Twenty-nine years ago, Brenda Webb co-found Chicago’s first gay and lesbian film festival. Now, the Reeling Film Festival has grown to attract around 15,000 people every year and is the second oldest festival of its kind in the world.
The goal of the festival was simple: to provide a sense of community for gays and lesbians and also portray them in a more accurate light.
“In the early days, there was a more compelling need,” said Webb, who still plays an active role in Reeling as the co-director of the festival. “Part of the festival’s mission is trying to correct what the stereotyping and misrepresentation in mainstream media has done. Gays and lesbians were largely absent in television and film or portrayed in tragic ways as victims or for comic relief.”
Although gays and lesbians are more prevalent in the media today, Webb says events like Reeling are still a vital and necessary part of the Chicago scene.
“It’s important to celebrate as a community and come together in a place,” she said. “I’m really proud of what we do with the little resources we have.”
This year, Reeling is screening 54 films from a variety of countries. Below are a few of the films to watch out for this year.
Gen Silent
Before the Stonewall riots, open homosexuals were often outcasts and their sexual preferences were considered a mental disorder. “Gen Silent” is a documentary that takes a look at how LGBT seniors are going back inside the closet in fear of discrimination. Abandoned by their families, many are aging and dying alone. Facing judgment and risk at an age where they are often defenseless, some of the elderly choose to stay isolated.
I Killed My Mother
This French-Canadian Cannes favorite explores the complexities of mother-son relationships. Hubert is a typical teenager: he is narcissistic, experiments with drugs and hates his mother. He hates the way his mother eats, the way she drives amd almost everything she does. As his home life crumbles, Hubert finds acceptance from his boyfriend an a teacher. But when Hubert is outed to his mother, their strained relationship hits a breaking point.
Game of Juan’s Life
Wandering aimlessly through the crowded streets of Manila, Juan looks for any way to make quick cash. Juan must return home to the province where his mother is dying and there are better job opportunities. Before leaving, Juan makes a stop in a bar where he works as a performer giving illegal sex shows. Just as a performance is ending, police raid the lounge, threatening Juan’s chances of making a fresh start.
I Love You Phillip Morris
This comedy-drama starring Jim Carrey explores the true story of an ex-con. After a bad car accident, Steven Russell comes out of the closet and into a gay life in Miami, where he turns to cons to pay for his expensive lifestyle. When those cons land him in jail, Steven meets Phillip and falls in love with him. They’re pulled apart when Phillip is released. Using every method imaginable, Steven comes up with ways to break out of jail and find his way to the man he loves.
Tierra Madre
All Aidee wants is home for her kids and to give them the opportunities she never had. Aidee works long hours as an exotic dancer to earn the money to make her dreams come true. She meets Rosalba, and the two fall in love. Aidee supports Rosalba’s desire to have a child of her own. But when Rosalba unexpectedly abandons her son and runs away with her baby’s father, Aidee must find the strength to carry on and support her family.
The Reeling Film Festival will run from November 4-13 and will screen films at Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema (2828 N. Clark St.), Film Row Cinema (Columbia College, 1104 S. Wabash) and Chicago Filmmakers (5243 N. Clark St.). A complete schedule of films and ticket information are available at reelingfilmfestival.org.
