Featured Films

From the director of Teddy comes Communication: a young, handsome Jewish man has finally figured out a path for himself in college with the mentoring of his professor. After graduation, their relationship enters an area that neither one of them is entirely sure about. Gayby finds college friends Matt (gay) and Jenn (straight) deciding to have a baby… only one question remains: How? When a handsome young man decides to leave his older female lover in He She We, his escape plan is foiled when her early return coincides with his new lover’s arrival. Who Would You? proves that some questions are better left unanswered---particularly when you might not be ready for the candid response!. From the director of Chased (NCGLFF 2009) comes Triple Standard, a story about a homophobic ex-basketball star who’s forced to realize that he’s gay. It’s in the Genes is a very different coming-out story of acceptance, love, and equal rights. In the beautifully photographed 306, someone is finally coming back home. Our gorgeous protagonist couldn’t be any happier, but duty calls and he must work tonight instead of waiting at home for his sweetie.

Viewer’s guide: Nudity and language.

BearCity is a fun, light-hearted comedic romp (think a hairy Sex and the City) about a subset of queer culture that hardly ever gets the cinematic spotlight! Tyler fantasizes about finding a Daddy bear to do more than cuddle. But it can be hard for a hairless guy to get some fuzzy loving. Brent and Fred are the maybe-not-so-monogamous couple who invite him to move in as they figure out how to spice things up. Southern bear-belle Michael struggles to juggle his lover, his job search and his body image issues, but an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction might solve all three. Rakish Roger is the stud-about-town, and he’ll pretty much bang anyone with facial hair. That is, until an awesomely awkward encounter at the local bowling alley challenges both his bowling prowess and his bear-loving mojo.

Viewer’s guide: Nudity, language, and drug usage.

Continuing the long legacy of lesbian schoolgirl films like Mädchen in Uniform and Loving Annabelle comes a new film worthy of induction into the ranks of those classics. Bloomington is a sultry, sexy and supremely smart film about a former child actress named Jackie, who’s attending college in search of independence and who ends up becoming romantically involved with a female professor who has a “lady killer” reputation. Through the course of the school year their bond grows stronger and more personal until suddenly Jackie is faced with the chance to audition for a feature film. The prospect of attempting a comeback into the ultra-competitive world of show business is at first daunting to Jackie, however, her possible return to the spotlight quickly turns into a life-lesson for both student and teacher.

Viewer’s guide: Strong sexual content and language.

The makers of The Brandon Teena Story return with another powerful documentary, this time focusing on Edie and Thea, a couple who met in New York in the early 1960’s at a clandestine party for lesbians and – for the next 42 years – shared their lives. In this touching documentary, we meet these two women who were witness to and part of the radical societal changes of our times: from meeting in secret to marching in gay pride parades. Through a wealth of vintage home movies, old photographs, and countless anecdotes we witness the incredible love affair these two ladies have shared and follow them as they finally end their very long engagement when they travel to Canada to be married. Edie and Thea website.

Viewer’s guide: Language.

From the writer/director of Claire of the Moon comes Elena Undone. This intense love story combines the enchantment of falling in love for the first time with the reality and responsibilities of long-term commitments. Before crossing paths with Peyton, falling for a woman was an unimaginable situation for Elena, a straight wife and mother. The friendship between Peyton, an out lesbian writer, and Elena, the wife of an anti-gay pastor who has never experienced true love, transforms swiftly from a one-sided crush into a torrid extramarital affair. As their relationship evolves, Elena confronts the choice of leaving Barry, her husband, or ending her involvement with Peyton to save her already unraveling and unrewarding marriage and return to a drab and automated life.

Viewer’s guide: Nudity, mild language, and graphic sexual content.

