LONG BEACH — Documentaries about Armistead Maupin and the persecution of LGBT federal employees by the U.S. government during the Cold War, a drama about a longtime lesbian couple confronting the challenges of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and a comedy about a woman who has never experienced an orgasm are among the feature-length films that will be screened during the 2017 Long Beach QFilm Festival, according to a press statement Tuesday.
QFilms, which spotlights LGBTQ movies, will take place from September 7 to 10 at the Art Theatre and the Long Beach LGBTQ Center, which also produces the event. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Center.
Discounted full-festival and five-film passes are available at www.qfilmslongbeach.com. Individual tickets will be on sale next week.
Launched in 1993, the film festival presents narrative features, documentaries and short films that spotlight the rich tapestry of the LGBTQ communities. The films are a mix of West Coast, California and local premieres as well some of the most acclaimed features on the film festival circuit.
Filmmakers and cast members will be present for audience discussions after many screenings.
The documentary “The Lavender Scare” explores the dark chapter in U.S. history during the Cold War when LGBT federal employees were persecuted by the U.S. government. Photo: “The Lavender Scare.”
QFilms 2017 will include four spectacular short film programs: Men in Briefs, Women in Shorts, Queer & Trans Shorts, and the first ever Latinx Shorts Spotlight. The full shorts lineup and complete festival schedule will be announced in the next two weeks.
Jury and audience awards will be given to films in several categories.
Here are the announced documentaries and features:
September 7
“The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin” — The longtime activist and author of the popular “Tales of the City” book series is profiled in this documentary.
September 8
“The Feels” — In this comedy, a woman who has never had an orgasm receives unexpected help from her girlfriends during a bachelorette party.
“Something Like Summer” — Based on the young adult novel, this romantic drama that explores the 10-year relationship between two gay friends.
September 9 and 10
“The Lavender Scare” — The persecution of LGBT employees by the U.S. government during the Cold War is told in this documentary.
“A Million Happy Nows” — A longtime lesbian couple confronts the challenge of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
“Extra-Terrestrials” — Award-winning Puerto Rican writer-director Carla Cavina tells a story about family secrets.
“Sebastian” — Katya from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” costars in this romance about a man who falls for his boyfriend’s visiting cousin.
“Saturday Church” — A young queer boy experimenting with his sexuality and gender identity finds refuge in an unusual church.
“Signature Move” — A Pakistani-Muslim woman and a Mexican-American woman discover romance.
“Alaska is a Drag” — An aspiring drag superstar is stuck working in an Alaskan fish cannery. Based on Shaz Bennett’s award-winning short film.
