Out Films: "After Louie" Starring Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming in After Louie

Artist and AIDS activist Vincent Gagliostro’s debut feature After Louie will premiere on March 30, 2018 in New York City to be followed by a video on demand release across cable, internet and satellite platforms.

Synopsis:

After Louie stars Alan Cumming (The Good Wife) as Sam, an artist and activist from ACT UP who lived through the early years of HIV/AIDS and is struggling with survivor’s guilt and Zachary Booth (Last Weekend) as Braeden, a seductive younger man that Sam meets in a bar. The pair drop their pants and quickly thereafter Sam drops his emotional guard.

They develop an intergenerational relationship that reawakens Sam’s artistic soul and reviving his wilted heart.

Beyond the evocative performances and setting, After Louie is a love letter to New York City: engaging its rich backdrop, while honoring the history of the gay rights movement and the progress that’s been made.

Amid the arguments over politics, loss, aging, white privilege and the dark side of gay sexuality, After Louie offers up a pervasively wicked sense of humor and a big, generous, survivor’s heart.

The cast also includes Zachary Booth, Sarita Choudhury, David Drake, Joseph Arias, Justin Vivian Bond, Eric Berryman, Patrick Breen, Wilson Cruz.

Gagliostro began his professional career as an art director in the worlds of fashion and beauty, creating campaigns for a variety of major brands while working with renowned photographers.

In 1987, Gagliostro became a founding member of ACT UP (The AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power).

In the early 90’s Gagliostro started a quarterly journal titled, XXXFRUIT, which was then commissioned by the Whitney Museum for an online version. At the same time he was the creative director of QW, a New York weekly gay news magazine.

He was a contributing cinematographer for the Oscar nominated documentary, How To Survive a Plague.

“The film’s passion, insights and feeling frequently hit home. A thoughtful contemplation of what it means to be gay today.”
— Sarah Ward, SCREEN DAILY

“One of the most exciting queer films of 2017 so far.”
— Jude Dry, INDIEWIRE

“After Louie may well be the most important gay movie you will see in your lifetime.”
– John Paul King, LOS ANGELES BLADE

Queer Short Film: "Authentic"

For a bit of #ThrowbackThursday, I bring you the short film, Authentic, which debuted in 2012.

The short film explores a bachelor's pursuit of happiness. Or, is it his avoidance of it?

The official description from the creative team of director Manuel R. Mota & producer Aytac N. Turkay:

Aaron is a bachelor living a stereotypical life with a decent earning. He works in a bank, managing people’s finances, but he has trouble to manage his own life in late 20’s. Whenever he finds a minute of privacy in his day, he hastily delves into his own fabricated reality: a world of excessive sex, pornography, and masturbation. However, this is a manifestation of his feelings of intense lack of connection (Anorexia-Avoidance) and the loneliness around him.

One day Aaron meets a new neighbor and establishes a connection. This moment lights a spark inside that grows, opening a door to achieve the emotional and physical satisfaction he was longing.
Is Aaron ready to give up his comfort zone?

"Authentic" is a portrait of a person desperately trying to find meaning in the compulsive pursuit of climax. In his quest for satisfaction he either doesn't see his real desires or ignores it deliberately?

After the film's premiere in December 2012, Authentic was well-received on the film festival circuit with Mota receiving Best Director honors at the 17th Sydney Film School Festival. The short also was won the Audience Award for favorite short.

Watch below. Warning: adult content/NSFW.

(h/t NewNowNext)

Out Film: "God's Own Country"

One of the most talked about film's at this year's Sundance Film Festival was God's Own Country, the debut feature film from director Francis Lee which chronicles the story of a rural romance set in the lonesome hills of West Yorkshire.

The film has been compared to Brokeback Mountain, but that's neither a fair nor accurate oversimplification.

"I love Brokeback Mountain," Lee tells Empire. "The comparison feels like an honour, but they are very different. Brokeback is of a particular time and place – its two central characters can't be together because of society's attitudes. In God's Own Country, it's all to do with the central character's inability to open up."

The film follows Johnny Saxby (Josh O'Connor), a young farmer who is joined on his West Yorkshire farm by a gentle Romanian migrant worker, Gheorghe (Alec Secareanu), when Johnny's father suffers a stroke. Working the farmlands, the two men find a quiet intimacy.

Due for release September 1st.

Out Film: "Handsome Devil"

From Breaking Glass Pictures, be sure to check out queer film, Handsome Devil, in limited release today in New York City and Los Angeles, and available OnDemand June 6.

Set in a boy's boarding school, the earnest characters deliver a charming and charismatic coming-of-age story that's reminiscent of Dead Poets Society.

