GAZE LGBT Film Festival launches 27th edition of programme
The GAZE LGBT Film Festival officially launched the programme for the 27th festival tonight.
The launch took place at The Dock, Accenture’s flagship R&D and Global Innovation Centre and was attended by special guests and filmmakers.
The GAZE LGBT Film Festival announced yet another packed line-up of International and Irish films and guest filmmakers taking part in the festival which runs from 1st – 5th August 2019 at Light House Cinema, Smithfield. Numerous filmmakers will be discussing their work and meeting audiences during Q&As after screenings of films that explore a diverse range of subjects, styles and stories.
Chairperson of the Board of GAZE, Sarah Williams, welcomed guests by saying “We’re thrilled to launch this very ambitious festival programme with our audiences and friends tonight, particularly our valued lead sponsors Accenture. We share the belief that equality is non-negotiable and sharing the power of our LGBT stories is what GAZE is all about. GAZE is about visibility, advocacy, remembrance and sharing a vision for the future. We are passionate about providing a platform for new international and Irish LGBT film and look forward to welcoming a broad audience to this year’s event.”
GAZE programmer Roisín Geraghty said “This year’s programme is intersectional, intergenerational, and as always, international. We really hope that audiences will come to support the festival and enjoy the selection of films and discussions on offer. This year marks my fifth and final GAZE programme, and I want to say thanks to colleagues, sponsors and audiences alike for their support.”
Vicky Godolphin, managing director, Accenture Digital and Pride at Accenture in Ireland sponsor added, “We are delighted to be the lead sponsor of the GAZE LGBT Film Festival again this year and to host the programme launch this evening. Each year, the festival is an inclusive weekend that welcomes people of all backgrounds to celebrate and remember the LGBT community through the power of film. At Accenture, we too ensure an inclusive environment for all our people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression which, in turn, creates trust, innovation and growth.”
Major titles announced include the opening gala screening, Deep in Vogue, a riotous look at the Manchester vogue scene; Mapplethorpe, which chronicles the volatile life and astounding art of photographer Robert Mapplethorpe; along with the closing film starring Laure Dern, JT Leroy, where director Justin Kelly brings the completely bonkers true story of JT to the screen for the first time in fiction form, capturing the human drama behind the headlines of ‘the literary hoax of our generation”.
A spotlight on Latin American LGBT films will showcase five features from countries including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela, along with numerous short films represented across the shorts programmes in the festival. These bring together vastly different story forms, narrative styles and emotional responses.
The GAZE Film Festival is also delighted to be partnering with the IFI’s Education Department and BeLonG To Youth Services on a special 15 – 18s screening of Handsome Devil, including a Q&A with writer / director John Butler.
Screenings form a key part of the GAZE 2019 Film Festival programme, which will show the very best in contemporary LGBT films, but will also include discussions and special events including a special Queer Family Event on Monday 5th August, which is tailored to appeal to all families. This will include a special screening of The Little Mermaid, and Drag Queen Story Time at The Gutter Bookshop in Temple Bar. Full details of all the events are available at www.gaze.ie , where tickets are also on sale.
The GAZE Film Festival is kindly sponsored by Accenture, funded by partners Three, Dublin City Council, The Arts Council, and is supported by Venue Partners; Light House Cinema, IFI and The Gutter Bookshop. Other additional advertisers and Friends also provide valuable support.
The GAZE 2019 Film Festival takes place at Light House Cinema, Smithfield, from August 1st – 5th 2019 with some of the programme also taking place in the IFI and The Gutter Bookshop.
