Opening Night Film An Englishman in New York (2009), directed by British director Richard Laxton, starring John Hurt and Cynthia Nixon

Closing Night Film I Can’t Think Straight (2008), directed by British director Shamim Sarif, starring Lisa Ray and Sheetal Sheth

On Friday 10 July, 2009, the doors open once again for the Tokyo International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival (TILGFF) at WALD9 Cinema (Shinjuku) where festivities end on Sunday 12 July.  The festival then relocates to Spiral Hall (Aoyama) from Thursday 16 July with the festival finally closing its doors on Monday 20 July (national holiday).  Now in its 18th year, the festival has pulled together a select snapshot of hit queer films, albeit on a smaller scale than in previous years.  The event has suffered significant funding cuts and has struggled to keep up with inquiries, but despite the recent challenges, supporters are eager to see the festival develop in years to come.  Whether die-hard festivalgoers or simply wishing to escape the sweltering heat of the Tokyo summer, visitors are invited to join this annual celebration of the latest in international queer cinema.


Opening Night Film

The festival opens with An Englishman in New York, the new made-for-TV film from acclaimed British director Richard Laxton.  The Naked Civil Servant (1975) is often cited as one of the most groundbreaking films of all time, not only for its unique portrayal of unashamedly out gay English writer and raconteur Quentin Crisp (1908-1999), but also for the bravery of the filmmakers to bring Crisp’s words to a mainstream audience in less tolerant times.  A beautifully shot account of Crisp in his later years, tracking his move to New York which he made his home for nearly 25 years, Englishman is a brave and sensitive tribute to Crisp.  Although increasingly rejected by his British audience, Crisp found himself embraced by New Yorkers who delighted in his wisdom and wit.  The film signifies the passionate dedication of director Laxton and writer Brian Fillis to push filmmaking boundaries and their refusal to let Crisp’s memory drift into obscurity.

 

Now somewhat of a national treasure himself, prolific actor John Hurt reprises his role as Crisp, earning a Special Teddy Award for outstanding acting performance at the 2009 Berlinale.  Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon takes on the role of Crisp’s close friend and co-performer Penny Arcade, and the moving turn by a youthful Jonathan Tucker as tortured artist Patrick Angus almost steals the show.  However, it is Hurt’s embodiment of Crisp which will stay with you, executed with such heart that you cannot help but be captivated by his presence on the screen.  Absolutely not to be missed. 

 

→ Look out for an exclusive interview with Englishman director Richard Laxton coming soon on SJ website… 


Closing Night Film

Closing night always features a much-anticipated film, and this year’s selection I Can’t Think Straight will not disappoint fans of lesbian rom-coms.  Writer/director Shamim Sarif takes the traditional girl-meets-girl, girl-falls-for-girl, girl-leaves-girl, girl-evolves-and-fights-for-girl concept and interlaces it with immense charm and a flurry of socio-political themes.  Bollywood actress and former model Lisa Ray plays Tala, a London-based Jordanian of Palestinian origin who meets Leyla, a young British Indian woman, played by Sheetal Sheth.  While both women are initially involved with other people, the story follows their evolution towards self-discovery and a passionate collision of worlds.  Also featuring a playful cameo by British soap Eastenders star Nina Wadia as a housekeeper who has it in for her mistress (Tala’s mother), the film has already gained a substantial lesbian following worldwide.  Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see this heartwarming romantic comedy and to appreciate 2 talented and stunning actresses.

* On closing night, be sure to pick up flyers specially sent over by the ICTS producers with the assistance of SJ website.

* Director Sarif’s second offering The World Unseen can be seen at this year’s Asian Queer Film Festival in Tokyo (September 2009).  Both films have been touring international festivals, winning awards and garnering fans.

→ Look out for an exclusive interview with ICTS director Shamim Sarif coming soon on SJ website…

→ Look out for an exclusive interview with ICTS singer-songwriter Leonie Casanova coming soon on SJ website…

→ Look out for photographs of ICTS cast and crew exhibited at the exhibition the Q word: photojournalism meets international queer culture held from 4 August to 6 September, 2009 at CoCoLo Cafe, Shinjuku, Tokyo.  Report coming soon on SJ website...

Lesbian Features:

A collection of four vignettes, exploring lesbian relationships.  Jessie restarts her life in Taipei, while her friend and secret admirer Pon vows to take care of her;  U is on a quest for ideal love; Spancer and Summer agree to separate for 10 years while the latter enters into a heterosexual marriage; and Ricky’s relationships are always filled with violence.  Although Candy Rain has received a somewhat lukewarm response at festivals to date, the Tokyo audience will appreciate this rare Asian gem in the festival's programme.

→   Official site

Anora is in a dead-end marriage with nightmare children, but her world transforms when she meets new neighbour Imogene.  When Anora’s husband Cheb discovers their affair, things take a turn for the worst resulting in a dead body and a road trip.  Won the Slamdance Film Festival Screenplay Competition Award, among others.

