Out Film CT is pleased to announce that the Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Film Festival - a fixture in the state's cultural landscape - is celebrating its 22nd year this May, bringing to the region a wide range of documentaries, shorts, and full-length feature films.

"We've had twenty-two years to build a strong foundation in the community, which allows us to present a major cultural event that continues to grow each year," said Shane Engstrom, Director of this year's festival.  The festival has been shifted to a week earlier, kicking off on Memorial Day weekend, and will expand from eleven to twelve film programs in 2009.  

2008 boasted a record-breaking number of directors, actors, and special guests attending the festival from as far as Los Angeles, Austin and Toronto.  According to Vice President Suzanne Shayer, "This year we plan to continue the tradition of inviting directors and actors to the festival to speak directly to our enthusiastic audiences about their work.  Having the opportunity to ask a film director about his or her artistic choices is what really makes the festival experience special."

Engstrom pointed out, "Despite this year's early deadline, the festival received more film submissions than ever before -- over 200 hours worth! -- which allowed us to pull together an incredible line-up of films." 

Here are a few of the films expected to screen (subject to availability):

• Sex Positive - Connecticut native Daryl Wein explores the life of Richard Berkowitz, a revolutionary gay hustler-turned-AIDS activist in the 1980s, whose incomparable contribution to the invention of safe sex has never been aptly credited. 
• Pedro - This gripping drama tells the story of Pedro Zamora, the first openly gay, HIV-positive man to be featured on national television as part of MTV's Real World: San Francisco.
• I Can't Think Straight - An exuberant, touching romantic comedy about clashing of two worlds and cultures.  Tala, a London-based Palestinian, prepares for her elaborate wedding in Jordan when she meets Leyla, a young British Indian woman who turns her world upside down.
• Ask Not - This compelling documentary film explores the effects of the U.S. military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on gay and lesbian soldiers and service members.  The film exposes the tangled political battles that led to the discriminatory law and examines the societal shifts that have occurred since its passage in 1993.
• Training Rules - Rene Portland had three training rules during her 26 years coaching basketball at Penn State-no drinking, no drugs and no lesbians. This stunning film exposes how women's collegiate sports, caught in a web of homophobic practices, destroys the lives and dreams of many of its most talented athletes.
• Ander - A farmer in his forties comes out of the closet when he finds out that he has feelings for Jose, a Peruvian immigrant whom he hired to work on his farm.

The 22nd annual film festival, presented by the non-profit organization Out Film CT, takes place at Cinestudio on the campus of Trinity College, 300 Summit Street, in Hartford, CT from May 22nd through May 30th.  Films are shown nightly at 7:30 p.m.,

with matinees on May 23rd, 24th and 30th at 3:00 p.m.  A Cinema Café is offered on Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 6:30 p.m., featuring gourmet salads and sandwiches and assorted soft drinks from Dish Restaurant and Trinity Restaurant.  The Opening and Closing night admission price of $15 general admission / $12 students and seniors includes entry to gala post-screening receptions.  Weeknight general admission is $8 and $6 for students and seniors, while weekend evening screenings cost $9 for general admission and $7 for students and seniors. 

Adding to the festivities, a silent auction is offered throughout the duration of the film festival.  Movie buffs can bid on a wide range of items that include exotic travel, fine dining, artwork, spa packages, and fine wines. 

For more information, call 860-586-1136, or visit http://www.outfilmct.org/.