I don't know why Frameline decided to re-brand their film festival to reflect their organization. For decades this annual event has been known as the International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival and Frameline hasn't been producing it for the entire 31 years so it's a little confusing.

I realize they want to be more inclusive but I associate the name Frameline with the nonprofit organization that supports Queer Film through distribution programs and film completion grants. I suppose some will say that I gave up the right to question them or complain about their activities when I let my membership lapse but these types of obtuse management decisions and lack of communication with the membership & community are precisely why I'm not a member anymore.

I saw the second screening of "Godfather of Disco" - the documentary about legendary label owner, Mel Cherin. His West End imprint was the first to produce a 12 inch single and his longtime collaborations with legendary DJ, producer & remixer Larry Lavan created some of the most influencial dance music of all time. The Q&A after the screening was upbeat and informative and I even got to meet Mel...

RuPaul's new film, Starrbooty was AMAZING - super campy, derivative, derogatory and totally funny. I have to see it at least three more times just to fully appreciate all of the outfits. Many of the lines were obviously "inspired" by other films (Showgirls fan alert!) which makes it the perfect movie to watch with some close friends and some cocktails. While many of the scenes felt like they were dragging a bit too much (esp. the final fight scene) - I think it was part of the joke to just take it a little bit further. The initial "briefing" scene used this technique to milk a few more minutes of face time for RuPaul to wonderfully comic effect (Work those facial expressions Ru!), as a plot device however it weakened over the course of the film especially at the final confrontation. If there was more rolling around on the roof and maybe some fake blood, the final fight could have been a direct parody of the famous "they live" fight because every time I thought it was over, they would catch their breath and keep on fighting.

Sequestered RuPaul in the VIP lounge on the theatre's mezzanine as soon as she arrived. There was some confusion regarding the seating in the reserved section though... Ru gave my pal Greg a few passes to sit in the special section. When we got there, I was talking to one of the volunteers in the aisle and when I turned around again there were a couple of people sitting next to Greg and there was no room for me. After much consultation with the three overly excited volunteers working the section, the couple agreed to move down a seat and their late arriving friend could sit in the row ahead. After I sat down, the guy apologized for the confusion, he didn't realize I was with the big group in the middle of the row. When he turned towards us to apologize, I realized it was none other than Randy Barbato. I hope I didn't bore him with my gushing on about all the WOW stuff I like (Including your work at the report). I was hoping to talk to Therin about his photography site but the WOW group seemed to evaporate after the film ended. There were more than a few parties and events around San Francisco that evening - including the Pink Saturday celebrations just outside the theatre.

I was super excited to chat with Randy Barbato
and by the looks of it, I bored him completely.