SPECIAL EVENTS

QFest partners with MFAH Films and Rice Media Center to present QFest 2011: the 15th Anniversary GLBTQ International Film Festival. Showcasing an inspired selection of shorts and features from around the world, QFEST 2011: the 15th Anniversary GLBTQ Festival celebrates its "Queerceañera" beginning Thursday, July 28 and concluding Monday, August 1.

Nearly two decades ago, as the network of film festivals showcasing the history and experiences of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals expanded, conversations began about establishing an annual showcase of these films in Houston. DiverseWorks hosted the first two editions of what soon expanded to other venues, including the MFAH, Rice Media Center, Aurora Picture Show, the Angelika Film Center, and Landmark's Greenway and River Oaks Theaters. The Southwest Alternate Media Project (SWAMP) has also been involved from the beginning. Along the way, a nonprofit organization was established, and the festival was relaunched as QFest. Many of Houston's cinephiles, cultural leaders, and community activists have provided invaluable guidance throughout the years, resulting in dynamic programming, well-attended screenings, and memorable after-parties.

The celebratory 15th edition includes screenings at Discovery Green, Rice Cinema, and the MFAH, with selections made by Kristian Salinas, a longtime programmer of the event who now serves as its board president. "Inspired by the spirit of our maverick founders," Salinas commented, "QFest 15 aims to be a vanguard for all things queer: both an incomparable event for the community, and an inspiring experience to be shared by all."

This year's lineup includes the 2011 edition of the always-popular girls' and boys' shorts compilations and numerous Houston premieres of new documentaries and features. There is also a strong representation of classics led by a tribute to the late Elizabeth Taylor, a 20th-anniversary presentation of Todd Haynes's groundbreaking Poison (winner of the Sundance Film Festival's Grand Jury Prize), and a selection of restored short films by the legendary avant-garde filmmaker Kenneth Anger. Additionally, QFest and MFAH Films are partnering with the Houston Cinema Arts Society, Fresh Arts Coalition, and Spacetaker for a centerpiece outdoor program downtown at Discovery Green on Saturday, July 30. Called JULYDOSCOPE, this fun night includes a special screening of Xanadu, which will be sure to inspire some sing-alongs!

Check out the Full Schedule.