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OUTFEST 2007: THE 25th LOS ANGELES GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL EXTENDS FIRST-EVER PLATINUM TRIBUTE TO EXPERIMENTAL FILMMAKER BARBARA HAMMER

Senator Sheila Kuehl Participates in Tribute to Grande Dame of Lesbian Experimental Filmmaker At Outfest Film Festival's Signature Platinum Showcase


LOS ANGELES, CA (July 11, 2007) - Outfest, the Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing, showcasing and protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) media, pays tribute to the grand dame of lesbian experimental film, Barbara Hammer, during its signature Platinum signature showcase at the Outfest 2007 Film Festival. In tribute, Outfest 2007 will host two themed-screenings of Hammer's works on July 14 and 15 during the Platinum showcase that is dedicated to film, video, performance and multi-media work that defies boundaries and stretches cinematic sensibilities. Hammer will make appearances at both screenings and Senator Sheila Kuehl will attend the July 14 screening to speak to Hammer's trailblazing feats in cinema history and help pay tribute to the visionary filmmaker.

Hammer has created over 80 films and videos since the late 1960s, making her the most prolific and important lesbian filmmaker in cinema history. Having such a profound effect on the LGBT film community, Outfest 2007 has dedicated two days during its Platinum showcase to screen themed works at REDCAT: Roy and Edna Disney/ Calarts Theater at Walt Disney Concert Hall. On July 14 at 4:00pm, is Super Dykes, Super Strength a program that includes "Superdyke", "Double Strength" and "Tender Fictions." This program features some of Hammer's most provocative films that invite viewers' participation in reworking the strategies and purposes of representation in personal and political history. Senator Sheila Kuehl of the 23rd Senate District in Los Angeles will also attend the July 14 screening to speak about Hammer's significant contributions to cinema history. On July 15 at 4:00pm, the second themed-screening entitled Hot, Hot Hammer: Sex/Touch Films features "Dyketactics x 2", "Multiple Orgasm" and "Nitrate Kisses" in a program that shows Hammer's signature aesthetic, giving new meaning to the phrase "lesbian visibility" via a montage of erotic collisions and imagery.

"We have been so privileged to have Barbara Hammer involved with Outfest over the years and share her visionary work with festival attendees," states Outfest Senior Director of Programming and Operations, Kirsten Schaffer. "Considered the most influential lesbian filmmaker in cinema history, Outfest is proud to pay tribute to such a talented artist during our milestone anniversary."