The 4th annual Desperado LGBT Film Festival returns to the PVCC campus this Friday, January 25th and concludes on Sunday, January 27th. Desperado is another yearly film event that shouldn’t be missed. The films screened at Desperado are often intriguing; sometimes risqué and occasionally, they are absolutely ridiculous. This year’s line-up of films is geared more towards providing an up to date representation of what is going on in regards to gay marriage issues, family issues and the everyday issues faced by the LGBT community, instead of political issues and legislation. Festival organizer Alan East described the focus of this years Desperado LGBT film festival: “This years film festival is probably the most mainstream one we’ve had because, I really do believe that the LGBT community has been embraced, or more accepted by people than ever before. You’re not going to see as many 'coming out films,' you’re not going to see as many ‘fight the government’ films. You’re just going to see films that have much more to do with everyday life; finding love and people living their lives day to day. I think that is what makes this years festival so great and unique.”
East attended the Santa Barbara LGBTQ film festival, Outfest and the San Francisco International LGBTQ film festival, searching for films that were edgy, interesting and entertaining. “Most of these (films) have been big, big films (screened) at other large film festivals” East said, “they were all done really well and I wanted to make sure we brought those (films) to Phoenix.” My favorite part of the Desperado LGBT film festival has always been the short film portion, being held this Saturday, January 26 at 1245pm. At least one Arizona short film is screened at every festival, and this year “The Second Chance” made for the 2012 A3F 24 hour film challenge will be shown. The short films have always provided an excellent mix of comedy, tragedy, and a brief glimpse into the lives of people dealing with several issues all of us can ultimately relate to. “For the short films, I wanted to take some of the others I had seen at the festivals that I thought were little more off beat” East said.
East hopes to expand the festival to other campuses around Phoenix, and make the Desperado LGBT film experience available to a wider audience. “Ultimately, we do want to utilize the other campuses and their facilities, and bring the films closer to our audience, because Phoenix is so spread out.” East said. The Desperado LGBT film festival takes place at the Paradise Valley Community College Center for the Performing Arts from Friday, January 25 through Sunday, January 27. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online.
What: 4th annual Desperado LGBT film festival
Where: Paradise Valley Community College Center for the Performing Arts
When: Friday, January 25 through Sunday, January 27
How much: 10.00 per film (8.00 for seniors and students), or a festival pass for 80.00
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