The Weinsten Company has released the official trailer for ABOUT RAY directed by Gaby Dellal and World Premiere as a Special Presentation at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival. The film which features an all star cast including Naomi Watts, Elle Fanning, Susan Sarandon, Sam Trammel, Linda Emond and Tate Donovan will open in theaters on Friday, September 18th.
ABOUT RAY tells the stirring and touching story of a family of three generations living under one roof in New York as they must deal with a life-changing transformation by one that ultimately effects them all. Ray (Elle Fanning) is a teenager who has come to the realization that she isn’t meant to be a girl and has decided to transition from female to male. His single mother, Maggie (Naomi Watts), must track down Ray’s biological father (Tate Donovan) to get his legal consent to allow Ray’s transition. Dolly (Susan Sarandon), Ray’s lesbian grandmother is having a hard time accepting that she now has a grandson. They must each confront their own identities and learn to embrace change and their strength as a family in order to ultimately find acceptance and understanding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_86baBTbNtULGBTQ
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Elle Fanning is Transgender Teen in ABOUT RAY to World Premiere at Toronto Film Fest | TRAILER
The Weinsten Company has released the official trailer for ABOUT RAY directed by Gaby Dellal and World Premiere as a Special Presentation at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival. The film which features an all star cast including Naomi Watts, Elle Fanning, Susan Sarandon, Sam Trammel, Linda Emond and Tate Donovan will open in theaters on Friday, September 18th.
ABOUT RAY tells the stirring and touching story of a family of three generations living under one roof in New York as they must deal with a life-changing transformation by one that ultimately effects them all. Ray (Elle Fanning) is a teenager who has come to the realization that she isn’t meant to be a girl and has decided to transition from female to male. His single mother, Maggie (Naomi Watts), must track down Ray’s biological father (Tate Donovan) to get his legal consent to allow Ray’s transition. Dolly (Susan Sarandon), Ray’s lesbian grandmother is having a hard time accepting that she now has a grandson. They must each confront their own identities and learn to embrace change and their strength as a family in order to ultimately find acceptance and understanding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_86baBTbNtU
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Award-Winning Documentary A SINNER IN MECCA Opens September 4 | TRAILER
The award-winning documentary A SINNER IN MECCA, will open in New York on September 4 and Los Angeles on September 11, before expanding to additional markets and VOD. Recently recognized with the 2015 Outfest Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature, A SINNER IN MECCA follows director Parvez Sharma (A Jihad for Love) as the openly gay Muslim filmmaker documents his pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, where filming is strictly prohibited and homosexuality is a crime punishable by death.
A SINNER IN MECCA audaciously enters a world that has been forbidden to non-Muslims for 14 centuries. The filmmaker documents his journey on nothing more than an iPhone and two smuggled, tiny cameras. On these never-before-filmed streets of ancient Mecca, he joins 4 million Muslims, from the majority, peace-loving pilgrims fulfilling a lifelong calling, to brutal jihadists for whom violence is a creed. They have all entered Mecca for the world’s largest pilgrimage: the Hajj.
This film unflinchingly showcases parts of the dangerous ideology that governs today’s ISIS and how much it has in common with Saudi Arabia’s sacred doctrine, Wahabi Islam. Cabals within the secretive Saudi monarchy have allegedly funded both Al-Qaeda and ISIS over the years. On the streets of Mecca, Saudi Arabia’s most famous son, Osama bin Laden, is sometimes referred to as Sheikh Osama, using the prefix for a learned Muslim man. It is into this Saudi Arabia the filmmaker, an openly gay Muslim man, enters. He is looking to find his own place within an Islam he has always known, an Islam that bears no resemblance to the bastardized versions creating havoc around the Muslim world, in almost daily battles in Europe—where the film will be broadcast by two of its biggest television networks, Arte and ZDF—and in North America.
With A SINNER IN MECCA, the Muslims of Islam are given agency to tell the complex, and now violence-marred story of their faith. And in their midst: a longing Muslim, already labeled an infidel, wondering if he can finally secure his place within this religion that condemns him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzshP2k5FMk
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Kenyan LGBT Award-winning Film STORIES OF OUR LIVES to Open 2015 Harlem International Film Festival
Award-winning film STORIES OF OUR LIVES that documents the hidden personal stories of lovers, fighters, rebels and the community histories that characterize the criminalized queer experience in Kenya, will open the 2015 Harlem International Film Festival on September 9.
The filmmakers and cast risked their very lives to bring to life this insightful series of vignettes based on true stories collected for the STORIES OF OUR LIVES project.
STORIES OF OUR LIVES, Nairobi-based visual artist Jim Chuchu‘s first ever feature film, premiered at the 2014 Toronto Film Festival, and also screened at the 2015 Berlin Film Festival, where it won the Teddy Special Jury Award, and 2nd Place Panorama Audience Award, Fiction Film.
