Frameline has announced its first slate of programs, including Opening and Closing Night films and Centerpiece selections, for Frameline42, the San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival, set for June 14-24 in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland. The complete Frameline42 program will be unveiled on Tuesday, May 22.
"Frameline42 will open with 'Transmilitary,' a powerful documentary that shines a light on transgender people who currently serve in the U.S. military, now under very precarious conditions," said Frameline Executive Director Frances Wallace in a press statement. The first feature from directors Fiona Dawson and Gabriel Silverman, "Transmilitary" will have its West Coast Premiere on Thurs., June 14.
Closing-night fare will be "Studio 54," directed by Matt Tyrnauer, in its Bay Area Premiere, on Sunday, June 24. The documentary, which premiered at Sundance, about the most famous disco of all time, features never-before-seen archival footage and photos, as well as candid interviews with co-founder Ian Schrager.
Centerpiece presentations include "Wild Nights with Emily," the Centerpiece US Feature, on Wednesday, June 20, directed by Madeleine Olnek, in its Bay Area Premiere. Comic actress Molly Shannon embodies poet Emily Dickinson as a driven writer, a target of obsessive envy, an ardent lover, and a woman who suffered no fools.
The Centerpiece World Cinema selection, "And Breathe Normally," the first feature from director Isold Uggadottir, will have its West Coast Premiere on Tuesday, June 19. Let's go to the blurb: "Lara is a struggling single mom whose life unexpectedly collides with that of a female refugee in this intensely moving drama from Iceland. As the two women find themselves falling outside society's safety nets, they turn to one another to find a way out of their predicaments. Winner of the Best Director - World Cinema prize at Sundance."
The Centerpiece Documentary, "When the Beat Drops," directed by Jamal Sims, will have its West Coast Premiere on Monday, June 18. "Choreographer Sims directs this bold, energetic documentary exploring 'bucking,' a dance subculture popular within the black LGBTQ community in the South, from its beginnings at historically black colleges and universities, through its evolution at underground clubs, and on to fierce competitions at large venues."
Centerpiece Episodic, "Bonding," directed by Rightor Doyle, has its North American Premiere on Thursday, June 21. "Struggling to pay his rent, a shy, aspiring stand-up comedian teams up with his best friend, who moonlights as a dominatrix. 'Bonding' had its world premiere at the inaugural Cannes International Series Festival in April."
Some other highlights from the first slate of announced films: "High Fantasy," directed by Jenna Cato Bass, will have its Northern California Festival Premiere on Sunday, June 17. "Captured by four friends with smartphones, a camping trip deep in the South African wilderness takes a sharp turn toward the weird when they wake to discover they have switched bodies with one another, in this high-energy riff on sexuality, gender, and race."
"Man in an Orange Shirt," directed by Michael Samuels, will have its U.S. Premiere on Friday, June 15. "Produced by the BBC, two connected love stories, set 60 years apart, explore the evolving challenges of gay life for men in England from the post-WWII era to the present day, in this well-crafted, sophisticated drama that stars Vanessa Redgrave, Julian Morris, Laura Carmichael and Julian Sands."
Showcase feature "Mapplethorpe," directed by Ondi Timoner, will have its West Coast Premiere on Thursday, June 21. "Starring Matt Smith, this vibrant biography dramatizes the life and legacy of visionary photographer and sexual outlaw Robert Mapplethorpe, from the early days of his friendship with Patti Smith to his success as an artist and provocateur, then to his ultimate struggle with AIDS."
Our insatiable curiosity is piqued. Bring on the LGBTQ film fare!