The 23rd Annual London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival got started a few days ago with what's sure to be a great selection of Queer cinema. This year's festival features over 175 films from around the world and ranges from a retrospective on German Lesbian surrealist Ulrike Ottinger to a short film about Yo Majesty to mainstream darling Milk. Channeling: An Invocation of Spectral Bodies and Queer Spirits--a film & video series curated by Latham Zearfoss & Ethan White-- will also screen during the festival as part of the Experimental program.
If I were in London the film not to be missed in my book would be The Devil's Cleavage by George Kuchar (it screens tonight if any of you are in London!). The 1973 cult classic is a campy, low budget homage to 1940's and 50's Hollywood and features Gay filmmaker/Kuchar collaborator (on Thundercrack!) Curt McDowell in an acting role. Both John Waters and Guy Maddin have sited Kuchar as an influence, so if you are a fan of that kind of stuff, Kuchar's films are a must see! It Came from Kuchar, a new documentary on the Kuchar brothers (George often worked with his twin brother Mike) by Jennifer M. Kroot also screens at this year's festival.
I tried to find some of the Kuchars' best work to post, but it's amazingly hard to find online. However, I did find George's 1977 piece I, An Actress to give you a taste of his work (if you weren't familiar with it already). I've also included the first part of The Sins of the Fleshapoids that Mike directed. In addition to those you will find clips from Ulrike Ottinger's Madame X - Eine absolute Herrscherin (from 1977) and Freak Orlando (1981). Enjoy!
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