Fun in the Dark: Where Are the Audiences for Gay and Lesbian Films?

From the biggest of Hollywood movies to small specialty releases, gay and lesbian films have often performed more poorly than expected at the box office.Ý While there are exceptions, not only has the much heralded cross over audience failed to materialize but, most disappointingly of all, lesbian and gay film-goers have not shown up in droves at the theaters either.Ý Is society still not ready for gay-themed movies? Are lesbian and gay audiences more interested in Tom Cruise's next Mission Impossible sequel than in honest portrayals of their own lives?Ý Which gay films have broken out and become hits, and why?Ý What kind of money, experience and moxie does it take to get these films into your local multiplex?Ý At this year's Festival we are lucky enough to have with us representatives of three important U.S. distributors of independent films, all of which, to different degrees, have major experience with the gay and lesbian market. Along with two gay film directors, they will discuss these questions at the Festival's first panel.Ý Whether you are just a fan of gay and lesbian movies or are eager to get your own feature project distributed and seen, this is the panel not to miss!Ý With moderator Marcus Hu, President of Strand Releasing (Plata quemada, The Iron Ladies, Latin Boys Go To Hell);Ý Mike Thomas, Co-President of Jour de FÍte Films (Boys to Men, Relax...It's Just Sex); Sande Zeig, President of Artistic License (The Girl); and directors Thomas Bezucha (Big Eden) and Lane Janger (Just One Time).

5:00 PM Panel free and open to the public