In Brief

FILM FESTIVAL TURNAROUND

The sold-out Mardi Gras Film Festival finale on Thursday signalled a reversal of fortunes for the previously financially troubled Queer Screen. The festival has reported an 11 percent increase in sales on last year’s season, bucking a general downward trend in cinema. Organisers attributed the success to an extensive street advertising campaign donated by JC Decaux. Queer Screen manager Lex Lindsay said he felt community support was back and was particularly proud of the success of lesbian films this year with Loving Annabelle selling three sessions.

CLINTON TO PARTNER WITH GAYS

Hilary Clinton’s road to the White House took a new turn this week when she began an active courting of the gay and lesbian vote, with the Democratic frontrunner promising a partnership with the gay rights lobby group Human Rights Campaign. I am proud to stand by your side, Clinton said in a keynote speech to the group. She also called for the repeal of the controversial Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell military policy, introduced by her husband. Clinton’s policy announcement came as Bob Hattoy, a former staff member for Bill Clinton and the first HIV positive and openly gay person to address a US political convention, died over the weekend. Hattoy was invited by Bill Clinton to address the 1992 Democratic National Convention to speak on behalf of people living with HIV and AIDS. Once Clinton took office, Hattoy became the president’s main advisor on HIV issues.

OPERA GALA FOR CANCER FUNDS

The Cancer Council is staging a gala fundraiser on Saturday 10 March at Sydney Town Hall to raise money for research, support services, education and other programs. An Enchanted Evening will showcase a tapestry of popular operatic arias and musical ensembles from Rigoletto, The Pearl Fishers,La Traviata, Land of Smiles, South Pacific, The Mikado and Candide. Organisers claim many of the Australian and international performers all have personal stories of the ways cancer has touched their lives. The concert will be hosted by radio commentator Alan Jones. Tickets are available on 136 100 or at www.ticketmaster.com.au.

COPY IT, PASTE IT

It’s a chance to see humble photocopy paper in a whole new light when the Copy Cats art exhibition gets pasted up on the walls underneath the Burton Street Bridge in Barcom Avenue, Darlinghurst on Friday, 9 March from 6pm. Fifty local artists and 50 international artists will present their art works, created only by combining some vivid imaginations with a photocopier.