Austin, TX - July 27th, 2016 - The Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival (aGLIFF), brought to you by Showtime, is proud to announce the full list of films programmed for its 29th festival. This year’s program includes 19 narrative features and 16 feature length documentaries in addition to three anniversary films and 53 short films. These films feature the stories of gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender women and men, queer youth, and many others within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. aGLIFF is proud this year to spotlight some of the untold stories in our community including stories of political activism, women filmmakers, and contemporary perspectives on HIV and AIDS, in addition to the comedy, romance, and drama our audience has come to expect from the festival.
“After traveling the festival circuit over the past nine months, going from Sundance, Tribeca, True/False, Newport Beach and Frameline in San Francisco and going through over 375+ submissions, we have the highest quality and most important LGBTQ films from around the world and from Austin, showcased in our 29th anniversary festival,” Program Director Jim Brunzell said. “This will be a festival filled with plenty of conversation, intrigue, laughter, tears, and moments of joy, and I’m thrilled to have all these films shown along with the close to 50+ filmmakers joining us for our four-day festival,” he added.
The festival runs September 8th - 11th at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar.
Festival passes & memberships are now on sale at agliff.org/badgesandtickets.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
OPENING NIGHT FILM
REAL BOY
Dir. Shaleece Haas I 2016 I U.S.A. I 72 min I Southwest Premiere I Documentary
Thursday, September 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Director Shaleece Haas & subject Bennett Wallace will be in attendance.
The coming-of-age story of Bennett Wallace, a transgender teenager on a journey to find his voice-as a musician, a friend, a son, and a man. Though he has to navigate the ups and downs of young adulthood, he manages to gain the love and support of his mother and the mentorship of celebrated transgender musician Joe Stevens. A heartwarming story to share with family or friends, featuring extraordinary musical works by both musicians.
CENTERPIECE FILM
POLITICAL ANIMALS
Dir. Jonah Markowitz & Tracy Wares I 2016 I U.S.A. I 85 min. I Texas Premiere | Documentary
Saturday, September 10 at 6:00 p.m.
Co-Directors Jonah Markowitz & Tracy Wares, Producer Chris Panizzon and former California Legislator Carole Migden will be in attendance.
The inspiring story of some of the unsung heroes of the gay rights movement, this film follows four visionary lesbian politicians who started and fought for the legal rights of the LGBT community, paving the way for the freedoms we have today. Lauded as “The must-see documentary of 2016 for every feminist” (bustle.com) and described as “engrossing… white-hot political theater” (Variety) “Political Animals” is a must-see for anyone who cares about political change for the LGBT community.
CLOSING NIGHT FILM
KIKI
Dir. Sara Jordeno I 2016 I Sweden I 94 min I Austin Premiere I Documentary
Sunday, September 11 at 5:30 p.m.
Co-Writer & Subject Twiggy Pucci Garcon will be in attendance.
The spiritual daughter of the New York City Ballroom scene - made popular by Madonna’s music video, “Vogue” - is Kiki. As a dance form, “Kiki” is a fierce and fluid expression of gender and sexuality. As a community, it is a safe haven for young people of color whose sexuality carries with it the threat of violence even in this day and age. Richard Lawson of Vanity Fair describes the film as “a spirited, funny, touching portrait of some seriously smart, creative, and defiant young people. The film makes you feel good about the future, which is pretty hard to do these days.”
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