This year’s Out Twin Cities Film Festival begins on Wednesday night. In its third year, 2013 promises to be more than just a screening of LGBT films with high profile panelists, entertainment, and engaging themes.

Opening Night kicks off Wednesday, May 29, with a gala at the Graves Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. The theme is “Ally Appreciation & Visibility In Media” and will feature former Minnesota Viking Chris Kluwe, comedian Ian Harvie, WCCO news anchor Edward Moody, and Shannon Blowtorch as DJ.

Starting at 6pm with a screening of “Break Through,” a documentary of the bullying and suicide of college student Tyler Clementi, the evening then progresses to a panel discussion with director Aaron Hosé, cast member Gabrielle Shulruff, and anti-bullying and LGBT youth advocate Tammy Aaberg.

The evening then heads to a social hour followed by speakers including Kluwe. The Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus will perform at a silent auction benefiting PFund. The night concludes with a dance party with DJ Shannon Blowtorch.

On Thursday night, the festival moves to the St. Anthony Main Theatre where the theme is “Gender Fluidity Is A Splendid Thing!” sponsored by the Smitten Kitten. The night will feature 8 films and presentations on transgender and gender-nonconforming issues.

Friday night is “Ladies’ Night Out!” starting at 5pm with a series of films ranging from American Superheroines to queer women in sports to political themes.

“Boys’ Night Out!” on Saturday will feature some risque gay fare with many of the films restricted to attendees 18 years and older (they will be checking IDs!). A good example is James Franco’s Interior. Leather Bar, a film about the process of recreating the mythical lost 40 minutes of sex scenes from the 1980 gay thriller Cruising starring Al Pacino.

“A Divine Sunday” on June 2 will feature a range of films from a documentary about Superior, Wisconsin’s iconic Main Club, a retrospective on Vito Russo’s life, a documentary about legendary drag queen Divine, and film about Uganda’s “kill the gays” bill.

Congrats to organizers and participants! Tickets and event information is available at www.outtwincitiesfilmfest.com.