(2016 TWIST): Seattle Queer Film Festival Award Winners Announced!

We're thrilled to announce the jury and audience award-winning films for the 2016 TWIST: Seattle Queer Film Festival!

JURY AWARDS

2016 Narrative Jury: Ana Walker, Adé Connére, and Drew Droege.
2016 Documentary Jury: Werner Borkes, Jill Leininger, and Kara Phoebe.
2016 Short Film Jury: Stephen Anunson, Eliaichi Kimaro, and Emily Zimmerman.



Best Narrative Feature
“For its complex characters, acid-sharp wit, and refreshing take on queer story-telling—it’s also mother-fucking funny—we proudly present the Narrative Jury Award to WOMEN WHO KILL (Ingrid Jungermann, USA, 2016)."

Special Jury Prize
“The Narrative jury is pleased to give a Special Mention For Artistic Achievement to Torrey Pines (Clyde Petersen,  USA, 2016), a revolutionary, dialogue-less, beautifully crafted explosion of sound, color, and beauty."

Best Documentary Feature
"Because the film creates a pluralistic view of trans men's stories while delightfully updating the coming of age road trip and embracing the idea of self-documentation, we would like to give the TWIST documentary award to REAL BOY (Shaleece Haas, USA, 2016). Musical mentorship and intergenerational growth propel the film as thematic elements. REAL BOY’s unique aesthetics, created by centering on Bennett's voice, confronts and explores the intersections of queer identity, addiction and familial reconnection."

Best Short Film
"ALZHEIMER’S: A LOVE STORY (Monica Petruzzelli & Gabe Schimmel, USA, 2016) is a beautiful, tender, intimate portrait of a man loving, and caring for, his longtime partner with Alzheimers for the past 11 years. As the ways they express love and compassion for each other changes, their ability to show up for each other continues to matter.  A truly impressive effort, especially for a student film project, that exemplifies the power of the documentary form."

Most Innovative Short Film
"Through exceptional cinematography and production quality, VÁMONOS (Marvin Lemus, USA, 2015) communicates relevant themes of gender expression in a new and innovative way. The film's compelling narrative structure propels this story about the tension between assigned versus chosen families in the wake of the death of a loved one."

(TWIST 2016): Seattle Queer Film Festival Announces Lineup with a New Name & Expanded Vision!

Seattle, WA -- Three Dollar Bill Cinema is thrilled to announce the lineup for their 21st annual LGBTQ+ festival--the first year with the event’s NEW name! Formerly known as the Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, the organization announced last year the change to a name more fitting of the diverse event the festival has become. TWIST: Seattle Queer Film Festival will take place October 13th-23rd at several locations around Seattle. The full film and event program, along with tickets and passes, are available online at twistfilmfest.org.

The 2016 opening night event befits the festival’s new, more inclusive name and programming vision. The evening’s program features the World Premiere of Seattle-based artist Clyde Petersen’s animated film, TORREY PINES, on Thursday, October 13th at 7:15pm at the Egyptian Theater. Produced with the assistance of Three Dollar Bill Cinema’s fiscal sponsorship program, TORREY PINES is an enthralling and visually stunning queer coming-of-age tale based on Petersen’s fascinating life story. The screening will include live musical accompaniment by Your Heart Breaks and special guests, including Clyde Petersen, Zach Burba, Jacob Jaffe, Lori Goldston, Kimya Dawson, Corey J. Brewer, Chris Looney, Art Petersen and the Beaconettes. Live foley and soundscape provided by Susie Kozowa.

(GLAAD 2016) Full Winners List!

(GETTY)

New York, Sunday, May 15, 2016 – GLAAD, the world's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy organization, honored Robert De Niro, Mariah Carey, and the best in film, television, and journalism at the 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Waldorf Astoria New York on Saturday. Jennifer Lawrence, Aziz Ansari, Connie Britton, Diane Sawyer, Caitlyn Jenner, Tamron Hall, Noah Galvin, Andrew Rannells, Andreja Pejić, and Jason Biggs were among the special guests. Recording artists Alex Newell and Bebe Rexha, as well as the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Fun Home performed at the event hosted by Emmy Award-winning actress Laverne Cox. The 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards are presented by Delta Air Lines, Hilton, Ketel One Vodka, and Wells Fargo.

At the ceremony, Academy Award-winning actress and surprise guest Jennifer Lawrence presented Robert De Niro with GLAAD's Excellence in Media Award, which is presented to media professionals who, through their work, have increased the visibility and understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

(GLAAD-LA 2016) Full Winners List!

