Arts & Entertainment
Queer celluloid
Festivals, docs, features, retrospectives, contests and more among local spring film season
Val Lauren and Christian Patrick in the controversial ‘Interior. Leather Bar.’ (Photo courtesy Strand Releasing)
The spring film season in Washington starts with a bang with “Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me,” a comic and poignant documentary by Chiemi Karasawa that captures the legendary performer’s days in New York City. The film interweaves footage from Stritch’s professional life (teasing Alec Baldwin on the set of “30 Rock” and struggling to remember the tricky lyrics of Stephen Sondheim for her final show at the Café Carlyle) and personal life (medial crises and packing for her move from Manhattan to Michigan). “Shoot Me” opens at West End Cinema on March 14.
The works of groundbreaking gay writer Tennessee Williams will be among those featured at the AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring this spring. A celebration of Vivien Leigh’s centenary will include “The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone” and Leigh’s iconic performance as Blanche DuBois in “A Streetcar Named Desire.” A retrospective on the career of Burt Lancaster will include his sizzling performance opposite Oscar winner Anna Magnani in “The Rose Tattoo,” as well as his powerful appearance in the classic “Come Back, Little Sheba” by gay playwright William Inge. Details at afi.com/silver.
Samantha Master in ‘The New Black.’ (Photo by Jen Lemen)
Two documentaries about anti-gay campaigns will be released on DVD this spring. Michael Lucas’ “Campaign of Hate: Russia and Gay Propaganda” will be available on April 1 and finds the gay porn legend continuing his branching out into non-porn terrain. Yoruba Richen’s documentary “The New Black” examines how the black community is grappling with the issues of marriage equality and civil rights, and how the Christian right is exploiting anti-gay sentiment in black churches. It comes to home formats in June after it is broadcast on PBS as part of its Gay Pride Month celebration.
April 1 is also the DVD release date for the documentary “I Am Divine,” which explores the transformation of mild-mannered Baltimore native Harris Glenn Milstead into Divine, a “cinematic terrorist” and legendary international drag icon. Filmmaker Jeffrey Schwarz combines interviews with Milstead’s mother and Divine’s cinematic collaborators to create a complex portrait of a fascinating artist.
On a lighter note, the trend of female buddy movies continues with “The Other Woman,” a comedy featuring Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann and Kate Upton as three women turn the tables on the man who cheats on all three of them. The movie, which opens in wide release on April 25, also features a performance by pop singer Nicki Minaj.
B’more QFest (formerly/formally known as the Baltimore Queer Film and Media Festival) strives to “bring unity to the community” by bringing quality LGBT film to Charm City. Upcoming events include a double bill of “Sordid Lives” and “Southern Baptist Sissies” with screenwriter Del Shores on April 6 and Leslie Jordan (“Sordid Lives” and “Will & Grace”) performing his one-man show “Fruit Fly” on June 10-11. Details at bmorequeer.org.
Pierre Deladonchamps in ‘Stranger by the Lake.’ (Photo courtesy Strand Releasing)
“Stranger by the Lake,” the gay erotic thriller that won the Queer Palm (an independent award given to entries made to the Cannes Film Festival) and was named one of the top films of 2013 by the influential Cahiers du Cinema is still looking for a venue in D.C. If all else fails, this steamy tale of murder and sexual awakening set by a scenic lake in rural France will be available on DVD May 13.
“Interior. Leather Bar.,” inspired by the mythology surrounding the 1980 film “Cruising,” will be released on DVD on April 15. Filmmakers James Franco and Travis Mathews (“I Want Your Love”) reimagine the “lost footage” from the controversial film as they document their own challenges with shooting sexually explicit material.
LGBT filmmakers will have a chance to strut their stuff in the annual 48 Hour Film Fest. From 7:30 p.m. on May 2 to 7:30 p.m. on May 4, teams of local artists will create original short films. The films will be screened the following weekend at AFI Silver Theatre and the winner will advance to the national competition. Teams can register at 48hourfilm.com.
Although the D.C. Shorts Film Festival won’t be held until September, the staff and volunteers, under the direction of founder Jon Gann, an openly gay director, will host a variety of events this spring. In March, the Mentors program will offer a series of workshops for filmmakers of all skill levels. On June 13-14, the D.C. Shorts Laughs will offer evenings that combine funny short films and stand-up comedians. And most importantly, the Festival is now accepting entries from both directors and screenwriters. For more information, visit dcshorts.com.
Friday, May 1
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
“Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington, D.C.” will be at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St., N.W. Come see this amazing D.C. drag show and laugh all night long while being amazed by the stellar performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. Come see the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, and many more. Tickets are $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 2
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11:00a.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.
Drag Queen Sip and Paint Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets are $47.19 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 4
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” 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 information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, May 5
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 6
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. 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 LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more information, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 7
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. 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 Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
The new monthly 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch premiered at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. Performers included Logan Stone, Tiffany D. Carter and Charlemagne Chateau.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Celebrity News
Madonna makes rare club appearance in West Hollywood
Gay icon brought ‘Confessions II’ to The Abbey
A line of celebrities, “Drag Race” queens, influencers, media, and West Hollywood socialites lined the block around West Hollywood’s The Abbey, all clamoring to get into the invite-only celebration of owner Tristan Schukraft’s birthday. The rumor, which became verified gossip, was that Madonna, the Queen of Pop herself, would be taking the stage. Of course, the Blade had to be there.
With disco balls and Abbey statues covered in pink chiffon, it was clear. This party was a direct tie-in to Madonna’s much-anticipated “Confessions on A Dance Floor” album sequel, “Confessions II.” That night, the Abbey also unveiled its remodeled dance floor, a fitting collaboration.
The club was filled to capacity with a completely open bar, keeping the crowd liquored up. Go-go dancers in black leather collars and thongs lined the room, and celebrities that included Lilly Allen, Bebe Rexha, Tori Spelling, Julia Fox, Sam Asghari, Daniel Frenzese, Cynthia Bailey, Meredith Marks, Tom Daley, and more filled the VIP booths alongside World of Wonder personalities. It was a veritable who’s who of queer folk and allies.
The lights began to dim, the dance floor began to rumble, and Madonna graphics hit the screens. At around 1 am, it was time. Introduced by Addison Rae, Madonna grabbed the mic and started chanting, welcoming her “gays.” The venue resounded in thunderous chants of “freedom,” “mother,” and “bitch.”
Madonna was not there to perform. She was there to dance. She took the stage for about 15 minutes, keeping the crowd going with her naughty and fun commentary. There is no list that needs to be provided on how Madonna’s career has become part of queer culture. Going back to her dance music roots and going back to her gay fans is smart.
Released in 2005 (yes, it has been that long), “Confessions on a Dance Floor” was an instant hit, with four singles from the album being released. The album’s lead single, “Hung Up,” topped the charts in 41 countries with Billboard calling it the most successful dance song of the decade. The album had hints of 60s and 70s flair, mixed in with dance music prevalent at that time. The music still dominates at queer clubs across the globe.
Madonna knows we need a little queer joy; she also knows that fans miss the Madonna we all knew and loved. With the nation in such turbulence, we all need some comfort, and going back to a time when we felt safer and had more to celebrate just feels good. For the new album release, she has even partnered with Grindr for a limited edition vinyl release and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Her night at The Abbey presented snippets of her new music mixed in with some of her classics. The new material sounded good, sounded familiar in an exciting way, and shows that this diva has still got it.
“Confessions II” releases on July 3.
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