Out of the closet and into the theatre

Festival director Nodi Murphy says: "Most of us know what the term "LGBTI" stands for. However, while most of us understand what being lesbian, gay and bisexual is all about, very few of us grasp what transgender and intersex are all about. It's time this issue came out of the closet."

Newly appointed GFO Chief Executive Terry Tselane says: "This year's Out in Africa continues to endorse our province as home to Africa's most cosmopolitan and progressive city region and again offers an effective platform for showcasing the work of independent Gauteng-based filmmakers to an international audience.

"We are aware that our gay, lesbian, transsexual and bisexual communities in Gauteng are avid cinema lovers. Through increased local content these market opportunities can be harnessed whilst allowing filmmakers to grow their technical expertise."

Igniting all the debate are four eclectic international films: "Funny Kinda Guy", a 2004 Scottish film directed by Travis Reeves, follows the life of Simon de Voil, a successful singer/songwriter who is to embark on a sex change from female to male.

"Both", a 2005 American film directed by Lisette Barcellos, takes us into Rebecca Duarte's mysterious photo album sent to her by her great aunt in Peru. Through Rebecca's eyes, this film explores the many issues that surround gender ambiguity, and challenges the shame, secrecy and lies that pursue intersexed infants 'cured' by surgery and hormones at an age too early to remember or choose.

"Call Me Malcolm" reflects on how Malcolm, who was once Miriam, asks how one can reconcile one's God with being born the wrong gender. In the 2004 Norwegian film "100% Human", directors Trond Winterkjær and Jan Dalchow tell the story of a man named Morten who then becomes Monica. Monica discusses the complex personal and social issues of her decision.

Each of these films will be followed by panel discussions featuring experts such as Natalie Louw, a 51-year-old woman with two sons who just two years ago surgically changed her sex from male to female; Pierre Brouard, a Clinical Psychologist; Liesel Theron, a gender consultant; and Pierre de Vos, who teaches Constitutional Law and Human Rights Law at the University of the Western Cape.

Thanks to a grant from the Conference Workshop and Cultural Initiative Fund (CWCI), "Out In Africa" is able to give away 3 000 tickets, as well provide transport to LGBTI to people from outlying suburbs.

For more information visit www.oia.co.za.