 Los Angeles, Saturday, April 2, 2016 - GLAAD Media Award recipients were announced in 17 of this year's 31 media categories at the 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, presented by Delta Air Lines, Hilton, Ketel One Vodka, and Wells Fargo at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on Saturday night.


Nick Jonas presented the Vanguard Award to Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift made a surprise appearance to present Ruby Rose with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award. Additional special guests included host Ross Mathews, Patricia Arquette, Queen Latifah, Lilly Wachowski, Caitlyn Jenner, Paula Abdul, Lea Michele, Zendaya, Kat Graham, Keke Palmer, NeNe Leakes and Derek Hough, among many others!

(SLGFF 2015) Jury and Audience Award Winners Announced!

Our Pal, Camina won for Best Doc!

[Photo credit: Urban Focus Photography]

[Photo credit: Urban Focus Photography]

The winners of the juried prizes at the 20th annual Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival are as follows:

BEST FEATURE FILM: NAZ & MAALIK by Jay Dockendorf

A rarity in queer cinema, this film is an intimate portrait of two young Muslim men that places gay relationships within a political, even geopolitical, context.

BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM: UPSTAIRS INFERNO by Robert Camina [pictured above]

Utilizing brutally honest interviews and visceral footage, Upstairs Inferno is an important record of the largely unknown yet deadliest attack in LGBT history.

DOCUMENTARY FILM HONORABLE MENTION: PETER DE ROME: GRANDFATHER OF GAY PORN by Ethan Reid
Important and entertaining biography of a filmmaker and artist whose honest, beautiful and explicit work unabashedly celebrated gay sex and social justice in pre-AIDS era NY and London.

BEST SHORT FILM: TRÉMULO by Roberto Fiesco

Distinguished by gorgeous cinematography and a rich, compelling visual narrative, TRÉMULO tells the story of an unlikely romance between a soldier and a young man, with tension, beauty, and tenderness.

SHORT FILM HONORABLE MENTION: HOLE by Martin Edralin

MOST INNOVATIVE SHORT FILM: POP-UP PORNO: M4M by Stephen Dunn

Pop-up porno takes a story we've never heard and tells it in a wholly original and innovative way

(GLAAD 2015) Full NY Winners List!

Roberts wins the Russo award!

New York, Saturday, May 9, 2015 - GLAAD Media Award recipients were announced in 15 of this year's 31 media categories at the 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, presented by Delta Air Lines, Hilton, Ketel One Vodka, and Wells Fargo at the Waldorf Astoria New York on Saturday night.


Following is a complete list of GLAAD Media Awards presented on stage, and the individuals that accepted the awards:

(Daytime Emmys 2015) Full Winners List!

Burbank, CA – April 27, 2015 –The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) last night announced the winners of the 42nd Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards in a sold-out gala for over 1,200 attendees held at Stage 16 of the historic Warner Bros. Studios Lot in Burbank, CA. The awards presentation was broadcast live on Pop at 8 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. PDT.


“What an eclectic mix of the magnificent bounty that is Daytime Television,” said Bob Mauro, President, NATAS. “So many stars lighting up the red carpet at the iconic Warner Bros. Studio Lot in addition to the indefatigable, unparalleled Betty White as our Lifetime Achievement Award honoree. This is a terrific showcase of the power of Daytime Television that will be remembered for years to come!”

(GLAAD REPORT 2015) Only Warner Bros. doing “Good” with LGBT characters – Disney and Sony “failing”!

Ellis                           Getty

Most of Hollywood’s seven major movie studios continue to come up short when it comes to LGBT representation in its films.

Of the 114 movies they released in 2014, only 20 of them (17.5%) included characters identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual and there were no identifiable transgender characters, according to the third annual Studio Responsibility Index (SRI) released today by GLAAD.

No studio received a top grade of ‘Excellent’ with Warner Brothers the only studio to receive a ‘Good’ score for its slate of films. Meanwhile, 20^th Century Fox, Lionsgate Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, and Universal Pictures all scored ‘Adequate’ and Sony Columbia Pictures and The Walt Disney Studios received a score of ‘Failing.’

(GLAAD 2015) Attention gladiators, or should we say GLAADiators!

We're pleased to announce that Scandal's own Kerry Washington will receive the Vanguard Award at the 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles. This is one show that you won't want to miss.

