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Annual Queer Film Series at ASU Starts Today with ‘Wish Me Away’; ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ on Oct. 30

Oct. 23, 2012. The 13th Annual Queer Film Series at Appalachian State University

Tuesday, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. – ASU Library, Room 114

Wish Me Away (USA, 2011, NR, 102 min.)

Feature-length documentary Wish Me Away is a personal and intimate look at Chely Wright, the first country music star to come out as gay. After a lifetime of hiding, she shatters cultural and religious stereotypes within Nashville, her conservative heartland family, and most importantly, herself. This was the best documentary winner at more than 10 LGBT and Indie Film Festivals. 

This film will be preceded by two 5-minute student documentary shorts.

 

Tuesday, Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m. –  ASU Library, Room 114

Rocky Horror Picture Show (USA, 1975, R, 100 min.)

Get ready to celebrate Halloween with an outrageous assemblage of characters from the most stereotyped science fiction movies, Marvel comics, and rock ‘n’ roll of every vintage. Two sexually confused American teens are confronted by the complications of the decadent morality of the 70s, represented in the person of the mad “doctor” Frank N Furter, a transvestite from the planet Transexual in the galaxy of Transylvania. Come dressed up as your favorite character from the movie, bring props, and dance and sing along!

Guest speakers will be Dr. Gordon Hensley (Theater and Dance) and Dr. Craig Fischer (English).

 

Tuesday, Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m.; ASU Library, Room 114

Facing Mirrors (Iran, 2011, Unrated, 102 min. In Farsi with English subtitles)

The first narrative film from Iran to feature a transgender main character, Facing Mirrors is a story of an unlikely and daring friendship that develops despite social norms and traditional beliefs. Rana drives a cab in order to survive financially and pay off the debt that keeps her husband in prison. By chance, she picks up Eddie, who’s on the run and desperately awaiting the passport he needs to leave the country. When the religious and inexperienced Rana learns that her wealthy passenger is FTM, conflicts arise, but maybe they also can help each other out of their dire situations. Winner of the Best Feature-Length Movie of the 36th annual Frameline LGBT Film Festival.

Four special screenings sponsored by APPS Films with a panel organized by QFS:

Monday, Nov. 26 and Wednesday Nov. 28, 7 and 9:30 p.m. in I.G. Greer Auditorium. 

Bully (USA, 2011, Unrated, 98 min.)

This documentary, directed by Sundance and Emmy-award winning filmmaker, Lee Hirsch, offers an intimate, unflinching look at how bullying has touched five kids and their families. Filmed over the course of the 2009/2010 school year, Bully opens a window onto the pained and often endangered lives of bullied kids, including 16-year-old lesbian, Kelby, revealing a problem that transcends geographic, racial, ethnic and economic borders. It documents the responses of teachers and administrators to aggressive behaviors that defy “kids will be kids” cliches, and it captures a growing movement among parents and youths to change how bullying is handled in schools, in communities and in society as a whole. A discussion panel will take place between showings each night.

All movies are free and open to the public. Discussions follow the films. For more information, including contact information, visit http://qfs.appstate.edu.

With thanks to APPS films, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Hayes School of Music, the Global Studies Program, The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, the Women’s Studies Program, The LGBT Center, The Office of Equity Diversity and Compliance, and the Office of Multicultural Student Development.