LGBTQI Films at Rialto in Sebastpol
and 1 Doc in Petaluma
Day and Evening Showings
Appropriate for Children
THEATER CAMP
Directors: Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman
USA, 2023, 92 minutes
Amos and Rebecca-Diane are lifelong best friends and drama instructors at a rundown camp in upstate New York. When their indomitable and beloved founder falls into a coma, they must band together with her clueless “crypto-bro” son to keep the thespian paradise afloat. Amos, Rebecca-Diane and production manager Glenn band together with the staff and students, staging a masterpiece to keep their beloved summer camp afloat.
This is my favorite comedy of this year’s “festival releases” — Shad
In this refreshingly unique comedy, two girls, PJ and Josie, start a fight club as a way to lose their virginities to cheerleaders. And their bizarre plan works! The fight club gains traction, and soon the most popular girls in school are beating each other up in the name of self-defense. But PJ and Josie find themselves in over their heads and in need of a way out before their plan is exposed.
This is the review that enticed me to see it. - Shad
“Bottoms” was the happy surprise for this reviewer. This old peacenik had trouble imagining she’d embrace a movie about high school girls beating each other bloody in the name of their lust for some cheerleaders. Would I enjoy a raunchy teen comedy made by twenty-somethings? Well, mark me out to lunch. I’ll confess that I was grateful for a good bladder, because I laughed myself silly. The film is fast-paced, the wit is crackling, and the hits just keep on coming, one joke after another.”— Queer Guru.com
Set in contemporary Paris, Passages is a seductive comedy-drama that tells the story of Tomas and Martin, a gay couple whose marriage is thrown into crisis when Tomas impulsively begins a passionate affair with a young school teacher, Agathe. Though he embraces this exciting new exploration, the novelty of being with a woman starts to fade when Martin begins an affair of his own, forcing Tomas to confront life decisions he may be unprepared – or unwilling – to deal with. Perceptive, intimate and unashamedly sexy, Passages sees Sachs put a uniquely European spin on his usually tender style, telling a messy, modern love story that explores the complexities, contradictions and cruelties of sex and desire.
“Reflecting the almost carnal instincts of his leading man, Sachs has made a film that’s often driven by sex. He makes his characters flawed creatures who give into their passions without thinking about tomorrow. And the performers are up to the challenge, portraying these complex people in a manner that feels real and never pandering. “ — Robert Ebert.com
Starts Friday, September 8
ARISTOTLE AND DANTE DISCOVER SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE
Director: Aitch Alberto
USA, 2022, 96 minutes
Adapted from Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s beloved YA novel, this joyful and tender story of boys on the cusp of manhood follows the blossoming friendship between Aristotle and Dante, two Mexican American teenagers growing up in late-’80s Texas.
A once-in-a-lifetime connection develops when teenage loner Aristotle meets artist Dante poolside in the summer of 1987; they become each other’s sole and closest friend, bonding over their shared background and unique names. But after a magical summer, Dante has to move away, and his letters to Ari will complicate the dynamic between them, even as Ari struggles at home with long-buried family secrets that challenge his self-awakening. Set against a period specific pop soundtrack, the film delicately evokes the queer struggle of its era while capturing a timeless sense of romantic optimism.
“Aristotle and Dante Discover The Secrets of The Universe is a beautiful, multi-layered coming-of-age tale. The film is dedicated to All Of Us Who’ve Had To Learn To Play By Different Rules. Don’t miss this gem.” — QueerGuru.com