Friday, March 27, 2009

Gay List Daily previews the queer flicks at the AFI Dallas Film Festival

By Staff of Gay List Daily

Hope you’re hungry for popcorn because there’s still a whole week left of the AFI Dallas International Film Festival, which kicked off last night. With more than 170 films left to screen, we hope you brought one of those little inflatable donut pillows to sit on because that’s a lot of numb-butt for even the most ardent film buff.

And learn from our mistakes in years past: buy your tickets early!

This year’s AFI Dallas lineup isn’t the gayest we’ve ever seen, but there are three films worth checking out if you need a queer-movie fix and Tyler Perry in drag just isn’t cutting it.

Bollywood Beats is a cute, locally-filmed movie about a hot Indian dance instructor who assembles a rag-tag group of Indian women to enter a dance competition. The acting is a little high-school-playish at times, but it’s still fun to see how many “New York” scenes are right in our own downtown. And the gay character, Vincent? That’s none other than writer-director Mehul Shah, who’s not too bad on the eyes, either.

The other two gay films are both documentaries. Suddenly, Last Winter is extremely insightful. The story follows two gay men (pictured) who hit the streets of Italy to interview everyday people, religious leaders and politicians about gay rights after a proposed law to provide equal rights to same-sex couples produces a wave of homophobia across the country. Guess which side the Vatican takes on this debate? We promise not to spoil it.

If you want something a little lighter in the designer loafers, then Valentino: The Last Emperor should satisfy your hunger for a big dramatic queen in the shape of Valentino Garavani, legendary fashion designer and all-around zany character.

But what has our autograph books tingling? None other than Andy Dick, who’s scheduled to appear on the red carpet March 31 between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. outside the Landmark Magnolia. Let’s just hope he does something crazy. Dallas needs a good celebrity scandal! Even if it centers around a Z-lister like Andy Dick.

Tickets start at $8.50 per screening

For complete list of venues, visit www.afidallas.com.

Bollywood Beats - Sunday, March 29, 3:30 p.m. @ AMC NorthPark 15 & Wednesday, April 1, 10:00 p.m. @ Landmark's Magnolia 3

Valentino: The Last Emperor - Tuesday, March 31, 7:30 p.m. @ AMC NorthPark 15

Suddenly, Last Winter - Wednesday, April 1, 10:30 p.m. @ AMC NorthPark 15 & Thursday, April 2, 2:00 p.m. @ AMC NorthPark 15

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