UNCLE BOB
Dir. Robert Oppel, 2010
USA, 78 min.

ONE NIGHT ONLY! WITH RUMI MISSABU IN PERSON!
FRIDAY, APRIL 25 – 8:00 PM

Rumi Missabu of the Cockettes returns to the east coast with a handful of new short features and the full-length documentary Uncle Bob. Produced by Rumi and Abel Ferrara, Uncle Bob is an examination of photographer and gay rights activist Robert Opel as directed by his nephew Robert Oppel (Opel dropped a p from his last name to protect his family). Best known among trivia buffs for streaking during the 1974 Academy Awards show, Uncle Bob examines Opel’s involvement in the San Francisco art scene (he ran a gallery called Fey-Way, produced stage plays with Divine and became friends with Robert Mappelthorpe and Tom of Finland, all of whom are interviewed in the film), his struggle for gay rights (particularly the rights of gay teachers) and his murder during an alleged robbery of his gallery. Robert Oppel investigates multiple scenarios surrounding his uncle’s murder, and by examining both his death and his life, succeeds at providing a glimpse into both his uncle’s life and the climate of San Francisco during the seventies.

SCREENING WITH THE FOLLOWING SHORT FILMS:

* TIP-TOE PAST THE WITCH (work in progress currently in production) from director/animator Kimba Anderson. Running time approx 3-5 minutes

* RUMINATIONS (work in progress currently in production) from director Robert James and Thedore Nguyen. Running time approx 3-5 minutes

* I SCARE MYSELF (music video) co-directed by Rumi Missabu and Mister WA. Running time approx 5 minutes

* ELEVATOR GIRLS IN BONDAGE (teaser/trailer) directed by Michael Kalmen. Running time approx 3 minutes. I have a sparkling new DVD addition of the film lipstick-kissed and autographed for sale.