Qfilms :: Premieres & Award Winners

One can think of this month's Long Beach Qfilm Festival as coming at the tail end of the LGBT film fest circuit, or one can think of it as the kickoff to the annual awards consideration festival circuit, along with the concurrent Toronto Film Festival.

At any rate, the 21st Long Beach Qfilm event will take place Friday, September 12 through Sunday, September 14 at the historic Art Theatre and adjoining LGBTQ Center on 4th Street's famed "retro row."

The Qfilm Festival annually offers a diverse mix of national and regional premieres, films already receiving acclaim at other film festivals and potential award winners. Several movies that will make their Long Beach premieres have already won awards at Outfest and Berlinale, two of the largest film festivals in the world. These "don't-miss" gems are "Appropriate Behavior," a NYC-based comedy about the romantic misadventures of a bisexual Iranian-American woman; "The Circle," an inspiring docu-drama that explores one of the earliest international gay organizations and the enduring love between one of its founding couples; and the documentary short "Families Are Forever," depicting a young gay man's coming out to his Mormon parents.

Qfilms' jury could potentially contribute additional awards to these filmmakers'
mantels.

A number of features to be screened in Long Beach have not been seen in California or even the U.S. before. Prominent among these is "Happy End?!," a winningly unpredictable comedy-drama from Germany that will be making its U.S. premiere. It is about two women, the young and na�ve Lucca and a worldly musician named Val, who cross paths at a hospice home for the terminally ill. They grow close during a perilous road trip they embark on together, to honor the last wishes of a recently-deceased patient. A cute gay dance student who identifies himself as "Germany's Billy Elliot"aids the women in their quest. "Happy End?!" will screen the afternoon of Sunday, September 14, and should not be missed.

Making its Southern California premiere on Qfilms' opening night Friday, September 12, is a similar crowd-pleaser, "My Straight Son." This Venezuelan film, known in its native country as "Azul Y No Tan Rosa" or "Blue and Not So Pink," carefully balances deep emotions (you will want to have tissue handy) and hilarity. Much of the latter is provided by a trans character who longs to be a television talk show host. Its central story concerns a gay man struggling to bond with his heterosexual teenaged son from a previous relationship with a woman. The film won Spain's coveted Goya Award for Best Spanish-Language Foreign Film.

Two revealing documentaries will have their West Coast premieres during the fest. "Shunned," screening on Saturday, September 13, examines the challenges faced by gay and trans men in the Philippines as told through personal accounts and musical interludes. Meanwhile, "Power Erotic" is a no-holds-barred look at the appeal that M on M dominance and submission hold for some gay, bi and even straight men. It will screen on Sunday, September 14.

The inclusion of trans characters and subjects is increasing in LGBT films and festivals, and this year's Qfilm Fest is no exception. In addition to "My Straight Son" and "Shunned," trans men and women are prominently featured in "Boy Meets Girl," which will be making its Los Angeles area premiere the night of Saturday, September 13, and the documentary "Transvisible: Bamby Salcedo's Story" on Sunday, September 14. A festive Qfest Sunday Brunch for pass and ticket holders will take place on Sunday, September 14 prior to the 12:30 p.m. screening of "Transvisible," and all youth under 21 will be admitted to this documentary for free.

"Blackbird," the new film by "Noah's Arc" creator Patrik-Ian Polk, was shown once in L.A. earlier this year but Qfilms will serve as this exceptional film's second Southern California screening on the evening of Saturday, September 13. A coming-of-age tale set in the southern U.S., it stars Oscar winner Mo'Nique ("Precious") and Isaiah Washington ("Grey's Anatomy") as the parents of a young gay black man struggling to accept himself. (See our interview with lead actor Julian Walker below.)

There is truly something for everyone at this year's fest, including some films that can't be seen anywhere else currently. Terrific receptions precede or follow virtually all the screenings, as well. All net proceeds from Qfilms support the non-profit LGBTQ Center of Long Beach's numerous, much-needed programs. Be there and feel like an award-winner yourself!

