Philadelphia LGBTQ Cinema Week: Films You’ll Want to See at qFLIX Philadelphia Suzy Guese July 5, 2016 Arts & History, Trending Stories In a city that carried out the first major US protest for LGBT rights some 50 years ago, it comes as no surprise that Philadelphia fills its calendar with a number of events for LGBT travelers, including qFLIX Philadelphia. Kicking off on July 5 and running until July 10, the event celebrates LGBTQ cinema. Featuring a variety of cinematic pieces, the film week exhibits American and international lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, and queer independent films in the Philadelphia region. While supporting filmmakers, qFLIX Philadelphia also invites travelers to come to town and screen some of their compelling films. If you’re going to be in Philly this week or you want a few excuses to go, here are just some of the films you will want to check out. People You May Know Credit – www.qflixphilly.com Premiering at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts’ Perelman Theater, the cinema week kicks off with the film People You May Know. Written and directed by J.C. Falcon, the film explores the lives of four friends in Los Angeles coming to terms with their 40s. As they all hit the mid-life stage, a life-altering situation throws a wrench in their friendships, ensuing in both comedy and drama. Tickets to the premiere run $17 a person for the 7:30PM showing. You can also catch cast member Mark Cirillo at the opening night screening. Real Boy Shifting gears on July 6, the film week will then screen Real Boy, a documentary directed by Shaleece Haas. The film chronicles the story of transgender teenager Bennett Wallace as he goes on a quest to find his voice as a musician, friend, son, and man. The documentary explores the struggle of Bennett’s mother to accept her child’s transition. You can catch Real Boy at the Prince Theater for a $14 ticket. Women He’s Undressed Credit – kiamalocalhistory.files.wordpress.com Directed by Gillian Armstrong, Women He’s Undressed explores the life of Orry-Kelly, an Oscar-winning costume designer in Hollywood. Kelly dressed the likes of Bette Davis and Marilyn Monroe and also managed to find some time to be Cary Grant’s boyfriend. The docudrama will screen on July 8 at 7:15PM at the Prince Theater in Philadelphia. Watermelon Woman Credit – www.moviepostershop.com LGBT film fans will recognize this title. The 1996 classic lesbian feature set in Philadelphia will celebrate its 20th anniversary screening at the film week. Fans of the film can view the classic at the Caplan Studio Theater on July 9 at 7:15PM for $14 a person. The screening will celebrate the newly restored print and will also feature an appearance by director Cheryl Dunye. Shared Rooms qFLIX Philadelphia will close out with a screening of Shared Rooms on July 10 at 8PM in the Prince Theater. Directed by Rob Williams, the film details the meaning of home and family. The interrelated stories of gay men are featured, showcasing their quest to find companionship during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. The screening of the romantic comedy will also include an appearance by director Rob Williams. Tickets run $17 per person. qFLIX Philadelphia features a number of events and film screenings, making it difficult to decide which films you’ll want to see while in town. These films are not only worthy of the trip to Philadelphia but they also harp on the film week’s main theme of diversity, all while showcasing the best of the LGBTQ arts and culture in town. With dozens of movie premieres for the film week, you’re sure to find something for your mood, from documentaries to romantic comedies to dramas. Have you been to qFLIX Philadelphia before? What other unique film festivals do you think are worth checking out? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.
