Arts & Entertainment

Preview of coming attractions

Reel Affirmations returns, but multiplex options lackluster

Published

14 years ago

September 8, 2011

‘Circumstance,’ a coming-of-age story set in modern-day Iran, opens at Landmark today. (Photo courtesy of Roadside Attractions and Participant Media).

The fall movie calendar highlights include something for Twi-Hards, Spanish-film buffs and the return of D.C.’s Reel Affirmations.

The winner of the Audience Award at the Sundance 2011 Film Festival, “Circumstance” promises to captivate American audiences with its suspenseful coming-of-age story set in underground Iranian culture. The fully subtitled film gives audiences an inside look at modern-day Iran. The film focuses on one woman’s controversial passions that could end up being dangerous. It opens at Landmark Theatre’s E Street Cinema today.

The AFI Latin American Film Festival 2011: “Good Morning Freedom! Spanish Cinema After Franco” comes to AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center and runs from today through the 22nd. With the death of Franco and his 40-year dictatorship, Spanish culture entered a period of cultural liberation and creative experimentation that is highlighted through this selection of films. Two entries into the festival feature gay themes. For more information go to afi.com/silver.

“Labyrinth of Passion,” a 1982 film by Pedro Almodóvar, is an outrageous comedy set in Madrid and follows the love story between a nymphomaniac pop star Sexilia (Cecilia Roth) and Riza (Imanol Arias), the gay son of the emperor of Tiran. The film features Antonio Banderas as a gay terrorist. It’s being shown Saturday at 9:45 p.m. and Sunday at 2:45 p.m.

“Confessions of a Congressman,” a 1978 film, features a rare-for-its-time look at homosexuality in Spain. The film focuses on politician José Sacristán’s (Roberto Orbea) public and personal lives. It’s being shown Sunday at 9:10 p.m. and Monday night at 9.

Part of the Reel Affirmations Extra series, “What Happens Next” is the story of recently retired Paul Greco (Jo Lindstrom), who’s entered a new chapter in his life and finds himself with plenty of time on his hands. His daily routine includes a walking his dog in the park. He soon encounters Andy Chance (Chris Murrah), who has a similar schedule. It’s being shown Sept. 22 at 7 and 9:15 p.m. at Landmark Theatre’s E Street Cinema.

Reel Affirmations (reelaffirmations.org) is slated to return Oct. 13-22 after a one-year hiatus. Highlights include the world premiere of “Into the Lion’s Den,” a new film from Breaking Glass Pictures that follows three close friends who have grown bored with the West Hollywood scene. The trio decides that a cross-country road trip from Los Angeles to New York City is the solution to getting out of their rut. On the final night of their journey, the boys decide to hang out at a secluded bar “The Lions Den.” Someone at the bar is watching them and planning an evening of unspeakable horrors. This unpredictable thriller features Jesse Archer and Ronnie Kroell, from Bravo’s “Make Me a Supermodel.” He’s scheduled to attend the Washington premiere.

“Hanna and the Hasbian,” an Australian movie, tells the story of a lesbian couple, one member of which is about to declare herself a “hasbian,” — no longer a lesbian. Breigh begins her search for “Mr. Right,” but discovers dating men is not as easy as she imagined.

As usual, LGBT content at the multiplex is spotty. A few films with gay appeal: Michelle Williams is the latest actress to tackle the role of Marilyn Monroe in “My Week with Marilyn,” which tells the tale of a week shared between Monroe and Colin Clark, a 23-year-old assistant on the set of “The Prince and the Showgirl.” It opens Nov. 4.

“Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn” opens Nov. 18, the first of a two-part finale to the series that continues to follow the love triangle between Bella, Edward and Jacob. It opens Nov. 18.

Some campy and fun DVDs to look for this fall inlcude “Bridesmaids,” “Scream 4” and “Green Lantern.” Also, don’t miss the “Looney Tunes Platinum Collection, Vol. 1,” the ultimate collection of 50-plus shorts from Looney Tunes. They’ve all been re-mastered. It’s out Nov. 15.

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Photos

PHOTOS: Victory Fund National Champagne Brunch

LGBTQ politicians gather for annual event

Published

16 hours ago

May 2, 2025

Michael Key

Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.) speaks at the 2025 Victory Fund National Champagne Brunch. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Victory Fund held its National Champagne Brunch at the Ritz-Carlton on Sunday, April 27. Speakers included Tim Gunn, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Gov. Wes Moore (D-Md.), Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.).

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Music & Concerts

Tom Goss returns with ‘Bear Friends Furever Tour’

Out singer/songwriter to perform at Red Bear Brewing Co.

Published

18 hours ago

May 2, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

Singer Tom Goss is back. (Photo by Dusti Cunningham)

Singer Tom Goss will bring his “Bear Friends Furever Tour” to D.C. on Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing Co.

Among the songs he will perform will be “Bear Soup,” the fourth installment in his beloved bear song anthology series. Following fan favorites like “Bears,” “Round in All the Right Places,” and “Nerdy Bear,” this high-energy, bass-thumping banger celebrates body positivity, joyful indulgence, and the vibrant spirit of the bear subculture.

For more details, visit Tom Goss’s website.

Calendar

Calendar: May 2-8

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

18 hours ago

May 2, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, May 2

“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at P.F. Chang’s. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, May 3

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgment free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Sunday, May 4

“The Chateau Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Chicatana. Enjoy fabulous Mexican food and cocktails while being entertained by a rotating cast of the DMV’s best drag performers. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

“The Bubble: Queer Brooklyn Comics in DC” will be at 5 p.m. at As You Are. Queer comedians Charlie Flynn, Evan Lazarus and Keara Sullivan are coming down from NYC for a night of fun as they split an hour of standup comedy. For more details, visit Eventbrite.

Monday, May 5

“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].

Tuesday, May 6

Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].

Wednesday, May 7

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older queer women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].

Thursday, May 8

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

Virtual Yoga with Sarah M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.

South Asian Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The peer support group is an outlet for South Asian-identified LGBTQ individuals to come and talk about anything affecting them. It’s a secure, judgment-free environment to discuss relationships, sexuality, health, well-being, identity, culture, religion, or anything that is on your mind. For more details, email [email protected].