDS.

Martin, a young Spanish student, is in love with his sports coach, Sebastian. Martin cleverly creates an opportunity and one night pushes the envelope to get as close as ever to reaching what he so desperately wants. Sebastian keeps Martin off at a distance, but at the same time tries to be kind and nurturing.

Martin continues to inch further and further towards crossing the line. With all the twists and turns of love and life, Martin finds himself on the wrong side of the line and Sebastian finds himself with more regret than Martin could have ever imagined.

28 | MGLFF 2012

MAY 5TH

preceded by: Through the Windows

MAY 5TH

preceded by: Las Llaves

Speechless

Miss Tacuarembó

Saturday @ 5:30pm | The Wolfsonian Director: Simon Chung China /Hong Kong 2012 - 92 min. | Chinese w/ Eng. subtitles Drama,Gay, International

Saturday @ 8:00pm | Coral Gables Art Cinema Director: Martin Sastre Uruguay / Argentina / Spain 2010 - 92 min.

Spanish w/ English subtitles Comedy, Gay, Musical, International

A mysterious Westerner appears on a riverbank in southern China, completely naked. Taken to the hospital, he refuses to speak. While doctors soon resign, the hospital’s orderly, Jiang, is captivated by the stranger, only to later discover a lust-filled secret that provides a key to the mysterious stranger’s past.

Natalia is a little girl who grows up in the 80s under the influences of ‘telenovelas’ like Cristal and movies like Flashdance in the distant and small town of Tacuarembó, Uruguay. The young Natalia soon sets her goal on winning the Miss Tacuarembó title as her first step in becoming a star. Fast forward – Natalia now lives in Buenos Aires and has yet to achieve fame. TVs biggest reality shows gives Natalia one last chance to become a star.

How will Natalia take advantage of this golden opportunity?

MGLFF 2012 |

29

MAY 5TH

CLOSING FILM

MAY 6TH

NORTH SEA TEXAS (NORDZEE, TEXAS)

Still Around

Saturday @ 8:00pm | The Colony Director: Bavo Defurne Belgium 2011 – 96 min. | Dutch w/ English subtitles Drama, Gay, International

Sunday @ 1:00pm | The Wolfsonian Director: Emmanuelle Antolin, Daniel Cardone USA 2011 - 82 min.

Documentary, Community

Pim lives with his ex-beauty queen single mother in a small town on the Belgian coast. As a teenager, he grows infatuated with Gino, the boy next door, and his motorcycling hero. His first love seems destined to end in disappointment. When Zoltan, a hunky young man from the fun-fair starts dating Pim’s mother, he seizes the opportunity to leave and moves in with Gino’s family, but alas, Gino is romancing and living with a girl from across the border. It seems Pim’s dreams will never come true, but then one rainy day Gino returns home.

A feature length short film compilation that portrays 15 people living with HIV/AIDS from the San Francisco Bay Area. 16 well-known local filmmakers collaborated with 15 protagonists to create 15 pieces that run from verite doc, experimental film, dance video and spoken words. This film weaves a diverse slate of stories into one powerful AIDs video quilt of our times.

30 | MGLFF 2012

MAY 6TH

preceded by: Decaf Relax @ Your Service

MAY 6TH

preceded by: What Do They Know

eCupid

THIS IS WHAT LOVE IN ACTION LOOKS LIKE

Sunday @ 3:00pm | The Wolfsonian Director: J.C. Calciano USA 2011 - 95 min.

Romantic Comedy, Gay

Sunday @ 3:00pm | Coral Gables Art Cinema Director: Morgan Jon Fox USA 2011 - 72 min.

Documentary, Gay, Activism

Marshall is turning 30 and is desperate for a new life. He downloads an app called “eCupid” that guarantees true love, and immediately sabotages his 7-year relationship.

Suddenly single, “eCupid” overwhelms Marshall with sexy guys and quickly becomes more than he bargained for.

