Seattle Queer Film Festival Scheduled Guests Announced
Three Dollar Bill Cinema has announced the full lineup of guests scheduled to attend the 24th Annual Seattle Queer Film Festival (SQFF24), running October 10-20, 2019 at Northwest Film Forum, SIFF Cinema Egyptian, and Gay City: Seattle's LGBTQ Center.
"Our festival is bringing filmmakers from all over the world to share stories tackling everything from transgender athletes to the role of religion in politics, to the refugee crisis at our border," said Ben McCarthy, Executive Director of Three Dollar Bill Cinema.
"SQFF is not only for queer people, although that is a large part of our mission," said McCarthy. "The festival really has something for everyone. What's happening to the queer community is a reflection of every community because every community has queer people in it."
Forty directors, producers, actors, and documentary subjects from near and far will be bringing not only context to their film screenings at the 24th Seattle Queer Film Festival, but conversation.
"We really value the role film festivals play in fostering relationships between audiences, artists, and the art itself." said Kathleen Mullen, SQFF24 Festival Director. "We are excited to have a panel on Queer Casting and Fandom, a topic that intersects with all kinds of issues of identity and representation."
"Everybody has an opinion on queer casting," said McCarthy. "It's all over the pop culture blogs and it's a complicated, emotional, intersectional conversation. But it's a conversation we need to have as a community of artists."
Moderated by Jeremy Blacklow, Director of Media Entertainment at GLAAD, the panel will follow the screening of the film QUEERING THE SCRIPT and will include insights from Rain Valdez, Actress/Filmmaker/ Producer; Megan Townsend, Director of Entertainment Research & Analysis at GLAAD; and Rachel Mossey, Casting Director and owner Weeble Mountain (Portland).
Other events that are sure to spark engagement will be the conversations around indie rom-com "Adam" and documentary "Unsettled: Seeking Refuge in America," but for very different reasons.
Rhys Ernst, director of "Adam," will discuss the controversy around his film and how it flips the narrative around representation.
"Unsettled: Seeking Refuge in America" brings an evocative and timely look at the challenges and triumphs of four LGBT refugees from Africa and the Middle East as they set up new lives in San Francisco. Documentary subject Junior Nsamia Mayema will be in attendance to discuss the film.
Documentary Centerpiece: "For They Know Not What They Do"
Sunday, October 13, 7:00 p.m., SIFF Cinema Egyptian
Scheduled to attend: Daniel Karslake, Director
"For They Know Not What They Do" weaves together stories on the national political stage and in the homes of four families caught in the crossfire to show how both church and state distort doctrine to justify continued resistance to LGBTQ2+ equality.
Equal parts tear-jerking and affirming, this update of his award-winning 2007 feature "For The Bible Tells Me So" (Grand Jury Prize, Sundance; Audience Award for Best Documentary; SIFF), documentarian Daniel Karslake summarizes the last twelve years of conservative Christian efforts to undermine LGBTQ+ rights.
Documentary Centerpiece is sponsored by Xfinity.
Narrative Centerpiece: "End of The Century"
Wednesday, October 16, 7:00 p.m., Northwest Film Forum
Scheduled to attend: Lucio Castro, Director
Ocho (Juan Barberini), a thirtysomething Argentinian poet, is cruising the streets and beaches of Barcelona when he spots Javi (Ram�n Pujol), a brawny Spaniard living in Berlin. A series of chance encounters leads to a revelatory one-night stand, Javi discloses something that causes the film to dive into the past.
Through fascinating temporal shifts, the film explores the possibilities of what was, what could have been, what is, and what might be. "End of The Century" (Jury Prize for Best First Feature, Frameline) delivers an emotional and erotic exploration of relationship what-ifs driven by the uncertainties of romantic connection, the challenges of long-term commitment, and the allure of personal freedom.
Narrative Centerpiece is sponsored by Xfinity.
"Adam"
Friday, October 11, 2019, 7:00 p.m., Northwest Film Forum
Scheduled to attend: Rhys Ernst, Director
In this nail-biting comedy, privileged and painfully awkward high-schooler Adam (Nicholas Alexander) spends the summer of 2006 in NYC with his scenester queer sister Casey (Margaret Qualley) and her roommates (Chlo� Levine, Leo Sheng). While accompanying them to parties and protests, he is misread as trans—and he goes along with it when he locks eyes with dreamy Gillian (Bobbi Salv�r Menuez). Trans director Rhys Ernst (producer of "Transparent") and his queer ensemble take some big risks with his debut feature, ones that show how far we've come.
