Q Fest takes a walk on the wild side
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.