With the help of a wise and mysterious waitress, Marshall is given one last chance to figure out who and what is really important.

In the summer of 2005 a 16-year-old in Memphis, Tennessee wrote on his MySpace blog about his parents sending him to a correctional “Fundamentalist Christian” program that strives to turn gay teens straight. This documentary follows the inspirational story of this teen’s local community standing up for their friend with daily protests at the facility, in what would become an international news story. The documentary features several former clients of the organization who tell their personal stories about the time they spent within the program’s walls.

MGLFF 2012 |

31

MAY 6TH

preceded by: Nobody’s Business

JobriAth a.d.

Sunday @ 5:30pm | The Wolfsonian Director: Kieran Turner USA 2011 - 102 min.

Documentary, Gay, Music Called “The American Bowie” and “The True Fairy of Rock & Roll”, Jobriath’s reign as the first openly gay rock star was brief and over by 1975. Now, thirty-five years later, Jobriath A.D. spotlights his truly unique life, music, groundbreaking influence, and the new generations of fans slowly re-discovering him.

32 | MGLFF 2012

STAR

SUPPORTER

MEMBER

STUDENT / SENIOR

$500 Sole / $750 Dual

$150 Sole / $275 Dual

$50 Sole / $90 Dual

$20

Regular Screening Tickets*

10 tickets (Sole) 20 tickets (Dual)

8 tickets (Sole) 16 tickets (Dual)

6 tickets (Sole) 12 tickets (Dual)

2 tickets

Opening Film / Gala Tickets

1 ticket (Sole) 2 tickets (Dual)

Centerpiece Film / Gala Tickets

1 ticket (Sole) 2 tickets (Dual)

Closing Film / Gala Tickets

1 ticket (Sole) 2 tickets (Dual)

• • • • •

• • • •

• • • •

Discounted Ticket Purchase** Advanced Purchase of Event Tickets Line Priority for Members (Prior to non-members / guests) Advanced Copy of Festival Program Name in Festival Program Monthly Payment Option

• • • • • •

*Maximum of 2 tickets (Sole) / 4 Tickets (Dual) may be used per a film. **Maximum 4 Additional Tickets per film (Sole) / 4 Tickets (Dual) can be purchased at member’s specially discounted rates.

All other tickets must be purchased at regular rate.

Miami and Fort Lauderdale you’re invited!

Sign up as a member today and have the time of your life while supporting the arts in Miami and Fort Lauderdale! Enjoy the best in emerging queer cinema for a full year from the date you join and up to 75% of your membership cost may be tax deductible since we are a 501c3!

All members, regardless of level, receive the following benefits: • 2 weeks advance ticket purchase opportunity for all films & events during the annual Film Festival.

• Direct mail of Ticket Program including film titles & schedule, before release to the general public.

• Interested in becoming a Film Festival VIP? Consider joining our Producers Circle and you will be treated like a STAR! More information at MGLFF.com MGLFF 2012 |

33

FRIday

SATURday

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Tuesday

Date

4/27/2012

4/28/2012

4/29/2012

4/30/2012

5/1/2012

Venue

Colony

Regal

MBC

Regal

MBC

Celluloid Closet

Muppets Take Manhattan

Regal

MBC

Regal

Leave it on the floor

Mosqita y Mari

MBC

1:00 1:30 Wish Me Away 2:00 2:30 3:00 Gun Hill Road

3:30 4:30

Angel Seventh Gay ADVENTIST

Vito 5:00 5:30

Codependent

Ballroom Rules

6:00

Space Alien Seeks Same Men to Kiss

6:30 Kiss Me 7:00 7:30

Unfit: Ward Vs. Ward

8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00

Kawa

Opening Film

Morgan

FunkY Town Habana Muda August

10:30 34 | MGLFF 2012

11:00

Look at Me Again

Colony

Wednesday

thursday

friday

saturday

SUNday

5/2/2012

5/3/2012

5/4/2012

5/5/2012

5/6/2012

Regal

MBC

Regal

MBC

Convention

CG

Colony

W

CG

W

CG

Still Around

30 YEARS FROM HERE

Out for the Long Run

Absent SpeecHless

Double Feature

Difficult Love Tales of Waria

Taking a Chance on God

What Women Like Shorts

Women’s Spotlight

North Sea Texas

Closing Film

Friday night spotlight

Naked as we Came

Men’s Spotlight

Jobriath

A.D.