"No Dominion: The Ian Horvath Story"
Saturday, October 12, 2019, 12:00 p.m., Northwest Film Forum
Scheduled to attend: Margaret Mullin, Director
This documentary salutes the life and accomplishments of the late dance champion and AIDS activist Ian (Ernie) Horvath. After a successful career as a professional dancer and founding artistic director of the Cleveland Ballet, he became a fierce advocate for creating a more secure future for American dancers and their companies. Horvath was also a passionate AIDS awareness activist during the crisis of the '80s. The virus tragically claimed his life in 1990. As a tribute, dancers across the country collaborated to perform his last choreographic work, restaged in Seattle by Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist (and the film's co-director) Margaret Mullin and Paul Gibson.
"No Dominion" is sponsored by The GSBA.
"Song Lang"
Sunday, October 12, 2019, 2:15 p.m., Northwest Film Forum
Scheduled to attend: Leon Le, Director
Set in 1980s Vietnam, this hypnotic drama tells the story of a troubled loan shark, Dung Thunderbolt (Lien Binh Phat), and a traditional Vietnamese opera singer, Linh Phung (V-pop star Isaac), who has assumed the debt of the folk opera company for which he stars. When circumstances bring them together one night, the two discover hidden depths within each other that will change both their lives. Using gorgeous filmography in dreamy detail, the multiple-award-winning "Song Lang" weaves fantasy and reality into an emotionally transformative tale.
"Unsettled: Seeking Refuge in America"
Saturday, October 12, 2019, 6:45 p.m., Gay City: Seattle's LGBTQ Center
Scheduled to attend: Junior Mayema, Subject; Galen Workman, Subject
Tom Shepard (GLAAD Media Award winner for "Scout's Honor") brings us an evocative and timely look at the challenges and triumphs of four LGBT refugees from Africa and the Middle East as they set up new lives in San Francisco. This heartbreaking and impactful documentary chronicles the new obstacles the refugees endure after escaping the homophobic violence and persecution of their homelands. As they struggle to find homes, jobs, and legal assistance, the hope they maintain in the face of uncertainty and despair is inspiring, and their stories will stick with you long after you leave the theater.
"Seattle's QTPOC Music Scene"
Sunday, October 13, 2019, 8:45 p.m., Northwest Film Forum
Scheduled to attend: Momma Nikki, Writer/Director
Whether you are based in Seattle or visit frequently, you'll find yourself recognizing quite a few of the unapologetic, unscripted responses to Seattle local Momma Nikki's interview questions for queer and trans people of color (QTPOC) musical badasses. This documentary isn't just a showcase of what QTPOC artists are doing—it centers on questions of support and equality for QTPOC creative types in the music scene as it relates to race, queerness, and gender equity. Be prepared to be inspired—and sing along.
"Queer Japan"
Wednesday, October 16, 2019, 9:15 p.m., Northwest Film Forum
Scheduled to attend: Graham Kolbeins, Producer/Director
Documentarian Graham Kolbeins introduces us to Japan's hentai (roughly translated as "queers"), who live openly and unashamedly in contemporary Japan. The featured artists and activists range from a drag queen-turned-butoh dancer and a gay erotic manga artist to an MC of a fashion-runway party and the first openly transgender elected official in Japan. Get ready to experience just how diverse Japan's sexually and gender-fluid world really is, featuring a rainbow of expressions by people living their truth across a wide cross-section of society, including underground parties and spectacular drag shows.
"I Am Anastasia(Ich Bin Anastasia)"
Thursday, October 17, 2019, 5:00 p.m., Northwest Film Forum
Scheduled to attend: Anastasia Biefang, Subject
When Lieutenant Colonel Anastasia Biefang came out as transgender at the height of her military career, she became the first trans female commander in the history of Germany's armed forces. In "I Am Anastasia," director Thomas Ladenburger follows her personal and professional journey, including her physical transition, increasing demands on her as a military leader, and the stress of planning a wedding before being deployed to Afghanistan. With unprecedented support from top military officials, Anastasia leads her family, friends, colleagues, and more than 700 soldiers to a place of love, acceptance, and respect.
"Sell By"
Friday, October 18, 2019, 7:00 p.m., Northwest Film Forum
Scheduled to attend: Scott Evans, Actor
Does every relationship have an expiration date? Adam (Scott Evans, "Grace and Frankie") and Marklin (Augustus Prew, "Special") appear to be the perfect couple on social media. But after five years, their relationship has succumbed to financial disagreements, career path arguments, and a lack of sex, leading to questions about commitment and trust. Meanwhile, their support network crumbles around them as Cammy (Michelle Buteau, "Tales of the City") and Elizabeth (Kate Walsh, "Grey's Anatomy") navigate guy issues of their own. Through it all, hope persists as the group put the pieces of their lives back together. Actor Mike Doyle makes his feature directorial debut with this engaging, relatable, modern-day romantic comedy with an ensemble cast that features Patricia Clarkson and Zoe Chao.
