Program 03: The Lavender Scare

Josh Howard / Next Generation Series, Documentary Feature, Saturday, Oct. 7 / USA / 2016 / 79 mins

Washington, D.C. in the 1930s was a sanctuary for gays and lesbians. The New Deal meant an abundance of new federal jobs, and many of the people filling these positions were part of the LGBT community, leaving behind their smaller, more conservative hometowns. Gays and lesbians were able to live openly in DC. Following World War II, a perfect storm was forming that would dramatically change life for gays and lesbians in America.

Program 05: Anatomy Of A Male Ballet Dancer

David Barba & James Pellerito / Documentary Feature, Special Guests, Saturday, Oct. 7 / USA / 2017 / 83 mins

Anatomy of a Male Ballet Dancer is an intimate look into the life of Marcelo Gomes, one of the premier ballet dancers of his generation. As a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theater (ABT), Gomes has appeared on the biggest and most glamorous stages in the world. But once the stage lights go down, there is a man of tremendous grace and vulnerability. Like us, he worries about his health, wonders if he’ll find love, and tears up as he discusses family.

Program 12: The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson

David France / Next Generation Series, Documentary Feature, Sunday, Oct. 8 / USA / 2017 / 105 mins

On July 6, 1992, Marsha P. Johnson’s body was discovered in the Hudson River near Christopher Street. Police quickly closed the case, ruling her death a suicide, but those closest to her said she would never have taken her own life. So what really happened? That’s what Victoria Cruz hopes to find out.

Program 14: Speak Your Truth

Kris Erickson / Documentary Feature, Special Guests, Sunday, Oct. 8 / USA / 2017 / 84 mins

The average lesbian coming-out stories tend to look very similar: we were in our teens or maybe our early twenties. We fell for our best friend or had a crush on a teacher. We had to tell our parents. Our best friends. Our siblings. We’d felt that way for a long time, time, but finally decided to act on it and be who we are.

Preceded by: A Circle of Diamonds

Program 20: Rebels On Pointe

Bobbi Jo Hart / Documentary Feature, Monday, Oct. 9 / Canada / 2017 / 90 mins

If you’re unfamiliar with The Trocks, the opening montage of this charming documentary quickly brings you up to speed. Classical music, pretty pink ballet shoes, athletic men in tutus and makeup... is this a drag show? No wait, they can really dance!

Program 25: Chavela

Catherine Gund and Daresha Kyi / Subtitled, Documentary Centerpiece, Documentary Feature, Wednesday, Oct. 11 / USA / 2017 / 93 mins

An icon of Mexican ranchera music, Chavela Vargas was described as “the rough voice of tenderness.” Singing with a fiery passion, of heartbreak and desire, she was a legend of bohemian Mexican culture, and rumored to have seduced any woman she desired including Ava Gardner, Frida Kahlo, and the wives of many politicians and dignitaries. With a reputation for drinking many a man under the table, she defiantly dressed in men’s clothes, smoked cigars, and at times carried a pistol.

Program 32: The Untold Tales Of Armistead Maupin

Jennifer M. Kroot and Bill Weber / Documentary Feature, Saturday, Oct. 14 / USA / 2017 / 92 mins

One of the most famous and beloved LGBT authors around, Armistead Maupin is perhaps best known as the writer behind Tales of the City. Serialized fictional stories that initially appeared on the inside back page of the San Francisco Chronicle during the 1970s, these tales eventually grew into a popular series of novels. While his writing is well-known, there’s much about Armistead Maupin himself which fans might not know – until now.