Arts & Entertainment
Preview of coming attractions
Reel Affirmations returns, but multiplex options lackluster


‘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.
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony

The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.
A performance featuring members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and local drag artists was held at the end of the first act of the program to celebrate WorldPride 2025.
The annual awards ceremony honors achievement in D.C.-area theater productions and is produced by Theatre Washington.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)



























2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)











a&e features
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.

The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.

The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.