Poor Ryan is a dancer who just can't seem to get laid in Everybody is Having Sex…But Ryan. Even his last date ended up going home with his best friend Dustin. What’s a guy gotta do to get some action? Is it possible that what Ryan’s looking for is right in front of him? In the hilarious Go Go Reject, skinny Daniel can’t catch a break in the dog-eat-dog world of go go dancing. Rubdown follows along with a “secret shopper” who’s getting an undercover massage that might not be under the covers at all. A blind date turns into an epic wait for a man of mystery in Waiting 4 Goliath, a charming romantic dramedy about finding love in the world of online dating. Two children play with their dolls (Miley Cyrus and her BFF Mandy) to explain what ‘Gay’ means in this sick puppet animation cavalcade of perversions in Little BFFs. From the director of Daddy’s Big Girl (NCGLFF 2008) comes You Can’t Curry Love, a story about a handsome East Indian from London visits India and falls for a local guy. Deaf Relay: At Your Service is a hilarious inside look at the high-tech critical communications services as a tireless operator provides 24-hour a day assistance to our fellow citizens.

Viewer’s guide: Nudity and language.

Aaron is a devoted father, a dutiful husband, and a faithfully devout student of the Talmud who runs a local kosher butcher shop. One day, he comes across a handsome young outsider named Ezri. Aaron offers the young student a place to stay and a job as his apprentice, but soon the professional relationship gives way for feelings of attraction that the two men cannot resist. Now, public denouncements of “sin and uncleanliness” threaten to crumble Aaron’s business and his family. He must choose between the man that has brought him a happiness he has never known or the established life he has been living. Eyes Wide Open was a selection of the prestigious Cannes and Toronto International Film Festival. In Hebrew with English subtitles.

Viewer’s guide: Nudity and violence.

From Robert Gaston, the director of 2 Minutes Later and Open Cam comes this mystery-thriller filmed entirely in North Carolina! Young Beetle Hobbs wants out of his small town and sees his ticket in Grady Wilson. Set in the desolate Smoky Mountains, Grady has recently left the big city to become the proprietor of a resort lodge. When Beetle joins Grady's staff, he gives new meaning to the adage 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer'. A stunning ensemble cast steer this original tale of chilling suspense as different shades of gray ignite a battle between good and evil. Flight of the Cardinal possesses a rare combination of heart and soul with edge-of-your-seat suspense. This powerful film stars Ross Beschler, David J Bonner, Claire Bowerman, Matthew Montgomery and Liz Douglas.

Viewer’s guide: Language, drug use, violence, and nudity.

In this romantic comedy, childhood sweethearts Greg and Molly arrive in New York City and meet Bridget and her best friend Trip, at a bar called The Four-Faced Liar in Greenwich Village. While the guys enjoy a bromance of football games and bar crawling, the women chat about life, love, and Wuthering Heights. These flirtations continue to brew until one day they manifest themselves in a sexually charged encounter that begins a passionate affair between the women. However, when Greg catches wind of what’s going on, Bridgett is forced to choose between the white picket fence relationship with her longtime boyfriend or the invigorating connection she has with Bridgett. As their flirting grows more intense, a fight with Greg sends Molly fleeing to Bridget. Torn between vanilla Greg and push-me-up-against-a-wall Bridget, Molly is forced to make a choice. The Four-Faced Liar website.

Viewer’s guide: Language and strong sexual content.

From Stu Maddux, the director of Bob and Jack’s 52-Year Adventure, comes a film documenting elderly LGBT people who go back into the closet to survive in the healthcare system. Gen Silent startlingly discovers how oppression in the years before Stonewall now leaves many elders not just afraid but dangerously isolated. The film shows the wide range in quality of paid caregivers: From those who are specifically trained to make LGBT seniors feel safe, to the other end of the spectrum, where LGBT elders face discrimination, neglect or abuse. As we journey through the challenges that these men and women face, we also see reasons for hope as each subject crosses paths with a small but growing group of impassioned professionals trying to wake up the long-term and healthcare industries to their plight. Stu Maddux will lead a special audience discussion after the presentation.

Viewer’s guide: Mild language.

