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| PITSTOP.com |
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| Jacket: Gap, Dress: Crossroads Trading Co., Satchel: ALDO, Sandals: ALDO |
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| The Castro Theater |
Dear Viewers,
Meet Mauricio, my beloved whom I dedicate this
feature too. Mauricio is from Mexico City and is studying abroad at the Academy
of Art University. Considering that both Mauri and I are majoring in the same
subject, we met in one of our classes at the beginning of the second semester. He
is a great friend and the sweetest fella! Now that summer has approached and June is the month of Gay Pride, Mauri and I decided to get a head start in
celebrating one of the biggest events in San Francisco. For those who are
unaware of what the Gay pride festival is, it is an event that is held to
celebrate the lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender people everywhere! To get
ready for the celebratory parade and festival to come, alongside Market St. the
city decorates the tall sidewalk light polls with big rainbow flags. The
Castro, notorious for its friendly gay community is a hot spot for this week’s
go to events and night life.
One event in particular that Mauri and I were drawn to
was the Frameline37 San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival. Pit Stop
was the movie of choice, and 4:30 pm was when the film began. Now, everyone who
lives in San Francisco knows the Castro Theater, but if you don’t, it is one
out of many San Francisco’s historical
landmarks. The theater hosts countless events, movie screenings, and film
festivals.
It was both Mauri’s and I first time at the theater.
Considering I have only been living in the city for 6 months, I have yet to
explore it all. None the less, once we were seated, the film was introduced by
its very own director, Yen Ten. This was equally exciting because little did we
know, but it was the films first showing in San Francisco! Therefore, actor’s and
production crew were there to celebrate the premier. First thing I said to
myself is, I am definitely getting a picture and talking to Yen after the
movie! I won’t give the whole movie away, but in brief the story revolves
around the life of two men trapped in their previous love affairs. Ernesto
struggles emotionally with the will to get over his ex-boyfriend who lives with
him, meanwhile sits at the bedside of an ex-lover who is in a coma. Gabe, who
has a daughter and still lives at home with his ex-wife-Shannon-try’s to find
the strength to start dating again. This movie is breathtaking in the sense
that Yen captures reality in the lives of gay relationships. Although the movie
was short, as are many independent films, it felt as though Yen told just
enough to get his point across. Pit Stop, was intense with passion and feeling,
I would definitely recommend this film to anyone who is interested in watching
something real and heartwarming. The end is the best part, because it really
ties up what an audience spectator would anticipate to see. As far as,
typically how we would want a story to end, you know, like happily ever after.
I was happy to get a photograph and congratulate
director Yen and actor Marcus DeAnda-who plays Ernesto. Mauricio was equally
exciting to share this experience with me, and even got a little conversation
in with Marcus, oh la la! Some scenes are more intense than others, and very
emotional throughout. Check out the trailer here, PITSTOP.com.
As the sun was setting slowly, and the weather was
cooling down, Mexican cuisine felt like the ultimatum that would conclude our
adventure in the Castro. Thumbs up to La Tortilla and their refreshing
jarritos! Although I wasn’t hungry, Mauri went ahead and enjoyed a hardy
chicken quesadilla-he was happy to get a little taste of home!
Part 2 of SF pride week is in progress, and on its
way!
Ciao Ciao!