The OUTshine Film Festival wraps up its 20th anniversary this weekend in Miami Beach. The 10-day festival included more than 80 feature, documentary and short film screenings, as well as red carpet events, parties and panel discussions with directors, writers and actors.
Here are five films worth seeing during this final weekend of the festival:
“Snapshots”
Southeast Premiere
Thursday, April 26, 7 p.m.
English / U.S.A. / 91 min.
“A grandmother’s secret past collides with her granddaughter’s secret future and her daughter’s angry present.” The acting in this lesbian-themed family drama starring Piper Laurie may be painfully forced, but the story—and the women’s complicated intergenerational relationships—remains uplifting, proving love can surmount obstacles resulting from secrecy.
“Postcards from London”
North American Premiere
Friday, April 27, 6:45 p.m.
English / U.K. / 88 min.
Every LGBT film festival needs a little camp and you’ll find it in “Postcards from London.” Jim is young man from the countryside who has just moved to London and finds himself recruited into a group of sophisticated male escorts. “I’m searching for a world full of mystery and possibilities,” he tells them. Let’s just say this film isn’t quite the gay version of “Pretty Woman.”
“McQueen”
Southeast Premiere
Saturday, April 28, 3 p.m.
English / U.K. / 111 min.
Fashion designer Alexander McQueen reached the pinnacle of success, yet he could never really escape his unremarkable working-class background or the depression that tormented him throughout his career. He committed suicide in 2010 at the age of 40, just days after his mother died. SFGN wasn’t able to screen this film in advance, but the industry buzz is real.
“Freelancers Anonymous”
Sneak Peak
Sunday, April 29, 2:30 P.M.
English / U.S.A. / 81 min.
If you liked “The Office,” then you’ll absolutely adore director Sonia Sebastian’s deadpan comedy “Freelancers Anonymous.” After quitting her “soul-sucking” corporate job, Billie teams up with a misfit band of women to launch a new app for freelancers, all while juggling the preparations for her same-sex wedding. What could go wrong? Plenty, and it predictably does.
“Every Act of Life”
Southeast Premiere
Sunday, April 29, 5:15 p.m.
English / U.S.A. / 90 min.
“Every Act of Life” is a rather conventional documentary about 78-year-old playwright Terrence McNally, whose stellar career has inspired multiple generations of LGBT people. Director Jeff Kaufman stays out of the way as a “Who’s Who” of Broadway legends reminisce and praise the four-time Tony winner who left Corpus Christi, Tx. as a teen for the bright lights of Broadway.
Screenings of these films are presented at Regal Cinemas South Beach, 1120 Lincoln Rd. in Miami Beach. For a complete festival schedule and tickets, go to OUTshineFilm.org.