For a complete lineup of films and more information or to purchase festival passes and individual film tickets go to qfilmslongbeach.com

JULIAN WALKER SOARS IN 'BLACKBIRD'

College student and first-time actor Julian Walker turns in a terrific lead performance in Patrik-Ian Polk's Blackbird as Randy Rousseau, a young and devout Christian coming to terms with his homosexuality. Walker recently chatted with The Rage Monthly via e-mail about his film debut and this thoughtful, yet sexy drama by the creator of "Noah's Arc."

Chris Carpenter: Congratulations on your great work in "Blackbird!" What was the experience making it like for you?

Hey, thank you so much. Making this film was one of the best experiences of my life. Working with such a talented cast and crew on my first film ever made the days go so smoothly.

Were you familiar with Larry Duplechan's novel on which the film is based, or did you read it during your preparation? If so, how does the movie differ from the novel, in your opinion?

I wasn't familiar with the novel before filming. Once I found out about it I immediately wanted to learn more information about Randy and his friends, so I went to find it. In the book, the time frame (the '70s) is much different, and it takes place in California (the film is set in Mississippi). I'm happy Patrik brought the story to the south with a modern time period.

I understand you auditioned online for the part of Randy. Tell me about the audition and casting process.

Yes, I did audition online, and I didn't really know how it do it. Patrik and I agreed that it wasn't the best audition video out there (ha-ha). One of my friends informed me about the part and emailed the link to send the video to. My best friend and I sat down on my Mac and recorded myself doing the lines. Luckily, after Patrik saw my video, he gave me pointers and what I should do differently. Thankfully, he gave me a chance!

What was your reaction when you learned you got the part?

I found out I got the role maybe four or five days before filming began. Patrik gave me a script and told me to constantly study it all day, everyday. I was speechless, nervous and in shock. I thought I was just going to be this little rookie on set and everyone was going to say, "Who is this kid?" But, it wasn't that way at all.

In what ways is the character of Randy similar to you, and in what ways are you different?

I related to "Randy" on so many levels. We've all had that one high school crush, who we thought was the "love of our life." Also, being a gay young man, I understand the denial and the cost of not facing the truth. I'm happy that my mother isn't as strict as Randy's mom and my father wasn't as absent as Randy's father.

Were you afraid or intimidated at all while playing some of the more intimate or revealing scenes in the film?

Yes! Patrik told me from the beginning what was going to take place and his vision. I thought, "OMG, everyone's going to see me doing stuff," ha-ha. So, I didn't think about it until I absolutely needed to.

What was it like working with Academy Award-winner Mo'Nique and Isaiah Washington (who play Randy's parents)?

Mo'Nique and Isaiah were so amazing. Wow! I was so afraid to meet them, but they welcomed me with open arms. They were so loving and willing to give me any advice I was curious about. I love them so much and am so thankful for not only them, but everyone on set. They were all so talented.

Were you familiar with "Noah's Arc" or Patrik-Ian Polk's other work before "Blackbird?" What have you learned from him about acting and/or directing?

I was a very big fan of "Noah's Arc." My close friend and I stayed up all night watching both seasons. I wasn't as familiar with Patrik, but I knew what he'd done in the past. He taught me so much about this acting world, especially what to look out for and how to make a proper audition video. He's such a great mentor and friend. I thank god he has placed Patrik in my life, not just for this role but the encouragement, love and drive he has given me. He believed in me more than I believed in myself at times.

Are you working on something new? What are your long-term goals?

Currently, I'm finishing my last year of college, so I'm beyond excited about that. I also have some engagements coming up soon, so I'm excited for what's to come.

"Blackbird" will screen in Long Beach on Saturday, September 13. as part of the 2014 Qfilm Festival. For a full festival lineup or to purchase tickets go to qfilmslongbeach.com