Guide to Sex at NewFest
Posted at 1:12 PM Jun 10, 2008
NewFest 2008 is the 20th annual installment of the New York LGBT Film Festival, and it's a no-brainer that lots of films at the 10 day festival (June 5-15th) will have something to do with sexuality. For those less interested in identity and more interested in the practices, Naked City has some suggestions for films to check out. Tickets for all screenings are $13, and can be purchased in advance (recommended) or at the theater.
The Amazing Truth About Queen Raquela
(Iceland, 2008, 80 mins) In Tagalog with subtitles & English with English subtitles. Directed By: Olaf de Fleur. Saturday, June 14th 8:00pm. AMC Loews 34th St Theater 10
Blurring the lines between fiction and reality, director Olaf de Fleur’s unique feature focuses on Raquela, a transsexual Filipina prostitute who dreams of escaping her harsh reality for a fairy tale life in the West. Tired of working the streets, she turns to internet porn, where she seems to hit the goldmine – a chance to travel to Iceland, and an offer of a visa from Michael, the website’s New York-based owner. But is this all too good to be true?
Californie (France, 2007, 22 mins). In French with subtitles with English subtitles. Directed By: Sebastien Martinez Barat. Sunday, June 15th 5:30pm. AMC Loews 34th St Theater 7. A young couple and a prostitute play S&M games...
Happy Birthday. (USA , Canada, 2008, 15 mins). Directed By: Roberta Marie Munroe. Wednesday, June 11th 5:45pm. AMC Loews 34th St Theater 13. Two couples might just get what they wish for in this comedy starring Julie Goldman, Deak Evgenikos, Lisa Branch and Yolonda Ross.
The Houseboy. (USA, 2007, 82 mins). Directed By: Spencer Schilly. Thursday, June 12th 10:15pm. AMC Loews 34th St Theater 13.
Twenty-something Ricky is feeling abandoned. He’s learned that the couple he has maintained a threesome with over the past year is planning on dumping him when they return home from Christmas holidays. In the meantime, he’s expected to housesit for them during the most depressing time of the year to be alone. To pass the time, and to attempt to feel human connection, he engages in anonymous hook-ups, but is left feeling empty. Has he reached the end of his rope, or could salvation await in the form of a friendly neighbor?
Looking for Romeo. (USA, 2007, 60 mins). Directed By: Arthur Ian. Friday, June 13th 10:30pm. AMC Loews 34th St Theater 6.
Male prostitution takes center stage in Looking for Romeo – from the perspectives of hustlers and johns alike. The former relate how and why they began turning tricks, while the latter explain, some with heart-breaking poignancy, others with frank pragmatism, their reasons for employing rentboys’ services. What emerges is a rare and sensitive insight into sex work.
Sex and Cloister. (Brazil, 2005, 13 mins). In Spanish with subtitles with English subtitles. Directed By: Claudia Priscilla. Thursday, June 12th 3:45pm. AMC Loews 34th St Theater 10. Maria Del Pilar is lesbian ex-nun who lives in Mexico City.
--Audacia Ray
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