'Inclusive' is key word for Gay & Lesbian Film Festival

THIS YEAR'S Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival is all about being inclusive.

It includes films from 26 countries. There's a gay classic, a program of shorts, sexy films and serious films.

There's "Hairspray."

"There are breezy romantic comedies," said associate programmer Scott Cranin, "and a very good selection of films of people of color."

"We're breaking the stigma of the white, gay male festival," said fest artistic director Ray Murray.

There are, of course, coming-of-age films, and there's an honored guest who's a senior citizen.

"There are films that are not that gay," added Murray.

And there's one film that's not gay at all.

How inclusive is that?

"It's a mistake," Murray said sheepishly.

That film is "Each Time I Kill," the latest and last exploitation film by the legendary Doris Wishman, who died in 2002 (the film was recently completed using her notes).

While programmers were led to believe that the bevy of babes had Sapphic tendencies, "Kill" is really just old-fashioned grindhouse fun. Oh, well.

"Each Time I Kill" plays at 10 p.m. July 21 at the Arts Bank (601 S. Broad St.).

More typical of the festival are these recommendations from Murray, Cranin and associate programmer Kelly Burkhardt:

* "Shelter" (2007, USA). A gay surfer dude movie with hard bodies, Brad Rowe ("Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss") and Tina Holmes ("Six Feet Under").

9:30 tonight, Wilma Theater (265 S. Broad St.); 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Prince Music Theater (1412 Chestnut St.).

* "The Chinese Botanist's Daughters" (2005, China/Canada/France). Flowers aren't the only thing blooming in this beautifully shot lesbian erotic drama.

5 p.m. tomorrow; noon, Sunday. Both at the Prince.

* "Starrbooty" (2007, USA). One of this year's twisted comedies, this blaxploitation spoof stars Rupaul as a secret agent out to save the world from an arch-villain looking to chop up hookers for body parts resale.

9:30 p.m. tomorrow, Prince Music Theater; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Wilma Theater.

* "No Regret" (2006, South Korea). A factory worker loses his job and becomes both a male prostitute and the erotic obsession of a wealthy man.

9:30 p.m. tomorrow, Arts Bank; 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Wilma Theater.

* "2:37" (2006, Australia). A day in the life of a high school, ending in a tragic suicide.

One of the polarizing love/hate entries sure to resonate with audiences.

9:15 p.m. Sunday and 7:15 p.m. Tuesday. Both at the Prince.

* "Mala Noche" (1985, USA). Not the story of the gang forever terrorizing "CSI: Miami," this is Gus Van Sant's ("Drugstore Cowboy," "My Own Private Idaho") first feature film, to be screened in a new 35mm print.

It's the story of an Oregon man's obsession with a Mexican illegal immigrant.

What would Lou Dobbs say?

9:30 p.m. Tuesday and 9:30 p.m. Thursday. Both at the Prince.

* "Nina's Heavenly Delights" (2006, Great Britain). A Bollywood romantic cooking comedy with girl-girl flavor.

Nina returns to Scotland to save her father's curry restaurant and things soon turn spicy with Lisa, the restaurant's new co-owner.

7 p.m. July 21, Wilma Theater; 4:30 p.m. July 22, Prince Music Theater.

* "Kiss the Bride" (2007, USA). Tori Spelling is set to marry a man who invites his former gay lover to the wedding.

Comedic complications ensue but not necessarily the ones you might expect.

Directed by C. Jay Cox ("Latter Days").

Closing Night Gala, 7:30 p.m. July 24, Prince Music Theater.

* Also on the roster will be "Rope" (1948, USA), which some of you will be happy to learn is not a film about S&M, but a fascinating Alfred Hitchcock curiosity starring James Stewart and Farley Granger, this year's Artistic Award Winner (he also starred in Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train").

Inspired by thrill-killers Leopold and Loeb, the 80-minute film was shot in one continuous take (no cuts) with pauses only when the cameraman had to change film.

Granger is expected to be on hand for the presentation, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, at the Prince Music Theater. "Rope" will screen afterward. *

For more information on the festival, go to a TLA Video store, call 267-765-9700 or visit phillyfests.com/piglff/home.cfm.