Russia’s only lesbian and gay film festival Side by Side is preparing for the fourth annual October festival in Saint Petersburg.  The third Side by Side LGBT Film Festival, which ran from the 15 – 23 October, 2011, was a complete success being held for the very first time freely and openly at various mainstream venues across the city. Events throughout the week were highly attended and on most occasions demand exceeded the availability of seating there being standing room only. In the regi...

Russia’s only Lesbian and Gay film festival Side by Side kicked off at 19.30 on 15 October 2010 at cinema multiplex Varshavsky Express in St. Petersburg.The packed house and festive atmosphere in the cinema hall was both a joy and a surprise for the participants and organizers of Russia’s first and only LGBT film festival. As Manny de Guerre, festival founder, noted for the first time in three years since the founding of the festival this was the most the most celebratory-like opening of the...

Side by Side LGBT Film Festival, Russia gains backing of Pedro Almodovar, Gus Van Sant and Ken Loach. Side by Side LGBT International Film Festival which will be held from 15 – 23 October, 2010 in Saint Petersburg, Russia has garnered the support of key figures from world cinema including Spanish director Pedro Almodovar, American director Gus Van Sant and British filmmaker Ken Loach. Underlining the festivals significance Ken Loach noted its importance in its contribution to the fight again...

Side by Side Lesbian and Gay Film Festival Tests Saint Petersburg’s Tolerance Level for the Third Year Running. Russia’s only lesbian and gay film festival, Side by Side, is gearing up for its third season of films and discussions set to take place in the city of Saint Petersburg from the 15 – 23 October, 2010. Over the course of the nine festival days the Saint Petersburg audience will have the opportunity to see in the region of 40 films from all corners of the globe. The 2010 competit...