"Sell By" is sponsored by Intrinsic Wine Co.
"Good Kisser"
Saturday, October 19, 2019, 7:00 p.m., Northwest Film Forum
Scheduled to attend: Wendy Jo Carlton, Director; Anne Hanson, Producer; Gina Mainwal, Producer; Kari Alison Hodge, Actress; Producer: Danny Tayara
Local filmmaker Wendy Jo Carlton ("Easy Abby"; "Jamie and Jessie Are Not Together," SQFF 2011) brings us her latest lesbian drama—times three. Jenna (Kari Alison Hodge) and Kate (Rachel Paulson) decide to spend time with international traveler Mia (Julie Eringer) for the weekend. Jenna is a bit reluctant, but Kate is determined to convince her that a threesome is a good idea. Desire, jealousy, and betrayal are all part of the mix in this sexy romp that soon becomes a real lesbian love triangle.
"Good Kisser" is sponsored by BECU.
PANELS AND WORKSHOPS WITH GUESTS EXPECTED
Queer Casting and Fandom Panel
Sunday, October 13, 2019, 2:45 p.m., Northwest Film Forum
Moderator: Jeremy Blacklow, Director of Media Entertainment at GLAAD
Panelists: Rain Valdez, Actress/Filmmaker/ Producer; Megan Townsend, Director of Entertainment Research & Analysis at GLAAD; Rachel Mossey, Casting Director and owner Weeble Mountain (Portland)
Following the film "Queering The Script," stay for what is sure to be a lively panel discussion tackling queer casting in film and television. We will explore how fandom and queer casting connect. Should Hollywood cast only queer actors in queer roles? What does it mean to have fans as part of the conversation of storylines and casting? Be a part of the conversation as industry professionals parse this hot-button issue.
Rain Valdez is an out and proud transgender actress and award-winning filmmaker. Getting her start in playing 'Coco' in season 2 of TV Land's Lopez and doubling in Amazon's "Transparent" as Miss Van Nuys on screen and a producer behind the scenes. Valdez's rom-com short "Ryans," which she stars in and co-created with Natalie Heltzel, screened in over 15 film festivals worldwide after premiering at Outfest, winning the Jury Award for Best North American Short at the NCGLFF. Rain has been named one of Outfest LA's Next Generation of Filmmakers and has completed Ryan Murphy's Half Initiative directing program. She recently stars in a Paul Feig directed, half-hour comedy pilot for Freeform TV, guest stars in Amazon's "Sneaky Pete" and can also be seen in the CBS All Access new show "Why Women Kill."
Her 7-part web series "Razor Tongue," which she wrote and stars in, had its international premiere in Toronto at InsideOut Film Festival, its US premiere in San Francisco at Frameline Film Festival of June 2019, as well as, premiering in LA at the Outfest Film Festival. All 7 episodes of "Razor Tongue" are now available for streaming and can be found here: https://www.noweverartists.com/razortongue.
Megan Townsend: As GLAAD's Director of Entertainment Research & Analysis, Megan Townsend advocates for the inclusion of nuanced and diverse LGBTQ stories and characters in film, television, comics, and other forms of entertainment by producing actionable research and providing insight to improve and increase representation. She also serves as a consultant and educator for networks, studios, executives, and content creators, and has worked with many series including Disney Channel's history-making "Andi Mack," Freeform's "Shadowhunters," Netflix's "Everything Sucks!," The CW's "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" and more.
During her time with GLAAD, Townsend co-created GLAAD's Studio Responsibility Index, an annual report analyzing LGBTQ representation in mainstream film, as well as the Vito Russo Test, a set of criteria used to examine how LGBTQ characters are situated within a narrative.
Rachel Mossey is a casting director and owner of Weeble Mountain in Portland, Oregon. She casts on a wide range of projects for both principals and extras in film, television, and commercials. She specializes in casting for genuine diversity, with a mission of increasing on-screen representation of marginalized groups. Beyond ethnicity, she focuses on creating opportunities for talent with diverse genders, sexualities, body types, physical abilities, and beyond. Her casting process is informed by the talent's lived experiences and she maintains an open dialogue with talent regarding portrayals of their identity in media. You can follow her work on social media @WeebleMountain.
