Big Gay Picture Show

Taking a look at the world of film through gay eyes - news, reviews, trailers, gay film, queer cinema and more

Taking a look at the world of film through gay eyes - news, reviews, trailers, gay film, queer cinema & more

Tom Hardy May Play The Kray Twins (Including The Bisexual One) In Legend

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tom-hardy-slideWe may be getting twice the Tom Hardy in Legend, as Screen Daily reports that he’s in talks to play both of the legendary London gangsters the Kray Twins in Legend.

The film will ‘chart the tortured and unique relationship between gangsters Ronald and Reginald Kray, the identical twin brothers infamous for their criminal exploits in London during the 1950s and 1960s… The script takes in associates, rivals – such as notorious gangster Jack “the Hat” McVitie, who was murdered by Reginald in 1967 – politician Lord Boothby, and the brothers’ nemesis in the police force, DS Leonard “Nipper” Read, who made it his life’s ambition to put the Krays behind bars.’

The brothers were involved in armed robberies, arson, protection rackets, assaults, and several murders, and became infamous in the Swinging Sixties, mixing with celebs and giving off an aura of immunity. However they were eventually arrested in 1968 and sentenced to life in prison.

It’s not known how the film will deal with the sexuality of Reggie Kray, who was bisexual (while some say he exclusively slept with men, he identified as bisexual). He is believed to have been quite open about this even at the height of his gangster exploits, introducing his latest young male conquest to his associates and expecting them to compliment his choice.

LA Confidential screenwriter Brian Helgeland is working on the script and also plans to direct the movie.

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Gay Film Festival Poster Featuring Two Men Kissing Banned After Being Deemed ‘Too Confronting’ For Brisbane

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brisbane-queer-film-festival-banned-image
I think we may have found a new word to add to the homophobic arsenal, as apparently gay imagery can be ‘too confronting’, even if it’s difficult to imagine that being said if exactly the same image featured a man and a women. Those were the words used by Brisbane Lifestyle Committee Chairman Krista Adams after Brisbane City Council deemed one of the adverts for the Brisbane Queer Film Festival unsuitable and banned it, according to couriermail.com.au.

She said, “We are mindful of the community’s views and believe that one of the three posters may be seen by many as too confronting. I have been advised that, in the meantime, an alternate billboard design will be used.”

The image in question, seen above, is a gay take on a classic image from the film From Here To Eternity, which features Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr kissing as waves crashed against them. Here that image has been replaced with two guys (and quite frankly I’ve never been so confronted in my life!).

Understandably, many took to Twitter to express their displeasure at the decision, which led the Council to announce a review would be undertaken by the Advertising Standards Board.

Yes, it’s definitely a sexy image, but it’s less explicit and in your face than many adverts featuring women in deliberately sexualised and objectified situations. And it’s particularly ironic seeing as it’s based on a picture of a man and a women that wasn’t even seen as ‘too confronting’ to be in Best Picture Oscar-winning movie in 1953.

This isn’t the first time Brisbane has raised controversy by banning a gay-themed ad. In 2011 a bus stop poster promoting safer sex was torn down by authorities, after organised lobbying by an anti-gay group led to 30 complaints. The poster featured two fully clothed men embracing, with one holding an unopened red condom packet. On that occasion the decision was reversed and the ads were put back up following a social media campaign. It’s unclear at the moment if that will happen this time too.

You can compare the image above with one of the classic From Here To Eternity pics below.

from-here-to-eternity-beach

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Boys On Film 11: We Are Animals Trailer – Take a look at the latest in the excellent gay short film collection

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Peccadillo Pictures has had great success with the Boys Of Film series, which brings together some of the best gay-themed short films from around the globe, ranging from the funny to the erotic. Now the latest collection is on its way, subtitled We Are Animals.

