The film portion of the South by Southwest Conferences and Festivals promises to be Divine.
I Am Divine, a documentary on John Waters's iconic drag star by Jeffrey Schwarz, is among the highlights of the film lineup, announced Thursday. Schwarz, who made last year's acclaimed HBO documentary Vito, about gay cinephile and activist Vito Russo, tells the story of how Harris Glenn Milstead of Baltimore became Waters's muse and biggest star. Those featured in the film include Waters, Tab Hunter, Michael Musto, Mink Stole, Holly Woodlawn, Ricki Lake, and Bruce Vilanch.
The SXSW filmfest, to be held March 8-16 in Austin, will offer several other films of LGBT interest. The documentary Before You Know It, from director PJ Raval, traces a year in the lives of three gay seniors. Another doc, Mr. Angel, directed by Dan Hunt, chronicles the life of trans male porn pioneer and educator Buck Angel. And Continental by Malcolm Ingram (director of Small Town Gay Bar and Bear Nation) spotlights the famous New York City gay bathhouse, which had a central role in the sexual revolution (and Bette Midler's career).
Go here for the full list of films and here for more about SXSW as a whole, including its music and interactive components. Click here for last year's Advocate interview with Schwarz, and watch a preview of I Am Divine below.