Ron Gilbert

I must honestly say that this is the happiest film festival in Los Angeles. I should tell executive director, Kirsten Schaffer, to rename it, “The Happy film festival” from all the smiling faces of the packed audiences and participants.Everyone is in the happiest frame of mind to be there which translates into the real meaning of the word”Gay”. This year they hit the pinnacle of their success in my opinion.The opening night film “Vito” was the most perfect and touching film to present and along with the 16th Annual Achievement Award recipient ,John Waters.Ricki Lake( his former “Hairspray” starlet) introduced him ,but John needs no introduction.In his acceptance speech,he said that “Gay people are my Saints” and you could feel the bolt of love and emotion with those words,after that quote.Divine must have been smiling down on him from above.In his closing he said “I’m tired of being an outsider and his plan is to be an insider-an outlaw”. John has always been an insider to all of us in the film industry.
Director Jeffrey Schwarz’s documentary film “Vito” comes at a perfect time because the issues discussed still exist ,but not so much in the open.Vito Russo was a hero and makes all of us proud to have known him.For those of you who haven’t ,you should read "The Celluloid Closet” and see how the atmosphere has changed for the better in some ways but not all. Stars are still reluctant to come out and those who did recently like Anderson Cooper, make us proud.
In the documentary, we are shown how Vito discovered his voice as a gay activist and critic of how LGBT was presented in the media. His passion for justice continued through the AIDS crisis and resulted in ACT UP. His memory will be in our hearts forever.
Programming director,Kim Yutani and her staff have made excellent choices on the lists of films in the fest.This year Kim went above and beyond in her passion to find the films in the schedule.
There are so many to list and I will see as many as I can . On Saturday I was fortunate so see “Love Free or Die”,”Sassy Pants” and “Beauty”. Each film was so different and you were able to reflect on them at the after party .Director Macky Alston’s film “Love Free or Die” won The 2012 Sundance Special Jury Prize for Agent of Change,director Oliver Hermanus’ film ,”Beauty” won the Queer Palme d’Or at the CJohn Waters and Ricki Lakeannes Film Festival and director Coley Sohn’s “Sassy Pants” was her feature debut. In Coley’s film , the lead character(Bethany)portrayed by Ashley Rickards about a young girl finding her way and wanting to be a fashion designer had you both laughing and crying with a perfect choice of music to complement whatever you were feeling.Haley Joel Osment as her dad’s boyfriend was a hoot.After the screening ,Coley was a true spark plug full of energy discussing back story and her own personal life.As of this moment,this film was my audience award favorite. More on the way later.
The Outfest film festival will continue until June 22 you must do yourself a big favor along with your friends to come on down.Most screenings will be at the DGA but check out the schedule for more info call 213-480-7065 or check out the website.
www.outfest.org