LGBT Film Fest Announces Line-Up

 

The Downtown Priority Board and THE NEON will partner again to host The Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival during the last full weekend of September.  Dates have been confirmed for September 23-25, 2011 – and films have been secured.

 

After looking at hundreds of hours of material, the screening committee selected THE GREEN as the film that will open the festival on, Friday, September 23.  This particular title will be sponsored by Square One Salon & Spa.

 

THE GREEN follows the story of a gay couple – who have left behind New York City for the charm of shoreline Connecticut – when one of the men is accused of “inappropriate behavior” from one of his male high school students. 

Starring Cheyenne Jackson, Jason Butler Harner and Julia Ormond, this sophisticated film is certain to be a hit with festival-goers. 

 

Other highlights from this year’s festival include the enchanting documentary CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE – sponsored by Human Race Theatre Company, the gorgeous French film TOMBOY – sponsored by PFLAG Dayton, and the SXSW Film Festival award-winner WEEKEND – sponsored by Ken Byers.

Additionally, this year’s festival will see the return of the popular TOP DRAWER SHORTS – a selection of the newest, best short films from around the world – sponsored by Miami Valley Fair Housing.

One special addition this year is a selection of 3 films (one feature and two shorts) that focus on senior citizens in the LGBT Community.  The feature film – a documentary entitled GEN SILENT – focuses on the fear of discrimination as many LGBT seniors (many of whom fought the hardest for lgbt rights) enter long-term care facilities.  This program is sponsored by The Greater Dayton LGBT Center.

 

This year, the Dayton Philharmonic is also joining in the fun.  One lucky winner at each of the festival’s seven screening will win a pair of tickets to see Lynda Carter (known for her role as TV’s Wonder Woman) perform with the Philharmonic later in November.

 

The LGBT film festival provides a space for voices to be heard that aren’t often represented in mainstream media.  The subjects range from comical to serious, but the stories all stem from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.  The festival often highlights films that are made with smaller budgets.  These movies go relatively unnoticed beyond the LGBT community, but they’re strong pieces of work that merit being seen by wider audiences. 

For the past four years, filmmakers and/or stars have been able to attend the festival.

As of this release, Matthew Ludiwinski – (the lead star of GOING DOWN IN LA-LA LAND - sponsored by MJ’s Café, JOHN & Marion’s Piazza) - has confirmed that he will attend the festival.

 

Having talent appear at the festival is made possible due to generous support from many local businesses and individual supporters.  The level of participation from filmmakers and actors will depend on sponsorships from the community.  For more information about sponsoring the film festival, contact Jonathan McNeal at THE NEON at (937)222-8452 or by e-mail at theneon@msn.com.

 

Tickets for each screening will cost $8.  A festival pass for all 7 screenings will cost $50.  Festival passes will be available at THE NEON box office on September 1^st and individual tickets will be available on September 8^th.

 

Stay tuned to www.daytonlgbt.com for more information about each screening and details about the fantastic opening night party – sponsored by Lisa Hanauer & Sue Spiegel!