Swan Song | Sunday, Septebmer 26, 7 p.m. been a worldwide concern, and made planning and implementing many public events — including film festivals — that much more difficult, yet, said Welton, it hasn’t compromised his enthusiasm. “As long as folks continue to enjoy our movies and parties, it is still well worth it,” he said. “In addition, we are so proud of our scholarship at the UNCSA School of Filmmaking. UNCSA’s ACE Complex has been our primary ‘home’ since our first screening in 2004. Matt Jones and Eric Self of the School of Filmmaking have always had our backs and have been huge advocates for ‘OUT at the Movies.’ We are thrilled with the collaboration!” In addition, “we are so thankful that the majority of our sponsors and donors have continued to support us during the pandemic. Their support has allowed us to continue funding the ‘OUT at the Movies’ Scholarship at the UNCSA School of Filmmaking and assisted us in continuing to provide one of the best festival experiences in America for our filmmakers, actors, documentary subjects, audience members, party attendees, and volunteers.” Regarding those volunteers, Welton makes no secret of his appreciation. “If it weren’t for ‘our people’ — a lot of very dedicated, creative, and talented volunteers — ‘OUT at the Movies’ would not happen.” Incidentally, should anyone be interested in volunteering for this year’s festival as a driver, they will receive a festival pass good for unlimited in-person movies at UNCSA. The “OUT at the Movies” festival is, of course, meant to be a fun-filled celebration of cinema and community, but a number of films address more serious issues. One of these is Park View, the award-winning documentary which marks the feature debut of Wilmingtonbased editor/producer/director Tab Ballis. WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM
The film, which will be screened Saturday at 7:10 p.m, delves into the appalling 1990 murder of 32-year-old lesbian Talana Kreeger in Wilmington, a case often compared to that of the murder of Matthew Shepard in Wyoming in 1998. Ballis will participate in a post-screening Q&A along with fellow guests Kristen Dempsey and Lynette Miller. “In seeking a North Carolina-based film festival for Park View’s statewide premiere, we were drawn to the focused aesthetic and attention to detail that has been epitomized by Rex Welton and his team in the ‘OUT at the Movies’ International Film Festival in Winston-Salem,” Ballis explained. “With an obvious wealth of creative talent in the (Piedmont) Triad to draw from, Rex has curated an impressive line-up of films that span a broad spectrum of LGBTQ+-lived experience, and we are grateful that ‘OUT at the Movies’ was willing to hold the space for a film of Park View’s intensity, which will be both challenging and inspiring to in-person and virtual audiences.” If the film arouses controversy and debate, so much the better. “Like the stark image of Matthew Shepard’s final resting place on a Wyoming split-rail fence after his violent murder, the honest telling of Talana Kreeger’s story is difficult to witness, but the redemptive power of illuminating her humanity, and the resilience of the queer community in Wilmington, has been empowering to those who do.” ! See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies on Burgervideo.com. © 2021, Mark Burger.
WANNA
go?
For more information about the eighth annual “OUT at the Movies” International Film Festival, call (336) 918-0902 or visit https://outatthemovies.org/2021-film-festival/.
SEPTEMBER 24TH GRACE POTTER HANNAH WICKLUND Gates Open: 6:00 pm
SEPTEMBER 25TH GOV’T MULE DEVON GILFILLIAN IDA MAE
Gates Open: 5:00 pm
SEPTEMBER 26TH THE SMITHEREENS FASTBALL MAGNOLIA GREEN
Gates Open: 2:00 pm
BAILEY PARK WINSTON-SALEM, NC Tickets: etix.com GEARSANDGUITARSFEST.COM SEPTEMBER 22-28, 2021 YES! WEEKLY
5