Gay film fest set for Newcastle
To celebrate International Day Against Homophobia on May 17, the city of Newcastle will host its inaugural shOUT Gay and Lesbian Film Festival over three evenings, May 15 – 17.
Tower Cinemas will screen a selection of films themed around sexuality, gender and acceptance, and will host guest speakers and entertainment.
The festival, a collaboration between Mardi Gras Film Festival producers Queer Screen, Metro Entertainment and Tower Cinemas, will open with the Oscar-nominated Albert Nobbs.
Other highlights include Australian cinema classic Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, American lesbian road movie Cloudburst, and Andrew Haigh’s universally acclaimed British drama Weekend, which tells the story of the blossoming relationship between two men over the course of one weekend.
“We have selected films for a very diverse program and we have tried to ensure there is something for everyone, from films which approach gender identity like Tomboy, to a film where Olympia
Dukakis plays a rather boisterous lesbian in Cloudburst, to the fun and frivolity in the Priscilla drag-along,” event producer Aaron Little, of Metro Entertainment said.
The ‘drag-along’ will see a colourful live element incorporated into the Priscilla screening, with drag performers set to perform to classic numbers from the film. Audience members are also encouraged to ‘gender bend’ their outfits for the evening.
“Sydney has run a gay and lesbian film festival for over 30 years, treating those in the metropolitan area of NSW to some fantastic films that aren’t normally directed through mainstream channels,” event producer Ashley Doran said.
“ShOUT aims to bring a similar experience to those living in regional NSW and allows films of this calibre to be screened outside of metropolitan areas while promoting messages of acceptance and equality for IDAHO.”
Festival passes are $65 plus booking fee and cover all sessions. Single session passes, starting at $15, are also available.
