We're rolling out the pink carpet for more parties
and special events than ever before! From surfer boys in wetsuits to
drag karaoke to a closing-night jazz party, we've got it all. Just click
on an event on the right and see what's going on at this year's Reeling!
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8
OPENING NIGHT GALA!
6:00 PM Reception / 8:00 PM Screening
Chicago History Museum, 1601 N.
Clark St.
We’re rolling out the pink
carpet at the Chicago History Museum … surfer style!
Look out for surfboards and hotties in wetsuits to get you in the
mood for our opening night film about surfer boys in love. Do the
Watusi to beach party music while enjoying hors d’oeuvres provided
by Whole Foods, as well as an open bar sponsored by Stella Artois
and Ketel One’s extravagant martini ice bar.
 Shelter
Jonah Markowitz
US, 2007
Having given up an art school scholarship to hold
his dysfunctional family together, young Zach (played by the soulful
Trevor Wright) settles for a dead-end job at a local diner and an on-again/off-again
relationship with his sexually frustrated girlfriend. He also cares for
his neglected nephew, leaving just enough personal time for his two passions—art
and surfing. One day, while picking up his surfboard from “Richie
Rich” pal Gabe’s house, Zach runs into Gabe’s older
brother, Shaun (Brad Rowe from Billy's Hollywood
Screen Kiss), a gay Hollywood writer who has recently returned
home to San Pedro. As Shaun joins Zach on an impromptu trip to the beach,
the two are gradually swept away by more than just the killer waves,
and their developing attraction catches Zach off guard. What's a sexually
confused surfer dude to do?
The alt-rock soundtrack adds depth to the unpretentious script, and the
stellar ocean scenes are nearly as gorgeous as the cast. Wright and Rowe
mesh with natural, seamless chemistry, while Tina Holmes (best known
as Maggie on Six Feet Under) stands out
as Zach’s selfish, boozehound sister. The skilled performances
enhance writer/director Markowitz’s assured, award-winning movie.
A classic coming-of-age story with a refreshing edge, Shelter is
not just about sexy surfers riding the waves (and each other). It’s
about the grin-while-you're-driving moment you realize the exhilarating
rush of new love is more than just infatuation. 97
min
ADMISSION: Film
Only: $15 / $12 members
Film & Gala: $45 / $40 members
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10
SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION! A FOUR LETTER WORD
7:30 PM
Screening: Landmark’s Century Centre
Cinema, 2828 N. Clark St.
After-Party: Rubin's Chicago Room Gallery, 3318 N. Halsted St.
A Four Letter Word Spotlight After-Party:
Following our Spotlight Presentation of A Four
Letter Word, Reeling is hosting an official after-party in celebration
of this fun and sexy film. A Four Letter Word will
certainly get you in the mood to grab the nearest hottie and dance
the night away to the beats of our fabulous DJ. And you can always
take a break and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks provided by
Stella Artois and Stolichnaya Russian Vodka.
 A
Four Letter Word
Casper Andreas
US, 2007
In a kitschy follow up to 2004’s Slutty
Summer, writer/director Casper Andreas dares to answer the timeless
question … Can a playboy overcome the complications of the scariest
four letter word in the gay dictionary … love? An unabashed
manwhore, party boy Luke suddenly reconsiders his lifestyle when dreamy
macho man Stephen calls him a gay cliché. Now Luke may have
a whole new approach to (gasp) monogamy, but is Stephen everything
he appears to be? With a delightful set of queer, straight, and everything-in-between
characters rounding out the ensemble, A Four
Letter Word is like a sex-crazed gay sitcom with a pulse, and
maybe even a lesson about that elusive word. 85
min
ADMISSION: Film
Only: $10 / $8 members
Spotlight Film & Party: $20 / $18 members
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14
THE GENDERCATOR CONTROVERSY: Screening and Panel Discussion
6:00 PM Screening
Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St.
Panel Discussion:
Following the screening, panelists form a variety of disciplines and perspectives
will discuss the films and the controversy surrounding
The Gendercator. They offer
expert insight from diverse points of view relating to
gender, trans issues, queer film, and medical perspectives.
 The
Gendercator
Catherine Crouch
US, 2006
A short, satirical
take on gender and social norms, this gender-bending tale uses the “Rip
Van Winkle” model to extrapolate from the past into a possible future. The
Gendercator explores the
dystopian possibilities of the religious right co-opting
gender play and forcing us into hetero-normative gender
binaries. This film has been met with controversy across
the US due to its head on exploration of identity as it
relates to politics, societal pressures, and the evolving
definition of gender.
Also screening: One
in 2000 (Ajae
Clearway, US, 2007): This provocative documentary demystifies
the issue of intersex through intimate and sympathetic
profiles of people born with the conditions who are living “ordinary” and
productive lives. 41
min
ADMISSION: Free
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14
STARRBOOTY + KARAOKE AFTER-PARTY
8:00 PM
Screening: Lakeshore Theater, 3175 N. Broadway St.
