'Matt Shepard Is A Friend Of Mine' Screens in Denver February 27

Run Rabbit Run Media and VFRPR have announced that Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine will begin a theatrical rollout in twelve cities during February 2015, following a year of acclaim on the festival circuit and recent accolades at the Side by Side Film Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia.  A winner of four Best Documentary awards, Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine will first open in New York and two other cities on February 6, followed by Los Angeles on February 13, and continue expanding into select markets across the United States and Canada. The film comes to Denver on February 27 at the AMC Cherry Creek 8. 

Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine, Michele Josue's debut and the first film helmed by someone from Matt's life, is an intimate tribute to the young man she knew, the young man behind the story that rocked the nation and caused outcry around the world in 1998.  Josue's journey took her across the United States, Switzerland and Morocco and the heartfelt result has screened at over two dozen festivals worldwide. 

Valentine's Gay: Sex Shop Cinema

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Bridegroom, a Tragic Gay Love Story from the Creator of Designing Women

Bridegroom tells the emotional journey of Shane and Tom, two young men in a loving and committed relationship that was cut tragically short by a misstep off the side of a roof. The story of what happened after this accidental death– of how people without the legal protections of marriage can find themselves completely shut out and ostracized– is poignant, enraging and opens a window onto the issue of marriage equality and human rights like no speech or lecture ever will.

On the anniversary of Tom’s death, after a year of documenting his own grief, Shane decided to make a video tribute to his partner entitled “It Could Happen to You.” The video went viral and garnered over four million views to date. Although it was a cathartic process for him and a tribute to the love of his life, more than anything, Shane wanted it to serve as a warning to other LGBT couples, and show the world what can happen when two people are legally barred from having equal rights and equal protections under the law to marry.

Director Linda Bloodworth Thomason (“Designing Women”) compiles a remarkably vast amount of personal footage and photographs, giving the movie an intensely personal edge. Bridegroom piercingly conveys the imperative of human and civil rights, and makes a plea to open hearts and minds that Tom and Shane’s love is no different than any others. It is a love story, unequaled. 

Bridegroom will air Sunday, October 27 on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

Film: The Perks of Being A Wallflower

Based on the best-selling novel by  Stephen Chbosky, THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER is a funny and touching coming-of-age story that captures the dizzying highs and crushing lows of growing up and the unforgettable friends that help us through life. The film stars Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and the newly out Ezra Miller (pictured below) and opens in Denver on September 28.

Film: How to Survive A Plague

HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE is the story of the brave young men and women who successfully reversed the tide of an epidemic, demanded the attention of a fearful nation and stopped AIDS from becoming a death sentence.

This improbable group of activists bucked oppression and, with no scientific training, infiltrated government agencies and the pharmaceutical industry, helping to identify promising new medication and treatments and move them through trials and into drugstores in record time. In the process, they saved their own lives and ended the darkest days of a veritable plague, while virtually emptying AIDS wards in American hospitals in the process.

The powerful story of their fight is a classic tale of empowerment and activism that has since inspired movements for change in everything from breast cancer research to Occupy Wall Street. Their story stands as a powerful inspiration to future generations, a road map, and a call to arms.

This is how you change the world.       

     

The Aspen Institute Arts Program and Aspen Film's Third Annual NEW VIEWS: Documentaries & Dialogue Program Announced

The Aspen Institute Arts Program and Aspen Film present the third annual NEW VIEWS: Documentaries & Dialogue series highlighting critically acclaimed documentaries with post-screening discussions featuring special guests. The series begins at the Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, July 1, and continues on Monday nights July 23 through August 13. All films will be shown at Paepcke Auditorium in Aspen.

Documentaries continue to play an increased and exciting role in public discourse, bringing a vibrant voice to current events, personalities, and issues affecting culture and society. This carefully curated selection of important films and speakers offers a fresh insight designed to intrigue, expand, and enrich the creative conversations of our time. Each screening will be followed by a conversation with the director or relevant special guests.

Tickets for NEW VIEWS are $20 per show and go on sale to the public June 20 through Aspen Show Tickets at the Wheeler Opera House box office and at aspenshowtix.com. If available, tickets will also be sold at the door starting 30 minutes before show time.

