BACK TO BUSINESS

With our big Parting Glances & OP.Lynx/NewFest Filmmaker's Brunch Series screenings behind us, NewFest is back on track and focusing on some exciting new projects. In this week's update, we have some early information about our winter benefit, a reminder about 2008 film submissions and our NewDraft screenplay & reading contest, an update on three LGBT DVD releases, and information about the theatrical opening of Fat Girls!

PARTING GLANCES

Thanks to everyone who attended the East Coast Premiere of the restored Parting Glances at the Walter Reade Theater last Monday! NewFest was proud to partner with the Outfest Legacy Project to bring Bill Sherwood's beloved film back to New York City.


OP.LYNX/NEWFEST FILMMAKER'S BRUNCH SERIES

We'd also like to thank everyone who attended last weekend's OP.Lynx/NewFest Filmmaker's Brunch Series screening (featuring the films of Joyce Draganosky) at Cattyshack! The event was a success & we look forward to seeing everyone again at the next installment! Keep your eye out for the details here or on the NewFest/Lynx page at our official website.


WINTER BENEFIT

Save the date: Sunday, December 9th from 6:30 - 9:00 P.M.. That's the date of NewFest's annual winter benefit, a night of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction with some amazing items and rare collectibles! Check back here or at newfest.org for more details.


CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Submissions are now being accepted for programming consideration in NewFest 2008: The 20th Anniversary New York LGBT Film Festival! For submission guidelines and entry forms, please visit the SUBMISSIONS page at newfest.org.


NEWDRAFT

We are pleased to announce that NewDraft: NewFest's Screenplay Competition & Reading Series in now accepting submissions. Submit your screenplay now for a chance to have a staged reading produced by NewFest - our past readings have all either been completed or are currently in production: Another Gay Movie, Another Gay Movie 2: Gays Gone Wild, and Were the World Mine (formerly Fairies). For submission guidelines and entry forms, please visit the SUBMISSIONS page at newfest.org.


NEW ON DVD

Did you see a film you really liked at our last festival? Was there something you needed to see again? Did you miss a screening completely? Catch up on some past festival selections new to DVD:

• Dear Jesse (Tim Kirkman, 1997): Jesse Helms has become infamous for his staunchly conservative & homophobic actions over the years as a US senator. This documentary, an "open letter" to Helms, seeks to expose the man behind the outspoken politician. (NewFest 1997 - selection)
  

• Outing Riley (Pete Jones, 2004): The first film from "Project Greenlight" winner Pete Jones, Outing Riley tells the story of Bobby, an average gay man in his mid-thirties, who struggles to come out to his close-knit Irish family. Full of laughs and witty dialogue, the film never fails to satisfy. (NewFest 2007 - Winner: Best U.S. Narrative)
  

• Starrbooty (Mike Ruiz, 2007): Starring RuPaul and a gang of porn stars, Starrbooty is a debaucherous, no-holds-barred send-up of those classic blaxploitation spy films of the 70s. (NewFest 2007 - selection)
  

• Did I miss your favorite movie? Send me a note & let me know!

High school can be a tough time for anyone but it's extra bad for Rodney Miller (Ash Christian), a Texas teenager whose ultimate dream in life is to be on Broadway. Luckily, he finds sanctuary with fellow outcast Sabrina (Ashley Fink), the "fat girl" at school, and theater teacher, Mr. Cox (Tarnation's Jonathan Caouette). Even with his new friends, can Rodney survive the high school experience?

Ash Christian's directorial debut, FAT GIRLS, opened in NYC & other major cities this past Friday. Do your part to support LGBT film & check it out!

Fat Girls official site
Fat Girls @ IMDb