The 15th annual Portland Lesbian and Gay Film Festival opens Friday the 1st with ‘We Were Here’

Photo from Director David Weissmen of Haight Ashbury 1978. "The two sweet guys on the left both died of AIDS in the 80s, I (Weissman) am on the right in the headband. The bearded beauty in the middle is thankfully a long-term survivor of it all, and one of the worlds great kissers."

One might feel compelled to express excitement for the lineup of Portland‘s Annual Lesbian and Gay Film Fest but I am truly and deeply sincere when I say that this year, now 15th of the festival, has me even more excited than the past. There’s isn’t a night where I wouldn’t go out to see 1 or more of the films being shown at Cinema 21, although I am particularly excited about the women in rock anthem Trigger playing Monday night, the high school musical type comedy Mangus, (Wednesday night), and the 2 films showcasing trans young people of different ages Romeos (Sunday afternoon) and Tomboy playing Wednesday. So stay tuned for previews of each night of fabulous flicks published 2 days before the screenings.

Friday opening night film (at 7:30pm) is We Were Here, David Weissman’s document of the AIDS crisis in the 80’s in San Francisco. A profound and moving recollection the film talks to those involved in the fight as well as exploring the larger socio-political implications of the beginning of the AIDS era and its affect on the gay community. An official Sundance selection is has also be called one of the best films of the year.

Weissman will be in attendance.

After the screening you can head down the block for the opening night gala at 23Hoyt. Director David Weissman will be in attedance. Appetizers are provide by Bill Dickey, David Wagner and Morel Ink. Drinks are hosted by New Deal Vodka and Ninkasi and there will be a full cash bar as well. The gifted, sweet-voiced Holcombe Waller will perform a short set of songs. Good food, good drinks, good people!

Also, this year PLGFF is participating in AIDS Walk Portland on October 2 at 9:00 a.m. You can join their team, PDX Queer Film, by signing up on the AIDSwalk website.

Head over to our events section to see the whole schedule at a glance. And here’s some admission info below:

Passes and tickets can be purchased HERE.

Opening Night Film – $12

Opening Night Film and Party – $25

Opening Night Party – $20

General Admission – $9 per ticket

Platinum Festival Pass – $145

Admission to all screenings and events at all venues. No waiting in line.
A seat is reserved for you until 10 minutes before each showtime.

General Pass – $85

Admission into all screenings at Cinema 21 except Opening Night and Opening Night Party. 

Voucher packets – $69

Packet of 8 vouchers good for any film program at Cinema 21 except Opening Night.
Not valid for parties or special events. 

Cinema 21 • 616 NW 21st Ave. • www.cinema21.com

Tickets for all films at Cinema 21 will be available at the box office at 616 NW 21st. Ave. on the day of each show. The box office will open one hour before each day’s first program and remain open until fifteen minutes after the last program of the day has begun. Cinema 21 does not sell tickets in advance.