Two women who share one steamy, unforgettable night in a gorgeous hotel room in Rome. An Israeli youth who becomes a famous drag performer while obsessively searching for the mother who abandoned him. A British couple who puts their love life online when their household finances are on the line. Two women who reconnect 50 years after their lives took separate paths. An idealistic hottie who thinks he can make it in L.A. without selling out. A no-nonsense, tough-as-nails but deeply caring queer British teacher who guides teenage students as they struggle with life and love. These are just some of the characters who will light up the silver screen during the 10-day 24th Annual Connecticut Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, presented by Out Film CT, May 26 through June 4.

“We have a very strong lineup of feature films, documentaries and shorts that will appeal to many tastes and a wide range of people,” said festival director Shane Engstrom. “There truly is something in the festival for everybody – men, women, transgender, the younger set as well as older audiences.”

Kicking off the festival Thursday, May 26, is Romeos, which tells the story of Lukas, a transgender male on the cusp of discovering his identity as a gay man, pursuing the local bad boy.  It’s a film about love, friendship, sexual awakening and what it means to be human.

Friday, May 27 is the festival Opening Weekend Gala night featuring Room in Rome, a film that explores what can happen when two women meet and share a hotel room for just one incredible night. Lesbians will get caught up in the film’s passion. Gay men won’t want to miss the stunning room. And everyone will want to stay for the gala reception.

True-blue Connecticut movie fans won’t want to miss a special “sneak preview” of the Connecticut-based The Green, Saturday, May 28. This gripping drama tells the story of a school teacher who is accused of engaging in “inappropriate behavior” with a male student. The all-star cast includes Jason Butler Harner (Changeling, The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3), Cheyenne Jackson (30 Rock, Glee), Julia Ormond (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Legends of the Fall) and Illeana Douglas (Goodfellas, Ghost World).

The festival’s Centerpiece film, Gun Hill Road, screening Thursday, June 2, explores the fragile dynamics of a family in transition.  When a father returns home from prison, he discovers that his son isn’t the same little boy he once knew.  A free reception, sponsored by Pratt & Whitney, precedes the film. 

Closing the festival Saturday, June 4, is Going Down in LA-LA Land, which tells the story of the earnest young actor Adam who struggles to find success and happiness in Tinseltown. When his career takes a detour into hustling and porn, he finds the man who could be the love of his life – an A-list closeted celebrity.

All festival screenings are at Cinestudio on the campus of Trinity College, 300 Summit Street, in Hartford.  Prior to screenings and during intermissions, festival guests can enjoy a silent auction and bid on a wide range of exciting items, including travel, fine dining, artwork, spa packages and much more.

Films are shown nightly at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on weekends at 2 or 3 p.m., plus a late afternoon screening Saturday, June 28 at 5 p.m. Ticket prices are $9 for general admission and $7 for students and seniors - except for opening and closing gala screenings, which are $15 for general admission and $12 for students and seniors; gala admission price includes the films, food, beverages and musical entertainment.  Three-show passes and full Festi-passes (14 shows) are also available for $23 and $75 respectively. Tickets are available online at www.OutFilmCT.org and can also be purchased at the door.

For more information, call 860-586-1136, or visit www.OutFilmCT.org. 

Tags: 2010, 38-10, LATE MAY