Last week, SFGN took a look at five films from the festival’s first weekend. Here, we offer mini-reviews of five more films worth seeing, all during the second weekend of the OUTshine Film Festival:
“Girl”
Thursday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m.
Savor Cinema
East Coast Premiere
Fifteen-year-old Lara’s goal is clear: to become a professional ballerina. Supported by her father, Lara (Victor Polster) attends a prestigious dance school. But, the frustrations and impatience of adolescence intensify as she gradually faces the daunting challenges classical ballet imposes on the body of a girl born in a boy's body.
SFGN: It’s refreshing to see a story about a trans youth with supportive parents. Belgian director Lukas Dhont effectively and compassionately conveys the inner turmoil experienced by many trans people, but within the context of those formative adolescent years.
“Mapplethorpe”
Friday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m.
Savor Cinema
Perhaps the most controversial photographer in American history, Robert Mapplethorpe celebrated a range of subjects—from flowers to S&M—in his striking images. He electrified the contemporary art world and immortalized a generation ravaged by AIDS. Matt Smith (“The Crown,” “Doctor Who”) stars.
SFGN: Matt Smith is arguably one of the finest dramatic actors on screens today and he once again completely assumes a role, this time the gay photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. There have been documentaries, but it’s fascinating to see Mapplethorpe’s life portrayed in a biopic.
“Transmilitary”
Saturday, Oct. 27, 12:30 p.m.
Classic Gateway Theatre
“Transmilitary” chronicles the lives of four patriots defending their country’s freedom while fighting for their own. They put their careers on the line by coming out as transgender to top brass officials in the Pentagon in hopes of attaining the equal right to serve.
SFGN: There are so many excellent documentaries in this year’s festival. The first weekend featured “Man Made,” about four trans men daring to compete in a bodybuilding competition. Here we meet determined men willing to die for their country.
“Tenn”
Saturday, Oct. 27, 9:30 p.m.
Classic Gateway Theatre
East Coast Premiere
In this period drama, Tom (Tennessee) Williams (Jacob Loeb), an aspiring writer in his 20s, lives with a negligent father. He attempts to maintain peace in the family while also dealing with his depressed and anti-social sister. Struggling against the societal pressures and expectations of him, Tennessee is determined to find his voice as a playwright.
SFGN: James Franco is a brilliant writer, director and actor, but so often his work seems either flighty or overly conceptual. Yes, we’re talking about “The Disaster Artist” and his ill-conceived dramatic documentary “Interior. Leather Bar.” This film is different.
“Boy Erased”
Sunday, Oct. 28, 6 p.m.
Savor Cinema
“Boy Erased” tells the story of Jared (Lucas Hedges), the teenage son of a Baptist pastor in a small town, who is outed to his parents (Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe). Jared is faced with an ultimatum to attend gay conversion therapy or be permanently exiled and shunned by his family.
SFGN: This painful drama is headed to wider release across the country in just a few weeks, but an LGBT film festival seems like the ideal setting for this searing reminder that our brothers and sisters still face abhorrent treatment in our own country.
The OUTshine Film Festival runs Oct. 18 – 28 in Fort Lauderdale. For a complete schedule and tickets, go to OutShineFilm.com. Visit SFGN.com/OUTshine2018 for some reviews of other select films at this year’s film fest.
