You might expect that the capital of the world's film industry and one of the leading gay destinations around would host a top-notch gay and lesbian film festival. Indeed, L.A.'s Outfest, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is one of the best queer film fests on the planet. The two-week celebration of indie gay film takes place throughout West Hollywood in mid-July (July 9 to July 21, in 2008).
The History of Outfest
Outfest was begun in 1982 as a way to promote films by and about gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and trangsgenders. It's one of a number of first-rate gay and lesbian film festivals that have become hugely popular around the world, and it's one of two especially prominent ones held in mid-July (the other being the Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival). Since Outfest started, audiences have been able to see more than 4,000 films. Interestingly, it's the oldest continuously operated film festival in Los Angeles.
2008 Outfest Highlights
This year's Outfest includes some 116 different events, including gala balls, 65 feature films, a dozen short films, and a slate of panels and lectures. There's also a two-day music festival. Of course, this is L.A., and you can expect that there will be a slew of parties and receptions drawing some of the queer film world's true luminaries. Here's an overview of Outfest events in 2008, along with the complete Outfest online program.
Buying Tickets to Outfest
Tickets for most screenings cost $12 (it's $15 for a few major ones). For panels and other events, tickets cost anywhere from $5 to $12. The galas cost $75 to $150 for opening night, $75 for closing night, and from $15 to $50 for the other parties during Outfest. Tickets to all Outfest events are available online at the Outfest Festival Program page
Year-round Outfest Programs
Outfest also sponsors GLBT film screenings throughout the rest of the year with its Outfest Wednesdays Screening Series. Screenings are held twice a month on Wednesdays at the Egyptian Theatre at 6712 Hollywood Boulevard, and tickets cost $7 for Outfest members and $10 for the general public.