Kerry Washington will join Roland Emmerich, Channing Tatum and more to support GLAAD's work to amplify stories from the LGBT community and issues that build support for acceptance.

GLAAD Media Awards Los Angeles
March 21, 2015
The Beverly Hilton
9876 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBT community and the issues that affect their lives. The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD's work to amplify stories from the LGBT community and issues that build support for acceptance.

The 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards are presented by Delta Air Lines, Hilton, Ketel One Vodka, and Wells Fargo; and Official Presenting Partners Amazon and Bud Light. Check out the nominees for the 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements and buy your tickets at glaad.org/mediaawards.

Yes, MK and OUT on the Red Carpet will be there! 

(OUTscene AMERICA) HRC honors 'The Imitation Game'!

Here is a newly released video of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) honoring The Imitation Game with the Ally for Equality Award at their annual Gala on Saturday at the Waldorf Astoria in New York, which features a special video message from Benedict Cumberbatch discussing his character and real life hero Alan Turing. Co-star Matthew Goode, director Morten Tyldum, producers Nora Grossman and Ido Ostrowsky, and Harvey Weinstein were on hand to accept the honor. Joel Grey, who last week publicly came out as a gay man, presented the award.

(LIST) GALECA Names Boyhood Film of the Year!

HOLLYWOOD, CA / Tuesday, January 20, 2015 — In perhaps the latest boost to stars and studios seeking the ultimate golden statuette this awards season, the Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association (GALECA), comprised of over 110 movie and TV critics nationwide, today officially announced their choices for 2014’s finest in film and television. The wins come across 25 categories, from mainstream to LGBTQ-centric, from Rising Star to Music Video of the Year.

At the top of the list: GALECA deemed Boyhood, director Richard Linklater’s visceral, literally decades-spanning look at familial love, worthy of its Dorian Award for Film of the Year.

Julianne Moore in Still Alice was the group’s pick for Film Performance of the Year — Actress, while Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything) took Film Performance of the Year — Actor. Ava DuVernay, who helmed the Civil Rights-era drama Selma, was named Film Director of the Year.

Pride, the true-life story of how a group of gays and lesbians championed striking blue-collar miners in Thatcher-era England, earned LGBTQ Film of the Year as well as Unsung Film of the Year honors. The Case Against 8 was chosen as Documentary of the Year over titles as varied as CitizenFour and Regarding Susan Sontag. GALECA’s Visually Striking Film of the Year is Wes Anderson’s gorgeous period romp The Grand Budapest Hotel. Into the Woods took Campy Film of the Year semi-honors.

One of the few critics associations awarding the year’s best in both film and TV, GALECA chose Amazon’s freshman breakout Transparent as TV Comedy of the Year. The life-inspired tale, starring Jeffrey Tambor as a biological man who comes out to his family as a woman, took four awards in all, including wins for Tambor and creator/director Jill Soloway. In addition, Soloway was also dubbed GALECA’s latest Wilde Artist of the Year, following in the bold footsteps of last year’s winner, James Franco.

In other categories, Lisa Kudrow took TV Performance of the Year — Actress for her return as fame-craving actress Valerie Cherish in The Comeback.

John Oliver (Wilde Wit of the Year), Neil Patrick Harris (for a certain, dazzling Tony Awards rock performance from Hedwig and the Angry Inch), pop star Sia (her stunningly choreographed filmic interpretation of “Chandelier” was Video of the Year) and TV upstart Gina Rodriguez ("We're Wilde About You!" Rising Star) were other triumphant names in the mix.

As previously announced, the group chose George Takei as the recipient of its special Timeless star tribute, given to “an actor or performer whose exemplary career is marked by character, wisdom and wit.”

The complete list of Dorian Award winners, noted in bold among nominees, is below. GALECA's annual, private Winners Toast will be held Sunday, March 1, in Hollywood.

For more information, visit galeca.com. Also, follow GALECA on Twitter at twitter.com/DorianAwards and become a fan at facebook.com/dorianawards.

(SLGFF 2014) Audience and Jury WINNERS List!

Jury Awards for Excellence in Filmmaking
Our Awards for Excellence in Filmmaking are chosen by an esteemed panel of jurors and include a cash prize.

Short Film Jury Awards

Best Short Film: DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Directed by Melissa Finell / USAJury statement: "DISASTER PREPAREDNESS is a comedic human relations story with three dimensional characters. It is a metaphorical storm with great writing, acting and sound."

