Outfest 2005, the 23rd Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, starts tonight with a screening of the French comedy Côte d'Azur at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Los Angeles.
Outfest 2005 will present 232 films and videos from 28 countries. As per the festival's press release, highlights include:
- Closing Night: THE DYING GAUL, a Hollywood triangle starring Patricia Clarkson, Peter Sarsgaard and Campbell Scott (Monday, July 18, Orpheum Theatre)
- American Centerpiece: ADAM & STEVE, a raucous romantic comedy starry Craig Chester and Malcolm Gets (Wednesday, July 13, Ford Amphitheatre)
- International Centerpiece: UNVEILED, the deeply moving saga of an Iranian lesbian who seeks asylum in Germany (Thursday, July 14, Directors Guild of America)
- Awards Night: SUMMER STORM, a charming coming-of-age story about a teenage rowing team in Bavaria (Sunday, July 17, Ford Amphitheatre)
- High-Profile American Feature Films: HAPPY ENDINGS (starring Lisa Kudrow, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Tom Arnold); LOGGERHEADS (starring Bonnie Hunt and Kip Pardue); SAY UNCLE (starring Peter Paige and Kathy Najimy)
- Platinum Section: Outfest's signature section of innovative and experimental works, presented at REDCAT in Walt Disney Concert Hall, features six screening programs and the U.S. premiere of THE JUDAS CRADLE, a live performance event.
- Panels and Special Events: These 12 incredibly eclectic programs include a PURPLE RAIN sing-along; a discussion with the cast and creators of "Desperate Housewives;" panels about gay cartoons, gay screenwriters and female action/adventure directors; Family Fun at the Village featuring the premiere of Disney's all-new TARZAN II; and the indescribable 7th Annual Home Video Gong Show.
THE BIG PARADE at the 2005 San Francisco Silent Film Festival