Postcard from Florida

Maurice Bonamigo, arguably the star of WOW’s award-winning documentary, Gay Republicans, has dispatched a report from the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.

I began my journey to the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival on Friday, April 22, by checking in at the Abbey Hotel in Miami Beach, where the film festival was kind enough to host me. It’s a very charming boutique hotel located in the Art Deco section, and I would recommend it to everyone wishing to visit.

This was the opening night for the film festival, with a screening of a highly acclaimed film with Miss Bea Arthur serving as the Diva of Ceremonies, followed by a Gala Premiere Party. The film was The Dying Gaul, directed by Craig Lucas. Interesting film and enjoyable. However, out of a rating of 3 stars it was given only 1 1/2 by the Miami Herald, which I would agree. My personal thoughts were that they could have picked a much better film for the premiere, plus I simply could not figure out why everyone was raving over a film that at best you will find on “Gay TV.” One other thing that drives me ape is when all these film intellectuals start with their Dialogue over what each character was to represent and what their thoughts were in terms of how the characters interacted. Christ! Whatever, it was a mediocre film at best, who cares.

I hate the word “diva.” I think it is well overused, especially for Bea Arthur. Her performance lasted about 1/2 hour and was rather boring considering she can be a rather funny actress when she wants to be. I find it to be dull when a woman her age tries to be hip by talking about body parts and Gay Marriage when it really isn’t pertaining to anything relevant to the festival. I suppose being in her eighties she is getting tired and has nothing else to offer.

In Palm Beach or Chicago, whenever one receives an invitation for a “Gala” and you pay to attend one of these functions, one assumes it will be Black Tie, right? Wrong. I was the only one to wear a tux ( double-breasted Brioni and White tie). That would be considered standard in Palm Beach and, after all, I am representing World of Wonder. I guess it is acceptable to wear jeans, open shirts, tight shirts, untucked shirts, and flip-flops. That’s a first for me, but that’s also a new one for casual dress. Leave it to a bunch of Gays and Lesbians to try to be cool. Other than that, the party was very well done. It was held above the Bank of America Skylobby. Lots of wonderful food and open bar all evening. I am not sure how many more functions my liver can take this year. My hats go off to the hosts for throwing a fabulous party.

Saturday, April 23, at 5 PM, was the screening of our acclaimed documentary Gay Republicans. The Miami Herald awarded us 3 stars which was the highest for a documentary. I am pleased to say that the film was a sellout to a packed audience. My host, Carol Coombes, introduced me and asked me to explain the film to the audience. We would answer any questions following the screening.

During the film, there were lots of shouts, comments, and boos. So uncivilized – unlike LA – but the audience was full of Gays and Lesbians from South Florida, remember. When the film finished, I was reintroduced, and there was name-calling, like “sicko” and “psycho,” plus a few other mumblings. The questions were pretty much about politics and we had to remind everyone that we were there to discuss the film. Aside from the political view, people thought the film was well created. Numerous people came up to me after the film to thank me for coming, representing, and for being so brave to face the Liberal Wolves. All in all, it was a great deal of fun and I did meet a lot of wonderful people despite all the degenerates who were present.

I want to thank all my Great Friends at World of Wonder for allowing me to represent Gay Republicans. I do enjoy working the crowd at these functions (such a politician) and I am proud to be a part for your family.

Until the next film festival, I remain sincerely yours,

Maurice Bonamigo