(OUTscene NW) PHOTOS: 6 years of SIFF Photos!

My Crew  (Zheng Wang)                                                        (c) WANG 2013

 Now SIFF 2014 has started, I have gone back to my vault and found some photos from the Past 6 years. Our connection goes back as early as 2004. The Highlight of 2004 was the Donnie Darko Press conference with Drew Barrymore and Jena Malone. As we came out in Full force in 2010, we covered our first red carpet with Paul Dano and Sit down chat with Willam Belli and Jesse Archer! From Paul Williams to Nick Robinson to Sissy Spacek to Joss Wheden. It has been quite a journey. Enjoy!

OUTscene: Nikki Lee Taylor's Final Analysis of SIFF 2010!

OUTscene: MK chats with Casper Andreas and Jesse Archer about 'Violet Tendencies'

By M.K. Scott
OUTscene Editor

This past Wednesday, SIFF presented its annual Gay-La with the latest film from the creative team of Casper Andreas and Jesse Archer. Once again, playing their characters from the 'Slutty Summer' and 'Four Letter Word' this time introducing a story about a Fag Hag, or the preferred term of 'Fruit Fly', played by the legendary, Mindy Cohn (The Facts of Life). The after party at Rebar lasted past midnight and some of us didn't get any sleep, but that didn't stop us from having a great chat in the Lobby of Seattle's Sorrento Hotel the next morning:


OUTscene at SIFF 2010: MK Scott chats with Casper Andreas and Jesse Archer about V.T.! from OURview on OUTview on Vimeo.
Check out the Trailer of Casper and Jesse's latest coming to a Film Fest near you!


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OUTscene: SIFF Review; Ticked off Trannies-'Grindhouse with an Anti-hate message'.

By Ryan Burr
OUTscene Staff

A trans woman’s response to the revenge-oriented Ticked Off Trannies With Knives this past weekend at the Seattle International Film Festival was: How about we show no violence in any medium? Isn’t that likely to reduce violent, criminal behavior?

Our society, of course, is unlikely to ever give that experiment a real shot. For now, writer/director Israel Luna felt the time was right for a seriously disturbing storyline, where a group of transsexual women respond to the beating and murder of some of their comrades in kind.

The trannies assault, though, is more agonizing, tortured, and sickly entertaining. High-heels gouging out eyes, switch-blades shoved up the rectum (waiting to switch at the slightest twitch), and plenty of She-Ra-esque drop kicks and acrobatics.

At the conclusion of the midnight-showing at The Egyptian, one of the trannies jokes that there really is no difference between “them and us.”

The real intrigue of the film, though, comes in the form of making light of the serious injuries and conditions of the bashed-up trannies by their more fortunate, less battered, friends. It’s initially despicable to watch Willam Belli’s character mock Bubbles’ speech impediment—an effect of her beating—but after a few moments, you “get it.” The director is turning the victimization aspect on its head. Clever, pretty original, effective…I kind of loved it, actually.

An homage to the exploitation films of the '70s and '80s, (i.e. Savage Streets) Ticked Off was certainly inspired by the devastating increase in brutal hate crimes against people in the transgender community. Luna, the writer/director, along with his Dallas-based cast and crew, pour their hearts into creating the atmospheric '70s distressed aesthetic that glimmers with each woman's distinct, brassy groove.

It’s not surprising that this film has generated controversy—including objections from Trans activists and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. It is a valuable piece of cinema, however. Love the introduction of the violent femmes: catwalk, raunchy stage performances by Bubbles Cliquot, Tipper Sommore, Rachel Slurr, and Emma Grashun. And all respect is given to them in Pinky La'Trimm's nightclub, a hefty black chick who leads the revenge plot.

Luna said during Q & A that the controversy has probably, or will probably, both bolster and hurt movie attendance. At the one-night showing on Saturday, though, he noted that the size of the crowd was impressive.

OUTscene: Nikki Lee Taylor chats with the director and star of 'Trannies': "What is all the fuss about"?