The stories in this extraordinary film anthology are united by a commitment to telling the truth about the lives and love of gay and lesbian people in Kenya. In Ask Me Nicely, a pair of schoolgirls, much to their own surprise, fall passionately in love. In Athman, two men working on a tea plantation address the fact that one man’s feelings for his friend have evolved. A young woman dreams of transforming genders, and living openly with her girlfriend. Filmed in chiaroscuro shades of black and white, each story unfolds with an honesty that is heartbreaking in its simplicity. Based on real life experiences that were collected by an artists’ collective in Kenya, the material proved so revelatory that a decision was made to adapt it to the screen. With little more than a couple of lights and a small camera, the crew of actors and technicians made this anthology over the course of eight months. Underneath every story depicted on camera is the reality that even to speak the truth out loud is a dangerous and subversive act. Members of the Collective are still forced to remain anonymous in order to protect themselves.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaDs333V-vo The 2015 Harlem International Film Festival runs September 9-13, 2015.
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STONEWALL Official Trailer Faces Backlash From Some in LGBT Community
STONEWALL, a drama about a fictional young man caught up during the 1969 Stonewall Riots, considered the birthplace of the LGBT rights movement, which will World Premiere at the upcoming Toronto Film Festival, followed by a release in the theaters in the US on September 25th, just released its official trailer which is not going over well with some in the LGBT community.
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Indie Comedy GUIDANCE Directed by Pat Mills Sets Release Date of August 21 | TRAILER
GUIDANCE, a comedy film about the downward spiral of a man who has no limits, will open theatrically in New York on Friday, August 21 at The Village East Cinema with a national release to follow. GUIDANCE is the first feature for writer/director Pat Mills, a child actor on the hit kids show “You Can’t Do That On Television”, and stars Pat Mills, Zahra Bentham, Tracey Hoyt, Kevin Hanchard, Alex Ozerov, Eleanor Zichy.
David Gold, 36, a pathologically immature former child actor, has never been able to get over high school. Recently diagnosed with skin cancer, unemployed and with nothing left to lose, he fakes his resume and gets a job as a high school guidance counselor. Quickly winning over the students at Grusin High with his laidback attitude and similar interests, he befriends Jabrielle, a teenaged outcast and soon learns that sometimes you can go too far, especially when it comes to committing a ridiculous crime.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLm0d_3uj4I
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Cast & Crew of TANGERINE to Celebrate Trans Pride at NYC Pride March | TRAILER
TANGERINE director Sean Baker, cast members James Ransone (TV’s “The Wire”), Mya Taylor, Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, along with special surprise guests are all set to celebrate their hit film TANGERINE at the 45th Annual NYC Pride March on Sunday, April 28th. Later that evening, TANGERINE will make its New York debut as the closing night film of BAMcinemaFEST.
TANGERINE premiered at Sundance to critical acclaim and will hit theaters on July 10th
Shot on the iPhone 5s, the stars of the film, Taylor and Rodriguez, are trans actresses playing trans characters.
About the TANGERINE float, Baker says, “We’re excited, honored and ‘proud’ to be part of NYC Pride! Party time!”
At NYC Pride, the cast and crew of TANGERINE will celebrate trans pride, a movement that is getting its overdue public acknowledgment. Spinning on the float will be trans DJ Mursi Layne.
Jere Keys of NYC Pride says of TANGERINE’s participation, “We’re thrilled to have TANGERINE join with over 350 groups who will be marching in this historic year, especially as the film further highlights the amazing diversity of people and issues represented by NYC Pride.”
The first March was held in 1970 and has since become an annual civil rights demonstration. Over the years its purpose has broadened to include recognition of the fight against AIDS and to remember those we have lost to illness, violence and neglect. Magnolia Pictures and cast and crew of TANGERINE are proud to help this tradition endure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALSwWTb88ZU
Image: Actors Mya Taylor, James Ransone and Kitana Kiki Rodriguez; Photo Courtesy of OUT
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Strand Releasing Grabs Puerto Rican Transgender Documentary MALA MALA For Release in U.S. | TRAILER
Strand Releasing is acquiring North American rights to Antonio Santini and Dan Sickles’ critically acclaimed documentary MALA MALA. A celebration of the trans and drag communities in Puerto Rico, the film made its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival and will have its highly anticipated debut in theaters on July 1st at the IFC Center.
Strand has a rich history of distributing a wide array of LGBT films from around the world, including Gregg Araki’s MYSTERIOUS SKIN, Daniel Ribeiro’s THE WAY HE LOOKS, James Franco’s INTERIOR. LEATHER BAR., and Hong Khaou’s LILTING. They are also distributing the upcoming Alanté Kavaïté’s THE SUMMER OF SANGAILÉ, Anucha Boonyawatana’s THE BLUE HOUR, and Dean Francis’ DROWN.