Most Innovative Short: UNICORN

Directed by Rodrigo Bellot / Bolivia

Jury statement: "UNICORN has unique cinematography, sound and lighting. It is a different kind of storyline. An exposé documentary told through an exquisite narrative of a difficult real life event."

Documentary Film Jury Awards

Best Documentary Feature: OUT IN THE NIGHT

Directed by Blair Dorosh-Walther, Produced by Giovanna Chesler, USA

Jury statement: "OUT IN THE NIGHT emphasizes the dire need for justice and elicits an urgent call for equality in our systemically biased judicial system. And even more, it implores us all to reflect on how we challenge the criminalization of black bodies, especially queer black bodies, in America."

OUT IN THE NIGHT

(NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY) #I¹mComingOut: Young Guys Coming Out Earlier Than Ever‏!

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. – Jack’d, the most popular gay dating app in the world among 18 to 30 year old gay men, today announced findings from a user poll on attitudes around coming out in 2014. 29 percent of the gay men who responded to the survey said that on October 11th, National Coming Out Day, they will come out to someone in their life. The survey also identified Neil Patrick Harris, Lady Gaga, and Tyler Oakley as the top public figures that have inspired them to come out.


This year will mark the 26th anniversary of National Coming Out Day. Despite its impressive tenure, 31 percent of survey respondents had never even heard of the holiday before, while 59 percent felt that the date was important. Jack’d users were given a chance to explain why they felt it was important, with some responses including:

(BUSINESS) 8th Annual LGBT Community Survey® Reports on the Attitudes and Consumer Behavior!

San Francisco, CA-Community Marketing & Insights (CMI) has released its 2014 LGBT Community Survey report. 

34,415 respondents from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities in 123 countries participated in the 8th annual survey. 170+ LGBT media, events and organizations worldwide partnered with CMI in this year’s study, helping to gain wide representation from across the community.

The media consumption, purchasing patterns, and motivations of a 25 year old single gay man living in New York City are completely different than those of a lesbian couple in their 60’s living in Sedona, Arizona. By attracting large numbers of respondents, CMI is able to look at the many segments within LGBT. Study insights provide companies and organizations with an understanding of how the LGBT community sometimes responds as one voice, or when demographic differences such as gender, age, and geographic residence are far more important.

(FASHION ALERT) Real men wear mangerie!

 by Romina Puga

You might be familiar with the floral Japanese male bra that popped up online last week, leaving people confused and amused. You probably said to yourself, “This has to be a joke. This can’t be real.” Well it can, and there’s a market of men who enjoy wearing feminine-looking undergarments, and not because they want to look more like women (sorry ladies).

“There’s no variety in the men’s lingerie sold in department stores. It’s boxers and briefs, and if you’re really daring, maybe a thong!” says Australian male lingerie designer Brent Krause. “There’s no denying department stores sell good quality, functional underwear, and that’s fine for ninety percent of men. But not me.” These mangerie-wearing men like the fabric and feel of nice lingerie and believe it’s time for men to have a chance at feeling sexy in front of the mirror.

If you’re thinking these guys only exist on the other side of the world you’re wrong. Krause's male lingerie company Homme Mystere states that most of their customers come from the United States. Krause says the U.S. makes up about 40 percent of its customer base, with Western Europe and the UK making up another 40 percent. They even send merchandise to Russia and Canada.

“I don’t think the male bra industry is any larger in Japan than anywhere else. Certainly our numbers show the USA and Europe to be about the same in terms of size with Japan quite a distance behind,” says Krause. “In saying that, our wholesale sales are very strong into Japan, which suggests guys are buying our lingerie but prefer to buy from a local store that speaks the language.”

So who are the guys buying this mangerie?

(SIFF 2014) 2014 Golden Space Needle and Competition Awards!

Boyhood was a Big winner and  this took 10 years to make!

SEATTLE -- June 8, 2014 -- The 40th Seattle International Film Festival, the largest and most highly attended film festival in the United States, today announced the winners of the SIFF 2014 Golden Space Needle and Competition Awards. The awards were presented at a ceremony and brunch held at the Space Needle. The 25-day festival, which began May 15, featured 452 films representing 83 countries, including 44 World Premieres (20 features, 24 shorts), 30 North American Premieres (22 features, 8 shorts), 14 US Premieres (8 features, 6 shorts), and over 770 Festival screenings and events. Additionally, SIFF brought in more than 350 filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals, setting a new guest record.