Synopsis:

Ned, the bullied outsider, and Conor, the new boy and star athlete, are forced to room together at their boarding school. The boys take an instant dislike to each other, and seem destined to remain enemies until an English teacher, Mr. Sherry, begins to drill into them the value of finding one's own voice.

This lesson, however, isn't appreciated by everyone, particularly rugby coach Pascal, who has his own agenda and harbors some deep suspicions about the boys' teacher.

HANDSOME DEVIL was written and directed by John Butler (The Bachelor Weekend​) ​and stars Andrew Scott (Spectre, "Sherlock"​),​ Fionn O'Shea​ (The Siege of Jadotville​, ​The Aftermath​)​​,​ ​Nicholas Galitzine​​ (High Strung, The Beat Beneath My Feet​)​, Michael McElhatton​ (The Zookeeper's Wife, "Game of Thrones"​), ​and ​Moe Dunford​ (​​"Vikings")​.​

Short Film: "The Curse Of The Un-Kissable Kid"

Director Mark Marchillo spins a totally charming tale of Joshua, a 14-year-old teen who’s coping with bullying and his own sexuality.

One day, Joshua meets a psychic at a local carnival who gifts him with a magic potion guaranteed to help him make more friends.

BUT - there's always a "but," right? - after he drinks the potion, it's revealed that unless he's able to experience a true love's kiss within 24 hours, he will disappear.

Who thought up that kind of "help?"

He and bestie Caitlyn immediately set out to find the perfect love, but to no avail.

Finally, they set up a kissing booth, maybe bigger numbers will set the odds in Joshua's favor!

And along comes Caitlyn's neighbor, Harry, and that's when the real magic sets in.

Young love, kissing AND musical numbers!

Watch below.

Out Film: Indie Favorite RETAKE Now Available

After a successful journey on the film festival circuit, LGBT indie film RETAKE is now available on DVD and Video On Demand streaming.

The film, one of my Top 5 LGBT films of 2016, is a suspenseful drama following two broken souls on a wayward journey to The Grand Canyon. Written and directed by Nick Corporon, RETAKE stars Tuc Watkins (Desperate Housewives) and Devon Graye (Dexter).

"Jonathan," played by Watkins,  is desperately trying to remember his past, and Graye is the prostitute who hopes to leave his behind.

Synopsis:

Jonathan (Tuc Watkins) -- a handsome businessman -- flies into San Francisco and hires a young hustler (Devon Graye) to accompany him on a road trip to the Grand Canyon, with a catch: he must role-play as someone named “Brandon."

On the road, "Brandon" comes to realize he's playing a vital role in the recreation of Jonathan's lovelorn past.

As the hustler digs for clues, Jonathan insists that he stick to the role he was hired for. Eager to leave his own past behind and feeling a strange connection with his unique client, he sheds his own identity and plays the part.

An amorous game of obsession and manipulation commences, as these two broken souls get closer to their destination.

Corporon's script and direction achieve a delicate balance of suspense and wistful sadness as both the audience and Dexter slowly come to understand the need for Jonathan's journey. The production is sparse, and I mean that in a good way. We never veer from the chemistry of the two talented and quietly affecting lead actors. Watkins and Graye both deliver impressively compelling performances as two lost lonely souls who battle a romantic tension that's palpable.

“Carving out some distinctive new territory in the world of queer cinema…Captures the simultaneous threat and allure of sex between strangers, as well as the unbridled pleasure that can result from giving yourself so trustingly to someone you don’t know.” - The Hollywood Reporter

"Beautifully acted and directed with great sensitivity." - Huffington Post

"Palpable and heartbreaking." - SF Bay Times

I highly recommend the film. Indie filmmaking of this level is rare, especially in the LGBT genre. The dramatic tension, tight screenplay and undeniable chemistry of the lead actors makes for quality viewing.

On Amazon, you can find the DVD  here, and available for streaming here. Also available on iTunes here.

Devon Gary (L) and Tuc Watkins (R)

Out Film Moonlight Wins 'Best Drama' At Golden Globe Awards

I took my husband, Michael, to see the brilliant Moonlight this afternoon because I needed him to understand why I'm so passionate about this moving "coming of age" film of a young gay black man in Florida.

And then, tonight, this beautiful, haunting little independent film won the Golden Globe Award for "Best Film - Drama."

More wine!!!

To see my past coverage of the film, click here and here and here.

Congratulations to Moonlight (@moonlightmov) - Best Motion Picture - Drama - #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/NqBZd5uBso

— Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) January 9, 2017

Out Documentary: "All Male All Nude" From Gerald McCullouch

Check out the next big project from my longtime buddy and uber-talented filmmaker, Gerald McCullouch (CSI, Bear City and Daddy).