MALA MALA is a unique exploration of self-discovery and activism, featuring a diverse collection of subjects that include LGBTQ activists, business owners, sex workers, and a boisterous group of drag performers who call themselves The Doll House, MALA MALA portrays a fight for personal and community acceptance paved with triumphant highs and devastating lows. Filmed over the course of a historic three-year period, MALA MALA records the beginning of a new transliberation movement in Puerto Rico, as trans people came out of the shadows and into the spotlight. Through riveting cinematography that encapsulates the candy-colored, vivacious personalities as well as their frequently dark personal experiences, directors Santini and Sickles dynamically present the passion and hardships reflective of this distinctly binary human experience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzEy6pJ80nw
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THE SURFACE Starring Australian Model Harry Hains to Premiere at Frameline
THE SURFACE directed by Michael J. Saul (Crush, Adults Only, Go Go Reject) will World Premiere at Frameline, the San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival, at 6:00 pm, June 27, 2015 at the historic Castro Theatre. THE SURFACE follows a lost young man through his struggles to create his own sense of family.
Starring Australian model Harry Hains in his leading role debut, alongside Michael Redford and Nicholas McDonald, The Surface tells the story of Evan Jones, an orphan who was shifted from one foster home to another for years. Now a disaffected college student, he lives with his wealthy boyfriend, Chris. Their social and financial differences have made their relationship increasingly volatile despite their love for one another.
While sifting through relics at an elderly man’s yard sale, Evan finds an 8mm movie camera. The man offers to teach Evan how to use it if he comes back the following week. Upon returning, Evan meets the man’s 43-year-old son, Peter. Peter gives him reels of old 8mm movies that are collecting dust in the garage. The home movies, featuring a young Peter and his boyhood friend touch a nerve with Evan. Their youthful flirtations and tenderness are uncomplicated and pure. Evan begins to live vicariously through the home movies and his friendship with Peter soon turns romantic. Evan’s relationship with Chris splinters as he pushes for greater understanding of himself and the notions of family, love and fulfillment.
https://vimeo.com/110314788
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Watch Trailer for HBO Documentary LARRY KRAMER IN LOVE & ANGER
HBO has released the trailer for LARRY KRAMER IN LOVE & ANGER, premiering on Monday, June 29, at 9 p.m. ET on HBO. Directed by Jean Carlomusto, Larry Kramer in Love & Anger is a feature-length documentary about the legendary author, activist and playwright, Larry Kramer. It is an in-depth, “warts and all” portrait of one of the most important and controversial figures in contemporary gay America, a political firebrand who gave voice to the outrage and grief that inspired a generation of gay men and lesbians to fight for their lives.
Known simultaneously as egotistic, irrationally angry, self-promoting and rude, to his admirers he is a prophet whose early warnings to the gay community about promiscuity and AIDS now read as eerily prescient. A pioneering activist, Larry co-founded Gay Men’s Health Crisis and ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), where his calls for direct action protest made AIDS a national issue, forever changing public health policy. At the same time, his literary achievements championed the lives of gay people: a Tony Award for The Normal Heart; an Emmy Award for the HBO movie THE NORMAL HEART and an Academy Award nomination for best screenplay for Women in Love.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIYPJDaITwU
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Gay French Drama TOM AT THE FARM To Be Released in U.S. Unrated
The gay French-language drama TOM AT THE FARM directed by Xavier Dolan, will finally be released in the U.S., nearly two years after it premiered at the 2013 Venice Film Festival.
Tom at the Farm, starring Dolan, along with Caleb Landry Jones and Pierre-Yves Cardinal, will be released in theaters and on VOD platforms on August 14, 2015.
“After the sudden death of his lover, Guillaume (Jones), Tom (Dolan) travels from his home in the city to Guillaume’s family’s remote country farm for the funeral. Upon arriving, he’s shocked to find that the family knows nothing of him and was expecting a woman in his place. Tom keeps his identity a secret but soon finds himself increasingly drawn into a twisted, sexually charged game by Guillaume’s aggressive brother (Cardinal), who suspects the truth.”
“It’s hard to say it in a fully modest way, but I was truly puzzled as to how exactly ‘Tom At The Farm’ had never landed distribution in the U.S.,” said Dolan. “To me, it was by far my most accessible film; I mean, it’s a 90-minute psychological thriller, and it’s sort of gory but then very conventional too. I’m obviously psyched that Amplify Releasing has taken ‘Tom’ under their wing. But the topic remains truly relevant — can intolerance and psychological violence ever be dull? — and I’m proud to know the American public will be able to see it. And hopefully, like it.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLOJpY6DfAE
