Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
Cinematic reflections of the gay and lesbian experience
The Experience
Maybe it's the list of celebs that show up, like Steve Guttenberg, Joel Schumacher and Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Maybe it's the program, which features close to 200 events including several major films that precede mass distribution. Maybe it's the discussions, workshops, lectures and Q&A sessions with the stars. Or maybe it's the parties, which have become legendary.
Whatever the reason, the Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival is now the nation's third-largest event of its kind, attracting international cineastes for two weeks of film and flat-out partying throughout mid-July.
In addition to Audience Awards, the festival also includes jury competitions. Previous festival honorees have included Jennifer Tilley, John Waters and Clive Barker.
The History
This festival first burst onto the scene in 1995 and hasn't looked back since. The Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival was created to give gay and lesbian audiences the opportunity to see films that accurately reflect their life experiences without being filtered through the "straight" Hollywood system.