For the final screening of its 2009-2010 season, Chillfest, the mostly gay and lesbian film series of Jersey City, celebrates with the award-winning film, “Shelter”, written and directed by Jonah Markowitz.
The screening will take place Sunday, June 13, at 4 p.m. at LITM, the popular restaurant, bar and exhibition space at 140 Newark Ave. A five year anniversary party will follow the screening.
“Shelter” is a moving and entertaining Los Angeles-based surfer film that comes to Jersey City just in time for summer. But much more than just hot guys moving in the beach culture of the California, “Shelter” is also a gritty and intensely romantic film that offers some of the best writing, directing and acting of any gay-themed film of the last five years.
Forced to give up his dreams of art school, Zach (Trevor Wright) spends his days working a dead-end job and helping his needy sister care for her son Cody (Tina Rowe and Jackson Wurth). In his free time, he surfs, draws and hangs out with his best friend, Gabe (Ross Thomas), who lives on the wealthy side of town. When Gabe’s older brother, Shaun (Brad Rowe), returns home, he is drawn to Zach’s selflessness and talent. Zach falls in love with Shaun while struggling to reconcile his own desires with the needs of his family.
“Shelter” has won numerous awards, including HBO Outstanding First Dramatic Feature, Outfest Best Feature Film, Dallas Outtakes Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Best Feature, People’s Choice Award, and the Vancouver Queer Film Festival.
Chillfest proudly presents this great film to celebrate five years in Jersey City.
A full bar and dinner menu will be available at LITM, which is at 140 Newark Ave., a half-block from the Grove Street PATH station in Downtown Jersey City. Tickets are $10 at the door, $8 in advance. Tickets are available at www.chillfest.org., and will include one free drink ticket.
Chillfest offers gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender themed films to Jersey City and region. It began five years ago as a single weekend of films, and has since grown into a monthly event. Chillfest is the only film series of its kind in northern New Jersey.
For more information on Chillfest and upcoming films, go to myspace.com/chillfestjerseycity.
Chillfest schedules ‘Shelter’ screening and after-party for fifth anniversary
