GIMME SHELTER

As some of you may know, my film SHELTER is touring the LGBT Film Festival Circuit these days.

Although, since NAKED MEN SINGING just came out, I think our days of being the Opening Night Film are OVER. LOL.

The Tampa local gay mag just did a lovely article/interview on our film and me:

Watermark: Gimme Shelter Interview with JD Disalvatore

This was a lovely article to read this a.m. because, well, I have to admit, I had an odd time last night. On two separate occasions I was introduced to gay men who asked what I did for a living.

"I make gay films," I said as I always say.

The first guy immediately assumed that meant porn. So did the second guy. Who continued on to say, "No, really, what do you do?" Which he repeated about 4 times.

The whole interaction kinda put me in a mood. These are gay men just assuming "gay film" means pornography....?

Not that I don't love porn. But there are so many wonderful films out there about our LGBT experience and there are TWO television networks (here! tv and LOGO) now who broadcast 24/7 our gay stories! Have you not heard of any of this? Does "gay film" just mean pornography to you?

I shouldn't do this, but I am in a mood. Yes, I know, JD is in a mood. I'm sure it'll register on the Richter scale, so look out.

I recently did a series of interviews with GAY FILMMAKERS (no, not pornographers). I cut a little rough sample together which is not much, but you know, you get the idea.

Jane Lynch puts it best at the opening of this, explaining why gay film is so important to our community. I could not agree more.



Also included in this sample video - just for y'all that don't know about GAY FILM - are:

Q Allan Brocka, Writer/Director/Producer - RICK & STEVE: THE HAPPIEST GAY COUPLE IN THE WORLD, BOY CULTURE, EATING OUT 1 and 2.
Katherine Brooks, Writer/Director: LOVING ANNABELLE, FINDING KATE, WAKING MADISON
Darryl Stephens, Actor, NOAH'S ARC, BOY CULTURE
Quincy LeNear and Deondray Gossett, writers/directors/creators - THE DL CHRONICLES
Suzanne Westenhoefer, pioneering out lesbian comedianne
Megan Cavanaugh, out lesbian actor, A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, GIVE OR TAKE AN INCH, EXES AND OHS
Stacy Codikow, founder POWER UP, producer DEBS, ITTY BITTY TITTY COMMITTEE

All these people make gay films too. Not porn. Gay films. They have chosen to be OUT publicly, and to tell stories about our experiences in a climate of political and social hate and discrimination. They are putting a face, emotion and feeling to the term "gay", and taking risks by telling OUR stories and not settling for how the straight film world depicts the LGBT community.

Here is another GAY FILM that is not porn opening in theatres next week.

FAT GIRLS, by Ash Christian.

This is what a gay film is, fyi:



Reviews of this film include:

"DELIGHTFULLY PREPOSTEROUS"
A seductive deadpan comedy in the style of Napoleon Dynamite by
wunderkind Ash Christian, Fat Girls will leave you smiling.
-Bay Area Reporter

"Heart-warming reminder of just how special each of our teenage "gay
self-awareness" and "coming out" stories are. Ash Christian captures
what is best in the campy, low-class realism styles of such famous
directors as John Waters, Ed Wood, and even David Lynch while still
remaining entirely original in his approach. "
- Robert, Urban, AfterElton.com

"Pain and discomfort has rarely been so amusing."
- San Francisco Station - 4 out of 5 stars

"Cheeky and clever, charming and ultimately infused with a very
strong, important message about self-acceptance. As a writer-director,
Christian packs this film with hilarious little touches that keep us
giggling.
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall

"Completely, beautifully made."
– John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Shortbus)


Okay. I'm still in a mood, but there you go.

In other news, Senate passed the HATE CRIMES BILL which is now on George W's desk. The chances of a veto are slim this time since this bill is attached to the WAR AUTHORIZATION BILL.

Once again, here is a couple that has been together for 50 years, also talking about the importance of gay film: