2005 LGBT FILM FEST Many observant visitors will notice that I've cycled back my attendance for this year's film festival. I just couldn't get super excited about anything offered this year and I was easily distracted with a new day job and other pride activities. I assure you, my love of good film hasn't abatted and I even got around to writing about the few that I saw this year...

Queermation

As with most collections of short features, this group of gay themed animated shorts was a mixed bag. The best two were "John And Michael", an elegy to two men with Downs Syndrome and "Powerplay" a lighthearted encouragement to play safe.

TransGeneration

What a captivating and moving film. I've met a lot of teen trannies over the years and found they have a strength of character found lacking in most adults. I'm so glad their voice is finally being heard and their stories are being told.

Rugger Buggers

This film follows the Kings Cross Steelers, the gay rugby team from London as they compete in the second Bingham cup, a gay rugby tournament named after my pal, Mark Bingham. It was a pleasant surprise to see our little friend Matt turn up outside the theatre. Mark was my only contact with Matt so obviously, I've lost touch with him after 9/11. I was a little emotional seeing Matt again and then Alice, Mark's mum turned up and needless to say I was a little verklemfed to see his photos in the film.

This film is AWESOME - and I'm not just saying that as a big fan of rugby, it's quite qood on the merits of filmmaking as well. The cheeky narration almost steals the show, but the subject is so enthralling and the story so fast paced, that it is never overshadowed by the commentary. The editing is sharp and the action shots of the tournament were brilliant. The rivalry was fierce, with teams from 16 countries competing. The stars of the show may have been my old team, but the San Francisco Fog came home with the cup. Seeing the film in SF, with almost all of the team in the audience was probably the best way to experience this film. I pray it comes out on DVD because I want more people to see it.