QFest 2013

Nancy Ford June 14, 2012 4:00AM

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The wide splash of venues for Friday's films speaks to the growth of QFest 2013, Houston's LGBT film festival, since its establishment 17 years ago. No fewer than 30 events and screenings focusing on the queer experience take place in nine venues as far-flung as Galveston and Katy. On Friday alone, screenings are being held at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; both local Alamo Draft Houses (Vintage Park and Mason Road); and Aurora Picture Show. Additionally, on Friday, the festival screens All in the Family: A Showcase of Queer African American Shorts at first-time participant the Houston Museum of African American Culture, curated by Indiewire senior editor Peter Knegt.

QFest tends to be less about showing all the latest releases ''but instead more about identifying and highlighting evolving trends,'' says QFest Executive Director Kristian Salinas, who adds that documentaries are big this year. ''Younger filmmakers are less concerned with coming out and more interested in portraying being gay as simply a given.'' The festival closes Sunday with several revivals of queer classics, including the film version of Gore Vidal's scandalous (for the 1960s) novel Myra Breckinridge; William Friedkin's Cruising and an accompanying doc, Portrait of Jason.

Various screening times and locations. Through July 29. Various locations. For information, call 281-889-3345 or visit q‑fest.org. $5 $85.
July 25-29, 2013