Clutch the pearls! Gay couples in California will once again experience the joy of getting married — and the even bigger joy of getting a divorce. What better way to celebrate the momentous news than at Outfest, L.A.'s freak flag-bearer for gay filmmakers for more than 30 years? The festival (through July 21) boasts queer-based features, documentaries, shorts and animation from countries as far and exotic as Nepal and Canada. The opening-night gala will screen Kyle Patrick Alvarez's indie movie C.O.G. , based on one of David Sedaris' essays. Other highlights include San Diego Surf, Andy Warhol's last film shot, which was shot in La Jolla in 1968. Not to be outdone is the always impressive list of documentaries on everyone and everything from Gore Vidal, Alice Walker, Divine and performance artist Ron Athey to the BDSM scene in San Francisco, AIDS patients in the rural South and the history of amfAR. There's also a Home Video Gong Show, Pitch Perfect sing-along and a ceremony honoring the recipient of this year's Outfest Achievement Award, Kimberly Peirce, director of Boys Don't Cry and the upcoming remake of Carrie. Opening gala at the Orpheum Theater, 842 S. Broadway, dwntwn.; Thurs., July 11, 8 p.m.; $60. Individual screenings at various venues; $13. (213) 480-7065, outfest.org.

Thu., July 11, 8 p.m., 2013

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