When I interviewed filmmaker, Casper Andreas he said that he was very proud of his latest film, Going Down in La La Land, because it was a departure from his lighter fare; describing the film as a dramedy. The execution of this coalescence of genre’s is effective; yet the overall feel of the film – doesn’t feel like a film to me; but rather the pilot of a new HBO or Showtime series.
I can picture watching the two lead characters, Adam (Matthew Ludwinski) with his immediate likability, sultry boy pout and good hair and Candy (Allison Lane), a dime a dozen blonde, set apart by being part flake/part mastermind – each week in a new adventure as they try to navigate their way into Hollywood fame and success. It could be sold as Entourage meets Will and Grace.
Well, at any rate, as a film, Going Down in La La Land seemed to be well-received by our QFest audiences who were quite interested in knowing when the film will be available online or released outside of film festivals. Below is the Q & A:
Then it was on to the party at Trust (249 Arch Street) for those in heels, thankfully, it was just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Ritz East.
Great party space, just wish it was a little less treacherous to get up to and down from the upper level.
Acknowledgements go out to Darling’s Diner for catering and Termini Bros for providing their famous cannoli’s.
Hopefully, throughout the festival you were keeping up on all the great Qfest coverage on Philly Gay Calendar – if not, click link to check out their reviews, pics and video interviews.
More pics, including sponsor shout outs can be found on Qfest facebook page.
Patrick Hagerty, QFest official photographer shots can be found on his Picasso Page
All the Q & A, interviews and review videos can be found HERE on youtube
Believe it or not, these are the Qfest protectionists
I interviewed this cute couple Joe and Doug together 14 years, both agreed Going Down in La La Land was fabulous! eCupid was excellent! And Perfect Family with Kathleen Turner was really good. But Joe became fascinated with Kink Crusaders, the documentary on the international leather convention in Chicago - “It wasn’t what you’d think it was going to be, but it was really interesting. I think I’m going to have to take a Memorial Day vacation next year and go to Chicago. I’m not into leather, (Doug chimes in, “Yes, he is”) but it seems like a fun time”.
And I enjoyed talking to this local artist, Quynh-Mai Nguyen - “My definite favorite was Married in Spandex, I just loved how non-traditional it was, how goofy and awkward and it was just hilarious, it was great!”
One of the evening’s highlights was the male fashion show (see video below). Very nice choices on the clothing, however, I suggest you fast forward a bit to the swimsuit part of the tape, where I zoomed in on pecks, checks, abs and unmentionables:
Kudos to the organizer and sponsors of the fashion show: Noel Zayas Productions, House of Talent (model agency), Metro Clothing (retailer), Tommy Berner
The awards ceremony hosted by WMMR’s, Pierre Robert was video taped as well, but the din of noise made it impossible to hear – so here’s the list of Audience and Jury Award Winners:
Jury Awards
Best Short Film (Tie)- The Queen, directed by Christina Choe & The Kiss, directed by Ashlee Page
Best First Time Director – Romeos, directed by Sabine Bernardi
Best Documentary- Wish Me Away, directed by Bobbi Berleffi, Beverly Kopf
Best Feature Film – Tomboy, directed by Celine Sciamma
Audience Awards
Best Short Film – I Don’t Want to Go Back Alone, directed by Daniel Ribeiro
Best Documentary- Married in Spandex, directed by Devin Gallagher and Allison Kole
Best Comedic Film – Eating Out – Drama Camp, directed by Q. Allan Brocka
Best Feature Film- Gun Hill Road, Directed by Rashaad Ernesto Green
It’s been quite a ride! Sex, Romance, Drama, Camp, Drag and so much nudity; particularly shower scenes, LGBT filmmakers have a big thing for showers.
I did my best to keep you informed and hopefully a bit entertained.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for QFEST 18 – July 12- 23, 2012!
Le Anne Lindsay is a professional freelance blogger and social media manager who can also be found on her own blog Tinsel & Tine
