(OUTscene NW) PRE-view; The 15th annual Portland Lesbian and Gay Film Festival opens Friday the 30th with ‘We Were Here’

Photo from Director David Weissmen of Haight Ashbury 1978. 

One might feel compelled to express excitement for the lineup of Portland‘s Annual Lesbian and Gay Film Fest but I am truly and deeply sincere when I say that this year, now 15th of the festival, has me even more excited than the past. There’s isn’t a night where I wouldn’t go out to see 1 or more of the films being shown at Cinema 21, although I am particularly excited about the women in rock anthem Trigger playing Monday night, the high school musical type comedy Mangus, (Wednesday night), and the 2 films showcasing trans young people of different ages Romeos (Sunday afternoon) and Tomboy playing Wednesday.

Friday opening night film (at 7:30pm) is We Were Here, David Weissman’s document of the AIDS crisis in the 80′s in San Francisco. A profound and moving recollection the film talks to those involved in the fight as well as exploring the larger socio-political implications of the beginning of the AIDS era and its affect on the gay community. An official Sundance selection is has also be called one of the best films of the year.