What to See at Frameline41

For those in the San Francisco area, Frameline41 is upon us (the San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival) that runs from today through June 25.

As is the case every year there are many gems being featured, a few movies that will go on to become LGBTQ classics among the 147 films (from over 19 countries). The Fest proudly boasts that 40% of its slate consists of female-directed fare.

And while I highly recommend visiting the site and perusing the treats, I've compiled a list of 10 of the best of the fest that I have seen so far.

Opening Night Film: "The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin"

A wonderful portrait of the iconic gay lit figure, Jennifer Kroot's "Untold Tales" non-linearly tells the author's story from confused young boy who's desperate for his uber-conservative father's approval to celebrated scribe of the groundbreaking "Tales of the City." Along the breezy journey we learn he was one of Rock Hudson's legion of lovers and helped nudge Ian McKellen out of the closet.

Centerpiece U.S. Feature: "Becks"

"Becks" is a vocal and acting tour de force for Tony winner Lena Hall ("Hedwig") who plays a gay woman on her own personal journey, leading her back home for a spell. Christine Lahti excels as her deeply religious midwestern mom. And Mena Suvari delivers a surprisingly touching turn as a bored housewife in search of... Directed and written (along with Rebecca Drysdale) by Daniel Powell & Elizabeth Rohrbaugh, "Becks" is euphorically uncompromising in its genuine storytelling and heartbreakingly real characters.

Centerpiece Documentary: "Chavela"

Catherine Gund and Daresha Kyi examine the turbulent life of the celebrated Mexican performer, Chavela Vargas, a woman who sang to women at a time when that was just not done. Born in Costa Rica, Chavela's rage began early and she was able to channel it into her entrancing song renditions. Decades after her initial success, Spanish auteur Pedro Almod�var would rescue her from near-oblivion allowing her an astounding third act.

Closing Night: "After Louie"

Vincent Gagliostro's reflective film asks significant questions about the gay movement and where we've currently landed. Alan Cumming fiercely portrays the bitter, resentful and deeply flawed protagonist who is lost in the past and rails against a new generation that seems to take all the activism of the 1980s for granted, specifically the work of ACT-UP and others who fought the AIDS/HIV struggle against persecution. Zachary Booth ("Keep the Lights On") excels as a young man he hooks up with. Both learn from one another in subtle ways.

"God's Own Country"
What happens when a rough, repressed and randy young Yorkshire farmer meets a Zen Romanian? They screw like bunnies. And slowly fall in love. And screw some more. And fist a few cows and sheep. All the while, a self-sabotaging Brit learns to give into his sweet and tender side. This exquisite and harsh film is a must-see with stellar performances by Josh O'Connor and Alec Secareanu.

"Hello Again"
Surprisingly, this is one of my favorite films of the year to date. It hit me on a visceral level and moved me greatly. With a remarkable cast that includes, Cheyenne Jackson, Martha Plimpton, Audra McDonald, T.R. Knight, Sam Underwood, Tyler Blackburn and a truly captivating Rumor Willis, this 1994 off-Broadway musical adaptation (written by Michael John LaChiusa) was a fascinating curio onstage but becomes something much more onscreen thanks to director Tom Gustafson and writer Cory Krueckeberg as well as their truly gifted group of thesps. Let it wash over you.

"Against the Law"
Director Fergus O'Brien delivers a potent and absorbing account of U.K. journalist Peter Wildeblood's horrific ordeal as a gay man accused of gross indecency in 1954. Keenly adapted (by Brian Fillis) from Wildeblood's autobiography, "Against the Law" should be required viewing for all teen and twentysomething gays who have no idea how life-threatening things were just a few decades ago. The "Reds"-like usage of actual 'witnesses' who lived through the insanity makes this film all the more vital.

"Whitney: Can I Be Me"

Nick Broomfield & Rudi Dolezal have fashioned a revealing doc that pulls no punches when it comes to the exploration of Whitney Houston's drug use and sexuality. Like too many pop stars before her everyone around Houston, including and especially her family, were more interested in the revenue she accrued than her health and well-being. Mama Cissy's religion-fueled homophobia speaks volumes. Houston's story is a true American tragedy.

"Freak Show"
Alex Lawther immerses himself into Billy Bloom, the outrageous gender non-conforming character in Trudie Styler's first feature, "Freak Show," based on the James St. James novel (and adapted by Patrick J. Clifton & Beth Rigazio). Despite the unevenness of the film, Lawther keeps us entertained and rooting for the bullied but fab teen glam wonder.

"Screwed"
Another cute white teen boy coming out story, that proves endearing not just because the boys (Mikko Kauppila & Valtieri Lehtinen) are adorable and the Finnish language is so fascinating to listen to, but because it has something real to say about the reasons we run from connecting with others and the adults in our lives who often behave incredibly selfishly.