Mosquita y Mari

Elliot Loves

Girl Trash

eCupid

This is What Love in Action Looks Like

Miss

Tacuarembo

Double Feature

What Men Want Shorts

Habana Muda Austin Unbound MGLFF 2012 |

35

Please join us in applauding Studio Heads

Alberto Arias & Wood Kinnard for their extreme generosity toward the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival

36 | MGLFF 2012

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

Colgate Darden & Ed Heidel Stephen Herbits Larry Hyer Michael Toomey Â

Producers Terrence Brown Dierck Casselman & Scott Van Hove Lissette De Cristofaro & Melanie Garcia Vicky Haw Tim Nardi & Charlie Million Miguel Oliva Edward Pascoe L. David Richardson

MGLFF 2012 |

37

DIRECTORS

38 | MGLFF 2012

Steven Adkins & Diego Gonclaves

Jennifer Kriz

Drs. Juan & Ken Ahonen-Jover

Adam Kruszelnicki

Bruce Bolton

David Leeds

Leticia Carrazana

Michael Meltzer & Alan Ngim

Franc Castro

Paul Orshan

Owen Cone

Andre Perwin & Rod Gillis

Gabino Cuevas & Thomas R. Yoli

Mary Prados & Dr. Hope Wine

Nick De Biase & The Out Club

Ebony Rhodes

Dennis Edwards & Mark Steinberg

George Rodez

Scott Fricker & David Paul

Paul Sassville & Juan Duarte

Mark Gilbert

Cristina Serralta & Marisela Rodriguez

Jeanie Hall

Dr. Susan Solman & Alisa McGowan

Eric Hankin & Richard Milstein

Ronald Traub & Ramon Ortega

Bill Hussey

Luis Zuluaga

STARS Elliot Friedman & Beau Bolton Adrienne Paul Edwin Scharlau - Route 7 Productions

SUPPORTERS Lewis Aaron Edgar Ace Frank Alvarez James Baldssari Henry Castelo Steven Clem Alex Dennis William DeYoung

Joe Tom Easley Rick Field Eric Finerman Peter Freiberg Liebe Gadinsky Chris Gates Benjamin Hein Danny Jelaca

Jeffrey Kusch John Labus Craig Lamb Marc Lichtman Blair J. Monroe Isabel Montejo Daniel O’Connor Bruce Presley

Frank Sanchez Steven Santiago Richard Scalzo Walter Steunenberg Thomas Valentine

MGLFF 2012 |

39

40 | MGLFF 2012

LAVENDER

HEART

AWARD HONORING CHELY WRIGHT The Lavender Heart Award is an annual honor recognizing an individual in the Arts and Entertainment industry who has gone above and beyond in promoting a positive image of the LGBT community. This year’s award is presented to Chely Wright one of Country Music’s Top Female Vocalist and one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People.” Upon the release of her 2010 album, “Lifted Off the Ground”, and her memoir, “Like Me”, the award-winning country artist and songwriter stunned the conservative country music world by becoming the first major country music performer to publicly come out as gay.

Wright has cited among her reasons for coming out a concern with bullying and hate crimes toward LGBT people, particularly LGBT youth, and the damage to her life caused by “hiding.”

rise to fame while being a closeted lesbian. In the midst of a tumultuous political climate that has incited polarizing debates about civil rights, the film documentary “Wish Me Away” was released featuring both the public and very private moments of Chely’s life as she bravely chose to risk all that was important to her – family, relationships, career, success, fans and image - to live her authentic life.

