In a year that boasted 108 filmmakers, 7 World Premieres, and films from over 28 countries, the 17th edition of Philadelphia’s QFest came to a close on Monday, July 18 with a lineup of festival favorites, the hilarious film Going Down in La La Land from director Casper Andreas, a men’s bathing suit fashion show hosted by WMMR’s Pierre Robert, and the annual Audience and Jury Awards.

And the winners are…

2011 QFest Jury Award Winners
Best Short Film: (tie) The Queen and The Kiss
Best First Time Director: Romeos
Best Documentary: Wish Me Away
Best Feature Film: Tomboy

2011 QFest Audience Award Winners
Best Short Film: I Don’t Want to Go Back Alone
Best Documentary: Married in Spandex
Best Comedy: Eating Out – Drama Camp
Best Feature Film: Gun Hill Road

Upon hearing that Eating Out was a festival winner, director Q. Allan Brocka shared this message:  “I would give just about anything to be there in person to accept this award and party the night away with the sexiness that is Philadelphia.  Thank you to QFest for giving us such an amazing World Premiere and party with very strong drinks and a night I mostly remember.  Most of all, thank you to the audience for making this festival one of the most exciting film festivals in the world.”

And in his absence, Gun Hill Road director Rashaad Ernesto Green had this to say: “We're really happy we got a chance to make it down to Philadelphia to speak with the wonderful audiences after the screenings. [QFest] was a beautiful festival. Thank you so much for this honor. We are humbled beyond words.  I'd also like…to thank my wonderful cast led by Esai Morales, Judy Reyes, and the miracle child Harmony Santana. For without them and their bravery, this little train that could would never have found its engine.”

As filmmakers and filmgoers say goodbye to 12 days of incredible LGBT cinema, QFest excitedly turns its attention to next year’s dates: the 18th edition of Philadelphia’s QFest will take place July 12-July 23, 2012.