North America 2023 Archives - Page 2 of 2

Gods and Monsters

Free entry with Cinematheque membership

A screening for the film’s 25th anniversary

A screen adaptation of Christopher Bram novel that speculates on the last days in the life of film director James Whale (“Frankenstein”, 1931).
The story takes place in 1957. A young gardener comes to work in Whale’s house and a relationship forms between the two men based on teasing, seduction, resistance and rejection.
The film is drawing comparisons between the personal life of Whale, who was one of the only openly gay directors of classic Hollywood (and had paid dearly for it) and the classic and camp horror films he made.
Director Bill Condon has created an elegant and intelligent film that manages to reach everyone’s heart. It stars three outstanding actors in their prime: Ian McKellen as Whale and Lynn Redgrave as his housekeeper (both were nominated for an Oscar for their performances) and Brendan Fraser (who had won an Oscar this year for his role in “Whale”).
35mm screening.

Big Boys

An unexpected crush turns an innocent camping trip into a weekend of self discovery in this heartwarming coming-of-age film. 14 years old Jamie is one of those kids who are interested in French cuisine, first aid and reading the news. He’s very excited about the camping weekend with his beloved cousin Allie (Dora Madison, “Friday Night Lights”) and his annoying brother Will (Taj Cross, “PEN15”), but Allie brings along an unexpected surprise – her new boyfriend Dan. At first, Jamie is very disappointed by this addition that is going to steal the attention of his cousin, but then he slowly realises that Dan is actually a really nice guy – he can pitch up a tent and light a fire, he’s open to Jamie’s spice suggestions and enjoys playing the games Jamie is proposing. For the first time in his life Jamie starts to feel confusing feelings of falling in love.
Director/screenwriter Corey Sherman captures Jamie’s feelings in a reliable and moving way, and provides the audience with full and well-rounded characters. Isaac Krasner is very impressive in his first leading role (his next project is going to be next to Nicole Kidman). Also makes an appearance Emily Deschanel (“Bones”) as Jamie’s mother.

Cora Bora

A surprising comedy from director Hannah Pearl Utt starring queer actress Megan Stalter (Kayla from “Hacks”).
Stalter is Cora, who arrived in Los Angeles in pursuit of her dream to become a successful musician, but for now has to settle for coffee house gigs. In a spur of the moment she decides to go back to her hometown Portland in order to get her ex-girlfriend Justine back. Not everything goes according to plan and Cora finds herself searching for a lost dog, meeting a childhood friend with a grudge and in the midst of a pansexual orgy. Cora is a little like Phoebe from “Friends” (only bisexual) who entangles herself in much more extreme, sexual and embarrassing situations.
Megan Stalter takes the screen by storm in the lead role. Next to her you can find stand up comedian Margaret Cho, veteran comedian Darrell Hammond (“SNL”), Manny Jacinto (“The Good Place”) and Heather Morris (“Glee”), who make up a part of a very colorful cast and the sassy characters in this hilarious and unexpected film.

Equal

From ‘That’s Wonderful’ productions by Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory”) and Grag Berlanti (“Love Simon” and DC comic TV shows) comes a series that explores the birth of the LGBTQ activist movement in the USA.

Episode 1: The birth of a movement
America of the 50’s sees homosexuals as illegal, sick and immoral. As a retaliation two gay and lesbian movements rise up and fight back. The LGBTQ rights movement begins!

Episode 2: Transgender pioneers
The 1966 Compton riots in San Francisco were led by a community of transgender women, drag queens and other people who don’t fall into regular gender assumptions. This episode brings the stories of three remarkable transgender people.

Episode 3: Black is beautiful, gay is good!
The joining of LGBTQ rights and human rights – fights on the national, local and personal levels. We meet three very different activists- Lorraine Hansberry, Bayard Rustin and José Sarria and learn of the first big LGBTQ protest (and no, it’s not the Stonewall riots)

Episode 4: Stonewall: From rebellion to liberation
The Stonewall riots- one fateful night that began a week long of riots that led to the modern LGBTQ movement. After a year of militant activity that changed history- the first Pride Parade went out to the streets.

Additional screening: Be’er Sheva Pride House

In association with the Embassy of United States of America

Mutt

After going through a gender affirming surgery it seemed easier for Feña to just cut every tie to his past and start fresh. Dealing with the changes he’s been through was bad enough, not to mention his family’s reaction. But when he runs into his ex-boyfriend and gets a surprise visit from his father and his little sister, life forces him to deal with the past.

“Mutt” is the debut film of director Vuk Lungulov-Klotz who creates a cinematic piece full of compassion, intimacy and honesty, taking us through the journey of a man who tries to reconcile his past with his present so he could have a better future.

A special praise goes to the cast of previously unknown actors, which makes the viewing experience a real joy. Above all others shines transgender actor Lío Mehiel as Feña.

The screening is in association with Project Gila & part of the earnings are a donation to the project.

Gila Project for Trans Empowerment (AKA Transgenders for Social Justice) was founded in 2010 by and for the transgender community. It began as an activist group working to change the lives of transgender people, with a focus on personal empowerment, advocacy for rights, and demanding access to resources and opportunities. The Project grew into a strong trans-led nonprofit that continues to uphold these values and goals, and works in the field of LGBTQ rights, human rights, and social justice.

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North America 2023

Gods and Monsters

Big Boys

Cora Bora

Equal

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