‘Queer Rhapsody,’ a new film series coming to five L.A. venues, arrives in a moment of need

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As a queer film enthusiast and Angeleno who has longed for a space to engage with stories that reflect my experiences and identity beyond the confines of Pride Month, I am thrilled about the new “Queer Rhapsody” series. The intentional decision to place it outside of June resonates deeply with me. It’s essential to acknowledge that queer lives are not limited to one month; they span throughout the year, and it’s vital for us to have a platform where we can come together and celebrate them.

In July, a new film series titled “Queer Rhapsody” will debut in Los Angeles, showcasing recent LGBTQIA+ productions as a possible substitute for Outfest. The event will take place at various venues around the city and is scheduled to run from the 19th to the 28th. Over 50 films will be screened during this period, including eight feature-length productions.

I understand that we’re currently facing a challenging time where the validity of queer identities is being contested, and marginalized communities may not have ample opportunities to gather and express themselves through art. As someone who supports these causes, I can relate to May Hong HaDuong’s sentiment. She, as the director of the UCLA Film & Television Archive, recognized this need and initiated the “Queer Rhapsody” series with the intention of providing a platform for communal engagement and artistic expression for queer identities under attack.

Five locations will host events for the series: Hammer Museum in Westwood, Vidiots in Eagle Rock, the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood under American Cinematheque’s management, and Los Feliz 3 in Los Feliz, as well as The Broad in downtown LA.

As a movie critic, I’d put the spotlight on the opening act of this intriguing series. It kicks off with “Second Nature” directed by Drew Denny, which takes a unique approach to blending fiction and reality. This documentary follows evolutionary biologist Dr. Joan Roughgarden in her groundbreaking research. Elliot Page lends his voice to the narrative, adding an extra layer of depth to this thought-provoking exploration into science and nature.

Susie Yankou, left, and Kausar Mohammed in the movie “Sisters.”
(Jon Corum / Good Pop Films)

As a film enthusiast, I’m excited to share that there are several other intriguing feature films coming our way. In the first person, let me tell you about them:

I support the creation and exploration of various feature documentaries that delve into diverse themes. For instance, Julia Fuhr Mann’s “Life Is Not a Competition, but I’m Winning” sheds light on the complexities of gender in competitive athletics from my perspective as an advocate. Similarly, Jules Rosskam’s “Desire Lines” offers valuable insights into transmasculine identity, a topic close to my heart. Lastly, Elizabeth Purchell’s “Ask Any Buddy” is an intriguing examination of historical depictions of desire using fragments from all-male adult films. Each documentary brings unique perspectives and contributes significantly to the ongoing conversations around these important issues.

Riele Downs, left, and Auli’i Cravalho in the movie “Darby and the Dead.”
(Marcos Cruz / Disney)

As a movie enthusiast, I’d put it this way: The organizers deliberately use the term “film series” instead of “film festival” when referring to “Queer Rhapsody.” They do so with the intention of creating an atmosphere where dialogue and connection are valued over rivalry.

In her own words, Martine McDonald, the creative director and senior programmer, explained, “At most festivals, or many of them, you’ll find events qualifying for academy awards and status-based designations. However, this particular festival focuses on contemporary queer stories that challenge perspectives and foster community. Therefore, it seems fitting for this purpose.”

Furthermore, the organizers explicitly mentioned that they placed “Queer Rhapsody” beyond the boundaries of Pride Month.

HaDuong expressed that she doesn’t limit her appreciation for cultural diversity to specific heritage months as many arts organizations are required to do. The complexities of daily life in Los Angeles go beyond the scope of one month, and during Pride Month, people may not prefer attending theaters.

An image from Julia Fuhr Mann’s documentary “Life Is Not a Competition, but I’m Winning.”
(UCLA Film & Television Archive)

In addition to HaDuong and McDonald, the programming team for the series consists of Moi Santos, Equity, Impact and Belonging Program Manager at Sundance Institute, Daniel Crooke, senior programmer at Vancouver Queer Film Festival and former senior programmer at L.A.’s Outfest, and filmmaker Natalie Jasmine Harris, whose short film is featured in the series. (Or) HaDuong and McDonald are joined on the programming team by Moi Santos from Sundance Institute, Daniel Crooke of Vancouver Queer Film Festival and L.A.’s Outfest, and filmmaker Natalie Jasmine Harris with her included short film.

McDonald previously held the position of artist development director at Outfest. The creators of “Queer Rhapsody” have been cautious not to express an intention to replace the now defunct long-standing event. However, they are aware of the significant void it has left in the local queer arts scene.

HaDuong expressed that queer audiences have long craved representation and storytelling, yearning to see themselves portrayed authentically on screen and connecting within communities. While acknowledging the potential loss during this moment, they emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunity to lead and create spaces for filmmaking and stories that cater specifically to the queer community. By focusing on this moment and utilizing their resources effectively, they aimed to serve the community in a meaningful way.

Regarding if the latest occasion will regularly occur every year in Los Angeles’ film schedule, HaDuong hesitated and expressed: “We’re fully engaged in ensuring this special moment goes smoothly for our community. Let’s tackle each challenge as it comes.”

An image from Jules Rosskam’s documentary “Desire Lines.”
(UCLA Film & Television Archive)

A diverse collection of venues joining “Queer Rhapsody” outside UCLA Film & Television Archive formed spontaneously, with organizers considering their preferred locations for the event.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’ve had the privilege of visiting these places not only as a member of the community but also as a cultural contributor.

As a passionate cinema enthusiast, I believe that Los Angeles will forever require a platform for queer films. I understood it was essential to connect with other establishments, those we’ve collaborated with and are dedicated to this cause. By joining forces and pledging our commitment, we could arrange a citywide series this summer, displaying these unique stories at various venues across town.

The “Queer Rhapsody” series arrives when the queer arts scene in the city is missing a significant event following Outfest’s departure. However, this new series brings a unique and invigorating spirit, characterized by boundary-pushing curiosity and a strong desire for discovery – even in its title.

“Martine and I went back and forth on the title ‘Queer Rhapsody.’ For some people, the term ‘queer’ might not fully capture all identities within the LGBTQIA community. However, for me, it represents a raw and sometimes challenging aspect of this experience. The word ‘rhapsody,’ in turn, signifies that moment when an image appears on screen, leaving us in suspense and wondering, ‘What will unfold next?'”

Rapsody refers to the captivating connection between the vibrant movement of artwork and the dynamic energy of people around us. It’s an immersive experience, full of life and emotion. Although it’s challenging to define rapsody explicitly, when you blend these two elements together, you create a magical environment that allows joy to flourish.

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2024-07-18 18:55