Inside Out 2010 Coverage

Pre-Festival Coverage:
Festival Preview

Film Reviews:
And Then Lola Came
Assume Nothing
Eyes Wide Open / Einaym Pkuhot
Joan Rivers - A Piece of Work (from Hot Docs 2010)
Man Who Loved Yngve, The
Owls, The
Prima Donna: The Story of Rufus Wainwright's Debut Opera
Regretters
Secret Diary of Miss Ann Lister, The
Strella: A Woman's Way
Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls
Undertow / Contracorriente
We are the Mods

Post-Festival Coverage:
Awards

The Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film and Video Festival 2010 ran from May 20-30, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Inside Out 2010: Awards

Juries have deliberated and audience ballots have been counted. Here are the results! The 2010 Inside Out Awards are:

Canadian Jury Awards:

Entertainment Partners Canada/ Canada Film Capitol Award for Best Canadian Feature
Mark by Mike Hoolboom

Colin Campbell Award for Best Canadian Short
Our Compass by Tess Vo

Best Up-and-Coming Toronto Film or Video Maker Award presented by Charles Street Video
Chris by Don Bapst

International Jury Award:

Bill Sherwood Award for Best First Feature
Plan B by Marco Berger, Argentina 2009

Audience Awards:

RBC Royal Bank Award for Best Feature Film or Video
The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister by James Kent, UK 2010

Elle Flanders Award for Best Documentary Film or Video
Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls by Leanne Pooley, New Zealand 2009

Mikey/Schmikey Award for Best Short Film or Video
The Armoire by Jamie Travis, Canada 2009

The Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film and Video Festival 2010 ran from May 20-30, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Inside Out 2010: Yngve, Lola & Assume Nothing

Above: The Man Who Loved Yngve

The Man Who Loved Yngve
Dir: Stian Kristiansen
Cast: Arthur Berning, Ole Christoffer Ertvaag, Ida Elise Broch, Rolf Kristian Larsen
Norway

Teen angst runs high in The Man Who Loved Yngve, set in Norway circa the fall of the Berlin Wall. The film is centred on Jarle (Rolf Kristian Larsen), who miraculously seems to have the best it can get as when it comes to the 80's, plays in a synth-pop band and is going out with Katrine (Ida Elise Broch), who is the best girlfriend. Everything breaks loose when there is a new boy in town, Yngve (Ole Christoffer Ertvaag) and suddenly life seems to take on a whole new level of angst for Jarle. Beautifully shot and with strong performances by the young cast, we are treated to a fascinated coming of age story that is sure to resonate. The soundtrack is a great combination of reminiscent 80's power tunes along with more subtle choices, and of course - the band in the film as well. It's an emotional roller coaster ranging from sensitive to sweet to tragic all in one. Very impressive.

The Man Who Loved Yngve screens at Inside Out on:
Wednesday May 26, 2010 at 7:30pm at the ROM

Assume Nothing
Dir: Kirsty MacDonald
Documentary
New Zealand

Absolutely beautiful documentary showcasing portraits on 5 gender-variant artists from photographer Rebecca Swan's book Assume Nothing. From interviews, photo shoots and stills we are presented with discussions on gender identity as the film creates and showcases imagery and language to reflect back non-binary gender presentations. I loved the openness of the film and that it not only discussed but also defined, presented and created imagery and celebrated words that crossed over from the gulf of the limited thinking. It walk the walk and talks the talk, as well as being beautiful from start to finish.

Assume Nothing screens at Inside Out on:
Friday May 28, 2010 at 5:15pm at the ROM

And Then Came Lola
Dir: Ellen Seilder
Cast: Ashleigh Sumner, Jill Bennett, Cathy DeBuono, Jessica Graham, Candy Tolentino, Angelyna Martinez
USA

Ashleigh Sumner stars as Lola, a woman on a simple quest at the request of her girlfriend Casey (Jill Bennett) to deliver a package. Except, it's not so simple. Is it ever that simple? It's a story we see more than once as the film is structured a la Run Lola Run / Lola Rennt, with each incarnation presenting new problems and roadblocks, but the fun here is that it's also used as a not just running-through-the-motions, but also running-though-the-relationship with discussions of inadvertent self-discovery along the way. I enjoyed the creative spin on the structure and also that a variety of styles were used from animation to stills along with the live action. The highlight of the film was definitely Ashleigh Sumner who absolutely shines as Lola, she's got brilliant comedic timing and delivery that had me in stitches.

And Then Came Lola screens at Inside Out on:
Saturday May 29, 2010 at 9:30pm at the ROM


Above: And Then Came Lola

For more information, check out the Inside Out website, Film Schedule, Festival Planner, Online Box Office, Ticket Availability, Box Office Information, Venue Information and Party Information.

The Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film and Video Festival 2010 runs from May 20-30, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Inside Out 2010: Topp Twins, Regretters & Mods

Above: Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls

Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls
Dir: Leanne Pooley
Documentary
New Zealand

I remember hearing the buzz for Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls after it played at TIFF'09 and it was across-the-board praise, so I was thrilled to see that it's playing here at Inside Out. The praise was so good that I couldn't help but be curious to look into the film more, and turns out its a documentary on the lesbian, yodeling, twin sister singing act Lynda and Jools Topp. It's certainly the only doc I've seen centred on lesbian, yodeling, singing, twin sisters, and that might be a god thing as it sets the bar so high I don't think film could stand up to the competition. Not that the sisters would mind, they are genuinely 100% good-natured, fun-loving, filled with joy people that speak up and out on issues from equal rights to the environment. It's so refreshing to see them take these issues head on with a positive spin to things, and equally spend time making the world a better place and making everyone feel comfortable and welcome in it. All the praise fr the film is bang on and well-deserved for this spirited and inspiring documentary. Did I mention the yodeling? It's awesome too.

Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls screens at Inside Out on:
Saturday May 22, 2010 at 7:30pm at the ROM

We Are the Mods
Dir: E.E. Cassidy
Cast: Melia Renee, Mary Elise Hayden, Lance Drake
USA

I'm always up for a good coming of age film, and the ironic thing here is that is not what I expected from We Are the Mods at all, thinking it would be focus primarily on mod culture. Mods and mod culture are ever present and important, but I found this to truly a story between aspiring photographer Sadie (Melia Renee) and her new friend and mod Nico (Mary Elise Hayden). It was fun to watch the relationship grow and develop just as Sadie's mod-ness grows throughout the film, which allows for fun opportunities for art direction, costuming and make-up. There are strong nods to films like Blow-Up (vlog review), which I'd only seen recently and be curious to the experience of seeing this without being aware of that contextually. It's certainly not necessary as the film hold strongly on it's own two feet and the Sadie & Nico's journey keeps us guessing, interested and curious throughout.

We Are the Mods screens at Inside Out on:
Friday May 21, 2010 at 9:45pm at the ROM

Regretters
Dir: Marcus Lindeen
Documentary
Sweden

I'll admit that I was a little leery going into Regretters, worried that a documentary centred on 2 male-born transsexuals in different stages of transition back to male would be hard to watch or sad or depression. Thankfully, Regretters is none of these things. It's an amazingly open discussion between Mikael and Orlando on their experiences through the processes, from their thoughts to feelings to even regrets. But, the amazing thing is that it's such a free and open discussion that even when they discuss the harder times or disagree there is a warmth of wisdom that cushions the hurt and embraces it instead of denying or rejecting it. Absolutely stellar filmmaking here, providing enlightened, frank and beautiful portraits to share with the audience. It's a must-see.

Regretters screens at Inside Out on:
Sunday May 23, 2010 at 5:30pm at the Buddies in Bad Times Theatre


Above: Regretters

For more information, check out the Inside Out website, Film Schedule, Festival Planner, Online Box Office, Ticket Availability, Box Office Information, Venue Information and Party Information.

The Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film and Video Festival 2010 runs from May 20-30, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Inside Out 2010: Strella, The Owls & Prima Donna

Above: Strella: A Woman's Way

Strella: A Woman's Way
Dir: Panos H. Koutras
Cast: Yannis Kokiasmenos, Mina Orfanou, Minos Theoharis
Greece

Strella: A Woman's Way is one of those films that is so amazing that I want to just flat-out recommend it to everyone without saying more, because it's just that good that walking in blind would be an awesome way to see it. But, I can understand that you might want a little more to go on so I'll give you more. Centred on the unlikely relationship between the recently released from prison Yiorgos (Yannis Kokiasmenos) and transsexual prostitute Strella (Mina Orfanou). After they run into each other at a hotel in Athens, their lives begin to intertwine with ease and their relationship grows deeper. As the film moves on we are privy to an epic modern day tragedy that is remarkably told through brilliant storytelling. The story is quite honestly, and literally, perfect as it sensitively portrayed by the stunning cast. Yannis Kokiasmenos is charismatic and bold as Yiorgos and Mina Orfanou is compelling and complex in the role of Strella. I felt for them deeply, through each step on their journey. Absolutely spectacular.

