Best of the Fests: OutFest 2007

Greg Hernandez over at Out in Hollywood is turning out a fine series of articles covering this year's OutFest (the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festival that continues through July 23), including on-the-scene pics of such notable attendees as Alexis Arquette, Judith Light and Reichen Lemkuhl.

So what are the movies to watch out for in the future at your local theater or (more likely) DVD store? Highlights of the fest per Greg:

• The Curiosity of Chance: This comedy, set in the 1980's, tells the story of how an out teenager fits into his new high school.
• East Side Story: Romantic complications arise for Diego and his closeted boyfriend when a hot couple moves into the neighborhood.
• For the Bible Tells Me So: A documentary on how the religious right uses the good book against us; directed by Dan Karslake.
• Kiss the Bride: From Latter Days director C. Jay Cox, a soon-to-be-married straight guy finds his pending nuptials in question when his high school boyfriend shows up. Trick's Tori Spelling co-stars as the bride.
• Love and Other Disasters: A romantic comedy about a professional gal (Brittany Murphy) who plays matchmaker for her friends, including her gay pal played by Brothers & Sisters' Matthew Rhys.
• Save Me: (starring Chad Allen and Robert Gant), a romantic drama set in an ex-gay ministry. This looks to be another Brokeback Mountain, but with out gay actors in the leads.
• Shelter: Is, as Greg puts it: "the first gay surfing flick, which is great because, duh, dudes in wetsuits." Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss star Brad Rowe is one of the surfers.

Also of note is the screening of the recently restored gay classic Parting Glances, the first film in OutFest's Legacy Project, which is doing the all-important job of preserving GLBT films for the generations ahead to experience.

We'll check back in with Greg as the festival continues.

Links via InsideSoCal.com, OutFest.org and Imdb.com.