Reeling 2009: Just Friends program

Ranging from chaste stories of unrequited love to sordid tales of wild encounters, these nine shorts explore friendship... is it just friendly or real love? Admission: $10.00 ($8.00 members), tickets available online: http://reelingfilmfestival.tix.com * “Lose Yourself in Me” by Steve Berkowitz (Steve Berkowitz & Keith Vanderlaan, USA, 2009): Smooth, sensual bodies move together, alone and with partners, exploring sexuality through the music of Steve Berkowitz. * Non-Love-Song (Erik Gernand, USA, 2008): On the last day of summer before heading off to college, two 18-year old best friends attempt to connect as adults and for the first time in their lives share a real moment. * New Skin (Brett Hannam, Canada, 2008): Struggling with the death of his brother after he is forced to move in with his grandfather, Paul learns to stand on his own when he befriends a local outcast. * Curious Thing (Alain Hain, USA, 2009): Two men are magnetically drawn to one another, but their friendship is complicated when an intimate moment leads each one to a different realization. * Chased (William Branden Blinn, USA, 2009): A close encounter with violent thugs leaves a pair of young athletes in an unexpected, intimate situation, questioning the depth of their connection. * Shattercane (Michael Tringe, USA, 2008): A teenage farmer grapples with his homosexual feelings as he plans a comfortable future on the family farm, and realizes he can’t have both. * “The Lie” by Dylan Rice (Eric Normington, USA, 2009): As Dylan Rice sings, various couples conceal their relationship-defining lies, all shot in a colorful ‘flip-book style’ animation technique. * The Human Prism (Ariel Crellin, Australia, 2008): At a crossroads in his life, a young footballer sees two of his possible futures, one married to ‘the perfect girl,’ and the other, living with the man he is in love with. * Last Night (Renee S. Baltsen, USA, 2009): After his death, Darren is allowed one visit to his grieving best friend Greg—his last chance to say what wasn’t said during his life. About Reeling: Reeling 2009, the second-oldest LGBT film festival in the world, will run November 5th through the 15th, showcasing innovative gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender films from around the globe. Reeling will take place at Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema (2828 N. Clark St.), Film Row Cinema (Columbia College, 1104 S. Wabash Ave.), Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave.), and the Festival’s home base at Chicago Filmmakers (5243 N. Clark St.). As always, Reeling continues to push boundaries and keep the festival’s programming fresh and culturally rich by presenting work from worldwide perspectives and in genres ranging from light-hearted comedy to introspective experimental. Our mission is to recognize the important artistic and socially relevant contributions LGBT filmmakers have made to our culture and to counteract stereotyping with valid, meaningful, and diverse portrayals of LGBT people. For film and event information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.reelingfilmfestival.org.