Film Review: Codependent Lesbian From Outer Space Seeks Same

By Philip Doyle

Now this may sound a bit crazy but… I assure you… I’ve witnessed it myself:  There are Alien Lesbians playing in Denver!

Codependent Lesbian from Outer Space Seeks Same has been playing at film festivals from New York City to the Castro.  It has been the buzz in the snowy streets of the Sundance Film Festival to the sunny ocean side of Rio de Janeiro.  At long last, Madeleine Olnek's clever comedy has landed in the mile high city.

This film is a silly and endearing sci-fi homage that forays bravely onto the lavender screen.   I think it would be a disservice to provide an overly critical analysis of such a whacky and enjoyable experience.  It would be like showing up to a pool party in a tuxedo.  This wingding is free of formality, so set your switch to fun.

The action starts when the inhabitants of the planet Zots discover that having too many emotional feelings will destroy their ozone. To rid themselves of emotion, the aliens travel to earth to fall in love and have their hearts broken.

The alien love stories that ensue are funny and at times quite touching.  On the streets of New York City, the aliens stick out like a sore thumb, and are as amusing as they are socially awkward. 

Our human hero, Jane (Lisa Haas), falls hard for Zoinks (Susan Ziegler).  Lisa Haas is a Denver native, and had members of the audience rooting for portrayal of Jane.  Ms. Haas has the uncanny ability to be unique, quirky, and utterly sincere.   A delight.

At the risk of being a buzz kill; I could compare this film to the vintage nuttiness of Ed Wood’s movies.  I guess I could go even further to say this film is a delightful blend, a meritage if you will, of reminisces from John Water’s early production values and Woody Allen’s occasional overlapping dialog.  But see there?  I just weighed this fun flick down with fancy expectations. 

I guess my most helpful suggestion would be that Codependent Lesbian from Outer Space Seeks Same is like a really fun party. The more who attend, the merrier.

CODEPENDENT LESBIAN SPACE ALIEN SEEKS SAME plays at the Denver Film Center 

from March 30-April 5.

Out Magazine Names Essential Gay Films

Out magazine asked its favorite directors, entertainers, and artists – including Dustin Lance Black, Lee Daniels, John Waters, and Margaret Cho – to help compile its list of 50 Essential Gay Films.

Things to do in Denver when you're gay: Apparition of the Eternal Church

On Saturday, February 20 at 7 p.m., First Plymouth Congregational Church at 3501 South Colorado Boulevard (at Hampden Avenue) will present a free evening of thought-provoking film and live music, Olivier Messiaen and Paul Festa’s 'Apparition of the Eternal Church'.

RottenTomatoes.com says “More than a mash note to this nonpareil maestro, 'Apparition' circles around the mystery of music and subjectivity and touches down on a head-spinning array of topics.”

Things to do in Denver when you're Gay: Disturbing the Universe

Denver PFLAG announces that a screening of 'William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe' will take place at 7 p.m. on December 11 at the Chez Artiste Theater on South Colorado Blvd. and that that after the movie there will be a Q&A session with Sarah Kunstler, one of the filmmakers.

'Disturbing the Universe' is a fascinating film about a defender of civil rights and the Denver Five, a group of people who protested and were arrested for standing up for gay marriage.

Tickets for the event will be $15.00 and may be obtained in one of two ways: Either send a check made out to PFLAG Denver to PFLAG Denver, P.O. Box 18901, Denver, CO 80218-0901, with the notation "Marriage Equality" on the memo line, or 2) charge to your credit card by going to www.pflagdenver.org, where you’ll find instructions on the home page.

If you have any questions, contact John Ferguson at pflagerindenver@pflagdenver.org or 303-698-0302.

Cinema Q Film Festival

The Denver Film Society along with The GLBT Community Center of Colorado and OutFront Colorado are proud to present the first annual Cinema Q: A Festival Of Queer Cinema.

