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<\/a>\u201cSadly, we have seen many LGBT-themed film festivals in the U.S. and beyond struggle,\u201d said FilmOut Festival Director Kaleb James. \u201cDespite the challenges, FilmOut is thriving and we are strong and more solvent than ever in our 15th year.\u201d<\/p>\n
James was quick to thank the \u201cexcellent leadership, active participation and enthusiastic dedication\u201d of the nonprofit\u2019s board, staff and volunteers, saying the group is deeply determined and devotes time, resources and energy to the organization\u2019s success year round. FilmOut produces monthly screenings of popular general and LGBT films, partnering with local community groups for crossover support.<\/p>\n
One of those \u201cdeeply determined\u201d FilmOut members is Michael McQuiggan, who has been a part of the organization for 13 of their 15 years. Primarily responsible for FilmOut\u2019s offerings, he has been festival programmer since 2004.<\/p>\n
McQuiggan said LGBT movies have changed in three areas: \u201cbigger budgets, better directors and better actors,\u201d though he sees a general shift in all aspects as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s actually the whole package,\u201d he said. \u201cEverything has just overall improved.\u201d<\/p>\n
For FilmOut, being a staple in the San Diego LGBT community for 15 years has brought an increase in attendance and sponsorship, as well as a way for filmmakers to reach a regular, dedicated audience.<\/p>\n
\u201cLGBT-themed film festivals are important \u2026 because they give voice to filmmakers who seek to share the challenges, joys, humor and heartaches of our LGBT community with a wider audience,\u201d James said. \u201cIn a time when the world is finally beginning to come to the table to speak openly and acceptingly about human equality, these themes couldn\u2019t be more paramount.\u201d<\/p>\n
For this year\u2019s festival, FilmOut received over 350 submissions, which McQuiggan and the board had to reduce to 35 films, including 16 features.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had to turn away a lot of good films,\u201d he said. To make sure the passed-on selections have an audience, FilmOut is looking to present some at later monthly screenings in 2013.<\/p>\n
McQuiggan said those they were able to secure for this year\u2019s festival \u2013 the process is greater than pre-screening and includes negotiating with filmmakers and producers, scheduling guest appearances and securing rights \u2013 are more intelligent than movies that have screened in the past.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year, a theme for me that I\u2019ve noticed is they\u2019re more socially relevant and they\u2019re darker than they have been in the past few years,\u201d he said. \u201cThere have always been good LGBT films, but now there are so many.\u201d<\/p>\n
One film receiving a lot of buzz, he said, is their opening night film \u201cG.B.F.\u201d about a teenager who is outed by his friends only to become the center of attention for three prom queen candidates. The movie stars Michael J. Willett as Tanner, the newly popular gay teen, and has appearances by Megan Mullally and Jonathan Silverman.<\/p>\n
In an interview for San Diego Gay & Lesbian News (SDGLN), the film\u2019s director Darren Stein said it was important to him to make a film with a gay protagonist.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was nice to see the universe of the teen genre shift to the place where a gay kid could be the hero. This is his story,\u201d Stein said to SDGLN. \u201cIt\u2019s really about making the gay high school experience relatable on a more universal level.\u201d<\/p>\n
While reluctant to say which are his personal favorites, McQuiggan said he was particularly excited for the seven showcase films: opening night\u2019s \u201cG.B.F.,\u201d Boys Centerpiece \u201cLove or Whatever,\u201d Audience Spotlight \u201cThe Go Doc Project,\u201d Girls Centerpiece \u201cMargarita,\u201d Festival Spotlight \u201cMeth Head,\u201d International Spotlight \u201cOut in the Dark,\u201d and closing night\u2019s \u201cI Am Divine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re kicking it up a little bit more than usual,\u201d he said, including more filmmakers and actors in attendance, and opening and closing night parties that he hopes stand apart from what they have been in the past.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s weird, because to me it doesn\u2019t feel any different than any of the other festivals I\u2019ve programmed,\u201d McQuiggan said. \u201cIt just happens to be a milestone year.\u201d<\/p>\n
All films screen at the Birch North Park Theatre, located at 2891 University Ave. Festival passes start at $99, and $10 individual screening tickets are available online or at the door. Ticket holders for the opening night film will have entrance to the party at Claire de Lune\u2019s Sunset Temple, 3911 Kansas St. in North Park. The closing night party will be held in the lobby of the theater, hosted by West Coast Tavern.<\/p>\n