By popular demand, the audience favorite film for the 2008 festival is "Like a Virgin." A packed house at last night's screening resoundingly voted for its encore presentation. "Like a Virgin" will play tonight, Saturday September 6th, at 10:30 p.m. If you missed the first screening, be sure to catch this one! You won't regret it.

Slackerwood and Arts Eclectic

If you're interested in hearing more about the upcoming festival, check out Chris Holland and Jette Kernion's podcast on Slackerwood, and hear PJ Raval talk about his film, Trinidad, on this week's Arts Eclectic with Michael Lee.

Purchasing Festival Badges and Passes

Badges and Passes are the best way to experience the aGLIFF film festival. To purchase them, please visit the aGLIFF website.

They may also be purchased at the Alamo Ritz box office beginning September 3rd. Badges and Passes DO NOT guarantee seating AFTER general seating begins, which is 20 minutes prior to the film.

PRICES:

All-access Badges get you seated first at all the films (including the Centerpiece Film) and you can sail in to the parties with no waiting in line, ever.

Cost starts at: $350

Film Passes are a significantly discounted price to the films, and you get seated right after the Badge holders. You also get a discount to all the aGLIFF 21 festival parties and to the Centerpiece film.

Cost: $75

Individual Tickets are only available for each screening once Badge holders and Pass holders have been seated. They will go on sale 30 minutes prior to the screening at the Alamo Box Office only.

Cost: $10

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."

Welcome to aGLIFF 2008

The Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival (aGLIFF) is the oldest and largest gay and lesbian film festival in the Southwest. In its first year, the festival included only five films screened over seven evenings at the Dobie Theater. By 2000, the festival had grown to include 150 films and videos from 14 countries. In 2003, attendance reached a record-breaking 16,000! The Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival is THE largest gay and lesbian cultural event in Austin.

Known for its casual and playful nature, Austin is the playground of Texas. Situated at the center of the Lone Star State, it stands as the gateway to the Texas Hill Country and the Highland Lakes. As the state capital and home to the University of Texas, the city supports a politically charged and culturally rich environment. It's hip, trendy, and high-tech. A large creative population-primarily musicians and artists-enhance its eclectic nature.