As an LGBT role model, Chely serves as the national spokesperson for the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and speaks out against school bullying.

Wright believes “that to whom much is given, much is required.

I have lived a very blessed life and I know what it feels like to achieve goals. I want to do my part in helping others have as many opportunities to have milestones in their lives too.”

Her autobiography “Like Me” details her personal story of her MGLFF 2012 |

41

42 | MGLFF 2012

ANGEL

AWARD HONORING MARK GILBERT The Angel Award is an annual honor recognizing an individual who has made an unwavering contribution to the film festival and to the LGBT community. This year’s award is honoring Mark Gilbert, A.K.A. “MarkyG,“ for his numerous years of outstanding service given to the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival as a Board Member, and the overall South Florida LGBT Community.

As a South Florida Radio Personality, MarkyG burst onto the “Gay Scene” in 2002. After a divorce and a realization that he was never going back to a straight life he decided to change his volunteer efforts to focus more on the Gay community.

His first choice was the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival because he loved the films, events, and the incredible people involved with the festival. Marky attended the festival in 2001

and joined the Board in 2002. Gilbert served on the MGLFF board of directors for seven years and hosted radio shows like “South Beach Dance Party” on Y-100 and “Issues over the Rainbow,” an LGBT radio show on the New Party 93.1 for more than four years.

He is currently heavily involved in local LGBT non-profit organizations such as the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and acts as the EMCEE of the Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade each year. Marky states, “anyone that says we have no community or I am not into the Gay Scene has no clue what incredible organizations we have serving us and what dynamic people we have running them. I am so proud to be part of our incredible South Florida Gay Scene”.

MGLFF 2012 |

43

44 | MGLFF 2012

p u o r G t n e m n i a t r e t n E l e a h g t e t r R o p p u s l o t a v d i t u s o e r F si p m l i F n a i b s e L lm i f & e v i t y a n a r e t nd al u o r r a e Miami G y r fo Join

ium 1 d a t S h c a e B us at South

8

MGLFF 2012 |

45

46 | MGLFF 2012

MADE IN

MIAMI UNFIT WARD VS. WARD

The “Made in Miami” program highlights films that are either made in Miami or made by Miami’s emerging talents. These films are featured at a special event during the film festival and promote pride in Miami’s cultural arts scene. “Made in Miami” is part of the MGLFF’s commitment to support local filmmakers & further position Miami as a filming destination.

This year’s Made in Miami film selection, UNFIT: Ward vs. Ward, was a result of Executive Producer’s Katie Carmichael & Edwin Scharlau hearing Mary Ward’s story and knowing they had to do something. They couldn’t foresee the journey it would take them on, but they knew that this was a story that needed to be told. This story was so shocking that it almost didn’t seem real, yet sadly it was.

In 1995, a Florida judge concluded a girl’s father, a convicted killer, was better fit to raise her than was her mother, because her mother is a lesbian. This project was started with the most noble of intentions– to give a voice to an injustice and allow a broader audience to hear about what happened that tragic August day when a Florida judge said “...l believe that this child should be given the opportunity and the option to live in a non-lesbian world…”.

Katie and Edwin conclude “We can only hope that UNFIT: Ward vs. Ward, will open the dialogue with a broader audience and ultimately bring justice to a completely unfair judge’s decision that had lasting and terrible consequences on a family.”

MGLFF 2012 |

47

48 | MGLFF 2012

SAVING

OUR

STORIES

(S.O.S.) The “Saving Our Stories (S.O.S.)” program is a planned series of short films that will be produced as a result of a call for short documentary scripts from the local community that highlight South Florida LGBT youth & seniors’ stories. These stories will be taken through the entire filmmaking process with the help of production partners and will be presented at next year’s festival. These films will be housed at the film festival’s office as part of a video archive of local LGBT experiences, saving our community’ s stories and experiences for future generations.

Make this program a reality by donating now at MGLFF.com under the donations tab.

