By Jim Farmer
A lot of people have asked me how I would describe Out On Film this year. Well, there is the obvious answer – our look. For the first time in our 33-year history, we will not be an in-person event. Our top priority is the safety and health of our patrons and as such Out On Film is virtual this year with the exception of one drive-In event. That gives people around the state more of a chance to see what we are about and also allows patrons to watch a film when they want.
In terms of themes, Out on Film is all over the map this year. Anniversaries are one theme. On Saturday, Sept. 26 we will host a 20-year anniversary screening of “Margaret Cho: I’m The One That I Want” and during a talkback after we will honor Margaret with our Icon Award. It’s also the 20-year anniversary of Del Shores’ “Sordid Lives,” which had one of its first screenings ever at our festival and has become one of the most beloved LGBTQ films of all time. We’ll talk to Del this year about the legacy of the film and be joined by some very special guests.
Another big name we’ll be talking to is Kevin Williamson, who has become a huge part of pop culture writing TV shows such as “Dawson’s Creek” and “The Vampire Diaries,” as well as being the mastermind behind the “Scream” movies.
In between we have so much, including a pair of true crowd-pleasers – the romantic “Breaking Fast” and the exuberant prom comedy “Ellie and Abbie (and Ellie’s Dead Aunt”). We host the world premiere of Todd Verow’s sexy, nostalgic “Goodbye Seventies” and also showcase “Stone Fruit,” a comedy-drama about a couple who take one last trip together before they decide to get a divorce.
“Dry Wind” Is an unbelievably erotic film about the arrival of a stranger in a town and the sexual Intrigue that follows. The film has a very “Tom of Finland” vibe. Atlanta’s own Mitchell Anderson is seen in the second season of the Emmy Award-wining “After Forever” and one-time Atlantan Anthony Bawn debuts his feature film “As I Am” this year.
One of our finest films this season Is “Cicada,’ about a young bisexual man having to deal with a childhood secret, while “Los Fuertes” is the sexy story of two men who meet and fall in love, while one visits his sisters. Speaking of falling In love, that is what happens to two men in prison in the romantic drama “Luz.”
Another don’t miss film is “Give or Take,” starring Norbert Leo Butz of “Bloodline.” Documentary film lovers can watch “The Capote Tapes” and the wonderfully entertaining “Steelers: The World’s First Gay Rugby Team” with a special Q and A after with its director.
We have a lot of films geared for women that anyone can enjoy, such as our opening night film “Surviving the Silence,” by Atlanta filmmaker Cindy Abel, which looks at how two women were able to help overturn “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
There’s much more to savor as well, including a Horror Night and 16 shorts programs. As always. we feel there is something for everyone. Grab your (at home) popcorn for 11 days between Sept 24 – Oct 4 and enjoy!
Peach Presents A Special Out On Film Screening of “Goodbye Seventies”
Join Peach and Out On Film for the virtual world premiere of “Goodbye Seventies” – a sexy, seventies film about the golden age of pornography in New York City.
A promising chorus boy is injured and told he will never dance again. Distraught and unimpressed with the “art” films playing seedy Times Square theaters, he gets his friends and lovers together, and they start making their own hard-core movies. Against all odds, the films are wildly successful until drugs, AIDS, and cheap video technology bring it all crashing down.
How to watch
Go to Out On Film’s website and select the movie. You’ll be taken to the virtual Eventive theatre, where you can pre-order your ticket. The content becomes available on September 28th at noon, and you’ll have 72 hours to start watching. Once you begin, you’ll have 48 hours to finish watching the film. The September 28th livestream can be viewed anytime until October 1st at noon.
You can also purchase an all-access festival pass or a ten-pack or five-pack bundle.
Go to outonfilm.org to get your passes!