By Nikki Lee Taylor OUTscene Special
Banned by GLAAD, protested by Trans activists, the controversial film 'Ticked off Trannies with Knives' opened in Seattle this past Saturday at SIFF! There was a great and very positive reaction. As a fan of grindhouse and women empowerment films, I was never swayed by the negative attention. The film was nothing like the protesters claimed. The director, the sexy Israel Luna, was charming, and his star, Willam Belli was someone I could definitely relate to.

So I had to ask, "What's all the fuss?"

The Trailer really prepares you to see the film!


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OUTscene @ SIFF: Nikki Lee Taylor chats with James Rasin about his film, “Beautiful Darling, the life and times of Candy Darling.”

By Nikki Lee Taylor
OUTscene Special

While working as a Special correspondent for OUTview’s OUTscene series at SIFF, I had an opportunity to speak with the writer/director James Rasin of “Beautiful Darling: The Life and Times of Candy Darling, Andy Warhol Superstar”. This is the film to see an objective, true life view of not only a beautiful and talented star, but an actual role model and pioneer for transsexuals, at a time when putting on a pair of hose meant risking jail, literally.

See the FULL interview below:

OUTscene: SIFF Review; Cattrall shows no glamour—and shows it well--in ‘Meet Monica’

By Ryan Burr

OUTscene Staff

The life of Samantha Jones (played by Kim Cattrall) in the Sex and the City series and movies is one of indulgent sex and a pricey lifestyle. In “Meet Monica Velour,” featured this week at the Seattle International Film Festival, Cattrall reveals the sad life of someone who used sex just to pay the bills, and after decades have passed, she is in low demand.

She is challenged to jumpstart her life, shedding the “has-been” existence and rebuilding her family life. The catalyst? A dorky, lanky 17-year-old (Napoleon Dynamite-look-alike) whose bedroom is enshrined with pictures and images of Monica during her heyday.

Tobe, the teen, is afforded an opportunity to see Monica in a “comeback” show in some Podunk Indiana town. He makes the trek from Washington—where he is living a dead-end life with his drunken grandfather. Indeed, she is a washed up porn star, and the modern crowds don’t hold back in leveling their disapproval and jeers. Tobe sees the same beauty captured on his bedroom walls. He takes a punch, even, when he snaps back at some hecklers. This chain of events leads him to finally meeting Monica in an ambulance. And the adventure begins, including Cattrall’s spot-on Midwestern, trailer-park voice during their dialogue.

They learn plenty from each other, and writer-director Keith Bearden adds a healthy dose of humor to the story. Besides some one-liners, kudos to the hilarious scene in which Tobe crashes a prep scene in a sleazy motel where Cattrall is about to let some Mexican guys in stereotypical Mexican party garb have their way with her on camera, for a presumably meager amount of money. Tobe is decked out in the skimpiest thong, totally believable as one of the porn participants.

It’s hard to imagine anything about this scene being heart-warming, but Tobe is there to intervene, to ensure his Monica escapes something he doesn’t want to see her doing. He hands her a note saying, “I called the police. Leave now.”

Tobe also attempts to improve the relationship Monica has with her young daughter, in the custody of a vile ex-husband.

It’s fairly easy to accept this inter-generational relationship, since there is only minimal sexual involvement. Though they are both misfits and both benefit from each other’s company, Monica often is never thrilled when Tobe is around, a very realistic portrayal of how someone would react to a semi-crazed fan entering her personal life—and trying to stay in her personal life.

Though Tobe’s dream for he and Monica to start a new life together in Oregon isn’t entirely fulfilled, some of that dream comes true later, as hinted by an Oregon postcard Tobe sees in a photo book at the film’s end.

Held at the SIFF Cinema downtown, the audience was treated to a Q & A with the director and the actor who plays Tobe (Dustin Ingram). Though some of the actors with small roles in the film are from Washington and were present Friday night, the director noted that filming was shot in Michigan because the tax credits for filming are much more attractive than our state.

“Meet Monica Velour” aired only on Friday and Sunday night, but the director says there will be some commercial release this year.

