2018 OUTFEST LOS ANGELES
LGBT FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES GALA SCREENINGS
We
the Animals
(US Centerpiece)
Writer-Director:
Jeremiah Zagar
Lovely
and lyrical, this film received well-earned comparisons to Moonlight
when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it earned
the prestigious NEXT Innovator Award. Acclaimed documentary
filmmaker Jeremiah Zagar makes his narrative debut with this
haunting adaptation of the novel by Justin Torres about three
boys navigating their parents’ volatile relationship and the
aftermath of their breakup. Two of the sons clearly follow in
the footsteps of their macho, anger-prone father (Raúl Castillo,
“Looking”), while the sensitive youngest, Jonah (Evan Rosado),
remains closer to their mother (Sheila Vand, Women Who Kill).
Exquisitely photographed by Zak Mulligan, the film captures
both the beauty and terror of childhood, guiding us through
the wonders of the world and the pain and confusion of marital
dysfunction. Strains of Malick (and, yes, Moonlight)
appear throughout, but there is nothing contrived or overly
familiar about this achingly crafted coming-of-age tale. The
entire ensemble (which also includes newcomers Josiah Gabriel
and Isaiah Kristian) gives the film a raw naturalism – we feel
like invisible observers as young lives unfold before us. Subtle
and haunting, bursting with empathy and energy, We the Animals
heralds a new chapter for a brilliant and essential storytelling
talent.
ABOUT OUTFEST
Celebrating its 36th anniversary, Outfest was founded by UCLA
students in 1982 who were looking for positive images of themselves
in media. Today Outfest is the world’s leading organization
that promotes equality by creating, sharing, and protecting
LGBTQ stories on the screen. Outfest builds community by connecting
diverse populations to discover, discuss, and celebrate stories
of LGBTQ lives. Over the past three decades, Outfest has showcased
thousands of films from around the world, educated and mentored
hundreds of emerging filmmakers, and protected more than 37,000
LGBTQ films and videos. Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ Film Festival
is 11 days of world-class films, panels, and parties.
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