The festival takes place over four days beginning Thursday, May 28, through Sunday, May 31, 2009; an official kickoff to June Pride Month. Featuring a host of uncompromising documentaries and feature films, the first annual Cinema Q: A Festival of Queer Cinema will premiere 'SEX POSITIVE', Daryl Wein's urgent plea for sex education and the values of the forgotten heroes who have helped pave the way,as its opening night celebration. 'SEX POSITIVE' will be followed by a reception on May 28th at the Starz FilmCenter.

Chris and Don: A Love Story

ARTcore presents, in association with Bent Lens Cinema, a screening of "Chris and Don: A Love Story", a documentary film about the three and a half decade long relationship between British writer Christopher Isherwood and American portrait artist Dan Bachardy, an openly gay couple with a 30-year age difference navigating Hollywood society in the 1950's and 60's.

The screening takes place Thursday, April 9 and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Free to BMoCA ad City Club Members. For more information click here.

Party with Oscar and Denver Film Society

This year the only place in Denver to watch the Academy Awards on the big screen, Sunday, February 22 will be at the Starz Film Center where the Denver Film Society will host its annual Party with Oscar. Expect a touch of Rock 'N' Roll style mixed in with Hollywood glamour. Complete with a live band, rocking DJ, games with great prizes, pinball, as well as Rock Band on the big screen - allowing your inner rock star to truly shine; and great drink specials as well as food being served all night long.

The evening will feature a live feed of the ABC awards presentation broadcast in High Definition on several of the Starz FilmCenter's big screens. Party with Oscar is the only Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences sanctioned event in Colorado.

This will be the 18th consecutive year in which the Denver Film Society has served as the official Oscar viewing party for the Denver Metro audience. Proceeds from Denver's Party with Oscar benefit the Denver Film Society, the non-profit cultural institution dedicated to bringing quality film and film education programs to Colorado.

Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li

I'm of two minds on this one. Street Fighter was my game, man. One time my sister and I spent a hundred bucks and close to eight hours playing Street Fighter at a 7-11 in Sterling, CO. Chun-Li was my favorite character (Blanca was second). But I don't know, the clips I've seen of the new movie don't really tickle my pickle. It doesn't really give us any Street Fighter flavor, it just looks like any random action flick.



Anyway, here's what the studio has to say: Powerful forces are converging on the streets of Bangkok. They are warriors, some of whom possess extraordinary abilities, all of whom are determined to see their side prevail. Some fight for us; the others for unlimited power. Now, they are preparing for the ultimate battle - of terror versus beauty, light versus darkness, and good versus evil.

The forces of darkness are led by Bison (Neal McDonough), a crime boss of seemingly limitless power, and whose past holds a shocking secret. Bison's syndicate, Shadaloo, is taking over the slums of the Thai capital, a task overseen by Balrog (Michael Clarke Duncan), a massively built enforcer and killer. Also in Bison's employ is the assassin Vega (Taboo, of the group The Black Eyed Peas), a masked talon-wielding warrior, whose weapon is tailor-made for slashing and stabbing attacks. Bison's attache is the beautiful but deadly Cantana (Josie Ho).

As Bison instigates a wave of violence in the slum districts, grabbing power and land no matter what the costs to its residents, a team of heroes emerges. Chun-Li (Kristin Kreuk) is a half-Caucasian/half-Asian beauty who gave up a life of privilege to become a street fighter, battling for those who cannot fight for themselves. Her kung fu master, Gen (Robin Shou), once a feared criminal, now fights for the forces of good. Equally determined to stop Bison is Interpol cop Charlie Nash (Chris Klein), who has tracked the crime boss all over the world, and Nash's partner, gangland homicide detective Maya Sunee (Moon Bloodgood).

These vivid characters and their world are long known to fans of the iconic videogame "Street Fighter," which Capcom released in 1987. At the time, the 1-2 player game set a new precedent in two-dimensional interactive entertainment. In 1991, Capcom released to arcades, "Street Fighter II," featuring new characters and fighting styles.

Save the date for Aspen Shortsfest

Marking its 18th year, Aspen Shortsfest will bring audiences and international filmmakers together April 1-5, 2009 at Aspen's historic Wheeler Opera House and Crystal Theatre in Carbondale. Widely recognized as one of the world's premiere short film and video showcases featuring animation, comedy, drama, and documentary, Aspen Shortsfest will present its esteemed Oscar®-qualifying International Competition for this trend-setting art form: the short. With the proliferation of film and video content websites, the short film has enjoyed a renaissance fueled by easy access and the desire for new, unencumbered, on-demand entertainment. Aspen Film celebrates and honors this concise popular film art form in a spotlight all its own.