The trailer for the collection is here, suggesting this will be another great release. Here’s the details of each of the shorts that will be included:

We Are Animals – dir. Dominic Haxton (USA) 13mins 2013
This beautifully filmed, bold and daring alternate historical fable is set during the 1980s AIDS crisis. When a closeted young man finds himself in the midst of an anti-government coup, he joins in the fight against the strict regime that is being enforced upon them.
Official Selection ; Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival | Indianapolis LGBT Film Festival | 24th Annual Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival | Sacramento International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival | Polari Film Festival

Burger – dir. Magnus Mork (UK/Norway) 11mins 2013
Set on location in Cardiff, Burger is an observational study looking at the variety of customers that a late night burger bar attracts. Norwegian filmmaker Magnus Mork has painted a beautiful portrait of both gay and straight couples. It is the fourth short film to be produced by the Iris Prize, the world’s largest lesbian and gay short film prize valued at £25,000, after Mork won the short film prize in 2010 for The Samaritan.
Official Selection; Sundance Film Festival | Seattle International Film Festival | OUTFEST | Oslo Gay and Lesbian Film Festival | GAZE | Iris Prize Festival | Hamburg International Film Festival | MIX Copenhagen LGBT Film Festival

Alaska is a Drag – dir. Shaz Bennett (USA) 14mins 2012
The unique and outspoken Leo stands out from the crowd that he finds himself in through no fault of his own. This isn’t ideal when working in a small fish cannery in Alaska. His dreams of leaving this small town appear impossible, until a new boy starts to work at the cannery and sees Leo for the international superstar he was destined to be.
Official Selection ; Seattle Gay and Lesbian Film Festival | Philadelphia Film Festival | Outfest | Los Angeles Film Festival

Three Summers – dir. Carlos Augusto de Oliveira (Denmark) 28mins 2006
As poignant as it is daring, Three Summers charts an unlikely attraction – over the span of three years – between a middle aged divorcee and a teenage boy exploring his sexuality.

The Last Time I Saw Richard – dir. Nicholas Verso(USA) 23mins 2013
Set in a teen mental health clinic in the winter of 1995, this thrilling short film serves as a prequel to the feature length work Boys In The Trees. We are introduced to Jonah, 2 years earlier, and the meaningful connection he forms with his roommate, Richard, despite his determination to stay solitary.
Official Selection; Prague Short Film Festival | San Jose International Short Film Festival | AACTA Awards Screening | Rhode Island International Film Festival | Melbourne International Film Festival

Little Man – dir. Eldar Rapaport (UK/Israel) 24mins 2012
Facing thirty, Elliott realises he has skewered the potential of every relationship that has come his way. The weekend his brother shows up on his doorstep and a bizarre neighbour begins spying on him; Elliott is driven to the edge in this uneasy psychological tale of obsession. Directed by the winner of the 2011 Iris Prize, Eldar Rapaport, who has since gone on to direct feature films, including the beautiful August.
Official Selection; Iris Prize Film Festival

For Dorian – dir. Rodrigo Barriuso (Canada) 16mins 2012
For Dorian aspires to deal with a sensitive and vastly under-represented issue: the sexual awakening of teenagers with visible disabilities. Told from the moving perspective of a devoted father of a boy with Down Syndrome, it challenges the ways in which the disabled are frequently asexualised.
Official Selection: Iris Prize Festival | Pittsburgh International LBGT Film Festival | Hamburg Queer Film and Video Film Festival | EOP Film Festival |

Spooners – dir. Bryan Horch (USA) 14mins 2013
In this hilarious, inventive and pleasingly whimsical comedy, a gay couple’s ridiculous quest for a comfortable mattress transforms into a journey of acceptance and public openness with their sexuality. It charmed viewers at film festivals around the world, winning two audience favourite awards and audience favourite for best short film.
Official Selection; Seattle International Film Festival | Mezipatra Queer Film Festival | Sacramento International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival | Northampton International Film Festival

Boys On Film 11: We Are Animals is due out on DVD in the UK on March 24th. [Read more…]

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Lady Peacock Trailer – A gay man decides the only way to compete with a drag queen is to become one

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Here’s a movie that looks like it could be quite fun. It also stars out actor Eric Millegan, who many will recognise as Zack Addy in early seasons of Bones.

Here’s the synopsis: ‘When Conner first meets Gay newbie Devin, he feels an instant attraction for him. However, soon into the relationship Conner’s nemesis, the Puerto Rican drag queen, Adora, wants Devin all to herself. Conner soon realizes the only way to compete with a drag queen is to become a drag queen. With the help of his club friends, Conner must make it his mission to destroy Adora if he wants to win back Devin.’

It’ll be out in the US via Breaking Glass Pictures later this year. [Read more…]

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Iris Prize LGBT Short Film Festival Launches New British Strand & Logo

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iris-logo-britishThe Iris Prize, held every autumn in Cardiff, is a great showcase for LGBT short films from around the world. However this year they have announced plans for a new strand to celebrate the Best of British.

