Where do I get a copy of the program?
Annually we hold a Kickoff Party several weeks prior to the festival. During this event it is the first time our actual program and schedule will be available to the public. This special event is open to everyone and all are welcome. Programs, mini-schedules and tickets will be available. You can also get a copy of the program during any screening at the film festival. A PDF version of the program will be made available for downloading once the program is available.

Where do I purchase tickets?
You can purchase tickets in advance at A Pleasant Present or Banner Coin Exchange in Downtown Pittsburgh or at any screening during the film festival. Diva Passes, Opening Night, Closing Night, and books of either 6 or 10 tickets can be purchase in advance at the above locations. Individual tickets can only be purchased the day of the film at the venue.

Can I split the booklet of 10 tickets with a friend?
Yes, tickets from the either the 6 or 10 packet of individual tickets can be separated after purchase and used at the discretion of the person who purchased the tickets.

What is a Diva pass?
A Diva Pass is your ticket into all events during the Annual Film Festival. This includes The Opening Night movie and Gala as well as the Closing Night movie and Awards party. With your Diva pass you are entitled to have Preferred Seat at all screening 30 minutes prior to the start of the movie. You must be at the theater 30 minutes prior to the movie. If you are late your preferred seating is not guaranteed.

Have you increased you ticket prices this year?
Yes, we have raised the Opening Night tickets to $25, Student tickets to $6 and general admission to $8.50. We always make sure the Youth ticket prices are lower then the regular ticket prices because we want to encourage people under the age of 25 to come to the festival. To get the Student Youth ticket you must show id. However, we have not raised the price of the Diva pass, Screen Queen or Cheap Thrills books of ticket, thus making them more of a bargain.

What's new this year about the festival?
We have added additional movies to our schedule. We have schedule many more events after the movies in order to get the community together. We are bringing in more film talent for our meet and greets. We are having a special kickoff event party. Plus, we have many more surprises yet to come. We try to address a wide variety of audiences and hope that people keep an open mind in review all films.

Why should I come to see a movie at the festival vs. seeing it on DVD?
There are several advantages of seeing a film at the film festival instead of seeing it at home. The first obvious answer is that you great to see the film on the big screen (and I'm not talking about a big screen TV.) People who love films say there is no comparison between watching a movie in a theater and then watching it at home. The second obvious answer is that you get to view the movie with the LBGT community. Yes, it is nice to sit with your partner and snuggle but to experience the roaring crowd during a funny part of the movies can only be experienced at the theater. Don't forget you can always hold hands at our theaters.

How many men movies and women movies are there?
We have a mix of movies this year. We try to address a wide variety of audiences and hope that people keep an open mind in review all films.

Why does it seem that there are more men's movies then women movies?
We always have difficulty programming the festival because we are so late in the year. By this time any new movies have been shown at other festivals and are usually released to the public either through major theaters or DVD's. We had been trying to get several movies "Saving Face", "My Summer of Love", etc. But these movies had already played at major theaters in Pittsburgh earlier in the year so we didn't want to program these for the festival. Production companies are creating more movies that target the male audience vs. the female audience. Good Lesbian movies are hard to find.

How does PILGFF get the other LGBT community organizations involved?
Ever year we encourage LBGT organizations to co-produce a movie for the film festival. This year we have also partnered with GLENDA to have additional members help during the film festival. PILGFF values our fellow community groups and we are always looking for new ideas on cooperative efforts. This year we are partnering with Persad, Shepard Wellness Center, PATF and the GLCC to bring more events to the community.

Why should I attend the festival?
To join in the celebration of the LBGT community. You have the pleasure of meeting old friends and make new acquaintances while enjoying a movie on the big screen. Come join the fun!

How do I get involved for next year?
If you are interested in volunteering for PILGFF, please contact our Volunteer Director at volunteer@plgfs.org. or sign up during the film festival.

Are there any special awards being given this year?
Yes, we will have the audience participate in a survey for the Best Short and the Best Full Length Film of the Festival. Results will be announced during the Closing Night Awards Party.

How do I get a copy of the PILGFF poster?
The annual PILGFF Posters are distributed at the Kick-off event.

How do I donate to PILGFF?
You may make an individual contribution to PLGFS by send a check or money order to PLGFS, PO Box 81247, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15217. You may contribute your time by emailing our volunteer director at volunteer@plgfs.org.

What foundation provided funds to the festival?
This year we have been privilege to receive a grant for the Lambda Foundation, The Heinz Foundation and the Greater Pittsburgh Council on the Arts. You can find out more information by visiting our Sponsors page on this website.

Who were some of PILGFF past sponsors?
Some past sponsors can be found on our Past Sponsor page on this website.

Why advertise in the Program guide?
Why sponsor an event that is directed specifically towards gays and lesbians? Copernicus Marketing publishes and an e-magazine every couple of months regarding various marketing topics. Here is a quote from their July/August 2004 issue regarding the GLBT market:

"While a small group relative to the total population, the gay male market - estimated by some experts to be worth $500 billion - and the lesbian market - which has sustained the Subaru brand among others - are hardly anything to poo-poo or to lump into general consumer marketing efforts. More than a decade ago, the Wall Street Journal proclaimed the gay and lesbian community "a dream market." Members of this market likely have unique needs, attitudes, and brand preferences from the general consumer market, and meeting their unique needs could represent significant profit potential for companies. Unfortunately, removing the mass mentality for marketing has proven easier said that done. "

Will PILGFF do any other activities between now and next years festival?
PLGFS is now a year resource for GLBT films in Pittsburgh. We have started a Movies Year round program and present a film for Pride Festival each year. In addition we have added a Red Carpet Bash. We will be adding the Buffy Sing-a-long and hold monthly movies at the GLCC.

Does PILGFF have an Artistic vision?
Yes, The primary artistic goal of the Pittsburgh Lesbian and Gay Film Society is to organize and manage a high-quality year round film program that serves the on-going educational and cultural needs of its audiences and is an organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, and their supporters.

Films are selected based on their uniqueness, artistic contribution, public appeal, and relevance to current and on-going issues in the LGBT community. The result is an eclectic mix of films that offers something for everyone and is an indispensable cultural and artistic outlet to the Pittsburgh community.

How does PILGFF select films for the festival?
PLGFS receives hundreds of films and shorts for consideration for presenting at our screening. We have a group of Programming Committee volunteers enlisted, our "film group", who spent their summer nights previewing the movies. This process takes several months as they previewed hundreds of films and shorts that were submitted to us for consideration. Thanks gang for sharing your evenings and recommendations for the festival.

Can I recommend a film to be considered for the festival?
Yes, you can always email our Programming Director at films@pilgff.org with suggestions of films that may be of interest.