"Patrik," "Ashes" to Screen at 2009 Miami-Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival

A scene from Paul Morrison's "Little Ashes." Image courtesy of the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.

The 11th Annual Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival has announced its 2009 program. The 10 day festival, which runs April 24 to May 3, will present 67 narrative, documentary and short films.

The festival is set to kick off with Ella Lemhagen's "Patrik, Age 1.5" from Sweden. The film "centers on a married gay couple who move into a picture-perfect suburb outside of Stockholm, Sweden with hopes to adopt a baby boy. When they receive notice that they are to expect Patrik, age 1.5, they are elated. However, a little mistake made at the adoption agency turns their world upside down when 15-year-old homophobe with a dubious criminal past shows up at their front door." It closes May 3 with Paul Morrison's "Little Ashes,” which stars Robert Pattinson as artist Salvador Dalí and Javier Beltrán as writer Federico García Lorca. The film explores the pair's tumultuous relationship as university students.

“We are thrilled to be able to host 'Patrick 1.5' and 'Little Ashes' as part of our festival. They are amongst the highest profile titles we’ve ever presented. We are truly delighted to be working with amazing filmmakers and distributors who graciously have allowed us to share these films with South Florida audiences” said Program Director Kareem Tabsch. “This year’s program is a true showcase of great cinema from all around the world.”

In addition, the MGLFF will be presenting director John Waters with the Career Achievement Award on May 1, preceding the presentation of his one-man show: "John Waters, This Filthy World-Dirtier & Filthier."

For more information on the MGLFF and to view the complete lineup, visit the festival's official website.