The new strand will screen up to 10 of the best short films produced by filmmakers in Britain over the past 24 months. The films will be judged by an independent British Jury who will present the winning film with the Iris Prize Best British Short Award.

“British films have always been well received at the Iris Prize Film Festival and we are delighted to be screening more British shorts this year. This new development will also allow Iris to have a closer relationship with more local film makers,” said Festival Chair Andrew Pierce.

“The Iris Prize has a well-established track record for celebrating international talent having presented the Prize to film makers from the US, Israel, Germany, Norway, Brazil and two from Australia. However as we grow there is an expectation for us to do more! This is what we are doing by launching the Best British Short Award!” he added.

More details about the Best British Short prize will be announced at a drinks reception in London to co-inside with the closing weekend of BFI Flare on 29 March 2014.

If you’ve got a film you’d like to submit (whether you’re a British filmmaker or not), here are some of the key dates for this year’s fest:

  • • The submissions process is open and film makers can submit here: LINK
     • The closing date for submissions is Friday 4th July 2014.
    • All films submitted for the Best British Short will also be considered for the main Iris Prize.
    • The Best of British jury will be independent of the International Jury who will be responsible for the main Iris Prize.
    • The winner will be announced during the Iris Awards on Sunday 12th October 2014.
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Southern Baptist Sissies Trailer – Take a look at the controversial gay-themed movie as it begins its US release

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Award-winning writer/director Del Shores’ Southern Baptist Sissies has had a great reception at film festivals. Or at least it has in most places, although a venue owner in Stillwater, Oklahoma shut down a screening because of objections over the film’s exploration of the gay experience inside dogma-driven religion. Even so it went on to win Best Feature and Best Actor for star Emerson Collins at the Red Dirt International Film Festival at Stillwater.

Now it’s started its limited theatrical run in the US, so it’s a great time to take a look at the trailer.

Here’s the synopsis: ‘The film stars original play cast members Emmy winner Leslie Jordan (“Will & Grace”, “American Horror Story: Coven”), Dale Dickey (Winter’s Bone, “True Blood”, Blues For Willadean), Rosemary Alexander (Sordid Lives), Ann Walker (Sordid Lives), Newell Alexander (August: Osage County, Sordid Lives) and Joe Patrick Ward (composer for Blues For Willadean and “Sordid Lives: The Series”).  The four sissies are portrayed by Emerson Collins (“Sordid Lives: The Series”), Matthew Scott Montgomery (So Random), Luke Stratte-McClure (Yellow) and Willam Belli (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”, “Nip/Tuck”).

‘Southern Baptist Sissies is a unique hybrid of stage and film funded through an enormously successful crowd-sourcing campaign with Indiegogo.  Filmed in ten days in front of four live theatre audiences and completed with a film shoot on the theatrical stage, Southern Baptist Sissies tells the hysterical and heart-wrenching story of four boys growing up gay in the Southern Baptist church and their individual struggles to reconcile their sexuality with the anti-gay teachings of the church.’

Here’s the latest info on US screenings of the movie:
Extended Runs:
Palm Springs–Camelot Theatres (February 21st)**
Los Angeles–Downtown Independent (March 7th)**
Detroit–Cinema Detroit (March 21st)
Greensboro-Carousel Cinemas (March 28th)
New Orleans–Zeitgeist Multi-Disciplinary Arts Center (April 4th)**

Special Engagements:
Philadelphia–PhilaMOCA (March 13th)
Portland–Clinton Street Theater (March 28th)
Phoenix-Film Bar PHX (April 12th & 13th)
Sioux Falls–Club David (May 4th)
More dates and engagements will be announced.
**Cast and crew will introduce the film at special screenings.

You can also take a look at a few (sometimes sexy) pics from the movie below. [Read more…]

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Ellen Degeneres Says She Felt ‘Hurt’ & ‘Isolated’ By Some Reactions To Her Coming Out

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ellen-degeneresEllen Denegeres is now one of the most popular celebrities in America, but when she came out as a lesbian 1997 she was stepping into the unknown. At the time she had a popular sitcom, but there were few out celebs and as she has revealed to People magazine, dealing with some of the reactions to her news was difficult.

She says, “I didn’t think it was going to be that much of a surprise. What hurt was this: Does that label, that word, change my talent, my kindness, my heart, my intention for entertaining people? The bottom line is as simple as this, my feelings were hurt. I just gave up and moved to Ojai [California] and sat in my house as long as I could until I ran out of money. Then I started over again.”

