Letter From the Programming Director
Six key members of the aGLIFF Programming Committee have assisted me in conducting extensive research to bring you the best GLBTI films from around the globe. This year brings selections from 18 countries – including films from Serbia, Norway and Thailand. While last year's festival focused heavily on documentaries, this year the best selections belonged to the narrative category. (That's not to disparage the sensational doc selection – Muzuzangabo; Chris and Don, Out in India, among others).
We've sharply focused our festival to a more concentrated schedule, brought it back the heart of downtown Austin, and made film passes easier and faster. You'll enjoy strolling to our Opening, Centerpiece, and Closing Night parties and, with our new theater partner, the Alamo Drafthouse, you can have your cake and eat it, too.
Our Centerpiece Film, "Like a Virgin," was brought to us by Tim League, co-owner of the Alamo. A multi-award winning Korean narrative, "Like a Virgin" is one of those hidden little gems that somehow escaped the U.S. festival market, and its presentation at aGLIFF marks its US GLBTI premiere, despite the fact that the film was released in Korea in 2005. Though marketed as a comedy, "Like a Virgin" is remarkably complex and the characters – the mark of a good story – stay with you long after the film has ended.
Another program I want to call attention to is the French title, "Before I Forget" (Avant que J'oublie). A true actor's director, Jacques Nolot's blackly humorous film reminds me of the films of Cassavetes – a portrait of the exquisite juxtaposition of the divine and the mundane. Don't miss this one.
"XXY," winner of the Spanish Goya, the Cannes Critic's Week Award, and 17 other international honors, presents the remarkable performance of Inés Efron, who perfectly conveys the delicate and powerful emotions behind a young intersex teen, and her family's struggle to understand and connect with each other.
Our week is packed with international intrigue, political thriller, campy horror, tender love stories, inspirational docs, musicals and zombie nightmares. This year's films have received Best Screenplays, Best Director's, Best Films, Jury Awards, Audience Awards, and too many nominations to list. Check out all the descriptions on aGLIFF's B-Side, with photos, videos, and recommendations from other viewers.
http://agliff.bside.com/2008/schedule
Usually, about this time, I'd be responding to a slew of emails from friends asking, "What should I go see?"
My response is - "Everything."
We've sharply focused our festival to a more concentrated schedule, brought it back the heart of downtown Austin, and made film passes easier and faster. You'll enjoy strolling to our Opening, Centerpiece, and Closing Night parties and, with our new theater partner, the Alamo Drafthouse, you can have your cake and eat it, too.
Our Centerpiece Film, "Like a Virgin," was brought to us by Tim League, co-owner of the Alamo. A multi-award winning Korean narrative, "Like a Virgin" is one of those hidden little gems that somehow escaped the U.S. festival market, and its presentation at aGLIFF marks its US GLBTI premiere, despite the fact that the film was released in Korea in 2005. Though marketed as a comedy, "Like a Virgin" is remarkably complex and the characters – the mark of a good story – stay with you long after the film has ended.
Another program I want to call attention to is the French title, "Before I Forget" (Avant que J'oublie). A true actor's director, Jacques Nolot's blackly humorous film reminds me of the films of Cassavetes – a portrait of the exquisite juxtaposition of the divine and the mundane. Don't miss this one.
"XXY," winner of the Spanish Goya, the Cannes Critic's Week Award, and 17 other international honors, presents the remarkable performance of Inés Efron, who perfectly conveys the delicate and powerful emotions behind a young intersex teen, and her family's struggle to understand and connect with each other.
Our week is packed with international intrigue, political thriller, campy horror, tender love stories, inspirational docs, musicals and zombie nightmares. This year's films have received Best Screenplays, Best Director's, Best Films, Jury Awards, Audience Awards, and too many nominations to list. Check out all the descriptions on aGLIFF's B-Side, with photos, videos, and recommendations from other viewers.
http://agliff.bside.com/2008/schedule
Usually, about this time, I'd be responding to a slew of emails from friends asking, "What should I go see?"
My response is - "Everything."
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