We’re still in the throws of festival season here in Vancouver, people,
and let me tell you, the kind folks at the Vancouver International Film
Festival media office sure know how to help a homo out. As part of my Xtra!
West reporting duties, I’ll be reviewing some of the films that explore queer
issues this year. So get your hands on a VIFF guide, start circling your picks
and check Up Your Alley regularly for reviews. The screenings this year run September
25 – October 10. More than 150,000 people are expected to attend
approximately 575 screenings of 350 films from 60 countries. View all the Queer
Interest films, venues, schedules at www.viff.org.

Onwards and upwards…First up on my list is this afternoon’s screening of Be Like Others, which is playing at Pacific Cinémathéqueat 1:30pm.

Plot Summary: In Iran, according to Islamic law, homosexuality is punishable by
death. Ironically, sex-change operations are not only legal; they are
embraced by a society that accepts male or female but nothing in
between…

If you can’t make today’s screening, there is a second screening on: Sat, Oct 4th 4:00pm at Empire Granville 7 in Theatre 5

Check back tomorrow for a review.

Here’s a scene from YouTube: