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Gay, lesbian film fest ready for its 20th performance

Staff file photo by JULIE BUSCH

Theatergoers mill around outside the Tampa Theatre downtown during last year's festival.

By SARAH HOYE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 8, 2009

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TAMPA - The Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival returns to Tampa and celebrates its 20th anniversary, offering indie movie lovers the most captivating and provocative collection of cinema yet.

The festival runs through Oct. 18 and includes more than 60 films and shorts made for, by or about the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered community.

"We are proud of Tampa's reputation as a city with a wealth of cultural richness and diversity," Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio said in a statement, "and are honored to once again be the host city for this festival."

Whether gay or straight, the entire Tampa Bay area community is invited, executive director Chuck Henson said.

"Not gay, that's OK," Henson said. "This is part of the cultural fabric of Tampa Bay … it's essential to have a balanced arts community."

The purpose of the festival is not to be a gay pride event, rather it's to showcase quality independent cinema that happens to have gay characters, Henson said.

"We're an arts and cultural event," he said. "It feels really good to put in the kind of effort it takes and know that what you're bringing is worthy to a town like ours."

Films screening at this year's festival have earned 26 national and international awards, and represent filmmaking from seven countries. "It's such a strong year for film … it's the best year for women," said John Thomas, president of the festival's board of directors. "What happened to us was almost magical for me."

Among the female directors showing at the festival is Alison Reid, whose Canadian film "The Baby Formula" screens at 9 p.m. Friday at Tampa Theatre. The film centers on a lesbian couple trying to have a baby without a man's involvement.

Steve Kmetko, a reporter known for his celebrity interviews on "E" Entertainment Television is scheduled to hit the black-tie Festival Gala Friday at the Ritz Ybor. He also will host a panel discussion on homophobia in sports after a screening of "Training Rules" on Sunday.

"Training Rules," a documentary directed by Dee Mosbacher and Fawn Yacker, tells the story of Jen Harris, a lesbian who sued Penn State University after she was cut from the women's basketball team.
According to the film, the team's coach openly discriminated against lesbian players, refusing to have any on her team.

The festival's closing weekend includes men's and women's parties on Oct. 17, with proceeds benefiting the film festival.

"A love story or a drama is just as interesting with two lead men or two lead women," Thomas said.

The film screenings and special events, including filmmaker and actor question-and-answer sessions, are expected to draw more than 15,000 attendees, making it one of the largest and longest-running independent gay film festivals in the country, event organizers said.

"For two weeks in October, we crank the popcorn popper to fifth gear and welcome thousands upon thousands of new and returning festivalgoers to Tampa Theatre," said Tara Schroeder, spokeswoman for the theater. "The film festival consistently enriches our community's culture and economy."

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Friday: 20th Anniversary Gala. Black-tie preferred festival party and fundraiser; 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.; $50 (to benefit the film festival); after party 12 a.m. to 3 a.m.; $15.; The Ritz Ybor, 1503 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa; (813) 247-2555

Saturday: Chillounge & Movie. Movie and a party; 6 to 11 p.m.; $20; Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa; (813) 274-8981

Oct. 17: Sugar 2009. Official women's party; 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.; The Honey Pot, 1507 E. Seventh Ave.; (813) 247-4663

Oct. 17: Surge, House of House: Official men's party; 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.; $15; Czar, 1420 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa; (813) 247-6838

For complete film listings, visit www.cliptampabay.com.

Reporter Sarah Hoye can be reached at (813) 259-7832.