Out of the closet and into the theatreThe "Out In Africa" Gay and Lesbian Film Festival kicks off its 12th consecutive year in Johannesburg at Rosebank Cinema Nouveau screened by Jameson from March 9 to 26. This year men and women who have chosen to undergo surgical procedures to change their sex step off the doctor's operating table and into movie theatres to reveal all. 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. 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. |