Strella: A Woman's Way screens at Inside Out on:
Monday May 24, 2010 at 2:15pm at the ROM

The Owls
Dir: Cheryl Dunye
Cast: Guinevere Turner, V.S. Brodie, Skyler Cooper, Deak Evgenikos, Cheryl Dunye, Lisa Gornick
USA

I was sold on The Owls right from 'experimental thriller' in the description. Add that it has a whole meta element to it and I was sucked right in. Using a combination of storytelling styles from narrative to documentary we see the story how the unfold as well as how it was created. The unusual technique allows the Owls (older, wiser, lesbians) to be shown if different lights both dramatically in the narrative as well as discussed, explored and reflected through the talking head style segments. It's like having a 360 vision on a project from process to completion, giving it a distinct collaborative vibe and making it no surprize that it was created by a collective (The Parliament Film Collective). But, being a thrilled it does have it's own suprizes for which it keeps you guessing and on edge throughout.

The Owls screens at Inside Out on:
Monday May 24, 2010 at 7:15pm at the Isabel Bader Theatre


Above: Prima Donna: The Story of Rufus Wainwright's Debut Opera

Prima Donna: The Story of Rufus Wainwright's Debut Opera
Dir: George Scott
Documentary
UK

I'm always curious for the films included in the Icon Documentary Series, at Inside Out and Prima Donna: The Story of Rufus Wainwright's Debut Opera was a prime pick as a must-see for me. Documentary on performing arts? Always a yes. I came into the film with only peripheral knowledge of Rufus Wainwright and left with knowing a lot about him. Knowing way more about him, than his opera Prima Donna which I did think would be the focus here. But, it's still a fascinating documentary and one of the things that it highlights is that he really has his own vision and always does his own thing. Add that to a collaborative effort like creating an opera and I totally anticipated tension, disaster, etc.... but not so much. It's there, but again isn't the focus. What we do see of the opera is absolutely stunning, and I loved how they discussed opera, theatre and music and their different audiences and creators but the film really is about Rufus Wainwright. But in my book that is just fine, he's an dynamic and talented artist who can easily hold our attention and interest as he not only entertains but also inspires.

Prima Donna: The Story of Rufus Wainwright's Debut Opera screens at Inside Out on:
Friday May 28, 2010 at 5:30pm at the Isabel Bader Theatre

For more information, check out the Inside Out website, Film Schedule, Festival Planner, Online Box Office, Ticket Availability, Box Office Information, Venue Information and Party Information.

The Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film and Video Festival 2010 runs from May 20-30, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Inside Out 2010: Undertow, Eyes Wide Open & The Secret Diary of Miss Anne Lister

Above: Undertow / Contracorriente

Undertow / Contracorriente
Writer/Dir: Javier Fuentes-León
Cast: Cristian Mercado, Manolo Cardona, Tatiana Astengo
Peru/Columbia

Set in a Peruvian village and centred on the hidden relationship between the closeted Miguel (Cristian Mercado) and open Santiago (Manolo Cardona), Undertow / Contracorriente does a brilliant job exploring the complexities of visibility and choice in a setting that subtly yet openly homophobic. Complicating the scenario, Miguel's wife Mariela (Tatiana Astengo) is pregnant and therefore he divides his time between leading a life with her and spending time with Santiago. This brings in an imbalance in their relationship and aptly dipicts the struggles between being someones everything versus having multiple relationship commitments. The film continually unfolds to juxtapose many divides including a beautiful take on representing the choice of embracing or hiding identity. It's beautifully shot and emotionally charged, making the viewing experience not only gorgeous but touching as well. The strong performances are a highlight here, giving us 3 dimensional characters that really connect, live and breathe on the screen. And I'll admit - it even made me cry. It's a powerful emotional journey that is well worth taking.

Undertow / Contracorriente is the Centrepiece Gala film and screens at Inside Out on:
Tuesday May 25, 2010 at 9:30pm at the Isabel Bader Theatre


Above: Eyes Wide Open / Einaym Pkuhot

Eyes Wide Open / Einaym Pkuhot
Dir: Haim Tabakman
Cast: Zohar Shtrauss, Ran Danker, Tinkerbell
Israel

Eyes Wide Open / Einaym Pkuhot is easily one of the best I've seen of the festival films so far, and I'm not surprized at all that it played at Cannes in 2009 and won awards several of the festivals it's been to. Set in an ultra-orthodox Jewish district in Jerusalem we meet the neighbourhood butcher Aaron (Zohar Shtrauss) as he meets a young stranger Ezri (Ran Danker). The title here is surprizingly succinct, exploring the concept of knowing exactly what you are getting into, however with the perspective of a struggle being a good challenge of character therefore diving right in. I was not expecting this even through it's right there in front and centre. The film delves into themes religion, "acceptable" behaviour and consequence with a clear presence without being overly heavy handed. But the true highlight of the film is the chemistry, which is intense. In fact, it's freaking smoking. It also has an amazing subtle balance of awareness and resistance that holds the tension beautifully. It's a sure fire hit, and is not to be missed.

