We consume queer-themed movies not so much for their entertainment value or artistic insight, but for the underlying feeling that, by seeing ourselves represented within a popular medium, we finally are consuming a product made specifically for us.

Very true, but even if beautiful, smart, queer-themed movies aren’t exactly legion, there are several exemplars beyond Lan Yu.

I will say, Asian directors (not even necessarily queer ones) have created some particularly spectacular queer films – Brokeback Mountain, of course, but also The Wedding Banquet, Happy Together and Farewell My Concubine.

There’s long been a solid coterie of out gay directors creating outstanding cinema: Gus Van Sant, Todd Haynes, Robb Marshall and Pedro Almodovar maybe chief among them. And each year we’re tacking a couple more names onto that list – this year Tom Ford and Lee Daniels look to ascend. Most of these men are incorporating queer themes into the movies they make.

Anyway, thanks for bringing the film festival to my attention. It’s a little difficult navigating that site, but if I get a chance, I’d love to check out some of these films. I haven’t seen any of the ones they’re screening.