Chris Colfer and Rebel Wilson in “Struck By Lightening”

October in Gay Seattle is almost as nutty as June in Gay Seattle…actually, it might be a tie. There’s always a lot of events happening as fall kicks into gear but add into that Halloween and the Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival produced by Three Dollar Bill Cinema, you end up with a ridiculous amount of entertainment options.

SLGFF 17 kicks off on Thursday, October 11 with the Opening Gala premiere of “Glee” star Chris Colfer’s first film as a leading man, “Struck by Lightning”. And, not only does Mr. Colfer star in the film, he wrote it as well…our little Kurt Hummel is becoming quite the multi-hyphenate! While the actor/writer didn’t direct the film, we WERE lucky enough to speak with the man who did, Brian Dannelly earlier this year and you can check out that interview HERE.

“Struck by Lightning” is a quirky little black comedy with a terrific cast including the very hot Australian comedic actress Rebel Wilson; “Mad Men’s” Christina Hendricks; “Modern Family’s” Sarah Hyland; “The Office’s” Angela Kinsey and everyone’s favorite film/TV mom, Alison Janney. Here’s the plot:

Chris Colfer, Golden Globe winner for Glee, is the writer and star of this wickedly smart dark comedy that will resonate with anyone who has suffered through the torments of high school cliques and the burning desire to turn the tables on one’s enemies. Through a series of flashbacks, we get to know Carson Phillips, a high school senior whose attitude toward high school is arrogant and cynical. He’d love nothing more than to escape the mediocrity of the meathead jocks, the drama club gays, a mean-girl cheerleader (Sarah Hyland, Modern Family), a spooky goth chick (Ashley Rickards, Awkward), and a clueless college advisor (Angela Kinsey, The Office) who harass him on a daily basis. Home life is no solace for Carson either, what with a pill-popping mom (Allison Janney), estranged father (Dermot Mulroney), and his father’s pregnant fiancÉe (Christina Hendricks, Mad Men). Quirky and hilarious Rebel Wilson (BRIDESMAIDS) steals the show as Carson’s only ally, who helps him hatch an outrageous plan to humiliate his foes and boost his chances for college acceptance…until the titular event occurs. The memorable performances in this reinvention of the high school comic drama are infused with such spirit and joy that you may even get nostalgic.

Mr. Dannelly is scheduled to attend the gala  and participate in a Q & A. Tickets are still available for the film and party which begins at 7:30pm at The Cinerama. Tickets are $33 for film/party and $15 for film only. (Go HERE to buy tickets.) The big after party will be held at The Social, 1715 E. Olive Way, after the screening. Please note that while the film is all ages, the after party is 21+ with ID. Also note that a shuttle bus will be available to take people from Cinerama to The Social for the event (and back) from 9:30pm to midnight.

Da Bears of “Bear City 2: The Proposal” screening Friday, October 12, 2012 at SLGFF 2012.

The following evening, Friday October 12th, there’s another screening we’re excited about…two years agos, the adorable bear romantic comedy “Bear City” was a hugely successful opening night gala for SLGFF 15. That film was so popular nationally and around the world, that the men of Bear City are back with a sequel: “Bear City 2: The Proposal” with the original cast intact and plenty of new guest stars.

The cast and characters from BEAR CITY are back, and they’re headed for Provincetown for Bear Week! Wedding bells are ringing for former lothario Roger (Gerald McCullouch) and his love-cub Tyler. The pals gather at the B&B owned by Rose (Kathy Najimy), the sharp-tongued mom of their buddy Brent (Stephen Guarino), but the altar-bound couple faces temptations from the hot daddies and former f-buddies all around them. Featuring cameo appearances by Kevin Smith, Frank DeCaro, Varla Jean Merman, and other bear-lebrities, this latest BEAR CITY adventure brings all the fur and fun that fans expect and first-timers must see to believe.

There will be a PRE-film reception at Diesel (open to everyone) BEFORE the screening (and probably some post-func fun as well…) The Diesel fun starts at 7pm and goes until 9pm followed by the film screening at 9:15pm at The Egyptian. Cast members are scheduled to be in attendance. Tickets for the film available HERE!

You can buy individual tickets to the films AND passes to the entire festival at the website...and, starting this week you can also buy tickets/passes at a special ticket office located at Gay City Health Project at 517 East Pike Street. Three Dollar Bill will be on hand from 2pm to 7pm from now until October 10th.

Much MORE coverage to come…SLGFF is our favorite festival of the year!

Tags: Bear City 2: The Proposal, Chris Colfer, SLGFF, Struck by Lightning, Three Dollar Bill Cinema