After-Party: Goose Island Wrigleyville, 3535
N. Clark St.
Karaoke After-Party:
A model going undercover as a prostitute! What could be
more inspirational for an after-party? Local Brewpub Goose
Island will open its Wrigleyville doors to the fabulousness
of Starrbooty following
the screening. Whether you want to belt out “Suddenly Seymour” or “Come to My Window,” this karaoke after-party has something for everyone—even a “Supermodel” singing
contest! Goose Island Beer Company will be providing appetizers
and their locally brewed beer and soda.
 Starrbooty
Mike Ruiz
US, 2007
When supermodel/agency operative Starrbooty (RuPaul, as fabulous as ever) learns her niece has been kidnapped by her archrival, Annaka Manners, Starrbooty’s only option is to go undercover as a street hooker to rescue her. The only snag in our heroine’s plan is that in order to infiltrate the prostitution underworld she has to gain street credibility by going “all the way” with the johns.
RuPaul as Starrbooty is sexy, sassy, and salacious—a show-stealing diva who handily takes center stage in this farce, despite antics that would push another actress into the fringe. But topless victims, flatulence fetishes, and flying schlongs are no match for the grand presence of RuPaul.
This movie is jam-packed with delicious dialogue, insane characters, outrageous
costumes and gratuitous hair and make-up, making it one of the most outrageous
and colorful films ever put to the screen. RuPaul says: “The goal here was to
make an exploitation film that was part Russ Meyer, John Waters, and The
Naked Gun and we succeeded.” And how! Word. 83
min
ADMISSION: Film
Only: $10 / $8 members
Spotlight Film & Party: $20 / $18 members
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15
BEARS + FURRY AFTER-PARTY
6:30 PM
Screening: Leather Archives & Museum, 6418 N. Greenview Ave.
After-Party: House 5863, 5863
N. Glenwood
Furry After-Party:
After the film, join us at House 5863, a stylish B & B
in the Andersonville/Edgewater area, for a bears mixer. Food
will be provided by T’s Restaurant and Bar and beer
will be provided by Stella Artois.
 Bears
Marc Klasfeld
US, 2007
Woof! It’s bear season! No, not the football team—it’s time for the furry and beefy beauties of the bear community to make the fall season a little warmer for us all. Documentaries on spelling bees, crosswords, and board games be damned, award-winning music video director Marc Klasfeld (who has worked with The Backstreet Boys, Tom Jones, and Ludacris) brings some flavor to the competitive doc genre with Bears, which follows the quest of six loveable contestants as they vie for the title of Mr. International Bear.
Although the film centers on The International Bear Rendezvous’ (IBR)
Mr. Bear competition of 2004, Bears also
provides a nice history of bear culture, making the film supremely accessible
for those new to the vivid (and ever-growing!) world these men inhabit.
From the marketing savvy Mr. So Cal Bear, to the rural man’s man Mr.
Kentucky, everyone is sure to have a favorite bear to root for when the
big competition goes down. Whether you are a daddy bear, muscle bear,
bear admirer, or just someone who loves a great documentary, Bears has
just the combo of brute strength and cuddly charm to win you over. 90
min
ADMISSION: Film Only: $10 / $8 members
Spotlight Film & Party: $17 / $15 members
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16
SHOWTIME’S OFFICIAL L WORD PARTY
7:00 PM Screening
/ 9:00 PM After-Party
Screening: Film Row Cinema, 1104 S. Wabash Ave.
After-Party: Dragonfly Mandarin, 832 W. Randolph St.
Don't miss the ladies party of the year! Can't wait for the next season
of The L Word? How about the official L
Word & Itty Bitty Pink Party to tide you over. Join us at Dragonfly
Mandarin where we'll have free gift bags including an L Word t-shirt
for the first 150 guests. We'll also have other giveaways from The
L Word, Showtime, and Olivia
Cruises, as well as Dragonfly's spectacular hors d'oeuvres, and
cocktails provided by Stella Artois and Stolichnaya Russian Vodka. Rocker Sean
Wiggins will kick off the night and a DJ will pound out beats
for the rest of the evening. Look out for your favorite The
L Word and Itty Bitty Titty Committee stars
as well!
Check out Sean Wiggins at:
www.seanwiggins.com
 Itty
Bitty Titty Committee
Jamie Babbit
US, 2007
But I’m a Cheerleader director
Jamie Babbit takes her naïve archetype a step beyond the coming
out phase and into the rest of the lesbian world—falling for an
unavailable girl, meeting an exciting new group of friends, sleeping
with the wrong person, having your heart stepped on—all that good
stuff.