It been said that Ellen and her character on her show coming out was the beginning of the end of that sitcom, with America not ready for a primetime show led by an LGBT character (although it wasn’t too long afterwards that Will & Grace started). For a while DeGeneres found it difficult to get work, but has since become a bit of a national institution and this year will host the Oscars.

In the interview she adds, “Looking back, I did feel isolated, I did feel rejected, but now I look at it as a movie that I saw that someone went through. I only experience the amazing life that I have right now… I’m so blessed in many ways, but I’m not always funny. I’m not always happy. I’m a human being, I don’t want to be expected to be funny all the time. It’s not real. I’m constantly learning and growing and trying to be better.”

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Campaign of Hate: Russia and Gay Propaganda – Michael Lucas explores Russia’s anti-LGBT laws

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Last year gay-porn bigshot Michael Lucas turned documentarian with Undressing Israel: Gay Men In The Promised Land, which looked how great it is to be gay in Israel. Now he’s returning with Campaign of Hate: Russia and Gay Propaganda. Last November we reported on the film’s Kickstarter campaign, and now it’s headed for DVD in the US on April 1st. Ahead of that comes the trailer.

Here’s the synopsis: ‘As the Olympic torch burns bright in Sochi, Lucas returned to his native country with co-director Scott Stern to shine a light on the truth of LGBT men and women in Russia and their ever-increasing prosecution.

‘As most of the world moves forward toward gay equality, Russia is seemingly heading backward. Antigay sentiment and legislation are spreading rapidly throughout the country.  The Kremlin has chosen the LGBT community as its scapegoat in a populist campaign against supposedly decadent “Western” values, and there are ominous signs of much worse to come. Violent attacks against Russian gays are more and more common. Videos of young LGBT people being taunted and tortured have been widely distributed on the Internet.’ [Read more…]

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Short Film Where Being Gay Is The Norm, Pink Moon, Seeks Funding

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Back in November we featured the great short film Sam, about a young girl bullied and beaten for looking like a boy. The director of that film, Sal Bardo, is now planning his next short, Pink Moon, and he’s taken to Kickstarter to get it funded.

It’s a case of complete societal role-reversal in the short, which is set, ‘In a society where heterosexuality is persecuted and procreation is tightly controlled, two teens are forced to hide an unintended pregnancy before their forbidden romance is exposed.’

The short is designed as a precursor/companion piece to a feature-length screenplay, which perhaps one day will become a full length movie. Bardo is hoping to raise $10,000 to help make the short. If you want to help out, watch the video above and head over the Kickstarter. [Read more…]

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London’s Riverside Studios Launch This Year’s Deep Desires Gay Men’s Cinema Season

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Bruno-and-earlene-posterOver the past five years London’s Riverside Studios had a lot of success with their Deep Desires & Broken Dreams season of gay-themed cinema. Now they’re back with their 2014 offering, which runs 20th-26th February.

The week-long programme combines premieres, preview screenings, Q&A’s as well as some of the best recent releases. 2014’s Deep Desires begins with the UK Premiere of 22-year-old director Chris Birkmeier’s, In Bloom. The film tells the story of two young and devoted partners whose relationship is threatened by the disruptive impact of an alluring newcomer.

There are also two other British premieres: the dark and potent German thriller Lose Your Head, about a young Spanish tourist who flirts with danger on Berlin’s infamous gay club scene; and US filmmaker Mike Skiff’s documentary Folsom Forever, about the wild history of San Francisco’s annual leather street party, the Folsom Street Fair.

Other highlights include a preview screening of Nanouk Leopold’s captivating rural drama, It’s All So Quiet, in which a farmer’s isolated existence and repressed sexuality are shaken by the arrival of a young farmhand. There’s also a preview of British director Simon Savory’s American road movie Bruno and Earlene Go to Vegas followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker.

Director Travis Mathew’s will join the audience via Skype after a screening of his and James Franco’s explicit co-production, Interior. Leather Bar. In another Q&A event, the creative team behind Codebreaker, a drama-documentary examining the pressures – including homophobic persecution by the UK government – which may have contributed to wartime codebreaker Alan Turing’s tragic suicide.

Other screenings include, Dallas Buyers Club, Xavier Dolan’s Tom at the Farm, Stranger by the Lake, Floating Skyscrapers, Free Fall, Tell No One (Not a Word), I DO and Monster Pies.

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