Fresh Ten Film Festival Favorites

New York City, New York and San Francisco, California are known throughout the world as two of the epicenters of gay and lesbian culture – so it comes as no surprise that the LGBT film festivals that take place in these cities are among the most respected and highly anticipated of the year. NewFest, which is running now through June 11 in New York City, and Frameline, from June 18-20 in San Francisco, will be featuring the best of the best of LGBT film. To help in your quest to find the stories that best suite your interests we have listed our Fresh Ten Film Festival Favorites that are appearing at either NewFest, Frameline, or both.

10. Society. Billed the South African Sex and the City, Society is an ensemble drama about a group of diverse black women living, loving and thriving in Johannesburg.  An unexpected reunion prompted by a sad occurrence challenges the facade of these professional women and risks their relationships and happiness. Appearing at Newfest.

9. Girl Seeks Girl. Hailed as Spain’s answer to The L Word, Girl Seeks Girl (Chica Busca Chica) radiates with sexy fun, exploring the lives, loves, dreams and heartaches of a group of vibrant women living in Madrid. Appearing at Frameline.

8. black./womyn.: conversations with lesbians of african descent. Out black lesbians between 18 and 60 years old speak about their experiences with sexuality, religion, coming out, visibility in the media, discrimination, homophobia, marriage, gender roles, identity, activism and the challenges of balancing their gender, race, and sexuality. This sometimes light-hearted, sometimes sobering, always poignant film includes poets Cheryl Clarke and Staceyann Chin, artist Hanifah Walidah, and hip-hop performers KIN. Appearing at NewFest.

7. Ghosted. Monika Treut (Gendernauts, Female Misbehavior) returns to the festival circuit with this haunting love story. Hamburg artist Sophie travels to Taipei for an art show produced in her murdered girlfriend’s honor. Sophie encounters Mei-Li, a pushy and seductive journalist investigating Ai-Ling’s death. While still in love with Ai-Ling and confused by her lust for Mei-Li, Sophie flees and Mei-Li follows. As the attraction goes stronger, Sophie comes to a startling discovery that changes everything she knows about Ai-Ling’s death. Appearing at Newfest and Frameline.

6. The 6 Month Rule. In this short film a group of friends gather for a holiday party that ends in disaster after the hostess’ matchmaking scheme backfires on her, when Alex decides she’s more interested in Nicki (Michelle Wolff) than the blind date intended for her. (http://www.myspace.com/the6monthrule.) Appearing at Frameline.

5. Family. Finding closeted life harrowing, six African American lesbians forge a pact to come out within 30 days. As familial and professional relationships change, the women come to depend on the family they chose instead of the family they chose instead of the family they were given.  (http://familythefilm.net/) Appearing at Frameline.

4. Training Rules. “No drinking, no drugs, no lesbians.” These were the rules of Penn State basketball coach Rene Portland. Focusing on the dismissal of Lady Lions’ top scorer Jennifer Harris, this film by Oscar-nominated director Dee Mosbacher explores how homophobic practices in women’s collegiate sports destroy the dreams of many of its most talented athletes. Appearing at Frameline and Newfest.

3. The Art of Being Straight. Bored with New York City, twenty-something Jon moves to Los Angeles to stay with his best friend Andy and his frat boy buddies. While working at an advertising firm Jon finds himself wondering why he’s attracted to his older gay boss. As Jon attempts to untangle his complicated sexuality, his good friend Maddy puts her lesbian relationship in jeopardy when she finds herself attracted to a scruffy male hipster. Eschewing traditional notions of black-and-white sexuality, this mature piece represents the next generation of gay film. Appearing at Newfest.

2. The Baby Formula. In a Canadian mockumentary with a kick (pun intended), Athena and Lilith rock lovely lady lumps as they dare to boldly go where no couple has gone before — simultaneously bearing children with two biological mothers. (No sperm!) (http://thebabyformulamovie.com/) Appearing at Newfest and Frameline.

1.    And Then Came Lola. In the fast-paced, colorful, fragmented style of Run Lola Run, this San Francisco based feature chronicles the tempestuous journey of commitment phobic photographer Lola. Don’t miss the fun-filled lesbian rom-com of 2009 complete with SF inside jokes and sexy bedroom scenes.(http://andthencamelola.wordpress.com/) Appearing at Frameline.