More than 2,400 short films from around the world are currently being considered for Aspen Shortsfest's International Competition. An internationally recognized jury of filmmakers, film professionals, and film curators will award cash and prizes in a variety of categories, including Best Drama, Best Comedy, Best Documentary, and the Animated Eye Award, to name a few. The International Competition Jury will be announced mid-March.

Don't miss the 18th annual Aspen Shortsfest. Tickets go on sale March 23th through Aspen Show Tickets at the Wheeler - just call 970-920-5770 or visit www.aspenshowtickets.com. The complete Shortsfest program will be available online March 13 at www.aspenfilm.org.

'I Love You Phillip Morris' from Queer Lounge

Here's the first in a five-part series of videos about the new gay love story, "I Love You Phillip Morris", starring Jim Carey and Ewan McGregor filmed at the Queer Lounge at Sundance.

See the rest of them here.

The Birdcage

This Hollywood adaptation of the French play, La Cage Aux Folles, was made a little over 10 years ago. As a gay-themed mainstream movie, it was groundbreaking at the time but the 'let's pretend we're straight for the benefit of our son's potential in-laws" plot has now thankfully passed over into the realm of the charmingly quaint. The Arvada Center, will be presenting the stage version of La Cage Aux Folles, written by Harvey Fierstein, through December.

The 30th Starz Denver Film Festival has begun!

Last night the crowds arrived dressed to the nines and some very special guests walked our Red Carpet at the beautiful Ellie Caulkins Opera House. With the Opera House packed, excited crowds watched as festival Artistic Director Ron Henderson graciously accepted the prestigious Cassavetes Award for his lifetime of achievement in the world of film. The emotional ceremony was a perfect precursor to the evening’s feature film, THE SAVAGES. The theatre was filled with laughter and quiet crying as the emotional, yet surprisingly uplifting, story unfolded. After the lights came up in the theatre, it was time for the party to begin! The Seawell Ballroom was dimly lit and stylishly decorated; delicious food was tasted and Stella Artois beer, Cirôc Vodka, Johnnie Walker Scotch and Sterling Vineyards wine were being poured all around. As the night went on, the dance floor became more and more crowded. DJ Sara T, who was brilliantly suspended in the air, filled the room with beloved dance beats while some old, and some new, dance moves graced the ballroom floor. The evening was a tremendous success and a memorable moment in film festival history! Stay tuned tomorrow for more highlights including the presentation of the Mayor’s Career Achievement Award to legendary director Norman Jewison. Cheers to a wonderful Opening Night!

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Colorado's Elusive Ingredient is bringing you the Rocky Horror Picture Show experience every Friday night in November at Red & Jerry's off of Santa Fe & Oxford. Go have a good time, you sweet transvestites.

Friday, Nov 9th – Doors open at 10:30, curtain call at Midnight

Friday, Nov 16th – Doors open at 11-ish, curtain call at Midnight, depends on when prior event breaks up

Friday, Nov 23th – Doors open at 11-ish, curtain call at Midnight, depends on when prior event breaks up. THEME NIGHT for November is LINGERIE NIGHT!! Bring your sexiest unmentionables and we’ll mention the hell out of them!

Friday, Nov 30th – NO SHOW TONIGHT – Late Private Party at Red and Jerry’s.

Anyone bringing in a copy of the Rocky Horror Picture Show ad from Westword gets $2 off their ticket, one coupon per patron.

For more information, get on this, denverrhps.com.

Esquire Midnight Movie: Eraserhead

Described by writer/director David Lynch as "a dream of dark and troubling things," this funny, terrifying and wholly original cult film from the director of Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart and Mulholland Drive takes you into the surreal world of Henry Spencer (Jack Nance), the not-so-proud papa of the strangest baby you've ever seen.
Fri & Sat, Nov 9 & 10 at Midnight at the Esquire Theatre.