Q Fest takes a walk on the wild side

Paul F. Agusta, Contributor/Jakarta

For the third year in a row, the Q Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (QFF) will present Jakartans with an alternative selection of films they most likely would not see anywhere else.

With the cooperation of several gay and lesbian film festivals from all over the world, the selection will offer more than ever before, with all events at free admission.

Running from Dec. 9 through Dec. 19, the QFF is focusing this year on short films and will screen 88 shorts, 27 feature films and 16 documentaries.

The brainchild of John Badalu, a film critic, QFF has grown within the three years of its existence into one of the largest film festivals of its kind in Asia.

Sponsored solely this year by Aksi Stop AIDS (ASA), a local AIDS organization, QFF 2004 will also host a variety of events, including two discussion workshops.

A discussion on homosexuality in Indonesian literature will feature speakers Bagus Utama, author of Manusia-manusia (Humans), and Hetih Rusli, editor of Andre Aksana's novel Lelaki Terindah (The Most Beautiful Man), and will be moderated by screenwriter Ve Handojo.

The other will be on film distribution with UK-based film sales and marketing director Tom Abell and European Coordination of Film Festivals secretary-general Robin Mallick.

In addition, the festival will hold a seminar on experimental filmmaking led by Michael Brynntrup of Germany, an exhibition showing the work of five local gay and lesbian artists and a photo exhibition by Elizabeth Carrechio of France themed Transvestites in Indonesia.

Other supporting events will involve nine international guest filmmakers and artists from Germany, Holland, Malaysia, Spain and the UK.

Don't forget the parties -- the QFF will hold a Queer Karaoke Party featuring intentionally cheesy karaoke videos directed by several well-known Indonesian filmmakers, including Nia Di Nata.

The karaoke party will be held at the Barolo Wine and Cigar Lounge in Kemang, one of the nine venues contributing to this year's festival. The remaining eight are: Erasmus Huis, the French Cultural Center, the Italian Cultural Center, Aksara bookstore, Aula Yakarta, Cemara 6 Gallery, Galeri Oktagon and Teater Utan Kayu.

Along with an opportunity to enjoy the films, as with last year, viewers will be able to vote for their favorites, and an Audience Award will be given to those films that capture the greatest audience interest.

Information on the titles, schedules and venues of the Q Gay and Lesbian Film Festival are available at www.qfilmfestival.com.