Causecast

by KAREN MURPHY, Contributing Writer

Outfest 2009, the Los Angeles gay and lesbian film festival, promises a close-up this year on LGBT rights and equality. For 25 years, Outfest has been the leading organization showcasing, nurturing and preserving lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender film images and artistry, offering a forum for stories that reflect and often transform LGBT lives. It’s also the oldest continuously running film festival in Los Angeles, and this year will feature 181 films from 25 countries over a ten-day event that will put a sharp focus on LGBT rights in response to Proposition 8.

LGBT rights-themed titles this year include a 40th Anniversary Screening of Before Stonewall, as well as On These Shoulders We Stand, Patrik Age 1.5, City of Borders, Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement, Fish Out of Water, Misconceptions, and a 25th Anniversary Screening and Restoration World Premiere of Choosing Children, the 1984 documentary that challenged society’s definitions of family by exploring the ways lesbians become parents and how they raise their children. Gala presentations include the Sundance films La Mission, Dare, El Nino Pez (The Fish Child), Mississippi Damned, and Fig Trees. If you’re title-hungry, then download a PDF of the complete schedule.

Outfest runs July 9 to 19 in seven venues across Los Angeles. Tickets are on sale to the general public, though if you’re planning on attending several screenings you’ll want an Outpass which allows you ticketless entry to all general screenings.

How to participate:

•Become a member of Outfest. Call 213.480.7065 or visit the Outfest membership page. Several levels of membership are available, starting at just $50.
•Attend a screening. Go to several. Tickets to most films are $13.00.
•Volunteer. Pass out drinks at a gala, act as an usher or talent wrangler, meet people, and have fun. You can earn a free Outfest membership and attend screenings for free on a space-available basis. And all for a good cause.

Photo by roland, flickr