Frameline 2019: Straight Up

Straight Up is an outright character study with regards to one person dealing with their internalized homophobia while finding their soulmate. The gist of the film is that Todd (James Sweeney) has found his soulmate in aspiring actress Rory (Katie Findlay).  Once these two meet, they’re very quick to get along with each other.  It’s mostly comfort for the sake of being intellectual.  Even though Todd is seeing therapist Dr. Larson (Tracie Thoms), he seems…

"Frameline 2019: Straight Up"

Frameline 2019: Bit: An Instant Feminist Vampire Classic

Nicole Maines delivers a commanding presence in Bit as the film becomes the queer feminist vampire movie that we’ve been needing for so long. A brief prologue introduces V-Squad, led by Duke (Diana Hopper), before cutting to Laurel’s (Nicole Maines) Central Oregon High graduation.  Laurel’s still figuring out who she is in terms of what she wants to do with her life.  Before embarking on her future, she’s off on a road trip to visit…

"Frameline 2019: Bit: An Instant Feminist Vampire Classic"

Frameline 2019: Queering the Script

Queering the Script relives the important moments in queer television history while also diving into fandom and history behind some the terminology. The documentary packs a lot of punch into its ninety minute run time.  Make no mistake that this documentary could certainly be longer but then we’re looking at a three hour film.  Some of the things that director Gabrielle Zilkha manages to touch on are the history behind shipping and slash fiction.  The…

"Frameline 2019: Queering the Script"

Frameline 2018: The Transtastic Shorts

The Transtastic shorts program screened during Frameline on June 18, 2018, with a focus on people who are transgender and gender-nonconforming. A few prominent transgender people were front and center during the program, including actress Trace Lysette and Transparent producer Zachary Drucker. Happy Birthday, Marsha!: Written and directed by Reina Gossett and Sasha Wortzel, the narrative-documentary hybrid stars Tangerine’s Mya Taylor in the role of Marsha “Pay It No Mind” Johnson.  The bulk of the short takes…

"Frameline 2018: The Transtastic Shorts"

Frameline 2018: Alone in the Game

Alone in the Game is a must-watch documentary that tells the story of the harsh realities that face LGBTQ athletes on a daily basis. When Missouri defensive end Michael Sam came out as gay, it was a game changer for not only college football but the entire sports world.  When people think of football, it’s thought of as being a hyper-masculine sport.  They don’t think of football players being gay.  Sam’s coming out paved the…

"Frameline 2018: Alone in the Game"

Frameline 2018: Marc-Antoine Lemire, Pascale Drevillon talk Pre-Drink

Writer-director Marc-Antoine Lemire and actress Pascale Drevillon took the time this week to speak to Solzy at the Movies about the short film, Pre-Drink.  The film will screen on Friday during the 42nd San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival. Thanks for joining us and congrats on Pre-Drink being selected for Frameline. Marc-Antoine Lemire:  Thank you for having us! Pascale Drevillon:  Thank you, we’re very happy with the film’s success so far! Where did the idea for…

"Frameline 2018: Marc-Antoine Lemire, Pascale Drevillon talk Pre-Drink"

Frameline 2018: Mapplethorpe

Robert Mapplethorpe’s story is one that’s best told as a documentary as the narrative feature, Mapplethorpe, does not do him justice. It’s unfortunate because Mapplethorpe (Matt Smith) was such an iconic photographer.  Nearly 30 years following his death from AIDS in 1989, his photos are still a big part of cultural history.  The film starts just before Mapplethorpe moves into the Hotel Chelsea in the late 1960s, where he’s living with Patti Smith (Marianne Rendón)…

"Frameline 2018: Mapplethorpe"

Frameline 2018: Wild Nights with Emily

Wild Nights with Emily offers a look at poet Emily Dickinson with an approach that only writer/director Madeline Olnek can tell. Through her role in Other People and the Sundance-premiering Private Life, Saturday Night Live alumnus Molly Shannon has proven to have a wider range as an actress.  Her role as Emily Dickinson proves to be no different in what may very well be one of the best lesbian comedies in years. Through Olnek’s script,…

"Frameline 2018: Wild Nights with Emily"

Frameline 2018: 1985

Filmed in black-and-white 16mm film, 1985 is an incredibly moving film from writer-director Yen Tan. After his boyfriend dies of AIDS, Adrian (Cory Michael Smith) leaves New York for his hometown in Texas during the holidays to visit with his family.  He’s in the closet, which isn’t a surprise given the 1980s setting.  At the time when the AIDS crisis was growing, anyone would be scared to come out to their family!  By visiting with…

"Frameline 2018: 1985"

Frameline 2018: Freelancers Anonymous

Mixing work and romance, the STEM-focused Freelancers Anonymous puts women front and center in this Chicago-set modern-day screwball comedy. Some people love their jobs while other people dread leaving for the office in the morning.  For Billie (Lisa Cordileone), she is finally at the point where she is unable to keep doing it any longer.  She comes to a decision while giving a presentation and walks out.  The problem with making this decision is that she’s engaged…

"Frameline 2018: Freelancers Anonymous"