Eyes Wide Open / Einaym Pkuhot screens at Inside Out on:
Monday May 24, 2010 at 9:15pm at the Isabel Bader Theatre


Above: The Secret Diary of Miss Anne Lister

The Secret Diary of Miss Anne Lister
Dir: James Kent
Cast: Maxine Peake, Anna Madeley, Susan Lynch
UK

As the title infers, The Secret Diary of Miss Anne Lister follows the life of Anne Lister (1791-1840), inspired by the diaries that she wrote in code. The BBC-produced film has all ear marks of a British period piece with great settings, fabulous costumes and impressive dialogue, but also warms in passion and love. Maxine Peake does a fantastic job as Anne Lister, who's quite the cad and I loved seeing her strength, drive and persistence. She was absolutely unwilling to be anyone but herself, to live her life how she saw fit and love who she loved. Magnetic and driven, she's a beautiful representation of strength of character. Someone who knows and asks for what she wants - I love that. No denial, no beating around the bush, yet still is able to maintain an air of mystery and romance. Brilliant.

The Secret Diary of Miss Anne Lister is the Closing Gala film and screens at Inside Out on:
Sunday May 30, 2010 at 7:30pm at the Bloor Theatre

For more information, check out the Inside Out website, Film Schedule, Festival Planner, Online Box Office, Ticket Availability, Box Office Information, Venue Information and Party Information.

The Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film and Video Festival 2010 runs from May 20-30, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Inside Out 2010 Preview

This week marks the opening of Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film and Video Festival 2010 which in its 20th season celebrates 20 Years of Queers! Bringing us films from around the world to right here in our hometown, we've got sensational features, shorts, retrospectives and parties to boot. Looking through the pages of this years program, I was overwhelmed by the selection of absolutely captivating films to choose from. Let's have a look at their offerings.

The festival will start off with a bang with the Opening Gala of Howl, directed by Rob Epstein & Jeffrey Friedman (The Life and Times of Harvey Milk) and stars James Franco as Allen Ginsberg, and received great buzz out of Sundance. More highly acclaimed festival films to enjoy include the Italian film I Am Love / Io sono l'amore starring Tilda Swinton, Haim Tabakman's Eyes Wide Open / Einaym Pkuhot which played at Cannes and Mike Hollbom's documentary Mark, focused on activist Mark Karbusicky.

Along with Howl the festival has more Galalicious films with the gorgeous and moving Centrepiece Gala Undertow / Contracorriente and closes the festival with their Closing Gala of the BBC-produced steamy romance The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister.


Above: Joan Rivers in Joan Rivers - A Piece of Work

One program I'm thrilled to see back again this year is the Icon Documentary Series which features the funny and insightful Joan Rivers - A Piece of Work, widely-popular Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls following the New Zealand yodelling/folk singing twin sisters. I'm also looking forward to checking out Prima Donna: The Story of Rufus Wainwright's Debut Opera. See more about the Icon Documentary Series, along with here.

But the programs don't stop there, we also have the International Focus on South America which includes this years Centrepiece Gala Undertow along with The Last Summer of La Boyita, Plan B and Leo's Room among others. Over at Buddies in Bad Times you can check out Flashback retrospective program looking back at queer cinema over the bast 20 years along with The Outsiders program which takes the reins of more experimental film and pushing the boundaries of the medium. See more about The Outsiders and Flashback programs here.


Above: A Frozen Flower

This years festival holds so many great titles, I know it's hard to whittle it down but a few of the international must-see's on my list are the South Korean film A Frozen Flower / Ssang-hwa-jeom set at the end of the Goryeo Dynasty (picture above), the Danish film Brotherhood / Broderskab centred on a relationship that grows between two neo-Nazi gang members and Norwegian music-centred film The Man Who Loved Yngve.

It's not all features and worldly, one of my favourite programs is Hogtown Homos, a Toronto-centre shorts program that is sure to deliver and always has a full house!

Speaking of busy, Inside Out is certainly one of the busiest festivals in the city, but thankfully you can check online for ticket availability. The festival already have 2 sold out shows (Howl & Undertow) but remember there is always the Rush line (see info on rush here).

For more information, check out the Inside Out website, Film Schedule, Festival Planner, Online Box Office, Ticket Availability, Box Office Information, Venue Information and Party Information.

The Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film and Video Festival 2010 runs from May 20-30, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.