Florida Agenda

FORT LAUDERDALE

THE KINSEY SICKS: ELECTILE DYSFUNCTION

The hilarious dragapella divas return to Greater Fort Lauderdale to poke fun at the 2012 election cycle, with such hits as “Vote for Me (I’m Not From Kenya),” and “Sell the Poor.” Saturday, August 25, at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Amaturo Theater. Tickets are $35, and are available at browardcenter.org.

GATEWAY THEATRE CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL

Enjoy the classics of cinema the way they were meant to be seen: In a theatre! From Friday, August 31 through Thursday, September 7, at Fort Lauderdale’s Classic Gateway Theatre (1820 E Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale—which opened in 1951, and hosted the 1960 world premiere of “Where the Boys Are,” a film that helped put Fort Lauderdale on the cultural map for generations). The festival will also include screenings of classic newsreels.

The scheduled films include:

“ANNIE HALL” Woody Allen at his best. Co-starring Diane Keaton.

“CASABLANCA” It doesn’t get better than this. Directed by Michael Curtiz. Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.

“CHINATOWN” One of the greatest screenplays of all time. Directed by Roman Polanski. Starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Huston.

“CITIZEN KANE” One of the five greatest movies ever. Directed by and starring Orson Welles.

“MIDNIGHT COWBOY” Director John Schlesinger’s groundbreaking 1969 film is the only “X-rated” feature to ever win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Starring Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight.

“NORTH BY NORTHWEST” Alfred Hitchcock’s classic suspense thriller. Starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, and James Mason.

“SHANE” George Stevens directs one of the most popular westerns of all time. Starring Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, and Jack Palance.

“SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN” The greatest musical ever made. Directed by Stanley Donen. Starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor.

“SOME LIKE IT HOT” Billy Wilder directs. Starring Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and, Marilyn Monroe.

“SUNSET BLVD.” Master director Billy Wilder’s ultimate Hollywood movie. Starring William Holden, Gloria Swanson, and Erich von Stroheim.

“TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD” A heart-wrenching classic directed by Robert Mulligan from the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Harper Lee (Truman Capote’s best friend), and Horton Foote’s Oscarwinning screenplay. Starring Gregory Peck in a performance for the Ages.

“WEST SIDE STORY” The classic Broadway musical transitions to a classic motion picture. Directed by Robert Wise with music and lyrics by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. Starring Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno, and George Chakiris.

“2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY” Stanley Kubrick’s vision of man’s past and future. Starring Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood. A portion of ticket sales benefits the Sun Sentinel Children’s Fund.

For more information, visit thegatewaytheatre.com.

SOUTH BEACH

FIONA APPLE

At the Fillmore Miami Beach, on Sept. 30. Her last album, “Extraordinary Machine” (2005) was named one of Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums of the Decade. Her latest LP, “The Idler Wheel is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More than Ropes Will Ever Do,” debuted on June 19. A reviewer in “American Songwriter” wrote, “‘The Idler Wheel’ isn’t always pretty, but it pulses with life, brutal and true.” Tickets are $34.50 to $65.50, and are available at LiveNation. com, Ticketmaster outlets and at the Fillmore box office.

More information, visit fillmoremb. com.

KEY WEST

WOMENFEST

The 20th Annual Womenfest will be held in Key West from September 4 through 9. Parties, dancing, film festival and outings for women. For more information: womenfest.com.

By Nicholas Snow

Film Festival attendees around the world have enjoyed the short film “GAYKEITH,” but few know that the director is a star in her own right with many credits to her name (including the role of Jack Bauer’s wife in the first season of “24”). Leslie Ann Hope has in fact acted in countless film and TV projects (search her name at imdb.com) including the recurring role of Kristina Frye in the hit TV series “The Mentalist.” I first met Leslie because we worked on the same film, “Formosa Betrayed,” directed by her husband Adam Kane.  Nope, Leslie is not lesbian, but she is Canadian!

“I was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and am always proud to say so,” said Leslie. “With a dad in the military, I was raised all over Canada and also overseas. I moved to California from Montreal two weeks past my 18th birthday, and although it’s hard for me to believe, I have actually lived longer in the States than I ever did in Canada, although I still consider myself Canadian.”