In 2005, writer-director Ricky Reidling presented his first feature film, Boystown, at NCGLFF. Now he’s back with his second film, a gay romantic comedy set within the world of modern cabaret dancers. When Kevin Richards loses his third job in six months, his girlfriend Teresa gives him one week to find another job and get his act together…or he’ll be finding a new girlfriend. At a cabaret club one night to celebrate a friend’s engagement, Kevin overhears the emcee announcing an upcoming talent contest and its big cash prize. Cash, you say? Ooh-la-la! In desperation, he rushes backstage and convinces Celeste, one of the female impersonators, to show him the ropes about drag. But just when Kevin thinks this “gig” will be short-lived, he discovers a lot about himself and what he really wants out of life. This is one zany comedy you will not want to miss! Heels website.

Viewer’s guide: Nudity and language.

Academy Award winning documentarians Rob Epstein (The Times of Harvey Milk, Celluloid Closet) and Jeffrey Friedman (Celluloid Closet) bend genres to depict the spark of a literary revolution. James Franco shines as a handsome young Allen Ginsberg, making waves with his poem, Howl. The film is a hybrid of stories, including the famous Ginsberg reading of Howl at the Six Gallery. It also includes an imagined recreation of an unpublished interview allegedly given to Time in 1957; Howl’s obscenity trial in a San Francisco courtroom; and vivid and luminous animation by Ginsberg collaborator Eric Drooker, capturing the essence of the poem. An impressive cast adds depth to this masterpiece of a film, including David Strathaim, Jon Hamm, Jeff Daniels, Mary-Louise Parker and Treat Williams.

510 Meters Above Sea Level is set in a small airport in Switzerland where Simone has to attend her father’s funeral, but she misses the connecting flight. In Dancing to Happiness, a salsa course unites Helen, a high-level broker, and Anna, her cleaning lady. Ruth, the fast-talking daughter of a former child prodigy, steals the only money her family has to make a better life for herself and her girlfriend in Little Mutinies. But when her little sister is forced to go on medication, Ruth must choose between saving her sister and saving her dreams. When the adult survivor of sexual abuse meets her lover, she struggles to remain present. She must remember that the hands of her lover are not the hands of her childhood abuser, and so, the separation between past and present begins to blur in Blue Covers. How the Grinch Stole my Girlfriend (and my Favorite Sweatshirt) borrows Dr. Seuss' famous villain, the Grinch, and transforms him from Whoville's mythical Christmas hating goblin into a modern-day ex-girlfriend who breaks Abigail's heart. The Bedwetter is a quirky & off-beat coming of age story set in 1975 and follows Shelly, an almost 11 year old Tomboy who wets the bed, gets bullied at school, and now must deal with her new Stepmother, a glamorous former Stewardess, who wants to throw her a birthday party.

Viewer’s guide: Language.

Painfully single writer Blaine is reminded daily of his awkwardness around other L.A. gays who are more attractive than himself. While on a personal quest to find the guy who possesses more substance than just what’s “behind the zipper,” Blaine meets Xander, in an online chat room. They connect on a very intimate level and decide to meet in person. But there’s a catch: unbeknownst to Blaine, he was logged into his hot roommate Cameron’s online profile. Things quickly get out of hand when this gay Cyrano de Bergerac enlists Cameron to play along as Blaine pretends with Xander to be someone (and something) he’s not. Is It Just Me? website.

Viewer’s guide: Nudity and language.

Fish Fillet is the tale of Dani, who was born into an Evangelist family and is questioning her sexuality. In Losing My Cherry, Jamie’s marriage hangs in the balance as she travels through the city trying to get her hands on the unattainable designer bag that her sexy wife, Cherry simply must have. A wacky enthusiast hawks used dildos in the infomercial from hell in Tools 4 Fools. A young girl catches a wild lesbian in her backyard. After getting permission from her mother, the girl can keep the lesbian as pet, but only for the day in My Lesbian Friend. Bad bosses plus wild nights equal a semi-true story of two girls in love in Public Relations. In Son of the Preacher, Billy secretly falls for a mysterious and pretty new parishioner. Constrained only to be able to look at her during Mass, he slowly lets himself punctuate the ceremonies with bits of his fantasies, giving rise to a succession of eclectic, often romantic, but sometimes naughty thoughts. After faking a suicide attempt in order to get attention from her on again-off again girlfriend, Jay and her best friend accept condolences from their well meaning friends in Cried Suicide.

