Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival 2008

When this watershed film came out, it shattered stereotypes of the gay experience for audiences around the world, publicizing positive images of gay Americans for the first time. WORD IS OUT, the first feature-length documentary about lesbian and gay identity made by gay filmmakers, is a record of 26 people, ages 18 to 77, talking articulately about their lives. From housewives to drag queens, they demonstrate self-doubt and self-respect, repression and realization, isolation and community. Some of the stories are sad: one man talks about how his parents considered castrating him when they found out he was gay. Others are funny: a woman describes the two salad-a-day lesbian-cure diet that her doctor put her on. While much has changed in the 30 years since this ground-breaking movie was made, you will recognize yourself or someone you know in these stories. This film is the second to be restored by the Outfest Legacy Project, a collaboration with the UCLA Film & Television Archive. The Legacy Project is the only program in the world devoted to saving and preserving LGBT film and their work has made this rare 35mm screening possible. co-presented by Pacific Northwest Lesbian Archives

Adapted from her novel of the same name, writer-director Shamim Sarif’s debut film follows two Indian women in 1950s South Africa as they navigate a constricting environment of apartheid and rural isolation where there is little room for individual choice. The sensual Amina has never fit into this world. She scandalizes her traditional Indian family by wearing a man’s shirt and trousers. She even owns and runs her own café, where, despite police harassment, Amina allows (and even encourages) the races to mingle freely. Conversely, the life of Miriam has been one of duty to her children and husband Omar. However, when Omar moves the family out of town to open a grocery (curiously remote from any customers), Miriam is drawn into a dangerous and infectiously freethinking relationship with Amina. Comparable to BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN in its poetic use of color and sweeping landscapes, THE WORLD UNSEEN establishes Sarif as not only as an engaging storyteller but as an innovative filmmaker who is redefining the genre. Click here to view trailer

You’ll know who wears the pants—and how to wear ‘em—in this funny faux tutorial.

Lipstick ladies gets a lesson in love in this self-help spoof.

Before the Internet made it easy to strut your stuff for the world, pornography was a shadowy realm. But in the 1970s hot and fame-hungry Jack Wrangler burst onto the scene. Not content to be another anonymous stud, he unabashedly took center stage. Muscular, masculine, smart, sexy, and proudly gay, Wrangler quickly became a major brand name in adult entertainment and a hero to newly liberated gay men. This self-proclaimed spoiled kid from Beverly Hills appeared in over 80 adult films and introduced celebrity into the world of pornography. With his sights set on even bigger stardom, Wrangler successfully switched into straight porn and even began to direct legitimate theatre. In an even more surprising twist, he married pop singer Margaret Whiting; their controversial, unconventional relationship is still going strong (and still making headlines) today. This entertaining documentary brings us back to the world of ‘70s porno movie houses, with rare vintage clips of Wrangler in action. Through revealing interviews with celebrities from Chi Chi La Rue to Bruce Vilanch to Jack himself, we’re treated to one of the most outrageous and unexpected success stories to ever be exposed. Click Here to View Trailer

Two wrestlers struggle with their smoldering love (and lust) for each other in Iceland. That should melt the ice, huh?

Danilo and Marcos decide to move in together, but tragedy strikes and Danilo finds himself caring for his little brother. Can the three of them become a family, or will responsibility force Danilo and Marcos apart?

A smart but troubled African-American teen following his compulsion to have anonymous, unprotected sex, courts danger in this tough, controversial film.

From the secret tenderness between 11-year-olds to the not so-mature games of the patrons at a trendy gay bar, love has a special relationship with youth. TÁ Felipe Sholl, director; 2007; Brazil; 5 min. (subtitled) Two boys in a public restroom snort cocaine, talk about sex, and fool around. But the story takes a different tone when one of the boys reveals what he really wants. LLOYD NECK Benedict Campbell, director; 2007; US; 16 min. A younger sister suspects her brother’s friend is more than “just a friend.” AREA X Dennis Shinners, director; 2007; US; 15 min. A fresh young runaway loses his aloofness—and something else—with a charming hustler below NYC’s Port Authority Bus Terminal. NEUROTICA Nick Wauters, director; 2008; US; 12 min. As they party in a gay bar, listen to the thoughts of Creepy Guy, Straight Girl, Annoying Guy, Tough Lesbian, Fake Guy, and Clueless Boyfriend. Maybe they’re sitting next to you! PAT’S FIRST KISS Pat Mills, director; 2008; Canada; 4 min. The true story of the director’s first kiss with a man he met overseas. SILVER ROAD Bill Taylor, director; 2007; Canada; 13 min. Childhood friends say goodbye in this ode to growing up and letting go. BENNY’S GYM Lisa Marie Gamlen, director; 2007; Norway; 25 min. (subtitled) A gentle observation of a turbulent time as 11-year-olds Benny and Alfred learn what their hearts already know. Total Running Time: 90 min.