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NeonFest showcasing gay feature films, shorts

NeonFest, Las Vegas' annual gay and lesbian film festival, kicks off a four-day run with tonight's "A Night of Mystery."

And a Sunday critics' brunch addresses the question "Does Hollywood Hate Homos?"

In between, the fourth annual NeonFest -- expanded from last year's three-day festival -- showcases a variety of features and short subjects, from comedies to thrillers.

Last year, the festival moved from Neonopolis to the Onyx Theatre inside The Rack at Commercial Center, 953 E. Sahara Ave.

The smaller Onyx venue, which seats about 100, works fine, according to NeonFest president Bill Schafer. "It's centrally located, with lots of parking -- and it brings it back to a gay-owned business in a very gay neighborhood."

Highlights include a Saturday focus on the experience of black gays, with three shorts and two features, "Blueprint" and "Strange Fruit."

All screenings are free.

TONIGHT

6:30 p.m. Opening reception (must be over 21 to attend); bar and appetizers hosted by the Spotlight Lounge.

7:30 p.m. "2 Minutes Later" -- A lesbian detective (Jessica Graham) and a gay man (Michael Molina) team up to solve the disappearance of his twin, a famed photographer.

9:30 p.m. "Dead Boyz Don't Scream" -- Someone's killing top male models and a fearless agent must stop the slaughter.

11 p.m. - Q&A with "Dead Boyz" actor Aaron Mark.

FRIDAY

6:30 p.m. Shorts -- "Lowell Gleason Wears Glasses," "Will You," "Masquerade," "Groom With a View," "Thanksgiving," "In the Name of the Father."

8:30 p.m. "SoulMaid" -- In this modern-day fairy tale, Moses (Joe Schenck) is compelled to abandon the man of his dreams and prepare for an unusual second coming.

10:30 p.m. "The Windy City Incident" -- A man (Shane Grey) haunted by ghosts is ordered by his dreams to travel to Chicago -- and discover his past.

SATURDAY

Noon Shorts -- "Coffee Date," "Truth or Dare," "Space Two," "Popcorn & Coke."

2 p.m. "An Angel Named Billy" -- After his abusive father kicks him out, a gay teen (Dustin Belt) hitchhikes to the city and finds a new life caring for a stroke victim.

4 p.m. Shorts -- The drama "On the Low" and the documentary "Living on the DL" focus on outwardly straight black men who have secret gay relationships; plus out-and-proud "Hip Hop Homos."

5:30 p.m. "Blueprint" -- The last days of a New York college student.

7:30 p.m. "Strange Fruit" -- A successful black gay lawyer from New York returns home to rural Louisiana to investigate the lynching of his gay childhood friend.

9:30 p.m. "Laughing Matters ... the Men" -- Gay comics in concert.

SUNDAY

11 a.m. Critics' Brunch: "Does Hollywood Hate Homos?" -- Las Vegas Weekly film critic Josh Bell, CityLife entertainment editor Mike Prevatt, UNLV film professor Dave Schmoeller and Judy Thorburn of theflickchicks.com and the Las Vegas Tribune join moderator Anthony Del Valle, Las Vegas Review-Journal theater critic, to discuss Hollywood's attitude toward gays. At the Las Palmas restaurant (in Commercial Center); the buffet-style brunch is $20.

1:30 p.m. Shorts -- "AE4HG," "Tenure."

2 p.m. "Family Flaw" -- A runaway coffin, a conservative wedding, an eccentric older man, two transsexuals, the police and an adorable puppy collide on a journey through Southern Italy.

4 p.m. "Cowboy Junction" -- Cowboys fall victim to deception, sex and revolvers.

6 p.m. "Hilde's Journey" -- In this Swiss drama, a lover's death from AIDS triggers a clash of wills.

8 p.m. "Running Deep" -- A guilt-driven philanderer struggles to overcome the memory of his wife and reconnect with his two sons.

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