"Straight" to the nut house!

This year the Central Florida Film Festival has added two categories. One "Mini Feature" was created for filmmakers that haven't quite learned how to edit down a piece to a watchable time frame or add enough footage to be considered a feature. Our other new category is "Gay and Lesbian" films. My Creative Director (yes, gay) mentioned that in the past few years our festival has received it's share of Gay themed films and although they may be excellent in their production value and content they've gotten lost in the shuffle of the other films. I agreed and give these filmmakers their own category.

I've just received my first "hate mail." It was sent from I guy I'll just call 'Mike' (because that's all he called himself). Now that I think about it didn't Liberace have only one name too? Anyway, Mike told me I was causing damage to the film industry by showcasing gay films and I'd be ruining the image of my festival if I proceeded to have 'them' at the festival. He went on to say that I would be 'sorry' for taking valuable time from REAL film makers.

I've got to admit I am pretty upset. I don't judge filmmakers by their race, color, creed, or sexual persuasion. I judge them by their work. I should be so lucky to get the next BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN or MILK to premier at my festival. Mike must have the above mentioned films confused with the 'gay porn' he must have sneaked a peek at every now and then to educate himself enough to express his opinion the way he did. You don't have to be a genius to know if you take the Gay people out of the film industry there won't be many films or television shows to watch.

On Saturday, September 5, 2009, the Central Florida Film Festival (aka CENFLO) from one until five, will offer food, beverage, and music, poolside at the Courtyard Marriott in Ocoee for a celebration of "Gays in Film." I hear Gays like to eat and drink too and watch movies. At five sharp a block of several 'gay and lesbian' themed films will be featured at one of our festival screens, including, such features as COFFEE DATE, and A LOWER POWER and a few shorts. Actor/Comedian, Jason Stuart (Will & Grace") will be on hand to greet guests at the party and to perform a "Q & A" after the film COFFEE DATE. He will also show clips from his new DVD "Making it to the Middle." The world will not end, there probably won't even be a stir, just applause from a night of good film making. Gay or straight I hope to see you there. Tickets go on sale July 1, 2009 (http://www.centralfloridafilmfestival.com/).

Mike, if you'd like I'll show one of your films and let you perform a "Q & A" immediately following our regularly scheduled programing. Let me know!

...and cut!