Fusion Film Festival, a program of Outfest and the nation's only multi-cultural LGBT film festival starts tomorrow with panel discussions and screenings on Saturday, March 13th, with a closing gala to honor actor and activist Wilson Cruz.
The festival will screen a variety of films from shorts to features at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. Included in Saturday's schedule is a retrospective screening of the 1960’s film Portrait of Jackson, a nonfiction film that follows the life and times of Jason Holliday, a gay hustler in 1960s Manhattan. The film is directed by Shirley Clarke, a pioneer of avant-garde film making who has influenced filmmakers and artists for over 40 years.
Also in Saturday's line-up is the Rodney Evans' short, Billy and Aaron, part of the Fusion 2 Shorts that begins at 6:00 pm. Rodney Evans LGBT-centered film, Brother to Brother was nominated for Outstanding Film--Limited Release GLAAD Media Award in 2005.
For those interested in learning more about getting involved in the entertainment industry, Fusion is holding a public event on Thursday, March 11th titled "Want to Work in the Entertainment Industry?" where executives, programmers, and marketing experts share their experiences and knowledge about working "outside the set." Reservations are required, so be sure to email your name to FusionThursday@outfest.org.
There will be an additional series of lectures reserved exclusively for filmmakers, screenwriters, and producers of color on Friday, March 12th, which includes topics such as networking and writing for film. Reservations are required.
Click here to register online.
Saturday’s Fusion's Gala starts at 8:30 pm, with a special screening of Quentin Lee's film, The People I've Slept With, starring out actor Wilson Cruz. Cruz is the recipient of this year's Fusion Achievement Award, which honors role models within the LGBT community. Wilson Cruz will also be co-hosting the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on April 17th alongside Candis Cayne.
GLAAD members can receive a discounted ticket price for the Fusion Festival: $7 (originally $10) for all screenings and $15 (originally $20) for the Gala by clicking here and entering an access code of fusion5. Mention GLAAD and also receive discounts when you order by phone, (213) 480-7088, or when you purchase screening tickets in person on Saturday at the Egyptian Theater after 2:30pm.
Wilson Cruz is the recipient of the Fusion Achievement Award
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