A collaboration between SEAGLA, the Southeast Alaska LGBTQ Alliance and the Gold Town Nickelodeon will bring a Queer Film Fest to Juneau beginning this weekend. All proceeds benefit Juneau Pride 2016, a week-long celebration of all things LGBTQ, to be held June 11-19.
The Queer Film Fest runs from Saturday, Jan. 23, until Saturday, Feb. 6 and consists of three films.
Kicking off the festival is the documentary “Do I Sound Gay.” After a break-up with his boyfriend, journalist David Thorpe embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting his anxiety about “sounding gay.” This film also features Margaret Cho, Tim Gunn, David Sedaris, Dan Savage, Don Lemon and George Takei. Screenings of “Do I Sound Gay” are on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 4 pm and 9 pm, and on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 7:30 pm.
“Clouds of Sils Maria” is the second film in the series and has been likened to a lesbian-themed “All About Eve.” Directed by Olivier Assayas, the film is led by a trio of actresses – Juliette Binoche, Kristin Stewart and Chloe Grace Moretz. “Clouds” has won multiple awards this past year, including the first-ever award for an American actress at the French Oscars (Stewart for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama). Screenings of “Clouds of Sils Maria” are on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 4 pm and 9 pm.
“Tangerine” is the third film in the series, previously featured at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. The film focuses on transgender prostitutes working in a not-so glamorous part of Hollywood. Mya Taylor, who stars in “Tangerine,” is rumored to pick up an Academy Award nomination this year, which would make her the first-ever transgender actress to be nominated for an Oscar. Screenings of “Tangerine” are on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, Feb. 6 at 4 pm and 9 pm.
All film tickets are $5-10 sliding scale and are purchased at the door.
The Opening Night Gay-La is Saturday Jan. 23 at 9 pm and will feature a screening of “Do I Sound Gay,” a no-host beer and wine bar by Louie’s Bar of Douglas, and home-baked treats for sale. Attendees are encouraged to don their best “Red Carpet” attire (or come as they are).
The Southeast Alaska Gay and Lesbian Alliance (SEAGLA) was founded in 1986 to serve and benefit the LGBT community of Southeast Alaska. Currently, SEAGLA consists of an active Board of Directors and extensive membership with the goal of providing a full range of social and support services, as well as advocacy efforts on behalf of the LGBTQ community. More information can be found at www.seagla.org or through Facebook at facebook.com/seaglaLGBTQ.
