ABSOLUT Best: Lesbian and Gay Films of the 20th Century

In a special live event, movie authority Frank DeCaro (host of the Daily Show's “Out at the Movies” segment on Comedy Central) pays tribute to the most popular cinematic expressions of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered lives. Sponsored by Absolut Vodka and organized by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the voting was a lot more democratic than the Oscars: an online poll took place throughout 1999, in cyberspace and at various GLAAD-related events including, naturally, film festivals. Some 23,000 voters participated, and – barring a sudden surge in those Florida recount ballots again – the titles they picked to represent themselves included “The Crying Game,” “Philadelphia,” “Gods and Monsters,” “Bound,” “The Birdcage,” “Boys on the Side,” and “Longtime Companion,” (also playing in its entirety this year at the CIFF). In his inimitable fashion, DeCaro will show clips from the 20 top-ranked features and comment on a 20th Centruy art form that, either in coded or uncloseted terms, heavily influenced and drew inspiration from gay sensibilities.