OUTscene: SIFF, the First 15 days

By M.K. Scott
OUTscene

Celebrating my 4th year covering the Seattle International Film Festival marked my debut of change from print to back to my first love of TV and on-location interviews. With the help of Nikki Lee Taylor and crew; Stewart, Ryan and Chad it has been 2 weeks of new beginnings. Starting with our first red carpet opening where Nikki chatted with the stars of 'The Extra man' (Paul Dano and Alicia Goranson). Nikki also interviewed the director of 'Beautiful Darling' and Eric Andrews-Katz has an interview coming up with Jamie Bernstein (Leonard's Daughter). There were some great films and some films that made no sense to films that left you hanging. The following is list of the Best, OK, and Bad during first 15 days and a preview of the Final week:

BEST-Top 10
The Extra Man-(USA)
Big stars in a film based from a famous novel with a Great Gatsby feel to it and the Trannie sub-plot was a bonus!

The String (France)
Sexy Arabs with lots of nudity and graphic sex with a Telenovela style!

Brotherhood (Denmark)
The Hate masked the true feelings of 2 neo Nazi recruits that eventually choose Love over Hate!

Undertow (Peru)
Starts off with a married man obsessed with his unborn child and his secret lover, but as he is fearful of being discovered his lover drowns and he continues the relationship openly with his spirit. That is until his body is discovered in the undertow!

Head on (Australia)
Think of 'Saturday Night Fever'. What if Tony was not Italian, but Greek. Not in Brooklyn, but Melbourne. Instead of Dancing, he escapes by getting 'Head' by ramdon strangers and snorting Coke. Get it? He vows to Live on while still Dancing' (I mean getting and receiving 'head'). Several Nude scenes!

Mediterranean Food (Spain)
A sexy Diva wants to be a chef in Spain, so she takes her sexy mentor to bed, marries her childhood sweetheart and later makes her husband and lover have sexual relations with her calling the shots at work and in bed. The Husband and Lover eventually like being together.

Beautiful Darling-(USA)
Tragic life of Candy Darling who lived to be a star and die young like her idols. The truly first Trans celeb.

Henry of Navarre-(France)
A Hot King who has lots of sex, a treat for Tudors fans.

Skateland (USA)
Took me back to the early 80's of when roller skating was king, and fashions were cutting edge.

The French Kissers (France)
Very funny teen romp that was truly wanting to capture the 'American Pie'


OK-Top 6
Loose Cannons (Italy)
Very Funny family with lots of secrets. While one member stays in the closet, the other comes out while the Matriarch has a secret of her own.

Last Campaign of Booth Gardner (USA)

The film was great and was an awesome tribute. The issue of the Right to die, I have no strong opinion on.

Every Day (USA)

Great Stars (Helen Hunt, Liev Schriber), great story, but it was like watching a TV movie or an episode of 'Brothers and Sisters'. Big mistake was the publicist was not promoting to the gays. The Cute teen son is gay and kisses guys, and goes to gay clubs. The Husbands co-worker is gay. By not knowing this film was Gay I showed this to my Mother and she clearly wasn't ready to actually see it. (I have been OUT for decades) a little warning would have been nice.

Holy Rollers (USA)

A cute Jewish boy with curly locks gets involved with selling Ecstasy to his friends, there was so much more he could have done. This being a true story, any advancement would have been impossible.

Willian S Burroughs: (USA)

Loved the footage and got me ready for Howl, but I got bored midway.

Some Days are better than others: (USA)

Set in Portland with some interesting characters, but I now know why I continue to leave Portland behind; BORING!

Bad:
I killed my Mother-(French Canada)
Beautiful people and comical but what is with all the YELLING?

All that I love (Poland)

Homo-erotic but it doesn't go that route. If you like Punk, you might like it!

My year without Sex (Australia)

Got bored and depressed after about 5 mins

Leo's Room (Uruguay)

Started off strong, but Leo is too shy to come out of the closet so he delves into the life of his childhood girlfriend. WTF?

Those I regret missing:
3some-(Spain)

Just like Mediterranean Food, but with young Art students. Too Late on a week night forced me to miss this.

From Beginning to End (Brazil)

Ever fantasized about hooking up your step-brother? (I know I did!) I ended up waiting for the Latino Directv guy all day instead!

