Spokane GLBT Film Festival FAQs
Q: What will I see at a Gay/Lesbian festival?
A: Films you will not see anywhere else in Spokane. We show contemporary, "independent films" that are of interest to the GLBT community. This means that that they have been produced in the last couple years, and that you are NOT likely to see these films at local theaters, video stores, or on television.
Independent films are typically not produced in Hollywood or created by well-known directors. This means that ideas and topics which are not widely "marketable" can be addressed; this, of course, includes topics of interest to the GLBT community. The precise definition of an "independent" film is part of a continuing debate. You can check out the websites we have linked to below for more information.
We have shown films made by students, by professional independent filmmakers, by the Canadian Broadcasting Co. and by European film makers. Some of their topics have been: on-line sex, sex changes, problems facing long-term relationships in G/L relationships, changing stereo-types, political efforts, and living with AIDS.
Q: If the films are not made in Hollywood, does that mean they are low-quality films?
A: We will show films that are "low-budget" films, if the quality and content meet our standards of interest and importance to the community. However, many of our films are not noticeably different in quality from what you will see on television or at theaters.
Q: Will I see pornography at your film Festival?
A: No. While we do show films with some nudity and sexual content, we do not show films which we consider primarily pornographic or erotic. On rare occasions we have chosen films containing images outside the range of what you might see on television or at an R-rated movie. On those occasions, we make a point to warn the audience.
Q: What kind of Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Transgender (GLBT) films do you show, if you don't show pornography?
A: There is a huge variety of styles and content in among Independent filmmakers. We try to provide the widest variety of both that we can access each year. We have shown animations, spoofs on Hollywood films, comedies, dramas, "art" films, including poetry readings. And, we have shown many documentary films about the lives of individuals, about trends in the GLBT community, and about the political world as it affects the GLBT community.
Q: What are the major factors you consider when choosing your line-up of films each year?
A: The Film Festival Committee reviews films for 6-9 months prior to the film festival. Last year we review more than 40 films, ranging in length from 3 minutes to more than 2 hours. Some of the films we have solicited based on reviews from other GLBT Film Festivals and some we receive unsolicited. They are all evaluated based on the same criteria to create a wish list.
- Quality of production
- Cost of Rental (prices range from free to $1000 per film)
- Timeliness
- Interest in the topic (We try to include something of interest to every group in the community: gay, lesbian, bi, trans, youth, elder, single, couples, parents, etc.)
- Uniqueness
We then pare the wish list down to create a lineup of films that is within our budget and will fill the approximately 6 hours of showtime we have available in an entertaining way.
Q: How can I support the film festival?
A: We have recently expanded the opportunities available for individuals and organizations to contribute. If you would like to support Spokane's GLBT Film Festival click on donation.
For further explanation and discussion of Independent Film, check out these sites:
Some samples of Independent GLBT films can be seen on the PlanetOut website.