You be interested to know that Leslie only found out the fate of her character on “24” six weeks before the season finale. “The tricky part was doing press overseas when the show was an emerging hit and I knew I was ‘dead,’” she revealed. “I had to carefully navigate questions like ‘aren’t you so excited for Season 2?’ and ‘what do you think is next for Teri Bauer?’”

Leslie met Scott Edgecombe, the writer/star of “GAYKEITH,” through a friend.

“We fellow ex-pat Canadians tend to find and gravitate toward each other in LA,” she said. “Scott was a struggling actor and I often hired him as a ‘manny’ for my young son. Scott accompanied me on several acting jobs and we made a funny trio – Scott the big boy babysitter, my kid and me, traipsing off to locations to form a makeshift household wherever the work took me. My son is now almost 18 and still adores Scott. In fact, it was my son who did a lot of the music research for ‘GAYKEITH’ and found the tune that inspired the dance music written by Jeff Danna.”

“GAYKEITH” is described as “a short romp through the outrageous terrain that is Scott’s head – Luchadore, feather dusters, leather boots and internet porn.” As Scott explains about what became initially a monologue for his acting class, “This story is about how last Christmas, for 40 minutes in North Hollywood, I was gay.”

“When I read his monologue and was laughing out loud, I decided to turn it into a movie script,” explained Leslie. “I bought the rights and wrote the script. I knew Scott would play Scott, and the rest of the script was determined by the rule of writing whatever I wanted, i.e. if I saw Scott’s head exploding, I wrote it.  If I saw Scott in tighty-whiteys and a Santa hat, I wrote it. I was very lucky to actually direct what I wrote in its entirety – that rarely happens. The movie was edited by John Roberts who was simultaneously working on ‘Glee’ at the time.”

Making the movie was a family affair as Leslie explained, “My husband was the producer, my dear friend Charlie Stratton was

the co-producer, and my best girlfriend Cornelia Kiss was the property mistress. That being said, I think most of my pals were supportive and forgiving, but not entirely sure if they would love it. But you know what?  In the truest sense, I don’t care. That is to say, of course I want those closest to me to like what I like. But I am happy to say that ‘GAYKEITH’ in all its glory is all my fault, and I love it.”

In keeping with the themes of this column, I asked Leslie what she would like to say to the homophobes of the world. She responded, “What I would like to say is unprintable. What I will say is ‘Stop that nonsense and be your better self.’” She continued, “What I would like to say to my gay friends is exactly what I would like to say to my straight friends – I love you and am so glad you are in my life.”  You must check out www.gaykeith.com.

Follow Nicholas Snow online at  www.Facebook.com/SnowbizNow, www.Twitter.com/SnowbizNow, and at www.SnowbizNow.com. Follow “The Power To Be Strong” HIV Testing/ Safer Sex Awareness Campaign at www.Facebook.com/PowerToBeStrong.`

Tampa Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, October 6 – October 16, 2011

Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, October 13 – 16, 2011

By Warren Day

One law rules Hollywood: the films that are most likely to get made and to appear in a multiplex near you are the films with the biggest appeal to the biggest demographic in order to obtain the biggest boxoffice. Keep in mind that the majority of films lose money in their theater distribution.

Under that bottom-line type thinking, it’s not only hard to get gay films financed, but to also get them shown in enough theaters to earn their money back. My hometown has over 120,000 population, and yet not even “Brokeback Mountain” and “The Kids Are All Right” were shown in any of its theaters. And in that regard it’s not unique, for it is estimated that movies with a dominant GLBT plot will not play on 70% of American movie screens. Even in gay-friendly Fort Lauderdale we’ve seen a recent shrinkage of such films due to a change in ownership of the Gateway Theater.

For that and other reasons, gay and lesbian film festivals serve an important purpose in allowing us to see GLBT movies from around the world, movies we wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to see.

The Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is running October 6 through October 16, and the Fort Lauderdale Festival is October 13 through October 16. The 13th Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival was held April 21 to May 1 of this year. Orlando use to have a GLBT film festival, but it ceased two years ago.

In the Fort Lauderdale and Tampa film festivals this year several of the same movies will be shown.

“Dirty Girl” (Tampa Oct. 7, FtL Oct. 13) Danielle is the dirty girl in her high school in Norman, Oklahoma. She’s sent to a remedial class where she’s paired with Clarke, a shy closet-case with no friends.  The cast features Mary Steenburgen, Tim McGraw and William H. Macy.

“So Hard to Forget” (Tampa Oct. 9, FtL Oct. 14) deals with the life-changing loss of a partner.  Julia, a professor, loses her girlfriend when she falls for another, and Hugo, her best friend, loses his male partner in death. (Brazilian film with English subtitles.)
“Going Down in La La Land” (Tampa Oct. 8, FtL Oct. 14) is an old-fashioned love story, except this one is done with rent boys and sit-com celebrities, set against the San Fernando Valley gay porn industry and ever-so-gay West Hollywood.

“Tomboy” (Tampa Oct. 12, FtL Oct. 15) When ten-year old tomboy Laurie moves to a new neighborhood, the kids mistake her for a boy, a mistake she does not correct, even when Lisa develops a crush on her.  A delightful and touching film. (French with sub-titles)
“Hit So Hard” (Tampa Oct. 8, FtL Oct. 15) A documentary about the life and near death of Patty Schemel, the openly gay drummer of Courtney Love’s seminal band Hole, featuring home movies with Kurt Cobain and shockingly candid interviews with Courtney.

“Kink Crusaders” (Tampa Oct. 8, FtL Oct. 15) Well-made documentary that chronicles the 33-year history of the annual international Mr. Leather contest in Chicago, in what has been called the world’s oldest kink/fetish contest.

“The Green” (Tampa Oct. 8, FtL Oct. 15)  Fascinating and provocative drama about two men who leave the concrete of NYC for thegreen of an idyllic Connecticut village. Michael (played by Jason Butler Harner of “Law & Order”) is a drama teacher at a
private high school who takes a strong interest in one lonely student who ends up making charges against him for “inappropriate behavior.” His partner Daniel (played by Cheyenne Jackson from “30 Rock”) comes to have doubts about his innocence once the investigation reveals a secret in Michael’s past.

The Green

“eCupid” (Tampa Oct. 9, FtL Oct. 15) Love and temptation in the age of the Internet. Marshall is in a seven year relationship that has settled into a routine as has the rest of his life. At age 30 he’s having a mid-life crisis (as he says, in the gay world 30 is middle-age), which leads him to a mysterious app called eCupid, where fantasies are only a mouse click away. One of the better films being shown in the two festivals, it stars handsome newcomer Houston Rhines, and features Morgan Fairchild as the waitress who dishes out strong advice with the strong coffee.

eCupid

“Wish Me Away” (Tampa Oct. 11, FtL Oct. 16) Chely Wright seemed to have it all – Academy of Country Music Awards, #1 singles, popular music videos, and a high-profile relationship with superstar Brad Paisley, but she knew she was hiding her true self. A powerful and courageous documentary about the first major country/western star to come out of the closet (she kept a video diary of the month leading up to the public announcement). Her song “Wish Me Away” deserves to be a gay anthem.

Wish Me Away

For information on showtimes, ticket cost, venue locations, and all the other films in the festivals, go to their respective websites online at www.tiglff.com and www.flglff.com.

While the Tampa Festival will be using two movie theaters and the city’s Museum of Art, the Fort Lauderdale Festival, outside of opening night, will be showing the other 15 films at The Manor on Wilton Drive, where they will turn the two biggest rooms into theaters with high definition projectors and large screens. The FLGLFF opening night will be at Cinema Paradiso in downtown Fort Lauderdale, and will include a reception before the film.

These are once-a-year events offering films that most gays and lesbians in America won’t get a chance to see. For the personal benefits we receive and for the support they offer to our GLBT community, we should take full advantage of and give full support to such festivals. For these are our stories, the films about the unique and common experiences of our sexual orientation, and how that impedes and empowers our own life journeys.

2011 TRANSCON: JUSTICE SUMMIT
TransCon will focus on aiding legal and professional institutions gain a greater understanding about issues dealing with the transgender community concerning institutionalized discrimination, the basics of legal gender transition and the challenges of gaining access to healthcare, among other subject matter. The conference kicks off with a feature film at O-Cinema on Friday, September 30, and will continue at FIU Biscayne Bay Campus over the course of the following 2 days. Admission prices are as follows: feature film presentation only (additional) $15; feature film presentation with conference $10; conference registration-one day $35; conference registration-two days $75. Tickets are available at Aquafoundation.org/transcon2011. Presented by the Aqua Foundation for Women.

LGBT HISPANIC HERITAGE CELEBRATION
The Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, along with multiple community partners, invites you to the first Hispanic LGBT community celebration designed to showcase the cultural contributions of this segment of the Hispanic community. Free and open to the public, featuring music, dance, entertainment, cultural showcase, special guests, celebrities, vendor booths and much more. Saturday, October 1st, at Lummus Park, Miami

Beach, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.celebrateorgullo.com.

13th ANNUAL MIAMI GAY AND LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL
From October 1 to November 1 at various locations. To enrich, entertain and educate the public, encourage a sense of community through international and culturally diverse film, video and other media that offer historical and contemporary perspectives on the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience. For a complete schedule; www.mglff.com.

HEAT MIAMI BLATINO EXPLOSION
Friday, October 7, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown Miami. Columbus Day Weekend will never be the same because The Heat is On! More information is available at www.thevaultmiami.com or by calling (954)336-3197.

HELLROTIKA
SAVE Dade’s 17th annual Halloween extravaganza, Hellrotika will be held on Saturday, October 29 from 7 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail in Miami. For a limited time, buy your specially-priced advanced-sales tickets now at www.hellrotika.com. Amazing music by renowned deejays, top-shelf liquor, costume contest, celebrity appearances, special performances and over 1,000 of Miami’s spookiest partygoers. General admission is $40 in advance, $60 if purchased after October 21 and at the door.

SYMPOSIUM ON AGING

The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) will hold a Symposium on Aging, with the objective to educate and explore the needs of the LGBT community. The Symposium will be held on Saturday, September 24th, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Miami, 400 SE 2nd Avenue in Miami. The Symposium on Aging seeks to open a discussion and create an understanding of the needs and expectations of this powerful and growing segment of the LGBT community. The fee for admission, which includes seated lunch and refreshments throughout the day, is $35 for members of the MDGLCC and $55 for non-members. The event is open to the public. Limited space is available. RSVP required.

For complete details, visit www.gogaymiami.com, call (305) 673-4440 or mdglcc@bellsouth.net.

2011 TRANSCON: JUSTICE SUMMIT

Tr ansCon will focus on

aiding legal and professional institutions gain a greater understanding about issues dealing with the transgender community concerning institutionalized discrimination, the basics of legal gender transition and the challenges of gaining access to healthcare, among other subject matter. The conference kicks off with a feature film at O-Cinema on Friday, September 30, and will continue at FIU Biscayne Bay Campus over the course of the following 2 days. Admission prices are as follows: feature film presentation only (additional) $15; feature film presentation with conference $10; conference registration-one day $35; conference registration-two days $75. Tickets are available at Aquafoundation.org/transcon2011. Presented by the Aqua Foundation for Women.

LGBT HISPANIC HERITAGE CELEBRATION

The Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, along with multiple community partners, invites you to the first Hispanic LGBT community celebration designed to showcase the cultural contributions of this segment of the Hispanic community. Free and open to the public, featuring music, dance, entertainment, cultural showcase, special guests, celebrities, vendor booths and much more. Saturday, October 1st, at Lummus Park, Miami Beach, from 12 noon to 6 p.m.

For more information, visit www.celebrateorgullo.com.

13th ANNUAL MIAMI GAY AND LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL
From October 1 to November 1 at various locations. To enrich, entertain and educate the public, encourage a sense of community through international and culturally diverse film, video and other media that offer historical and contemporary perspectives on the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience. For a complete schedule; www.mglff.com.

HEAT MIAMI BLATINO EXPLOSION
Friday, October 7, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown Miami. Columbus Day Weekend will never be the same because The Heat is On! More information is available at www.thevaultmiami.com or by calling (954)336-3197.