How sex sold Hollywood (USA)

Any Doc about old Hollywood gets my vote! I however had a chance to attend the Fiddler on the roof's opening night. Tough choice!

Meet Monica Velour (USA)

Would love to seen Kim Cantrell as trailer trash, but found out about this gem after the fact. Ryan and Adrian LOVED it! I actually was covering the Forbidden Fashion show at the same time!

What's next?

Of Course, they are saving the Best for last. Jesse Archer and Casper Andreas will be here for the Seattle premiere of their latest, Violet Tendencies. Also coming is the Glee meets Twilight, I kissed a Vampire, James Franco in Howl and the controversial, Ticked off Trannies.

Plus coverage of the closing night film of the star studded, Get Low. I just heard that Nikki and her sidekick, Zoe have big wrap up special also coming.

Stay Tuned for more SIFF coverage.

OUTscene: Nikki Lee Taylor reviews 'Beautiful Darling: the Life and Times of Candy Darling'

By Nikki Lee Taylor

OUTscene Special

The feature length documentary tells the compelling story of Candy Darling; Warhol Star and underground icon of the sixties. What could have been a stereotypical view of a queen who longs to be like the stars she worships is instead an objective and realistic portrait of who Candy Darling really was. Beginning from her early childhood as Jimmy Slattery, a boy from suburban Long Island who dreams of becoming a star to being accepted and inspired by Tennessee Williams, Lou Reed, Richard Avedon and of course Andy Warhol. She recreated scenes from the movies of Kim Novak and Marilyn Monroe until they became a part of Candy Darling’s personality; seeming to be an act but actually a very real expression of who she was.

Through archival footage including rare behind-the-scenes looks at Andy Warhol and his factory, we see iconic figures that Candy attracted. Jane Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Tennessee Williams, Warhol and Janis Joplin are shown hanging out with Candy in New York’s now defunct eclectic club Max’s Kansas City.

The star of the movie is Candy Darling and there is no shortage of footage, of the enigmatic personality.

Produced by Jeremiah Newton, the person who knew her best, we get to know the person underneath the creation that was Candy Darling.

From her diary entries, drawings and her mothers words we see the beginnings of a young boy who strives for a seemingly impossible dream to the transformation to achieve it. Reinventing herself as a blonde ethereal personality not unlike Monroe, Candy’s dreams were beginning to be realized. She became a star of Warhol’s films, Lou Reed wrote “ Walk on the wild side “ about her and Tennessee Williams re-created his play “ Small Craft Warnings “ to give her a starring role. New interviews with John Waters, writer Fran Lebowitz, Jeremiah Newton, Warhol stars Holly Woodlawn and Taylor Mead lend insights as to who Candy was. We see the irony that was Candy Darling; a self invented personality created from her idols and yet someone who yearned to be loved for herself. Featuring the voice of Academy Award Nominee Chloe` Sevigny and music by David Bowie, Lou Reed, Bryan Ferry, Etta James and the Velvet Underground . The film explores the artificial personality who was Candy Darling and the genuine person underneath.

Beautiful Darling: The life and times of Candy Darling plays again at SIFF Cinema on Sun, June 13th.

STAY TUNED for Nikki's interview with Director, James Rasin.

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OUTscene: On the Red carpet at the SIFF Opening Night!

Nikki, LIVE from the Red Carpet!

The stars came out in Seattle Last night as the Seattle International Film Festival opened with Robert (American Splendor) Pulcini's film, 'The Extra Man' of 2 'walkers' (Kevin Kline and Paul Dano) with one of them (Dano) who fancies cross-dressing. OUTscene's special corespondent, Nikki Lee Taylor was there on the Red carpet and was able to get interviews with Dano, Pulcini, Alicia (Roseanne) Goranson, and Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn. Later Benaroya Hall was jammed packed on all levels for a BIG party. Stay Tuned for all the Coverage!

Pulcini, Goranson, Dano, McGinn

Nikki Interviews Paul Dano

After party at Benaroya

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OUTscene: PRE-view of our SIFF coverage!

MK, Stewart and Special Corespondent, Nikki Lee Taylor at the press launch of the Seattle International Film Festival!


SIFF Press Launch on Vimeo.