LA’s Outfest Film Festival
is in full swing at the moment and this year’s schedule of over 200 films is the most diverse selection ever. Outfest is all about creating change, one story at a time, by amplifying queer voices in the independent film community. This is particularly relevant in the short film categories. This review covers the excellent Boy Shorts series of films.
Sammy, a queer black aspiring Baltimore rapper must outwit his vengeful day-job boss in order to avoid getting fired after accidentally eating an edible. He is aided in his clumsy quest by his fun friend Yolanda. Written and directed by Harris Doran, and starring Emmanuel ‘DDm’ Williams and Kara Young, this colorful humorous romp is a modern-day take on a classic situation comedy. The film also shares a more serious message about how the poor and minorities in society are often unnecessarily controlled. “You can’t stop my bag bitch!” 9/10
A queer man and his two childhood best friends reunite for a weekend camping trip on rugged Catalina Island. This is a beautifully shot, and lit, story focusing on those post-college years where life paths start diverging for some and are still not figured out for others. A time when a special effort needs to be made to maintain old friendships. The film is both tender and playful, and the minimal script is complemented by the great chemistry between the handsome friends, Sam DiGiovanni, Ronald Peet and Ben Holtzmuller. Directed by Tyler Rabinowitz. 9/10
I loved this film too. Sining brings his American boyfriend Patrick back to China to visit his family, although he isn’t out to them. One evening, Sining accidentally falls asleep on Patrick’s bed with him, and gets discovered by his mother the next morning. Once the family realizes they are a couple, everyone’s attitude towards Patrick goes south – except for Sining’s very bright seven-year-old nephew, Naonao. Directed by Sining Xiang, this film has very realistic, almost fly-on-the-wall documentary-like cinematography and feels like it is a true story. Very poetic. 9/10
Before a big night out, Lewis puts his guard up when asked by a friend to pick up from his dealer. On arrival, Lewis is confronted with an unexpected invitation — and an unexpected connection. Shot in London, this film brings together various, very different, London tribes in a very believable, warm story of togetherness. Written, directed by, and starring Keeran Anwar Blessie, alongside a very capable Korey Ryan, we realize we often have more in common with each other than we think. 9/10
Jack Roth (Cheyenne Jackson) — once the hottest star of cable news — stumbles upon a “newsworthy sex scandal” and has a one-of-a-kind career dilemma in choosing whether to air it on national television. This is a light-hearted comedy set in a newsroom although the humour borders on the ridiculous at times which somewhat dilutes the underlying serious messaging. 5/10
Two men who are not meant to together experience a connection so strong and meaningful as if they knew each other from previous lives. This story has potential, although at only one minute long, you’ll need to pay attention to this film. 7/10
Another great film is Warsha which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and won the Short Film Jury Award for International Fiction. We follow Mohammed, a Syrian migrant working as a crane operator in a very grim, hyper-masculine, crowded environment in Beirut, Lebanon. One morning he volunteers to take on one of the tallest and most dangerous cranes in Lebanon. In this most unlikely of situations, he finds a moment for personal liberation. The film stars Khansa, a Beirut-based multi-faceted artist who is also a male belly dancer, Director-Screenwriter Dania Bdeir’s film challenges traditional Middle-Eastern values regarding masculinity, echoing the work that Khansa has been doing for many years. Beautiful cinematography and a haunting soundtrack complement a fine performance. @khansakhansakhansa. 9/10
LA's OUTFEST LGBTQ+ Film Fest
THU, JUL 14 - JUL 25 To see the whole program and
book tickets for person and online check out
https://www.outfestla.org/
Review: Ris Fatah Queerguru’s Contributing Editor Ris Fatah is a successful fashion/luxury business consultant (when he can be bothered) who divides and wastes his time between London and Ibiza. He is a lover of all things queer, feminist, and human rights in general. @ris.fatah