Young Latina Anna is adrift. Her girlfriend just dumped her, she works
an unfulfilling job at a plastic surgeon’s office, and she is maid
of honor (in a pink dress no less!) for her sister’s wedding. Outside
work one evening, she finds rebel Sadie (Nicole Vicius—think sexy
young Joey Lauren Adams without the squeaky voice) defacing the building.
Against her initial inclination, Anna not only doesn’t report Sadie,
but also decides to join her anarchist/feminist group—Clits in
Action (or the C(I)A). Here she meets the eclectic crew—overzealous
intellectual Shuli, discouraged artist Meat, and sweet aspiring transmale
Aggie. As she falls increasingly harder for flirtatious Sadie (who turns
out to be in a committed relationship with an old-school feminist played
by Melanie Mayron of thirtysomething),
Anna breaks cleanly out of her shell and may just turn out to be the
most ambitious anarchist of them all.
True to the vivacious title, Itty Bitty Titty
Committee stays immeasurably fun from beginning to end—a
cheeky comedy that speaks accurately to the lesbian community, yet is
undeniably enjoyable to all audiences.87 min
ADMISSION: Itty Bitty Film Only: $10 / $8 members
Film and Party: $30 / $27 members
Party Only: $25 / $22 members
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17
SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION! 2
MINUTES LATER
9:00 PM
Screening: Film Row Cinema, 1104 S. Wabash Ave.
After-Party: River
East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St.
Red
Bull Art of Can Gallery Spotlight After-party:
The chic River East Arts Center in Streeterville will play
host to the 2 Minutes Later spotlight
after-party sponsored by Red Bull’s Art of Can Exhibition.
Enjoy complimentary Red Bull and Ketel One Vodka while viewing
the artwork of several artists that utilized the blue and
silver Red Bull can as their inspiration and their material.
(The Red Bull Art of Can gallery event runs throughout the
festival.)
 2
Minutes Later
Robert Gaston
US, 2007
Fusing elements of classic film
noir and the buddy movie into a snug queer package, director Robert Gaston (Open
Cam) has instigated an intriguing new genre with this thrilling sex-laced murder mystery that brings together one of cinema’s most unlikely duos—gay men and … gay women!
The film opens with the violent attack of Kyle (Michael
Molina), a smug (but oh-so-sexy) Philadelphia photographer.
Cut to two weeks later—Kyle is missing and his agent hires the swanky, suave, and steamy private dick, Abigail Marks (Jessica Graham), to put aside her empty sexcapades for a few hours a day and hunt him down. Meanwhile, Kyle’s benign and somewhat closeted identical twin brother Michael (also played by Molina) is in town on business and soon discovers that, although his brother is nowhere to be found, settling into his life while the mystery unravels might prove both educational and fulfilling.
Quickly, our two protagonists join forces, exchanging quips while progressing
towards the whodunit’s end (and each stopping for some sultry conquests along
the way). The two delectable leads are sure to satisfy the cravings of any audience
member, giving 2
Minutes Later something to offer anyone looking for a mystery with a libido. 71
min
ADMISSION: Film Only: $10 / $8 members
Spotlight Film & Party: $17 / $15 members
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18
CLOSING NIGHT!
6:00 PM Pre-party / 7:30 PM Screening / 9:30 PM After-party
Pre-party Chicago
History Museum
The decade of electric pink leg warmers and crimped hair is back thanks
to '80s flashback film The Curiosity of Chance.
Writer/director Russell P. Marleau and sexy star Brett Chukerman will
be there for our pre-film meet and greet.
Pull out that Duran Duran sweatshirt and join us for hors d'oeuvres,
Stella Artois, and Stolichnaya Russian Vodka at the festival pre-party
at the Chicago History Museum.
End of Fest At
Andy's Jazz Club 11 E. Hubbard
Featuring the musical stylings of New York Jazz great Mercedes
Hall (mother of ‘80s icon Anthony Michael Hall), Reeling’s
afterparty will be the perfect elegant and entertaining end to our
11-day event. Limited capacity, so get your tickets now!
 www.mercedeshall.com
 The
Curiosity of Chance Chicago History Museum
Russell P. Marleau
US, 2006
It’s the 1980s and New-Wave angst and gender-bending
fashion are all the rage. Out and proud Chance Marquis (a devastatingly
cute Tad Hilgenbrink) is the new kid at Brickland International High.
Terrorized by the jock bully, Chance decides to fight back with flair,
befriending an unusual circle of friends (including a boy next door with
a killer six-pack played by Brett Chukerman of Eating
Out 2: Sloppy Seconds) to help him bring down the homophobic bully
threatening his would-be-peaceful academic existence. Playing with conventions
of the high school genre, this comedy with a queer twist is full of surprises. 98
min
ADMISSION: Film Only: $15 / $12 member
Pre-party and Film: $30 / $27 member
Film, Pre-party, and End of Fest Celebrations: $45 / $40 member
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