Although Oscar nominee Uma Thurman, Willem Dafoe and Oscar-winning legend Martin Landau and other film celebs will attend the 2009 Chicago International Film Festival ( CIFF ) which kicks off its 45th year Thursday, Oct. 8, and runs through Oct. 22, it's the inclusion of a new film programming category in its official lineup that will be most anticipated by LGBT film audiences. "OUTrageous" is the program's name, which is described in festival literature as "from the edgy to the tender, these bold gay-themed films fearlessly exhibit new artistic perspectives on sexuality."
That's the good news. The not-so-good news is that, although LGBT-themed movies have been given this new, special category to highlight them, the number of queer films overall has dropped—from nine last year, in a festival featuring more than 150 movies, to just six. But as usual, festival programmers have gathered what sounds like an interesting array of queer-themed movies ( see descriptions below ) and are to be lauded for finally recognizing that audiences of all persuasions are eager for films about Our People.
Motherhood—a comedy from director Katherine Dieckmann in which Thurman plays a Manhattan-based woman trying to balance kids, husband and a writing career—is the opening-night selection of the festival. Anthony Edwards plays the husband and Minnie Driver is also in the cast. ( The film opens here for a commercial run at the end of October. ) Thurman and Dieckmann will attend the red-carpet premiere festivities Oct. 8 beginning at 6 p.m. at the AMC River East Theatre, 322 E. Illinois, followed by a cocktail/hors d'oeuvres reception at theWit Hotel, 201 N. State.
The centerpiece screening of the festival is the eagerly anticipated Precious, based on the novel Push by Sapphire, the story of a pregnant 16-year-old African-American girl born into poverty in Harlem. Director Lee Daniels is the recipient of the fest's Artistic Achievement award for the film ( which has already garnered top festival prizes at Sundance and Toronto ) . Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe, who stars as Precious, will be honored with the fest's Breakthrough Performance award. Both Daniels and Sidibe will attend the Wednesday, Oct. 14 red carpet festivities, a post-screening tribute to Daniels, a Q&A and post-reception—all being held at the AMC River East ( sole screening venue for this year's movies—a great move on the part of the festival ) . An encore presentation, minus Daniels and Sidibe, is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16, at 6:15 p.m.
North By Northwest, Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the festival will honor the film with a screening on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 5 p.m. Martin Landau, Oscar winner for his tremendous performance playing horror icon Bela Lugosi in Tim Burton's Ed Wood, who plays the sinister, devoted—and subtly gay—henchman to villain James Mason, will attend the screening.
Emily Blunt—who first came to prominence in the sultry lesbian love story My Summer of Love and had breakout roles in The Devil Wears Prada and Sunshine Cleaning—stars in the festival's closing-night presentation, The Young Victoria, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. This historical romance follows the early reign of Queen Victoria and her tempestuous romance with Prince Albert ( Rupert Friend from Cheri and Pride & Prejudice ) . Paul Bettany co-stars.
The six films in the OUTrageous film program include the following titles ( Note: Descriptions come from CIFF press materials—screeners were not made available in time to meet WCT deadlines. )
The Thank You Girls ( Philippines ) —This celebration of a singular family of drag queens follows a hapless group of beauty pageant contestants who leave the big city in search of fame, glamour, and adoration out in the rural provinces. It will be presented in Visayan with subtitles. Screens Oct. 12, 17, 18
Raging Sun, Raging Sky ( Mexico ) —This strangely hypnotic tale follows a young man's quest for love through the seediest spots in contemporary Mexico City. Named best gay-themed feature at Berlin, the film creates a deeply sensual atmosphere by blending intense eroticism and arresting monochrome visuals. It will be presented in Spanish with subtitles. Screens Oct. 10, 12
Give Me Your Hand ( France ) —Twin brothers—one gay, one straight—travel to the funeral of a mother they never met, equipped with only their rucksacks. Theirs is a close if combative relationship, but it is threatened by sexual entanglements and betrayal as they progress through the European countryside. French with subtitles; screens Oct. 9, 10, 13
Eyes Wide Open ( Germany, Israel ) —Jerusalem's ultra-Orthodox community offers the comfort of belonging, but the conformity can be suffocating. Aaron, a devoted husband and father, is well-respected in this world. Then he meets Ezri, a charismatic 22-year-old, who quickly steals Aaron's heart. Soon he's choosing this taboo love over his family. Hebrew, Yiddish with subtitles; screens Oct. 17, 18, 19
A Woman's Way ( Greece ) —Taboos of love, sex and family are defiantly and happily broken in A Woman's Way. Following a love affair between an ex-con and a transsexual hooker, the film has a shocking twist echoing the classic tragedies of Greek theater. Vibrant colors and sensational costuming balance the deep-dark storyline, propelling this melodrama to sensational heights. Greek with subtitles; screens Oct. 17, 18
A Frozen Flower ( South Korea ) —Set in 13th-century Korea, this sweeping epic tells the unconventional story of a taboo love triangle between the king of Goryeo, his male guard and the queen. This bold and provocative tale of blossoming desire is laced with bloody battles and betrayal, lust and forbidden love. Korean, Mandarin with subtitles; screens Oct. 11, 13
As noted, all films will screen at the AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois. Complete information on tickets, show times and special events are available by calling 312-332-FILM ( 3456 ) or online at www.chicagofilmfestival.com .
