Gay film fest opens boundaries

2011 will mark the 20th anniversary of the Tokyo International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, which starts on Friday July 9 and runs until Sunday July 11 at Shinjuku Wald9 Cinema, and continues from Thursday July 15 until Monday July 19 at Spiral in Aoyama. The festival will be hosting a variety of talk events, booths and other hot topic attractions. Visit the festival website for more details.

Opening ceremony

‘Oy Vey! My Son Is Gay’, winner of the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival, will be screened at the festival’s opening ceremony at Shinjuku’s Wald9 Cinema on Friday July 9 at 6.30pm. This is the Asian premier of ‘Oy Vey!’ and a Q&A session with the film’s directors and producers is scheduled. Following that will be international fashion designer Tom Ford’s first film ‘A Single Man’ (9pm) which received numerous awards at the Venice International Film Festival including for best actor.

Transgender topics

This year, in addition to films about homosexuality, the festival will also show films on issues relating to transgenderism. One such film is the much anticipated documentary film ‘Regretters’ (Fri July 16 4.15pm & Sun July 18 5pm) which has received much international acclaim. ‘Regretters’ features two transsexuals who both underwent a sex-change operation then later regretted their decision. The film takes an interview-style approach with the two reflecting on their experiences through interviews with each other. A Q&A will be held with the director.

Domestic and international short films

Screenings of short films from around the world are a popular attraction at the festival each year. This year ‘Boys Shorts’ will be shown on Friday July 16 at 12.45pm & Sunday July 18 at 12.45pm while ‘Girls Shorts’ will be shown on Friday July 16at 2.45pm & Saturday July 17 at 4:15pm. As is the custom, the Japanese short film screening on Sunday July 19 at 5.45pm will comprise a short film competition. Be sure you’re there to see the excitement of the awards ceremony.

LGBT booths and lounge bar

In addition to films, there will be LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) related books, DVDs and accessories, available for purchase and several booths distributing various flyers at Spiral. The lounge area (located in the same space) is a great place for people to mix while taking a break between sessions; don’t miss this chance to enjoy some LGBT culture.

The 19th Tokyo International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival 2010

Date: Fri July 9-Sun July 11
Location: Shinjuku Wald9 Cinema (Full details & map)

Date: Thur July 15-Mon July 19
Location: Spiral (Full details & map)

Website: tokyo-lgff.org/2010/e/ (English)