→   Official site

I Can’t Think Straight

Closing Night Film (see description in Intro)

→   Official site

The New World

Lucie and Marion have a stable relationship, but when Lucie can no longer ignore her ticking biological clock, they embark on a journey to find the ultimate sperm donor.  Chaos and despair ensue, leaving the couple to reassess their commitment to one another.  A touching account of the modern-day struggles faced by lesbian couples trying to build a family.

To Faro

When Mel is mistaken for a Portuguese man by hitchhiker Jenny, she grabs the opportunity to reinvent herself as Miguel and a passionate affair follows.  Described by some critics as the European Boys Don’t Cry, To Faro is a raw portrayal of the ups and downs of young love and a sensitive exploration of the pitfalls of gender stereotyping.  Fantastically fearless acting from the two young actresses. 

→   Official site

Gay Features:

Opening Night Film (see description in Intro)

→   Official site

While Manu longs to adopt a child, partner Philippe finds the strain too much, and the couple split up.  When Manu meets Fina, a beautiful Colombian woman trying to gain French citizenship, they hatch a plan so that Manu can fulfill his dream of becoming a father.  However, the situation is not as straightforward as he had expected.  Baby Love is the story of one man’s journey towards fatherhood, and was selected as the closing night film for the 2009 London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, where it incited some controversy among gay audience members uncomfortable with the boundaryless relationship between Manu and Fina.  See it and judge for yourself.

→   Official site

Maxi is enjoying his life as a famous chef and owner of a prestigious Madrid restaurant, but when his children turn up, and an attractive famous Argentinean ex-football player moves into his building, his life turns upside down.  A huge hit in Spain and at international festivals, although it does slightly lose direction towards the end, this is a perfect summer film to put smiles on faces.

→   Official site

Ming is a young gay man with emotional scars and a passion for drugs and partying.  After surviving an overdose, his secret identity as a male prostitute is revealed to his boyfriend who then leaves him.  Ming gets cleaned up in a rehab camp and resolves to lead a better life.  Well received by festivals and critics, End of Love has been praised for its brave portrayal of a man who is lost but trying to leave his dark past behind.

→   Official site

Goran and Sven live in the suburbs and only need a child to complete their package of domestic bliss.  After an excruciating wait, they finally have the chance to adopt Patrik who they believe to be 1.5 years-old.  When Patrik turns out to be a homophobic 15 year-old, the couple realizes the typographical error, and their harmonious life begins to crack.  A  sensitive depiction of the real pressures of adoption experienced by gay parents and superbly acted, this film has received accolades at film festivals across the globe.

→   Official site

Tru is a 16 year-old high school student from San Francisco, uprooted by her lesbian mothers and moved to a more conservative school in Southern California.  She finds a new love interest in school football hero Lodell, and the two become close until one day she discovers his true sexuality.  Resigned to staying in the closet, Lodell asks Tru to act as his public girlfriend.  A rare glimpse into gay-straight alliances in American schools and a tender examination of the value of friendship and honesty, Tru Loved has been well received at festivals around the world.  Look out for humorous cameos by Jane Lynch and Alec Mapa as school teachers.

→   Official site

Girls Shorts Programme:

My First Time Driving
Operated by Invisible Hands
Trophy
A Day at the Beach
Donkeygirl
Flowers at the Park
Getting to Know You

(2007/US/dir. Rebecca Feldman)
(2007/US/dir. Nicole Brending)
(2008/US/dir. Karla DiBenedetto)
(2008/US/dir. Veronique Courtois)
(2006/Netherlands/dir. Ties Schenk)
(2006/Spain/dir. Mariel Macia)
(2005/US/dir. Liz Lachman)

Boys Shorts Programme:

Documentary Features:

Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Kirby Dick examines the double-lives and hypocrisy of US politicians regarding their public reluctance to support gay rights despite swirling rumours about their closeted private lives.  Through analyses by key figures from the LGBT community, Outrage probes into the ethics of outing closeted politicians and examines the media’s role in fuelling double standards.

→   Official site

In the heart of Jerusalem stands an unusual symbol of unity: a gay bar galled Shushan.  Under this roof, people of varying nationalities, religious affiliations and sexual orientations gather together to create a community among people typically viewed as each other’s “enemy.”  Set against the construction of the separation wall between Israel and Palestinian territories and the struggle for a gay pride parade in Jerusalem, City of Borders explores this community’s daily fight for its dignity and right to exist.  

→   Official site

Triangle Square Hollywood is the first affordable housing facility for LGBT seniors in the US.  A Place to Live accompanies 7 individuals as they attempt to secure a home in the facility, and is both a moving portrait of gay and lesbian seniors surviving on the fringe of their community and a celebration of the opening of this historic building.

→   Official site

Japanese Programme:

A rare screening of this groundbreaking 1935 silent film, accompanied by live narration and music.  Established narrator of silent films Midori Sawato and Sawato’s student Ichiro Kataoka will each narrate one screening a piece, while Mie Yanashita provides the live music.  Based on a novel by lesbian writer Nobuko Yoshiya (1896-1973), the story is of a tender relationship between a girl and her elder brother’s wife.

Rainbow Reel Competition:

Dates / Locations

Screening Schedule

Screening Schedule

Access / Tickets

Official Festival Website