Viewer’s guide: Language.

Lost in the Crowd is the tale of the world hidden behind the busy activity of New York City. Kicked out of their homes, signed over to the foster system or having run away on their own, these youth discuss their lives, their sexuality, their families and their plans for the future. Students, fast food workers, bike messengers, dancers and office workers pull back the curtain to reveal how homelessness, poverty, sexuality, gender and HIV status have shaped their lives and altered their dreams. The first part of this unflinchingly honest film follows the characters from 2003 through to 2007. The second part of the film follows up with the same group to find out where their lives have led. Some have gone on to relative success, some are caught in a vicious cycle of prostitution and drug addiction. But in a heart-breaking and all-too-common cliffhanger, some of those profiled are nowhere to be found.

Viewer’s guide: Language.

Mainstay is 50-minute short feature set in the wintry landscape of rural Maine where Fischer has just returned home upon hearing of his ex-lover Hannah’s sudden death. After a two-year absence from his family, Fischer is well into his transition from female to male---an experience that he shared only with Hannah. With the loss of this source of validation, Fischer begins to rebuild his fragile relationship with his brother and mother. Ultimately, it is his younger brother who attempts to bridge the disconnection and misunderstanding between Fischer and his mother. Mainstay will be preceded by four trans shorts. In Kaden Later (a follow-up to Kaden, NCGLFF 2007), Kaden and his girlfriend Monika plan their wedding, yet he must figure out how he fits into society, not as female or male, but in a space in between. Public restrooms present a unique challenge for one individual in Door Prize. In Remember Me in Red, emotions run high as Fidelia arranges her best friend Alma’s funeral only to have Alma’s parents arrive from Mexico and insist that their son be buried as male. In Amateur, Michael goes on a camping trip and becomes interested with a confident gender-bending girl named Sam. When she forces him to question his true feelings towards her, Michael's over reaction threatens to push her away forever. Michael must now confront his own insecurities before he can accept Sam and himself.

Viewer’s guide: Nudity and language.

Mother of the Year is about Joan, a woman who’s raised her only son in the traditional Catholic faith until his shocking announcement on his 22nd birthday: He’s gay and moving in with his Jewish lover! Joan vows to support her son’s relationship with one condition. He has to get married! Hold onto your rosary beads as Joan embarks on the adventure of her life as her son says, “I do.” When parents find out their unborn son is a Gay Baby, an eager store clerk at a very special store calms the father’s nerves and shows him that gay boys are better at more than just disco, decorating and fashion. When the going gets tough for an awkward high school kid in Judgment Day, nothing brings comfort to his heart quite like Judy Garland does. Lost Hills, California is about a mother and her gay son who live together in a trailer park and all the good times they share with their trailer park friends. Mothers is the story of an African-American gay couple who “come-out” to their respective parents and by doing so face both acceptance and rejection. Set in the 80s, Second Guessing Grandma is the story of a young gay man named Ed. While his parents are cool with his sexuality, Ed's Jewish grandmother is horrified by the news. They've always been close, so in response to her trauma, Ed decides it's time to educate Grandma.

Viewer’s guide: Nudity, language, violence, and drug usage.

Writer-director Lucía Puenzo (XXY) returns with a lesbian romance that’s also a mystery thriller which descends into the darker arena of familial secrets and betrayal. Lala is the privileged daughter of a powerful judge. She wants to run off with her Paraguayan lover La Guayi, a maid who works for Lala’s family. As the two prepare for their escape from Buenos Aires, Lala’s father is murdered, and evidence appears that makes La Guayi look guilty. With the help of the shady Pulido (Carlos Bardem, brother of Javier), will Lala make the ultimate sacrifice for true love? Blending surrealism and a poignant theme that “love conquers all”, El Nino Pez is this year’s must-see dark drama. In Spanish with English subtitles.

Viewer’s guide: Nudity, language, drug usage, rape, graphic sexual content.

