Another year of Frameline is behind us. 

Film is a magic medium.  It allows us to visit distant lands and far away dreams.   As we sit in the dark, we temporarily suspend our realities to become one with the silver screen.  

As we celebrate Marriage Equality and Gay Pride, we can not forget that many of our LGBT brothers and sisters live with daily oppression.  They are either forced to hide or deny their sexuality for fear of violence, imprisonment and shame. We’ve come along way as a community, but we must remember not to leave anyone behind.

Frameline continues to showcase LGBT films and bring us to worlds we may know very little about. There were three films in this year’s festival that chronicled the struggles of gays and lesbians in the Muslim community.  Typically, the films showed the oppression and violence experienced by LGBT members in their own communities.  For example, in All My Life, the story of Rami is set against the 2001 crackdown on gays in Egypt during the notorious Queen Boat arrests.   

However, Parvez Sharma’s A Jihad For Love is different.  Very different.  The title “A Jihad for Love" refers to the Islamic concept of jihad, as a religious struggle. The film seeks to reclaim this concept of personal struggle, as it is used in the Western media almost exclusively to mean "holy war" and to refer to violent acts perpetrated by extremist Muslims. 

Sharma focuses on those who choose to embrace both their religion and their sexuality.  And while this is clearly not an easy path, it has begun to open a discussion between the LGBT and Muslim Communities.  The documentary was filmed in 12 different countries and in nine languages.  Sharma conducted interviews throughout North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Countries included Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Turkey, France, India, South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom.  Many of those interviewed chose to remain anonymous for fear of violence and/or reprisals to their families back home. 

While many in the film don’t expect to see change in their lifetimes, they hope the next generation will find acceptance in the Muslim Community.  This film is schedule for a general release later this summer.

Parvez Sharma interviewed on CNN International live. Watch the clip

Parvez Sharma is blogging at http://www.ajihadforlove.blogspot.com

Resources for the LGBTIQ Muslims

Films that Change the World 

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Some movies you can just watch over and over. Muriel's Wedding is such a film.

This is the story of a ‘battler.” "Battler" is an emotionally charged Australian term, referring to someone (usually, but not exclusively, of the working class) who struggles continually and with great perseverance against heavy odds. Such is the life of Muriel (Toni Collette of "Connie & Carla") and thus begins her escape from small town Porpoise Spit and its dull, dreary existence to the fairy tale wedding of her dreams. Ah, but do fairy tales come true?

This movie is moving, funny, dark, sad and ultimately redeeming. But then life can be quite complicated. It is not until Muriel's search for self-esteem through getting married starts to collapse, that a true sense of her self-worth begins to emerge.

My favorite scene is where one of the "pretty" girls is amazed that Rhonda (Rachel Griffiths) would pick the ever plain and chubby Muriel over the former beauty queen and her coven. This results in perhaps one of the best movie lines ever - Tania's hoarse and affronted shriek of "But, I'm beautiful . . ."

In a world where it seems pretty girls get whatever they want, Muriel learns the truth and discovers herself along the way.  She finds her own strength and beauty from within. And for all you closeted “Dancing Queens” there is a special ABBA tribute you won’t want to miss.

Goodbye, Porpoise Spit!

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A story about a loving couple raising a child in a loving environment? No, that's not something we want the children exposed to.  Quick - Hide the Children! 

September 29–October 6, 2007

At TCB, we believe in living fully. Our definition of living fully includes the freedom of choice.  We advocate making informed healthy choices, but realize ultimately you must decide what's best for your mind, body and spirit. When it comes to feeding your brain, we feel the same way.

Not every movie, TV show or book is to our liking, but we appreciate that others may find value in choices that do not appeal to us. And we appreciate that we have the option not view or read things that are not to our liking. The key word being the “option” or freedom to choose.

This week is the American Library Association's Banned Books Week

Celebrating the Freedom to Read. . .

The list of most frequently challenged books includes "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou, for racism, homosexuality, sexual content, offensive language and unsuited to age group and "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck, for racism, offensive language and violence. Number 7 on the list - Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling.

The freedom to read is a sacred privilege many of us take for granted. I urge you to visit the American Library Association's website and ensure this right continues.

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OK, every once in awhile we venture out of bear land.  But not too far, nor too often - we promise. 