All Male All Nude (I've already got your attention, yes?) is an upcoming documentary set in one of America’s only all-nude, all-male gay strip clubs, Swinging Richard's in Atlanta.

From Gerald's IndieGoGo crowd funding project:

Hop on board and get ready for a night you won't forget where we'll celebrate a big ole' Bday together as you help bring my next project to the finish line.

All Male All Nude is an unforgettably original cutting-edge documentary: a journey into the taboo world of male stripping set in the heart of the Bible belt. From the VIP room, to all nude table dances, to the mainstage and backstage - journey into this arousing environment that has engendered a compellingly original family unit.

This is a project I have been working on for four years as a solo venture. As it moves closer to completion, I need assistance in getting the project to the finish line.

Atlanta, Georgia is a Mecca for mega churches and religious followers. It is also a Mecca for adult entertainment: it has one of the densest populations of strip bars in America. Consequently, only one of those offers an all male, all nude staff and is geared towards a gay clientele. Welcome to Swinging Richards - the setting for All Male All Nude.

From color correction, sound design and music licensing to web site design, PR, advertising, legal fees and so much more, I need your support and in return, a night celebrating in Atlanta is sure to be one for the memory books.

Any amount is appreciated and nothing is too small (or too big). Although I have set the fundraising goal as low as possible, if funds are raised exceeding the goal, it only leads to a stronger film and it is my intention to deliver the strongest, sexiest documentary possible. ​

As regular readers of The Randy Report know, I'm way big into promoting music, film and other creative projects by the LGBT community. Hey - if we want to see more of us out there in entertainment, let's support it!

Gerald is an absolute pro at getting quality indie films like the Bear City films, and more recently Daddy, made and featured at film festivals all over the world.

Plus, it's fun to pitch in a few bucks and be a part of the creative process. For supporting the project, Gerald promises updates of all kinds as All Male All Nude gets made. What's not to like?

Watch the pitch video below.

Trailer: RETAKE

Having enjoyed critical success at film festivals across the country, RETAKE, will enjoy a limited Los Angeles theatrical January 6, 2017. The film will be available on Broadcast on Demand January 3, 2017, and DVD and internet VOD January 10, 2017.

The indie LGBT/gay drama follows two broken souls driving to The Grand Canyon by director/writer Nick Corporon stars Tuc Watkins (Desperate Housewives) and Devon Graye (Dexter).

Watkins stars as a man who is desperately trying to remember his past, and Graye is the prostitute who is trying to leave his behind.

"…captures the simultaneous threat and allure of sex between strangers, as well as the unbridled pleasure that can result from giving yourself so trustingly to someone you don't know.” - The Hollywood Reporter


Synopsis: Jonathan, a devastated middle-aged man who hires a young male hustler to accompany him on a road trip from San Francisco to the Grand Canyon. Eager to leave his own life behind, the prostitute soon comes to realize that he’s playing a crucial role in recreating Jonathan’s heartbroken road trip from his past.

Out Film: "Lazy Eye"

Directed by Tim Kirkman, Lazy Eye follows Dean, a 30-something graphic designer from Los Angeles, as he reconnects with his old bf as they undertake a physical and emotional journey on a weekend together in Joshua Tree.

Critics loved it:

Variety: "So well-written and acted you feel like you're eavesdropping. Refined and emotionally sophisticated, Lazy Eye makes you realize how rare it is to see a movie that gives you the privilege of listening to authentically smart conversation."

LA Times: "Sexy and emotional. Kirkman and cinematographer Gabs Mayhan capture the sun-dappled beauty of the landscape. Lucas Near-Verbrugghe and Aaron Costa Ganis both anchor and lift the film."

LA Weekly: "The sexual chemistry between the two leads is off the charts. An effective and emotionally honest drama. Writer-director Tim Kirkman has a keen eye."

Lazy Eye comes out in New York and Los Angeles this weekend, with a DVD and VOD release Tuesday, November 15th.

Out Films: MOONLIGHT

In reviewing the new movie Moonlight, The Advocate editor Yezmin Villarreal dubs the coming of age flick by director Barry Jenkins "the year's best film." Villarreal describes the film thusly:

"Moonlight — in theaters Friday — is a coming-of-age film about a gay black youth, Chiron, growing up in the Liberty City neighborhood of Miami, which was affected by the rise of crack cocaine and the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. Chiron is not only struggling with the boys at school who incessantly bully him but is also dealing with a drug-addicted mother and coming to terms with his attraction to men."

