Gay & Lesbian film fest starts

15 Mar 2007 - A host of international and local movies can be seen at the annual Out In Africa Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, which starts on Thursday at Nu Metro, V&A Waterfront and runs until 1 April.

Countries including the United States, Spain, Thailand, the Philippines and France will be represented.

Some of the films featured include.

Beautiful Boxer. Directed by Ekachai Uekrongtham. Thailand, 2003. (Subtitles). The true story of Parinya Charoenphol, this film focuses on the sport of Muaythai (kick boxing) that allows the transsexual to explore and express himself. Screens on Sunday, March 25 at 8pm.

2 Sides of the Bed (Los 2 lados de la Cama). Directed by Emilio Martínez Lázaro. Spain, 2005. (Subtitles). This Spanish musical is a vivid sexual farce filled with jealousy, paranoia, betrayal, confused emotions and bed swopping as two couples' lives intersect. Screens on Tuesday, March 20 at 8.30pm, Sunday, March 25 at 6.15pm and Wednesday, March 28 at 8.15pm.

The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros (Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros) Directed by Auraeus Solito. Philippines, 2005. (Subtitles). This keenly observed debut feature presents an intriguing slice of Filipino family life. Eleven-year-old Maximo grows up taking the community's bets and sashaying up and down the alleyways of Manila with his gaggle of girlfriends

Then Victor, an incorruptible young policeman, rescues

Maximo from an encounter with local troublemakers.

This event leads to battle lines being drawn as Maximo's family's shady business collides with his newfound hero's inflexible principles. Screens tomorrow at 9pm with the director, Auraeus Solito, attending. Other screenings on Tuesday, March 22 at 6.45pm and Tuesday, March 27 at 6.45pm.

Boy Culture. Directed by Allan Brocka. USA, 2006. The story of X, a high-end hustler who keeps his clientele down to a trim, well-heeled 12 and his feelings close to his chest, comes to light in this American feature.

His life takes a complicated and self-revelatory turn when the 79-year-old sophisticate Gregory steps into it. Screens on Saturday, March 17 at 8.45pm with guests, director Allan Brocka and star Darryl Stephens. Also screens on Friday, March 23 at 6.45pm and Sunday, April 1 at 8.30pm.

Creature. Directed by Parris Patton. USA, 2002. The touching story of drag queen Stacy and her four-year odyssey from bullied North Carolina farm boy to fully fledged womanhood and one of the most celebrated DJs at Hollywood's Club Arena. Screens on Tuesday, March 22 at 6.30pm and on Thursday, March 29 at 6.30pm.

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