I must confess. I have been a "B movie" fan all of my life. I grew up with the Blob and Godzilla. One of my favorites has always been “Attack of the 50 Foot Woman,” which combines my love of B movies with my love of strong female characters. Think Joan Crawford on steroids.

Isn't that Britney at the VMA Awards?

The basic plot - I will save you the pain of viewing the 1958 cult classic – is woman done wrong by cheating husband and town floozy, woman abducted by aliens, woman returns as a pissed off 50 foot tall Mistress of Destruction wearing a skimpy bikini - which is pretty much the outfit I have selected for my comeback revenge tour.

“My man done me wrong and now I am gonna stomp his sorry ass and anyone who gets in my way”

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Shorts from the Vermont Bear Film Festival

Overall, we liked the DVD.  Husbear and I sat down to watch the shorts with little expectations of what to expect.  As with any collection from a film festival, some you love, some not much.  And, which ones depend on your tastes. 

The collection offers a wide range from woofy fisherman finding true love (lust?) on the North Sea set to an old German drinking song to a peak into the Faerie Culture to young lust over a neighbor’s dad.  Our favorite was PAW Award winner Avec des Excuses á Alfred (Hitchcock would approve).

The collection provides a nice cross section of the bear community including a historic interview with Allen Ginsberg, a peak into various periods of bear history and a few light, amusing moments. 

Vermont Bear Film Festival DVD

LGBT Film Festivals

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Well, Frameline 31 has kicked into full gear. Today was our “bear” day. We started the morning off with a screening of Pooh's Heffalump Movie. And of course, we couldn’t possibly miss BEARS – The Documentary.

The SF screening of BEARS at Frameline – a veritable who’s who of the SF Ursus Brotherhood. The SF Movie Bears were there. The Bears of San Francisco were there. And, of course – Harry (Mr. Lazy Bear, himself – for you out of towners) was there. And, so were we . . .

The crowd at Frameline was mixed. “I was expecting more bears . . .,” my partner noted. Not that there was any shortage. Also, watching a documentary about IBR in SF means that many of the on-screen bears are also in the audience and they know all the back stories. So, when a local was featured on screen, the audience would react.

BEARS is a documentary directed by Marc Klasfeld that takes you into the wild world of International Mr. Bear. Testosterone and fur fly in this fascinating and heartfelt tour into the bear scene.

The movie follows a few of the contestants in the 2004 International Mr. Bear contest. We get some insights into the process, we meet the judges, but mostly we get a view into the psyches of the contestants. As Dave Hayes of The SF Movies Bears noted before the screening “I didn’t win Miss Congeniality.” And while the tiaras may have been replaced by Leather vests, these boys are in it to win.

If you like bears - the eye candy alone will keep you happy. If you like reality TV type drama – you won’t be disappointed. If you want to see a film about brotherhood and community – then BEARS is for you . . .

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Sunday, June 17, 3:00 PM
Castro Theatre

Frameline31

Reviews from attendees of a screening of the film have come in, many of them some notable and well-respected bear-community icons:

"There is a time and place in the development of a community when the true essence and spirit of that community is captured on film. Marc Klasfeld?s new and engaging documentary BEARS does just that for the expanding Bear Community. Whether you?re a bear yourself, a bear admirer or just bear-curios this is the film you don?t want to miss in Frameline31."

Michael Lumpkin, Frameline Artistic Director

"The movie "BEARS" goes where no other film has gone before to capture the true essence of the fastest growing part of the Queer community.

The film is funny, touching and at times a downright scream! Director Marc Klasfeld gets it right on his depiction of Bears in their natural habitats in addition to the BIG contest finale. If this movie ever opens in West Palm Beach, I am forcing my mother and her mahjong group to see it! Hell, I'll even buy their tickets!"

Harry Lit

Castrobear Presents

Lazy Bear Weekend-founder/producer

"Marc Klasfeld's film "BEARS" blissfully captures the playfulness, sexuality, and brotherhood that uniquely binds the bear community together. As a former BOSF Board and IBR Committee member (but never a

contestant) it was a great pleasure and privilege to follow the emotionally diverse journey of six contestants to International Bear Rendezvous 2004. You may already know who wins, but you'll thoroughly enjoy seeing what it takes to win the title "International Mr. Bear!"

-- Jeffrey Glover

"I laughed, I cried, I cringed. An emotional ride to say the least!

