THE NEW TWENTY, WHIRLWIND at Outfest 2008, Tuesday, July 15
by Andre Soares
Of the films showing tomorrow at the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 2008, I’ve only seen one, Chris Mason Johnson’s accomplished feature-film debut The New Twenty, about five New York City former college friends facing mid-life crises even before they reach 30. Johnson, who also wrote the intelligent screenplay with Ishmael Chawla, proves himself a capable actors’ director, for the performances are uniformly good.
Now, I should add that the Outfest synopsis below doesn’t give an idea of the complex relationships found within that group of five friends and/or lovers of different sexual orientations, professional aspirations, and personal yearnings. As for relying on "the strong bonds of friendship," well, all I can say is that apparently those bonds ain’t what they used to be. And that’s exactly what gives a welcome edge to The New Twenty, one that most other friends-are-forever movies lack.
Synopses from the 26th Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festival website.
TUE 7/15 7:00pm
Laemmle Santa Monica
The New Twenty
(USA, 2008, 92 mins)
Directed By: Chris Mason Johnson
SCR: Chris Mason Johnson & Ishmael Chawla
The New Twenty is a strongly scripted and wonderfully acted dramatic comedy about five attractive college friends — gay and straight — in New York City. About to enter new life stages, each seeks some kind of connection. Ben cruises for guys online while Tony looks for commitment from his handsome professor boyfriend Robert (Bill Sage). No matter how rewarding or difficult (and everything in between) life is for these almost-thirtysomethings, they can always rely on the strong bonds of friendship.
TUE 7/15 7:30pm
Fairfax 2
Seeds of Summer / Zirei Kayitz
(Israel, 2007, 63 mins)
In Hebrew with English subtitles
Directed By: Hen Lasker
SCR: Hen Lasker
Hen Lasker’s feature documentary debut takes us back to the place where she first fell in love with a woman: the Israeli Defense Forces. Baby-faced teen recruits, like discipline-prone Yarden, transform into combat-ready soldiers by day and cry for their parents by night. Also caught in the viewfinder is young commander Smadar, whose burgeoning lesbianism reaches right through the lens as she and the filmmaker start a flirtation. Lasker takes a close look inside a little seen world, and also ends up revealing part of herself.
TUE 7/15 9:15pm
Fairfax 2
Searching 4 Sandeep
(Australia, 2007, 56 mins)
In Punjabi, English with English subtitles
North America Premiere
Directed By: Poppy Stockell
SCR: Poppy Stockell
Love is a many splendored thing, but for Poppy Stockell, many a thing goes awry in the search for her match. Poppy, an Australian cutie, finds herself developing a strong online connection with Sandeep, a closeted British Asian. As their relationship deepens, the two begin filming their lives and interactions, capturing their separate existences and experiences. Turning the lens on themselves and with wit and emotion, Poppy and Sandeep’s undeniable connection make Searching 4 Sandeep a delight to watch.
TUE 7/15 9:30pm
Fairfax 1
Whirlwind
(USA, 2008, 99 mins)
World Premiere
Directed By: Richard LeMay
SCR: Jason Brown
When a tight-knit group of New York City friends meet a hunky, fun stranger, they couldn’t be happier to have him join their clique. But when that stranger begins to mysteriously undermine the existing friendships, manipulating each for his own damaging pleasure, the faux fur really begins to fly. With a great ensemble cast, Whirlwind explores the complexity of gay male friendships and reminds us to keep our enemies close and our friends closer.
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Thanks for appreciating THE NEW TWENTY. We hope it will become a movie that gay and straight friends can enjoy together! A novel concept we know will catch on sooner or later. So far so good, we’ve sold out our first two screenings and so Outfest has given us a 3rd! Anyone in LA can come to the DGA this Sunday, July 20th at 12 Noon to see the film and judge for themselves! - Aina Abiodun, Producer, THE NEW TWENTY