My Normal is an innovative yet lighthearted dramedy about the underground world of BDSM. It is an entertaining peek into the heart and mind of a woman who’s determined to make her dreams come true at whatever cost. At first glance, Natalie has a great life. She is smart, pretty, has a wonderful group of friends, lives in a great apartment in the Lower East Side, has a good relationship with her family, and has a job that pays her well. Yet, what isn’t obvious at first glance is exactly how Natalie makes her living. You see, Natalie happens to be one of New York’s most successful and popular dominatrix. Though her clientele is male, Natalie is a lesbian and very popular with the girls. She soon meets a sexy woman who sparks her interest and the two start a steamy love affair. However, what Natalie truly longs for is a career in cinema, and at the urging of her pot-dealer-turned-friend she lands herself a gig on a real movie set as an intern. Soon the Hollywood pecking order becomes all too obvious, and Natalie becomes convinced that if she is going to make it, she needs to use her S&M skills to her advantage.

Viewer’s guide: Language and strong sexual content.

In the very first scene of this engaging French melodrama, we see Marion, an attractive middle-aged woman, leave her unfaithful husband after over 20 years of marriage. She is about to embark on an exciting, life-changing journey when she meets the young and beautiful Claude, a free spirit who offers to help her furnish her new apartment. Independent for the first time and not looking for romance, Marion and Claude develop a friendship but soon realize that they cannot deny the feelings that have developed. After they share a kiss, things get complicated. Marion is not only struggling with her sexuality, but also dealing with the tension that has developed between her and Justine, her teenage daughter who refuses to accept her mother’s new life and love. Meanwhile, Claude is dealing with a great deal of her own pain from the mysterious loss of a previous lover. As much as they struggle, they cannot keep away from each other and out of the pain of the past there is the chance at a new life for both of them. In French with English subtitles.

Viewer’s guide: Language.

Purple Sea explores the old-world European tradition of women passing as men. Based on a dramatic true love story, this taut epic is as intricate as Italian lace. Set on a picturesque island in 19th century Italy, rebellious Angela is considered to be possessed by evil and must endure brutal beatings by her father, the authoritarian quarry master. When Angela’s father insists she marry a successful quarry worker, she defiantly refuses, stating that she will marry her best friend, Sara, instead. Her father responds by imprisoning her in the cellar, where other family secrets are buried. Fearing the loss of her only child, Angela’s mother blackmails the town priest and offers her father the son he always wanted; Angela must become Angelo. In Italian with English subtitles

Viewer’s guide: Nudity, violence, and language.

Role/Play is the fifth feature film from writer/director Rob Williams (Make the Yuletide Gay, 3-Day Weekend, Back Soon, and Long Term Relationship) to premier at NCGLFF! A recently outed soap opera actor crosses paths with a recently divorced gay marriage activist. Hiding out from negative media coverage, the two men meet at a secluded Palm Springs resort, where they soon find common ground as they explore the fickle nature of fame in the gay community and the issues facing gay celebrities in the media. Role/Play stars real-life couple Matthew Montgomery (Redwoods, Flight of the Cardinal) and Steve Callahan (East Side Story), along with Brian Nolan (The Lair) and TV icon Jim J. Bullock.

Viewer’s guide: Nudity and language.

Brooklyn girl gang member Krank, after being shot in a mysterious guinea pig lab rescue incident, comes home from the hospital in a wheelchair to find her cats are gone, her mother is still insane and her gang is kicking her out. And that’s before Hell on Wheels: Gang Girls Forever even gets its hilarious motor runnin’. Dyke Dollar depicts how (in the early 90’s) LGBT activists stamped their dollars to show their contribution to the American economy…but this is the clever tale of Evelyn, the dollar bill who ends up in the hands of a shy teenage boy in suburban New Jersey. Raised by her two moms, young Hannah never thought about the logistics of different families until her friend explains the process of creating chicks from eggs in Hens and Chicks. Tech Support provides more than just help with computer problems in this fun frolic of phone flirtation. Tru, recently broken up with her girlfriend, asks her best friend Dex to help remove the remainder of her stuff from her ex’s apartment in You Move Me. However, hilarity ensues when their perfect plan to get in while her ex is out does not unfurl as expected. U-Haul Rap Video is based on the joke, “What does a lesbian bring on a second date?”

