The number one box office smashes often leave out opinionated voices or ask people to tone down their truths. But when the mainstream does not allow a medium for your story, there is only one thing left to do – develop your own outlets.
“I just got tired of taking scripts in and companies saying ‘can you tone it down, it’s too gay,” says Kirkland Tibbel, president and CEO of Funny Boy Films, the first production company dedicated solely to gay film.
“Reeling: The 24th Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival” has made a tradition out of celebrating the voices and stories of the lesbian and gay community. This year “Reeling” will showcase films Nov. 3-12.
“Reeling” is the second oldest film festival of its kind. Featuring 130 films in 16 categories, it offers untold stories from an often neglected group in this country.
For more than two decades, people from all over the world have come to view the intriguing, provocative and real stories showcased during the festival. And this year will be no different.
The opening gala is expected to sell out and other tickets for opening night at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., features Summer Storm, a coming-of-age story about young gay rowers who struggle with their own prejudices as they try to find their true feelings.
The political story of an Iranian lesbian seeking asylum in Germany, Unveiled, was chosen as the Women’s Centerpiece Film and will be shown at Columbia College’s Film Row Cinema, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. Its counterpart, the Men’s Centerpiece Film Say Uncle – the directorial debut from Queer as Folk’s Peter Paige – will show at Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema (2828 N. Clark St.) Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. The festival’s closer will be The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green, screening Nov. 12 at 8:30 p.m. at Film Row; it will be followed by an after party.
Also featuring situations facing non-American lesbians is (The Journey) Sancharram. The Journey won the award for best film at the 40th Chicago International Film Festival and was directed by Ligy J. Pullappally (winner of India’s Best Debut Director award). The film charts the relationship between two women who are childhood friends growing up in an Indian village. In a climate where the only relationships that are accepted are arranged, their affair blossoms as they reach young adulthood.
“Reeling” is produced by Chicago Filmmakers, a 32-year-old nonprofit organization that encourages making films as a form of artistic and personal expression and as a means to promote social awareness.
“There are so many representations of straight people in my life,” says Leslie Gittings, Rainbow Alliance Technology Chair and McCormick junior. “Film is one of those things where so much can be accomplished in an hour-and-a-half.”
Noting the many stereotypes and misconceptions of the gay community, the films highlight a growing and increasingly prominent subculture. Accurate and diverse portrayals in all forms of media are important when dealing with the struggles for civil equality the community faces today. Recognizing the importance of film and its influence is the reason why many people get involved.
“I had a strong interest in film and a strong interest in gay and lesbian issues,” says Dan Miracle, director of marketing and media relations for the festival. “So this seemed like the perfect place.”
Tibbels’s Funny Boy Films contributes Adam and Steve to this year’s festival. The film’s two leading actors, Craig Chester and Malcom Gets, are both openly gay. Their characters initially meet in the ’80s and have what Tibbels describes as a horrific one-night stand. The men then happen to run into each other 15 years later, and the rest of the movie follows them as they fight their amorous fate. Adam and Steve also stars Parker Posey and Saturday Night Live’s Chris Kattan in supporting roles.
“‘Reeling’ is important to me because I graduated from Columbia College and I really want to support Chicago Filmmakers,” Tibbels says.
Choosing the films is not an easy task and takes a lot of time to plan. While the main features are obtained from distribution companies, some of them were chosen from hundreds if submissions.
“We try to have balance,” says Chicago Filmmakers program director Patrick Friel. The selections range from feature length films to shorts to documentaries.
So, if you just want to see a good film or are looking for a way to experience the LGBT community, “Reeling” offers an enlightening look into the culture.
“Film festivals are a good cultural event,” says Medill sophomore Matthew Jimenez. “And it’s good to see films involving gay characters where the emphasis is not that they are gay.”4
Medill sophomore Niema Jordan is a PLAY writer. She can be reached at [email protected].