Very entertaining and very real. And a few surprises for those that know me!"

--Dave Hayes

"Dave Hayes needs to get his own imdb credit for his last shot on camera alone. I'm not spoiling it, but it's hilarious."

-- Donovan Whitehurst

"The movie IS entertaining-it's funny, there?s some drama, and oh yeah lots of eye candy. LOTS. And hell, I'll take this film over Ms Congeniality any day of the week!"

-- Kevin Murphy

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Yes - like every good gay man on the planet, I went to see 300.

SF Movie Bears  went to see 300 on IMAX.  First of all, you gotta love it when a whole bunch of bears invade any public space.  WOOF!!  “OMG – Honey, I got cruised at the movies . . .” And in the food court, and at the ATM, and . . . well, you get the point. 

So the audience was an interesting mix.  A combination Harry Potter meets Lord of the Rings meets comic book gamer, with a little Star Wars thrown in.  But most of the bears were there for the leather Speedos.  And they weren’t disappointed.

If you went expecting cinematic brilliance, I imagine you were disappointed.  If you went for beefcake, well there was eye candy for days.  However, I do have to admit about half way through I began wondering if the Spartans might be better served  with a little body armor – but then again that would have hid there pecs.   It’s like the guy that goes to the bar in his muscle shirt in January.  “Yeah, its friggin’ cold, but I worked my ass off to get these biceps dammit and you will appreciate them.”

So what’s not to love about mostly naked brawny men in leather (and a few harnesses and chainmail for variety)?  Oh, that annoying spurting blood thing?  It doesn’t seem to lessen the glisten on the hero’s mighty abs.   And the hero has come a long way.  Let’s not forget this is the same guy that played Phantom.  Yep, look it up.  Show tunes and abs, is there anything this man can’t do?

I guess as a bear, I only have 2 complaints - 300 glistening chests with six pack abs, but not a single hair.  When in the world did they find time to wax?  “The enemy is approaching?  Damn, I haven’t finished shaving.”    And, why was Xerxes - you know the bad guy threatening to destroy the Spartans and make their women and children slaves - a 12 foot tall drag queen?

It's raining 300 men

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Recently, I had the chance to chat with Kevin Bowe about his film A Bear's Story.

A Bear's Story is a short subject film about the bear community. It was the first piece to address the growing bear movement. The film was shot over a weekend and included 80 or so of Kevin's friends and members of Bears LA as extras and volunteers. Kevin also has the starring role of Robert, who stumbles across into the bear community when he thinks he is attending a fund raiser to save polar bears. "The Bears are having a fundraiser, do you want to come?"

Read On

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A hit on the film festival circuit, BEAR CUB (CACHORRO) explores the "bear" gay subculture focusing more on lasting friendships and realistic body images than the stereotypical Will & Grace version of gaydom. 

In Bear Cub, we are introduced to Pedro (José Luis García-Pérez) a gay man living a sexually active lifestyle in Madrid with his bear friends. Pedro's older sister Violeta is venturing off to India with her new boyfriend and asks Pedro to watch his 9 year-old nephew Bernardo (David Castillo) for two weeks. Initially, neither the boy nor Pedro is thrilled with the new arrangement, but both concede it’s only for two weeks, so they agree to make the best of it.

The child's mother, (Elvira Lindo), becomes detained on her trip and Pedro unofficially takes on the role as the boy’s guardian. With Violetta detained, the boy’s estranged paternal grandmother, Dona Teresa (Empar Ferrer), seizes the opportunity to reclaim “the only family she has left.”

Pedro is not about to give up his sister’s child to a woman the boy hardly knows and fears. Thus begins the battle for custody of the child. Dona Teresa believes that the upbringing of a child should not be left in the hands of a homosexual.

I was genuinely moved by this film. Sometimes life just drops in your lap, and you have figure a way to make do. Sometimes, this is the best thing that could ever have happened to you.

The main characters in the movie are bears. They make no excuses for there size, there are not fat jokes. Actually, just the opposite, these men are admired and sought after for their rugged handsome selves. These are proud big men. Bear Cub explores many of the issues confronting the gay community today -- HIV, homophobia, parenting . . .

This movie is in Spanish with English subtitles. The uncut version contains some explicit gay sex scenes, frontal nudity and drug use.

Cachorro (Bear Cub), dir. Miguel Albaladejo, Spain, 2004

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