In July, Outfest has a slew of remarkable screenings and live events in LA. that Boing Boing readers should know about (disclosure: I'm proud to serve on the festival's board of directors).
The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye / Thee Majesty concert (July 9, 7pm. REDCAT)
Boing Boing fave and pioneering cult artists Genesis Breyer P-Orridge (Throbbing Gristle, Psychic TV) and beloved Other Half Lady Jaye (who passed away at 39 years old in 2007) are the subject of The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye. Director Marie Losier documents the loving relationship of the two soul mates and collaborators, focusing on their Pandrogyne project. As an expression of their love, the pair received simultaneous surgical procedures to merge into a third pandrogynous being. Update from Genesis Breyer P-Orridge: "It's really a love, LOVE letter to Jaye and all the casualties of the pain of bigotry and bias too many of us experience." [apologies for the inaccurate earlier description! -AJ]
Following the film, Thee Majesty will play a full set of their ambient soundscapes and spoken word, led by Genesis. This rare performance will blend poetry, performance with music improvisation, hypnotic loops and blistering noise. Sounds like a Boing Boing lullaby!
This is part of Outfest's special Platinum series 10th anniversary celebration of experimental film and performance. Save your ticket stub for cheap entry to Night Moves: The Platinum 10th Anniversary Party (July 16, 9:30pm, Alexandria Hotel) A blowout night of underground performance, art and music.
Opening night Gala (July 7, 8pm Orpheum Theatre)
We're screening Gun Hill Road, a Sundance hit about an ex-con returning home to find his teenage child is transitioning. Plus RuPaul is presenting the Outfest Achievement Award to World of Wonder's Fenton Bailey & Randy Barbato, the producers of Party Monster, RuPaul's Drag Race, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Becoming Chaz, and a kajillion unscripted shows about sex and gender minorities.
Hit So Hard: The Life & Near Death Story of Patty Schemel (July 14, 8:30pm, Ford Amphitheatre)
This documentary about Hole drummer Patty Schemel gives a behind-the scenes look at the Seattle music culture of the 1990s and her collaborations and friendships with Kurt Cobain, Courtney Love, and other notable Seattle musicians. Much of the film is crafted from Patty's home video and photographs, documenting the intense highs and lows of these relationships, which were often shaped by drug use that consumed her life and almost killed her.
Patty and friends will be performing after the film. Many amazing unannounced guests have shown up at other screenings to play along. This is a great outdoor venue where you can bring your own refreshments and make a night of it.
Just a few more highlights:
She Monkeys ('Mean Girls' meets Swedish lesbian equestrians)Circumstance (Atafeh's lesbian relationship is threatened when her brother joins Iran's Morality Police)
Shut Up Little Man! (Documentary on recorded arguments between two middle-aged alcoholics, one gay, the other a homophobe, a viral hit of the audiocassette era)
25th Anniversary Teddy Awards screenings (some classic LGBT winners from the Berlin Film Festival)
Becoming Chaz (Doc on Sonny and Cher's child's transition to male; he'll appear in person)
Browse all the films and order online, and please say hi when you see me around!