The New York Times writes of Moonlight:

To describe “Moonlight,” Barry Jenkins’s second feature, as a movie about growing up poor, black and gay would be accurate enough. It would also not be wrong to call it a movie about drug abuse, mass incarceration and school violence. But those classifications are also inadequate, so much as to be downright misleading. It would be truer to the mood and spirit of this breathtaking film to say that it’s about teaching a child to swim, about cooking a meal for an old friend, about the feeling of sand on skin and the sound of waves on a darkened beach, about first kisses and lingering regrets. Based on the play “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue” by Tarell Alvin McCraney, “Moonlight” is both a disarmingly, at times almost unbearably personal film and an urgent social document, a hard look at American reality and a poem written in light, music and vivid human faces.

Towleroad's Nathaniel Rogers is already calling for Oscar nominations:

Critics are saying it’s a rich original film about growing up gay and black. That’s true. The film will provoke many identity politics discussions, but it’s so much more than that. The director Barry Jenkins’ artistry is so strong that the film is universally relatable to the gay experience.

And the LA Times is jubilant:

Moonlight is magic. So intimate you feel like you're trespassing on its characters’ souls, so transcendent it's made visual and emotional poetry out of intensely painful experience, it's a film that manages to be both achingly familiar and unlike anything we've seen before.

In other words, go see this movie.

More info about the film on Facebook.

Out Films: Russell Tovey Stars In "The Pass"

Russell Tovey (HBO's Looking) plays a gay footballer in the new movie, The Pass, co–starring Arinze Kene.

Based on the play by John Donnelly, the film follows the story of a closeted player in three segments, one taking place every five years in the player’s life, as he comes to terms with his true self following the night he shares a kiss with a teammate.

Here's the official synopsis:

Nineteen-year-old Jason and Ade have been in the Academy of a famous London football club since they were eight years old. It's the night before their first-ever game for the first team - a Champions League match - and they're in a hotel room in Romania. They should be sleeping, but they're over-excited. They skip, fight, mock each other, prepare their kit, watch a teammate's sex tape. And then, out of nowhere, one of them kisses the other. The impact of this 'pass' reverberates through the next ten years of their lives - a decade of fame and failure, secrets and lies, in a sporting world where image is everything.

If you're in or near New York City, you can catch the film at opening night of New York City's NewFest on October 20th. The movie is set for wide release later this year.

Queer Cinema: "Beautiful Something"

Celebrated queer film festival favorite Beautiful Something gets a full digital/VOD release today, and I highly encourage folks to take a look at this artful journey that finds four gay men at the intersection of desire, sexuality and art on a cold night in Philadelphia.

Via press release:

Brian (Brian Sheppard), a poet with an already-spent advance and a looming deadline, seeks distraction at dusk-whether that means a hook-up (or two) or confessing his love to his straight best friend.

Drew (Colman Domingo), a renowned sculptor in love with his boyish muse, is eager to finish his latest creation.

His model Jim (Zack Ryan) is an unpredictable aspiring actor prone to dramatic outbursts. Simultaneously aroused and intimidated by Drew's talent and devotion, Jim yearns for a modicum of freedom from the sculptor's attentions.

Rounding out the quartet is Bob (John Lescault), a wealthy, alcoholic talent agent, cruising the Philadelphia backstreets for a "beautiful something." Despite his aimlessness, he usually finds his target.

Writer/director Joseph Graham shows confidence and trust in his actors allowing them to take their time. Nothing is hurried here even as the search for personal connection sometimes turns to collision.

Director of photography Matthew Boyd's skillful eye creates rich depth and mood with his use of light, shadow and urban texture. The City of Brotherly Love almost becomes another character in the film via Boyd's evocative nighttime composition.

I especially appreciated Zack Ryan's "Jim" - an understated, introspective performance throughout the film that is imminently watchable. And featured actor Matthew Rios' "Sergio" brings light to darkness in moments of unfiltered charm and honesty.

And kudos to Luke O'Malley's pensive, nocturnal - but never melancholy - original score.

The critics had strong praise for Beautiful Something along it's film festival journey:

“rough, sharp and to the point”
- Frontiers Media

“well-sketched personas that spark off each-other brilliantly”
- Gay Times

"A compassionate romantic drama"
-- Village Voice (Critic's Pick)

"an enthralling and audacious piece of film making"
-- San Diego Gay & Lesbian News

I highly recommend the film.

Check your favorite digital outlet for the film including iTunes, Amazon Instant and Cable VOD.

You can watch the trailer below:

John Lescault

Brian Sheppard

Colman Domingo and Zack Ryan

Zack Ryan

Matthew Rios