Vancouver, September 30, 2010

Now that we are well into the start of our fab fall season, it's great to report that we are enjoying a fantastic stretch of sunny days and summerlike temperatures once again. The trees are just starting to burst into colour, and with all the bright sunshine, there's no better time to get out there and enjoy!

Today also kicks off the start of the 29th Annual Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF), and we are happy once again to work with them to bring you the list of all the GLBT Films at VIFF 2010:

• 108 (Cuchillo de palo), Director: Renate Costa, Country: Spain
• Daniel Schmid (Daniel Schmid--Le chat qui pense), Director: Pascal Hofmann, Benny Jaberg, Country: Switzerland
• Family Complete, The (Kazoku Complete), Director: Imaizumi Koichi, Country: Japan
• Family Tree (L' arbre et la forêt), Director: Olivier Ducastel, Jacques Martineau, Country: France
• Heartbeats (Les amours imaginaries), Director: Xavier Dolan, Country: Canada/France
• I Am (Afia megha abhimanyu omar), Director: Onir, Country: India
• Insects in the Backyard, Director: Thanwarin Sukkaphisit, Country: Thailand
• L.A. Zombie, Director: Bruce LaBruce, Country: Germany/USA
• Single Man (Guanggun), Director: Hao Jie, Country: China
• Stonewall Uprising, Director: Kate Davis, David Heilbroner, Country: USA
• Figs in Motion, Director: Trevor Anderson, Country: Canada
• Price of Flowers, The, Director: Ashley Charbonnet, Country: USA
• Senorita, Director: Vincent Sandoval, Country: Philippines/USA
• Silk Letter, A (Baekseo), Director: Kang Sangwoo, Country: South Korea
• Mogadishu Dreaming, Director: Lesley Branagan, Country: Australia
• Fathers & Sons, Director: Carl Bessai, Country: Canada (GLBT of interest film)
• When the Devil Knocks, Director: Helen Slinger, Country: Canada (GLBT of interest film)

To get more info on these, and other films showing between September 30 and October 15, 2001, visit:
 http://www.viff.org/festival/films-schedule/ .

We also had the pleasure this week to touch base with a bit of Vancouver LGBT history, as we met with the staff and management of the Moda Hotel downtown. As many remember, the Moda Hotel in a previous incarnation was the world-renowned Dufferin Hotel and Bar (the Duff); yet another gay space which closed its doors about 3 years ago. Having last stayed at the Duff back in 1990 during the Gay Games, we were keen to have the chance to check out its reincarnation, and couldn't believe the transformation!

Now with a decidedly Italian flavour, the Moda is a stylish, chic little downtown urban oasis, offering a full range of upscale amenities, and a few locals-know, insider surprises. To start, the lobby retains some of it's original trappings, such as the original tile floors, high ceilings with crown moldings, and a few decidely modern twists, such as fashionable lobby furniture, and a 30,000 Euro chandelier sent directly from Italy for the occasion. French doors open from the lobby to Cibo Trattoria, a stylish restaurant launched by Jamie Oliver of Food Network fame for its grand opening. Colourful original tile floors have been revealed, and oversized gilt-frame mirrors and artwork complete the picture. Uva wine bar is another stylish offering on site, where you can start with real Italian cappuccino in the morning, specialty lunch offerings (we had the Halibut...delish!), and a great selection of wines by the glass for evening soirees. You won't recognize the space that used to house the original Duff bar and lower bar Go-Go boys, which is now a split-level, high-end sports bar called the Red Card. A few insider surprises include the fact that they now offer fashionable suites for travellers, both onsite and across the street in a brand-new building complex, complete with french doors and separate entertainment areas. The former Karaoke Club is now a cold beer and wine store, and the new Madonna Room is a cozy boardroom-slash-wine-cellar circular space that seats 12, ideal for that special occasion, or perhaps a private birthday party in the centre of it all! Check out their listing on our Travel Directory for more: http://www.gayvan.com/component/sobi2/?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=15&sobi2Id=101 .

We also recently had the chance to visit 560, which is an incredible downtown club space, becoming increasingly popular with the LGBT community. Now that we have just lost the Odyssey, and with 1181 out of order until early November due to a flood last week, it is a perfect time to check out this hot new space. Lola (remember Lola from the Odyssey patio bar?) invited us to visit and was working the downstairs bar on the night we went. There were many familiar faces mingling nearby Lola's station, a kind of deja-vu of sorts, but in an entirely new location. An amazing stretch of co-ed bathrooms (you have to see it to appreciate it) were just to the right and there were three more levels including bars, a loft, dance floor and semi-private lounges pumping away above. Out for Kicks were hosting a members event on site this night as well, and we understand that Big Rogers Events and House of Venus are also hosting regular events in this space.

TFD Productions is starting a new night at Celebrities, in addition to the new Hard Candy night on Thursdays (picking up where Shower Power left off), the Mr./Ms./Miss Gay Pageant takes place October 2, at the Coast Plaza Hotel, GLEE Tuesdays at JLounge, a DMS fundraiser "Dollicious" after Gay Bingo on October 6, Vancouver Men in Leather - Wild Party at Numbers October 8, Flygirl's Hershe Bar on Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, and Thickset, Vancouver's popular Bear & Cub hangout at the Cobalt is back in October, and of course, Fright Nights at Playland kicks off October 15. Check out all this and more: http://www.gayvan.com/whats-on2.html .

As well, our friends at Momentum Grooming here in Vancouver are celebrating their 6th Anniversary with a Sale...treat yourself to something special, or delight a friend with a personal gift:
http://www.momentumgrooming.com/ .

And last. but not least, October is GLBT History Month, where beginning on October 1, 2010, a new GLBT Icon is presented daily. Each day you’ll have access to his or her video, bio and resources, along with information on all the preceding Icons. You can find links to this and much more on our homepage: http://www.gayvan.com/ .

Cheers!