4:00pm | The Q Film Festival, a project of The Center, opens tonight at 7:00pm. The Opening night film is timely with the “Don’t Ask/ Don’t Tell” military policy in the forefront of LGBT issues: “A Marine Story,” winner of both the Jury Award and Audience Award for best U.S. Dramatic Feature and of an Achievement in Acting Award at Outfest. It’s the story of a female Marine officer who wants to serve her country, but finds herself fighting military policy. When she returns to her conservative hometown from Iraq with a mysterious personal life, she finds herself charged with preparing a tempestuous teenage girl for boot camp. The film will be followed by a Q and A with the director and cast.
 
Jury awards will be given to worthy films in several categories. The festival will also feature panel discussions, parties and opportunities for local community members to meet and mingle with filmmakers, actors and other industry professionals.  An Opening Night party will take place between screenings starting at 8:00pm at the Center.
 
Screenings on Saturday, October 9th will begin at 1:00pm with “Rose by Any Other Name” followed by a Q and A with Director Kyle Schickner and cast. A variety of great short films  programs follow. The Long Beach premiere of “Role/Play” will bring the festival to a close at 4:45pm on Sunday, with a Closing Night party immediately following. All festival parties feature cocktails, libations and live entertainment. For more info call the Center at 562.434.4455 or go to this website.