Jeremy Blacklow is director of media entertainment at GLAAD. He serves as a liaison between GLAAD and the film, television, music, comic book, and gaming sectors, working to ensure that the industry is equipped to leverage GLAAD's research and resources to bring about fair, inclusive, accurate, and diverse representations of LGBTQ people and issues. In this role, he provides strategic counsel and manages key campaigns that bring the power of the industry to bear in order to accelerate acceptance for LGBTQ people.
This panel is sponsored by SAG-AFTRA.
How To Be An Effective Ally
Tuesday, October 15, 2019, 5:15 p.m., Gay City: Seattle's LGBTQ Center
Scheduled to attend: Anastacia-Ren�e, Seattle Civic Poet 2017-2019/Artist/Playwright/Educator
Moderated by Anastacia-Ren�e. In this powerful workshop, you will learn techniques and gain the tools needed to become an effective ally to and advocate for those who are targeted because of their race or anyone being treated unfairly or discriminated against, through interactive exercises and discussion.
Contemporary Masculinity: A Free Discussion With Sean Dorsey Dance
Wednesday, October 16, 2019, 7:00 p.m., Gay City: Seattle's LGBTQ Center
Scheduled to attend: Sean Dorsey, Artistic Director of Sean Dorsey Dance; Elliat Graney-Saucke, Executive Director of Seattle Documentary Association
Moderated by Elliat Graney-Saucke. Join us for a conversation—sparked by trailblazing transgender choreographer Sean Dorsey's risk-taking theater and intimate storytelling—with Sean and his dancers about contemporary American masculinity, intersectional embodiment, violence, black queer love, whiteness, shame, and posturing through a trans and queer lens. This discussion includes one short film: "Dance Dance Evolution."
SHORT FILMS WITH GUESTS EXPECTED
The following filmmakers of short films in the festival are also expected to attend:
Jennifer Abod, Writer/Producer; "Nice Chinese Girls Don't!" (Queer Yesteryear Shorts)
Giovanna Chesler, Director ; "The Pick Up" (Dear Mom Shorts Program)
Serena Chopra, Co-Director/Editor; Kasey Ferlic, Co-Director/Executive Producer; "Dogana/Chapti" (plays before "Kattamaram")**
Anaiis Cisco, Writer/Producer; "Drip Like Coffee (BI Forever Shorts)**
Steph Farber, Producer; "Smoke Screen" (plays before "Good Kisser")**
Florian Halbedl Director, Jules Koostachin, Associate Producer and Indigenous Consultant; "Henry's Heart (Indigenous Showcase: Forces Of Nature Shorts)
Alyssa Lerner, Producer; "Bubble (Young Queer Hearts Shorts)
Chris McNeany, Writer/Producer/Actor; "More Than He Knows (BI Forever Shorts)**
Kelly Miller, Writer/Produce; "Touchscreen" (Chance Encounters Shorts)
Ashley Nieves, Director; Kiki Robinson, performer; "Emerge (plays before Seattle's QTPOC Music Scene)**
David Quantic, Director; "Porn Yesterday" (Boys Shorts)**
Ori Ravid, Director; "Matt" (Boys Shorts)
Ben Sidell, Writer/Producer/Actor; "Content" (Chance Encounters Shorts)
Shann Thomas, Director; "Make It Last (plays before Seattle's QTPOC Music Scene)
Cory Kay Touschner, Director, "Bodies Like Oceans" (Taliesin Laughing Owl Tyndall and Devin Beu Co-Directors/Co-Writers/Composers)
Musicians/Producers/Actors; "Lord Beefturd Master Of My Heart" (I <3 QUEERDOS SHORTS PROGRAM)**
For the SQFF24 festival lineup, a downloadable PDF of the festival program and to buy tickets, visit www.seattlequeerfilm.org.
** denotes local connection
About Seattle Queer Film Festival
Started as the Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival in October 1996, the Seattle Queer Film Festival has grown into the largest event of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, gaining industry and audience recognition for showcasing the latest and greatest in queer film, from major motion picture premieres to emerging talent. An important venue in the Seattle film scene, the festival provides unique opportunities for visiting and local filmmakers to engage and entertain the Greater Seattle region's LGBTQ and allied community. For more information, visit https://threedollarbillcinema.org/seaqueerfilmfest
About Three Dollar Bill Cinema
Three Dollar Bill Cinema is a nonprofit arts organization that provides access to films by, for, and about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people and a forum for LGBTQ filmmakers to share and discuss their work with audiences. Annual programs include the Seattle Queer Film Festival, Translations: Seattle Transgender Film Festival, Three Dollar Bill Outdoor Cinema, and Reel Queer Youth. For more information, visit https://threedollarbillcinema.org.