Carl Spence, SIFF's Artistic Director, says, "This has been an extraordinary 40th anniversary Festival. From welcoming back Richard Linklater to Seattle with his groundbreaking epic Boyhood, to honoring Laura Dern, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Quincy Jones for their masterful work, to welcoming Caroll Spinney, the puppeteer who has brought Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch to life for years, to the hundreds of first-time directors making their debut, it's been another year of indelible cinematic experiences. Every year, it's so thrilling to see our legendary Seattle audiences discover our lineup of films and wholly immerse themselves in the Festival experience. Congratulations to every single film and filmmaker that we had the opportunity to present!"

Adds Mary Bacarella, SIFF's Managing Director, "Beginning with our big Opening Night announcement about the purchase of the SIFF Cinema Uptown and lease on the historic Egyptian Theatre, this Festival has blown away all of my expectations. Each day (and there's 25 of them!) seemed to bring even more exciting events and can't-miss moments. I'm thrilled to be leading SIFF in this time of growth, and can't wait to get to work on bringing incredible films to two neighborhood cinemas."

(ED...4 LGBT Films were nominated and 2 wins with Best Short-Documentary with Maikaru and a Special Mention for Live Action Short, Aban + Khorshid.)

(OUTscene NW) Translations Closes Another Fabulous Festival‏!

The feeling at the Northwest Film Forum was electric for our sold-out closing night film, KATE BORNSTEIN IS A QUEER & PLEASANT DANGER and there was a surprise Intro and Q&A with director Sam Feder and Kate Bornstein via Skype! The evening was full of standing ovations, laugher, applause and heart-felt conversations about art, writing, health and creative practice. It was truly a memorable night and many thanks to everyone who came out!

(GLAAD 2014) NY Winners LIST!

Getty Images for GLAAD.

George Takei received the Vito Russo Award, presented by Broadway director Stafford Arima. Global superstar Kylie Minogue (introduced by Boy George) and Grammy Award-winner Kacey Musgraves (introduced by Chely Wright) performed and comedian Fortune Feimster hosted the event.


Following is a complete list of GLAAD Media Awards presented on stage, and the individuals that accepted the award:

* Vito Russo Award: George Takei (presented by Stafford Arima, director of the upcoming Broadway musical Allegiance starring George Takei)

(OUTscence NW) 18th Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival Closes to Rave Reviews!

SEATTLE - The Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, presented by Xfinity (SLGFF) ended its 18th run October 20 and announced its Jury and Audience Awards at the Closing Night Gala. The festival is produced by award-winning nonprofit, Three Dollar Bill Cinema.

“I’m thrilled that we exceeded our attendance and box office goals,” Jason Plourde, Three Dollar Bill Cinema’s Executive Director said. “More importantly, audience members raved about the quality and fun of this year’s festival and filmmakers from around the globe commented on this being the best film festival they’ve ever attended. That kind of feedback makes me very proud and grateful to the staff and volunteers who make our festival so successful and respected.

Attendance figures for SLGFF broke all previous records. The festival had eight sold out shows, notably the Opening Night screening of I AM DIVINE, the stunning period piece REACHING FOR THE MOON and the unique live performance RETURN TO GREY GARDENS.

(OUTscene NW) 2013 SIFF COMPETITION & Golden Space needle audience awards!

The Golden Space needle, Artist: Piper O'Neill

 3 Gay Films Win (C.O.G., Big Joy and Spooners)

 SEATTLE (JUNE 9, 2013) - The 39th Seattle International Film Festival, the largest and most highly attended festival in the United States announced the winners of the SIFF 2013 Competition and Golden Space Needle Audience Awards; the awards were presented at a ceremony held at the Seattle Space Needle. The 25-day festival, which began May 16, featured over 447 films representing 85 countries, including 49 World (18 Features, 31 Shorts), 48 North American (38 Features, 10 Shorts), 17 US Premieres (6 Features, 11 Shorts), and over 700 screenings. Additionally, SIFF brought in more than 400 filmmakers, actors and industry professionals.


"Our most successful festival in the history of SIFF is ending on a high note and setting an exciting precedent for the future with Fanie Fourie's Lobola from our inaugural African Pictures programming taking home the top audience prize for best film with a Golden Space Needle Award," said SIFF Artistic and Co-Director Carl Spence. "With once-in-a-lifetime experiences including country western rock band The Maldives performing a haunting score to Victor Sjöström's 1928 classic film The Wind and the opportunity for audiences to meet more than 200 directors with their films across 25 days with massive attendance illustrated once again that Seattle has the most engaged, lively and active audiences of any city in the US."