'Tell' documentary examines gays in the military
BILLY COX, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
The festival runs through Sunday at Burns Court Cinemas in Sarasota.
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Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Comedy riffs highlight the agenda for this weekend’s ninth annual Gay and Lesbian Film Celebration, running today through Sunday at Burns Court Cinemas.

Sponsored by the Sarasota Film Society, the 10-feature lineup will showcase three movies from director Andrea Meyerson, founder of All Out Films and a veteran producer of concerts and live comedy shows, Meyerson will participate in Q-and-A sessions on Saturday.

Here is what you will see:

“11 Men Out”: Icelandic drama with subtitles follows a pro soccer player who disrupts the team by coming out during a press conference. 2 p.m. today, 6 p.m. Friday.

“For the Bible Tells Me So”: Voted Best Documentary at the Seattle Film Festival. Director Daniel G. Karslake looks at how Christian fundamentalists employ scripture to demonize gays. 8 p.m. today, 1 p.m. Sunday.

“Kate Clinton: 25th Anniversary Tour Documentary”: Before Ellen Degeneres introduced lesbian comedy into the mainstream, Clinton was paving the road. Meyerson directs. 8 p.m. Sunday.

“Laughing Matters ... More!” Candid moments with popular lesbian comics Elvira Kurt, Sabrina Matthews, Rene Hicks and Sabrina Shaw. Another Meyerson production. 5 p.m. Sunday.

“Laughing Matters ... The Men”: The third leg of Meyerson’s standup comedy troika. Spend some time with Bruce Vilanich, Kansan Andre Kelley, Scott Kennedy, Alec Mapa and Bob Smith. 8 p.m. Saturday.

“Nina’s Heavenly Delights”: British drama set in Scotland. Director Pratibha Parmar focuses on the reunion of an ethnic Indian protagonist with her two childhood friends, and a brewing romance. 2 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday.

“Out at the Wedding”: Madcap comedy involving a straight girl whose family incorrectly believes she’s a lesbian. She needs to find a make-believe partner, and relationships take a twist. 8 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Sunday.

“Spider Lilies”: Taiwanese film with subtitles. An unrequited teenage crush re-emerges with the reunion of two young women — a daring, webcam exhibitionist and a tattoo artist. 2 p.m. today, 4 p.m. Friday.

“Tell”: Sarasota filmmaker Tom Murray frames the U.S. military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy through the stories of gay veterans. 5 p.m. Saturday.

Today-Sunday. Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota. Movie tickets are $5 for Sarasota Film Society members and $7.75 for nonmembers. 599-3456; filmsociety.org. A Taste of Burns Court, catered by Uva Rara, 5 One 6 Burns, El Habanero and Mickey’s Urban Bites. 6 p.m. Friday at Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota. Tickets are $25 and are available by calling 951-2576 or at the event.Benefits ALSO Out Youth of Sarasota. Wedding Party. Open bar, raffles and refreshments following 8 p.m. Friday showing of “Out at the Wedding.” $20; includes film. Burns Court Cinemas. Directors Discussion, with Andrea Meyerson and Tom Murray, noon to 1 p.m. Saturday. Free. Metro Coffee & Wine, 711 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota. “Meet the Filmmakers” with Andrea Meyerson and Tom Murray, 9:30 p.m. Saturday. $15 admission includes ticket to “Laughing Matters: The Men” or “Tell.” Metro Coffee & Wine. “Closing Night Party” Live DJ, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Free. Esca, 1888 Main St.

Gay and Lesbian Film Celebration