Outfest, the Los Angeles-based nonprofit that puts on an annual showcase of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media, has added to this year’s program a special screening of Eytan Fox’s acclaimed Israeli film, “Yossi.” In “Yossi,” the sequel to the international hit “Yossi and Jagger,” Dr. Yossi Hoffman has become a valued and dedicated cardiologist, often using his work as a way to escape from dealing with his life. He lives alone, unable to break through the walls and defenses built around him since the death of his lover. His daily routine at the hospital is shaken up by the arrival of a mysterious woman whom he follows to the southern city of Eilat. Surrounded by sea and sand dunes, he meets Tom, a handsome, self-confident, openly gay man, who represents a new world, different from the one that shaped Yossi.
Outfest has also announced that this year’s Platinum section – Outfest’s signature showcase dedicated to cutting edge and provocative film, video, performance and multi-media that push the boundaries of cinema – will include 2012 Whitney Biennial artist Wu Tsang’s exuberant documentary “Wildness,” a special live glam rock performance by the edgy and iconic Ann Magnuson which pays tribute to David Bowie and openly gay glam rock star Jobriath, followed by the Los Angeles premiere of Kieran Turner’s documentary “Jobriath A.D.,” plus, the artistically adventurous transgender film “She Male Snails,” new Bruce LaBruce shorts and the ever-popular Platinum shorts showcase.
The John Anson Ford Amphitheatre will once again provide the setting as LA’s most epic yet intimate outdoor venue for the festival’s Under the Stars screening series, hosting the Closing Night Gala “Struck by Lightning.” Other screenings include “Cloudburst,” starring Olympia Dukakis and Brenda Fricker, the world premiere of “BearCity 2: The Proposal,” “I Do,” and the “Hairspray” Sing-Along. This event is part of the Ford Amphitheatre 2012 Season, a multi-disciplinary arts series produced by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission in cooperation with Los Angeles County-based arts organizations.