Viewer’s guide: Language.

Set on the stunning coast of Peru, this bittersweet Sundance award-winner portrays all members of a bisexual love triangle. Miguel and Mariela are a happily married couple, well-respected in their small seaside fishing village and looking forward to the imminent arrival of their first child. Miguel genuinely adores his devoted wife, yet what Mariela doesn’t know is that when Miguel leaves to allegedly repair fishing nets, he is really going to see Santiago, with whom he has been having a long-lasting affair. Santiago is a ruggedly-handsome and talented painter who keeps a small bungalow retreat on the beach for his weekend excursions into the village. Shunned by the townspeople because of his sexuality, no one truly knows what happened when he suddenly disappears. But Miguel knows the truth: Santiago has drowned and has now to come back as a spirit that only he can see. When local gossip forces Miguel to confront the truth, he must decide whether to move forward with his life or help Santiago’s soul find peace. In Spanish with English subtitles

Viewer’s guide: Nudity and language.

Violet is single, thirty-something, full-figured gal who has seemingly wonderful life. Yet Violet wants to find love. Though she is constantly hanging around hunky, gorgeous men, none are interested in her. You see, Violet is fag hag. At the insistence of a coworker, she decides to ditch the gays in search of her own heterosexual Mr. Right! Violet couldn’t have picked worse time to go asunder. Her promiscuous roommate Luke and his boyfriend Darian have broken up, her friends Markus and Riley are arguing over parenthood, and her go-go dancer friend Zeus is overwhelmed planning his annual AIDS fundraiser. Her gay friends need her, and they won’t give her up without fight! Starring 80’s child star Mindy Cohn (Natalie from Facts of Life) as Violet, the drop-dead gorgeous Marcus Patrick (Days of Our Lives) as the always scantily clad Zeus, and sexy actor & scribe Jesse Archer (Out Magazine) as Luke, this film will tickle your funny bone, warm your heart and provide plenty of eye candy while doing it! Violet Tendencies website.

Viewer’s guide: Nudity and language.

We Have To Stop Now is a funny, slice of life look at the complications of career, romance, and keeping up appearances. Dyna and Kit are a successful lesbian married couple. Both therapists, they co-authored a book on marriage titled “How to Succeed in Marriage Without Even Trying.” Yet despite their collaboration, they’ve decided it’s time to call it quits and get divorced. This is against the advice of their longtime psychoanalyst, Susan (comedienne Suzanne Westenhoefer.) However, when their book reaches the New York Times Best Seller list they become overnight successes, prompting filmmaker Guy to approach them about making a documentary. Not only do they agree, but they decide to pretend to still be together for the sake of their career because what would it do to book sales if best-selling marriage writers were actually getting divorced?

Viewer’s guide: Language.

Three hot guys let go of their inhibitions and reveal themselves to the world in clever and sexy short, The Window. After is a poetic exploration of longing – for intimacy, pleasure and unexplored fantasy – that ultimately tears three friends apart. After a car crash leads to one man’s demise in Last Call, it turns out he is given a chance to do things over. From Canada, The Armoire, director Jamie Travis’ resounding finale to his Saddest Children in the World trilogy, is a comedy, mystery and melodrama based on a game of Hide and Seek gone bizarrely awry. When desires for the future are in conflict, friendship and a relationship are torn apart in Little Love. Remission is the dark story of Sam, a man anxiously awaiting the results of a biopsy in his secluded cabin. As his dread amplifies, he realized that he may not be alone. A man has an imaginary conversation with his ex-lover in Closure.

Viewer’s guide: This program contains sensitive material. Nudity, language, graphic sexual content and violence.

A zany, sexy and heartfelt comedy in the spirit of Sordid Lives! A conservative mother sets out to mend her ways of always trying to set up her son with the perfect girl by boldly stepping out into the gay world to find him the perfect boy. Accompanied by her kooky, but lovable sister, the pair wins the hearts of their new LGBT family of friends, but can they set wise the son before he makes the mistake of a lifetime? You Should Meet My Son website.

Viewer’s guide: Language and brief nudity.