Atlanta's Out On Film celebrates Queer World Cinema and More!

Arts

Sep 18

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*PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE* BY CÉLINE SCIAMMA

The OUT ON FILM Festival returns September 26 and runs to October 6, offering a variety of screenings at multiple venues around Atlanta. It promises to showcase a celebration of queer life in all dimensions. For its 32nd annual selections, we can expect films from all over the world that depict the humanity of queer characters and a line-up that includes features, documentaries, short films, and TV episodes of all genres. This year's films tackle pertinent topics such as immigration, trans lives, and queerness in different cultures. Festivals like OOF are necessary at this precise moment because audiences want exposure to content that centers LGBTQ+ perspectives. As more productions by queer people are finding their way onto platforms, the films are often obfuscuted. The LGBTQ+ festival circuit gives the opportunity to reach its core audience.

Of all the ways to consume films and shows, nothing compares to the movie theater going experience. There’s delight in seeing images on a giant screen, especially those that reflect our own stories. It’s a time of escape but also a space to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. We celebrate triumphs, but let's not forget that the world is far from perfect. Queer films are part of a historical movement that calls for represenation in a larger context that looks at the good, the bad, and the ugly. Many of the films are provocative, unapologetic and express a sense of urgency.

Among a large list of fantastic films, these are the MUST SEES:

Portrait of A Lady on Fire by Céline Sciamma
Tue, Oct 1st, 7:00 PM @ Landmark Midtown Art Cinema
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caKdIT4rLTU

After genuine modern day queer narratives in films like Tomboy and Girlhood, director Celine Sciamma goes after 18th century France. Desire and passion clash in a love story for the ages. Marianne is a painter recruited to create a portrait of Héloïse a woman on the brink of marriage. This feverish tale will envelope you in an affair like no other.

The Garden Left Behind by Flavio Alves
Sunday, September 29, 2019 5:00 PM
@ Landmark Midtown Art Cinema

Focusing much needed attention towards Tina, an undocumented Mexican transwoman, the film explores her struggle to exisit in contemporary New York City. A slew of fascinating characters emerge including her bewildered grandmother.

Last Ferry by Jaki Bradley
Friday, October 4, 2019 9:00 PM @ Out Front Theatre
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IZYdCasLEs

A promising first feature from Jaki Bradley whose experience in stage direction will showcase dramatic oomph. Joseph is on a mission to explore his sexuality at the iconic Fire Island, NY. The problem is he shows up during the off season, a drastic change to the notorious party scene. An encounter with a stranger leads him to witness a murder. Paranoia ensues.

Knife + Heart by Yann Gonzalez
Saturday, October 5, 2019 4:00 PM @ Out Front Theatre
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6DVFhvs0AM

Yann Gonzalez’s films are a surreal experience, especially with a sparkling soundtrack by M83. Anne is a pornographer living in 1970s Paris, the epitome of cool. A breakup motivates her to direct her most promising picture yet. Except the lead actor ends up dead and she winds up entangled in a psychedelic mystery.

Bille & Emma by Samantha Lee
Tuesday, October 1, 2019 9:15 PM @ Landmark Midtown Art Cinema
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3V3hA3kmk0

An advocate for wider glimpses of LGBTQ+ characters in cinema, Samantha Lee delivers a heartwarming tale. Two high school girls meet upon a chance pairing in 1990s Philippines; as they grow closer with each moment spent, love blossoms. Their relationship is further complicated once one of them discovers that she is pregnant.

Queering the Script by Gabrielle Zilkha
Sunday, September 29, 2019 3:00 PM @ Landmark Midtown Art Cinema
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCX8Buvvo2c

In 1995, The Celluloid Closet traced the history of LGBTQ+ characters in cinema and their ongoing misrepresentation. Twenty something years later and the conversation is a little bit different as queer creatives take the reigns with many noteworthy contributions exemplary of shows like Pose, and Vida.

Changing the Game by Michael Barnett
Saturday, October 5, 2019 2:00 PM @ Out Front Theatre
https://vimeo.com/329699893

The world of sports has been difficult for trans athletes to navigate, as they are constantly being questioned about their role in the game. Follow three competitors as they battle the onslaught of negativity to gain a sense of selfhood and achieve positivity.

Saint Frances by Alex Thompson
Saturday, September 28, 2019 3:00 PM
@ Landmark Midtown Art Cinema

The highlight of this film is Kelly O’Sullivan’s moving script and starring role. A restaurant server seeks a new job as a nanny to a lesbian couple. The kid she’s charged to care for ultimately makes her realize her own potential in this captivating drama that normalizes queer parenting.

Song Lang by Leon Le
Saturday, September 28, 2019 11:05 AM @ Landmark Midtown Art Cinema
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX8nGJFGwaU

Set in 1980s Saigon, a young singer that is part of an opera troupe and a debt collector cross paths. As the two men’s relationship develops it uncovers parts of themselves they didn’t know. In an exploration of tenderness and affection unbeknownst.

You Don’t Nomi by Jeffrey McHale
Monday, September 30, 2019 9:00 PM
@ Landmark Midtown Art Cinema

Often referenced as a staple of queer culture, the film Showgirls has its problems. Most notably its characterization as a flop or it's often cited mispronunciation (though intended) of Versace (Ver-sayce). Take a look at the films growing cult status with the cinephiles who adore it.

Honorable Mentions:

Before You Knew It by Hannah Pearl Utt
The Chunta by Geneveive Roudane
Bit by Brad Michael Elmore
Scream, Queen: My Nightmare on Elm by Roman Chimienti & Tyler Jensen

Check out https://www.outonfilm.org for details on many more screenings!

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