Reeling 2009: Gender Benders program

These shorts feature a range of tales on gender bending, from flirty and fun, to provocative and empowering. The films are as varied as the gender identities of their characters, all of whom refuse to accept the norm in their self-expression. Admission: $10.00 ($8.00 members), tickets available online: http://reelingfilmfestival.tix.com * Martini the Movie (Robert L. Camina, USA, 2009): Washed up and oblivious, Hollywood legend Martini Glass dishes Tinseltown dirt as she prepares for her big comeback! * The Single Mother (Ryan Logan, USA, 2009): A big-hearted transvestite embarks on a perilous journey to obtain the nuclear family featured in his tattered Home & Garden magazine. * Yolanda (Jo Horn, South Africa, 2009): After it is revealed a young street boy lost his virginity to Yolanda, a trans woman, she must convince the local gang that she is all woman in order to save him. * Diana (Aleem Khan, UK, 2008): Diana takes place the day after the Princess of Wales’ death and follows Mohit, an Indian pre-op transsexual on an emotional journey set against the backdrop of a day that shocked a nation. * Missing the Target (Fuori Target) (Werther Germondari & Maria Laura Spagnoli, Italy, 2008): Unable to hit a target, a distracted shooter eliminates the source of the distraction. * Dean Johnson “Do the Drag” (Joe E. Jeffreys, USA, 2008): Footage from Dean Johnson performing at Wigstock 1986 is cut into a fun, flirty music video ode to doing drag. * We’re in a Thunderstorm (Rose Bianchini, Canada, 2009): Gentleman Reg hosts a hypnotizing, sexy, gender bending dance party for this music video. * Midnight Star (Atif Siddiqi & Khaldoon Ahmed, Canada, 2008): Tranie Tronic plays sexy housewife as she sings to the bare-chested stud that she wants as her midnight star. * The Bathroom Project (Chris Dupuis, Canada, 2008): Listening to the radio alone in his bathtub, a young man imagines performing ‘Que Sera Sera’ as a glamorous drag queen. * Wilted Flower (Fred Guerrier, USA, 2008): Liberating a group of elderly patients, Neon Glitter Bliss provides them with four minutes of excitement in this new, music video. * Judgment Day (Dan Hoerner, USA, 2009): Gabriel escapes the harsh realities of high school with a little help from Judy Garland. * Girl Problems (Eric Weber with Sean Devaney, USA, 2009): As a player sings about his lady troubles, different types of girls dance around him. * Play With Me (Lez Kinky, USA, 2008): An African American soft stud attends her first BDSM play party. 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.