Outfest Day 3 Wrap Up, Day 4 Planning

Hello Kittens,

Well, the annual Running of the Bulls happened in Spain and 3 people were killed, while across the ocean in Los Angeles, the Running of the Gays occurred and while there were no fatalities, a few people did get sliced with catty comments.

Yesterday's Outfest included probably one of the best all-star panels I've been to, a few great documentaries, plenty of schmoozing at the open bar in the atrium, and some tasty new features which I'll get to in a minute.

First, something new for this year - the silent auction has been moved from Opening Night to the DGA all day every weekend. 

I have to alert you that yesterday, they were auctioning off about $3000 worth of AVID video equipment and the highest bid was $900. So check out the auction table, kittens - tons of good deals!

And also Guitar Hero - a full set - if you're into that sort of thing.



JD's picks for Sunday:

AN ENGLISHMAN IN NEW YORK - DGA - 2 pm.

John Hurt plays Quentin Crisp.  'nuff said.

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS - DGA 2:30 pm

Film makers talk about putting politics in their films.  At press time, the panelists were not particularly political, so looking forward to seeing what they pull out of their asses for this one.

BOYS SHORTS, 5 pm, DGA

Probably the most POPULAR Outfest screening every year.

EDIE & THEA - A VERY LONG ENGAGEMENT - 2:30 pm, Fairfax

I have to say I am THRILLED that this year's Outfest is full of historical features and documentaries that capture the history of being gay in America.  This is one of them.

Another one was last night's AMERICAN PRIMITIVE, which replaces the iconic "two old spinster aunts" model with "two single hot carpenter dudes" and is set in Cape Cod in the 1970's.

The film is based loosely on the writer/director's own life story with her gay dads.  This is Gwen Wynne's first feature film, and while it captures the era beautifully, it does have a bit of a clunky second act before the predictable ending.   The film is photographed in a style I like - all moving masters - and at times you are wishing for a reversal shot here and there, but it works.  The actresses playing the teens are unbelievably refreshing - with non-traditional teen-actress-looks and really great acting chops.  

The real find in this film - although I know most of you already found him in Rent - is Adam Pascal.  (pictured left) Someone employ this actor more!  A Village People facial-hair array successfully toned down his gorgeous looks, but his acting was so spot-on, you definitely wanted to see more of Mr Gibbs in the feature.

The big hits of the festival yesterday was a documentary about post-Katrina recovery - RIVERS WASH OVER ME, and the panel about movie musicals.

The panel included Winnie Holzman (creator My So Called Life and writer of Wicked), Bill Condon (Dreamgirls, Gods and Monsters), Leslie Dixon (Overboard, Outrageous Fortune, Hairspray).  The panel had plenty of one of my favorite past-times - bashing studios.  The panelists were candid, hysterical, dishy and it was shock full of insider anecdotes about the creation of some of the best musicals of our time including Grease, The Lion King, Dreamgirls, Chicago and more.