Connecticut LGBT Film Festival :: Same Fest New Name

Out Film CT celebrates the 27th season of its flagship film festival by changing the name from the "Connecticut Gay and Lesbian Film Festival" to the more inclusive "Connecticut LGBT Film Festival."

"We have always aimed to have programming that's fully inclusive of the entire LGBT community, but our name hasn't communicated that," said Festival Co-Director Shane Engstrom. "Our new name reflects the diversity of our community and the diversity of the Festival."

The Festival opens May 30 with "Boy Meets Girl," a fun and romantic coming-of-age comedy featuring the beautiful, fashion-forward transgender woman Ricky and her best childhood friend Robby, who stands by her no matter what. "This heart-warming, affirming tale will appeal to a broad audience and is a wonderful way to open the Festival," said Festival Co-Director Laura Williams. "With interesting plot twists and two endearing lead characters, this is a feel-good movie that will put the audience in the right mood for the opening night party."

The Festival runs through June 7 in Hartford. Most screenings will take place at Cinestudio on the campus of Trinity College, but there will be several "off campus" screenings, including a closing night extravaganza in Downtown Hartford, with simultaneous screenings at Spotlight Theatres at Front Street and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art. The closing night party follows at the Wadsworth.

"Two years ago we celebrated our 25th season with a closing night party at the Wadsworth Atheneum and we're thrilled to be returning," Williams said. "Our friends at the Wadsworth really rolled out the red carpet for us, and we had many comments from our guests about what a great place it was for a party."

Williams also noted that last year the Festival presented a full evening of women's short films for the first time. "That was such a big hit that we're doing it again. We were very fortunate to have so many excellent women's short films to choose from this year. It's going to be another great program that all audiences can enjoy, with a little bit of something for everyone," Williams said. Women's shorts night is Tuesday, June 3.

This year's Centerpiece film, presented midway through the Festival, is "Burning Blue," a searing military drama set during the Don't Ask, Don't Tell era that tells the story of a forbidden love and the tragic consequences of a modern day witch hunt. There will be a reception prior to the film sponsored by Pratt & Whitney, and Connecticut Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman is expected to make opening remarks to introduce the film. The Centerpiece program is Wednesday, June 4.

This year's festival has many premieres, including the U.S. premiere of the poignant lesbian drama "Of Girls and Horses," the international premiere of the madcap "Queen of Amsterdam" (closing night), and the U.S., North American and world premieres of several short films.

Each year the Festival includes appearances by directors, producers and actors who answer questions from the audience and visit with festival guests after the program. Engstrom said that tradition will continue this year, with special visitors flying in from as far away as Europe.

In addition to opening and closing night parties, another returning Festival mainstay is the always popular silent auction. "Our film fans are also big silent auction fans," Engstrom said. "We always have a great selection of items that can be had at bargain prices. The competitive bidding is always spirited and really energizes the Festival."

"LGBT Film Festival"
May 30 - June 7
Complete LGBT Film Festival information available at: www.OutFilmCT.org.