MGLFF 2012 |

49

50 | MGLFF 2012

EVENTS Friday, April 27th

Friday, May 4th

OPENING NIGHT FILM & PARTY Kawa The Colony Theater

FRIDAY SPOTLIGHT Elliot Loves – World Premiere Miami Beach Convention Center

Monday, April 30th

Saturday, May 5th

MADE IN MIAMI UNFIT: Ward vs. Ward – World Premiere Regal Cinemas South Beach

CLOSING FILM & PARTY North SeaTexas The Colony Theater

Wednesday, May 2nd WOMEN’S SPOTLIGHT Girl Trash- Work in Progress The Colony Theater

Sunday, May 6th HBO AWARDS BRUNCH Trio On The Bay

MEN’S SPOTLIGHT Naked As We Came – Work in Progress Regal Cinemas South Beach Wednesday SPOTLIGHT PARTY The Shore Club | Red Room MGLFF 2012 |

51

Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Ticket Information: Tickets may be purchased 24 hours a day online or by phone on M-F from 9:30 am to 5:30pm or on Sat from 10am to 1pm at (877) 484-8499. Film Festival Members have an exclusive advanced purchase period beginning March 26th thru April 8th. Those members entitled to advanced complimentary tickets as part of their membership benefits may be able to order them online or by phone beginning March 26th. Tickets will go on sale to the General Public on April 9th. Tickets may be printed online or picked up at Will Call.

TICKETING MATINEES (before 6PM) ONLINE: $7 Members / $9 Guests BOX OFFICE: $8 Members / $10 Guests

REGULAR SCREENINGS (after 6PM) ONLINE: BOX OFFICE:

$9 Members / $11 Guests $10 Members / $12 Guests

Spotlight Screenings & PARTIES ADVANCED: $25 Members/ $ 30 Guests BOX OFFICE: $35 Members/ $40 Guests

Opening / Closing ScreeningS & Parties ADVANCED: $30 Members/ $ 40 Guests BOX OFFICE: $40 Members/ $50 Guests 52 | MGLFF 2012

TICKETING

TICKETING FEES: Please note that all purchases will incur a $2 per order fee.

Rush line Sales During the Festival: Many screenings will “sell out” in advance. Don’t despair! Members and nonmembers alike are invited to join the special Rush Line. Unclaimed & unused tickets and seats will be released for sale to “Sold Out” screenings 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the screening. Rush tickets will be sold for $15 on a first come, first serve Cash Only basis. Please have exact change.

Notice: All ticket-holders must be in their seats 10 minutes prior to each screening. If you do not arrive 10 minutes prior to the screening you will risk being denied entrance even if you have a ticket. Empty seats will be sold to rush line holders starting 10 minutes prior to the beginning of each screening.

WILL CALL

WILL CALL Tickets to be picked up at Will Call will be available at the box office of the venue of the first film purchased.

If tickets are not picked up at the first venue, they will then be available at the second film purchased.

MGLFF 2012 |

53

VENUES Colony Theater 1040 Lincoln Road Miami Beach, FL 33139

Coral Gables Art Cinema 260 Aragon Avenue Coral Gables, FL 33134

Miami Beach Cinematheque 1130 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139

Miami Beach Convention Center 1901 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139

Regal Cinemas South Beach 1120 Lincoln Road Miami Beach, FL 33139

The Wolfsonian 1001 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 54 | MGLFF 2012

MGLFF 2012 |

55

56 | MGLFF 2012

MGLFF 2012 |

57

58 | MGLFF 2012

MGLFF 2012 |

59

60 | MGLFF 2012

MGLFF 2012 |

61

62 | MGLFF 2012

MGLFF 2012 |

63

HBO PROUDLY SUPPORTS ®

THE MIAMI/FT. LAUDERDALE GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL

64 | MGLFF 2012

©2011 Home Box Office, Inc. All rights reserved. HBO® and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc.