Arts & Culture :: Movies

Seriously cinematic: Outfest LA's choice flicks

Seriously cinematic: Outfest LA's choice flicks

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Aug 10, 2021

Outfest LA will be held August 13-22 with outdoor events, indoor screenings for vaccinated attendees, and streaming for those wishing to experience the festival from their own home. The nearly 200 hand-picked films represent every genre.

'Pray Away' documentary investigates 'ex-gay' scam

'Pray Away' documentary investigates 'ex-gay' scam

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Aug 9, 2021

The Ryan Murphy-co-produced documentary examines the history of the "ex-gay" movement, from mass prayer sessions to current interviews with those who attest that (no surprise) praying away homosexuality doesn't work.

Udo Kier on his 50-year career and 'Swan Song'

Udo Kier on his 50-year career and 'Swan Song'

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Aug 3, 2021

At age 76, gay German actor Udo Kier is having the time of his life, because he has just played the role of a lifetime. Kier stars in Todd Stephens' acclaimed new film 'Swan Song' as gay retired Sandusky, Ohio hairdresser.

Zola: Let me call you Tweetheart

Zola: Let me call you Tweetheart

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Aug 3, 2021

Based on the tweets of Aziah "Zola" King and David Kushner's article 'Zola Tells All: The Real Story Behind the Greatest Stripper Saga Ever Tweeted,' the film adaptation is original, immediate, fresh and futuristic.

Watch Marc Huestis' 1982 film 'Whatever Happened to Susan Jane?' free online

Watch Marc Huestis' 1982 film 'Whatever Happened to Susan Jane?' free online

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Aug 1, 2021

Marc Huestis' eccentric and campy film 'Whatever Happened to Susan Jane' embodies the early 1980s of New Wave, drag queens and wild characters through the misadventures of runaway Virginia housewife. Watch it free online.

Todd Stephens' 'Swan Song' of joy

Todd Stephens' 'Swan Song' of joy

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Jul 28, 2021

Todd Stephens, the writer-director of the acclaimed new film 'Swan Song,' discusses the culmination of his 'Sandusky trilogy,' working with actor Udo Kier, and returning to his hometown to film the unique gay "comeback" tale of a retired hairdresser.

Swan Song: remembrance of things past

Swan Song: remembrance of things past

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Jul 27, 2021

Inspired by a true icon, 'Swan Song' stars Udo Kier as Mr. Pat, the formerly famous hairdresser known for the magic he worked with a brush, a comb, and hairspray on the heads of Sandusky socialites.

B.A.R. Talks 4: That's (Adult) Entertainment, with John F. Karr & Cornelius Washington

B.A.R. Talks 4: That's (Adult) Entertainment, with John F. Karr & Cornelius Washington

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jul 25, 2021

In the fourth edition of the Bay Area Reporter's monthly online chats celebrating the 50th anniversary of the publication, writers John F. Karr and Cornelius Washington will discuss the history of sexuality in the publication in an Aug. 5 online chat.

Guilt vibration: Mark Wahlberg in 'Joe Bell,' a well-intentioned but unsteady melodrama

Guilt vibration: Mark Wahlberg in 'Joe Bell,' a well-intentioned but unsteady melodrama

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Jul 20, 2021

In many ways, the new film 'Joe Bell' is Hollywood do-goodism at its worst. We're to view homophobia through the angst of a guilt-ridden parent in a shallow lopsided perspective that winds up becoming an elongated PSA.

Dekkoo sponsors short film competition

Dekkoo sponsors short film competition

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jul 18, 2021

Whether you're a first-time filmmaker or an accomplished professional, Dekkoo, the LGBTQ movie streaming website, seeks short films, ten minutes or less, with the theme of 'Happy Endings.'

Jewish Filmfest includes compelling LGBTQ stories

Jewish Filmfest includes compelling LGBTQ stories

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Jul 13, 2021

San Francisco's Jewish Film Festival will present more than 50 films from over 20 countries. Now in its 41st year, 2021's program has "something for everyone," including six films addressing LGBTQ stories.

Fred Halsted art-porn classics at Embarcadero, Shattuck cinemas

Fred Halsted art-porn classics at Embarcadero, Shattuck cinemas

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jul 8, 2021

What are the cinematic boundaries between art and pornography? Two gay porn classics by Fred Halsted blend both in a strange mix, and will screen at Embarcadero and Shattuck cinemas July 9-15.

New lease on life: Eytan Fox's 'Sublet' moves in

New lease on life: Eytan Fox's 'Sublet' moves in

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Jul 6, 2021

Newly released on home video, 'Sublet,' Eytan Fox's latest film breaks new ground for the writer/director by featuring an American actor, John Benjamin Hickey, in the lead role. His Tel Aviv sublet introduces us to Tomer (Niv Nissim).

Frameline45 awards faves and filmmakers

Frameline45 awards faves and filmmakers

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jul 2, 2021

With both online and in-person screenings, Frameline's 45th annual LGBTQ International Film Festival welcomed 89,000 attendees, and shared its audience and critics' favorites.