So here we are and with so much to do this weekend, there's a good chance that maybe you don't know what to do with yourself. I understand. You can check out yesterday's blog posting for your Saturday plans. Here's what you're gonna do Sunday...

It's the finale folks...Hook Me Up:I Want A Modeling Contract...Doors open at 7:30. Show should start around 8-8:30. Let me tell you: these models are model-contract worthy. And they are hungry for your votes. All funds go to the Play 4 Phil Foundation. And what better way to end your weekend then with me and my partner-in-crime Rob Easton at Pulse?

So who caught the latest round of Hook Me Up: I Want A Modeling Contract Sunday night at Pulse? Those models...ughn! Congrats to Rob and Brandon and team for putting on a great show. I hosted the bejeesus out of that shit with my partner in crime Rob Easton. Hope y'all had fun.

Okay. The countdown in on for the Vancouver Queer Film Festival. In advance of the opening gala this Thursday, I sat down with Amber Dawn, who took over the role as Director of Programming this past January, for Up Your Alley's most recent Xtra Xposed segment. Former Hero of the Year winner, Amber is a writer, community activist and performance artist extraordinaire. I've had the pleasure of sharing a stage with her on multiple occassions. Here's what she had to say about the upcoming festival:

I would recommend “Fist of the Spider Woman: Tales of Queer Fear and Desire.” It’s an anthology which asks 15 women authors “what do you fear most?” and “what do you desire most.” The stories and poems range from lesbian vampire erotic fantasy fiction to a poetic conversation between a third-wave feminist and the Marquis de Sade.

I truly believe that my greatest art is “making sh*t happen.” I thrive on art that engages a larger community and I love to collaborate with others. Out On Screen is my perfect work environment. The have a 21 year history of making magic happen on a dime and a dream. The Queer Film Festival is like no other event I know of for it’s ability to bring our community together with integrity, spirit and celebration. I very much hope to do the Festival audience proud.

It was fairly easy to program a dynamic festival because there is an ever-growing pool of queer films to choose from. From horror flicks to sweet romantic comedies to eye-opening documentaries to family films … there isn’t a genre that queer directors have shyed away from. You’ll notice in the Festival guide the Focus on Hope and Focus on Asian Voices – Focus on Hope showcases documentaries that aim to inspire dialogue and change. These documentaries feature many outstanding queer heroes from around the world. Focus on Asian Voices brings us the best from queer Asian directors.

First off, it’s fun. Secondly, the message is about encouragement. We’re encouraging our audience to experience their desires, hopes, thoughts and passions to the fullest at our Festival. Last, it speaks to our aim that we bring a little something for everyone’s tastes, whether that be it political documentaries or quirky musicals or one of our many parties.

Gosh, it’s hard to say. FIG TREES is by my favorite Canadian director, John Greyson, and I believe it is his very best work. I knew within the first 5 minutes of watching that film that I wanted to bring it to our Festival. HALF LIFE is part of our Focus on Asian Voices and is a very unique, very beautiful science fiction domestic drama; very fresh story line that will keep you guessing what will happen next. The STRACHEY gay detective double feature on Saturday August 15th will be a ton of fun and was filmed here in Vancouver. And TARNATION … whether you’ve seen this film before or not, I’d strongly suggest coming out to meet our Spotlight Director Jonathan Caouette and watch his very brave and personal autobiographical documentary about growing up queer in Texas with his mentally ill mother; this is a hard knocks story with a lot of heart.

Are you kidding, I’m sticking around the Festival for the next three years at least. Oh, and I have my first novel coming out with Arsenal Pulp Press in Fall 2010; it’s a magical realism novel about runaway girls called SUBROSA.

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Hey, if you're looking for something fun to do on Sunday night, come down and join me and my co-host Rob Easton at Pulse. Here's the details - all proceeds go to the Play 4 Phil Foundation.

As far as quotes go, this was a good one:

The fiercest gay bar on the face of the earth

And you know they're talking about the old girl on the corner of Davie and Thurlow. Ever wondered what a typical night as a social report looks like? I was covering this event for Xtra West and this video should give you an idea...

I am sick as a dog, UYA readers. So bad I can hardly swallow. I know. Shocking.

In light of this, I am going to do a solid for fellow former Victoria-ite Rob Trinh and repost a reminder about his new show. Auditions are tonight and Tuesday. Read on for more info and make sure to hit the auditions. This could be your big break:

Here's the run down:

Do YOU want to get hooked up? Literally, hooked up with a modeling contract? This is what every wannabe modeling will be asking themselves during the audition dates Monday, July 13 and Tuesday, July 14, 2009.

Rob Trinh and Brandon Howe have teamed up to present “HOOK ME UP: I Want a Modeling Contract”. The auditions will be held across two days beginning Monday, July 13 and Tuesday July 14, both at 6 pm. The winner of “HOOK ME UP: I Want a Modeling Contract” gets a one year modeling/talent contract with “Carrie Wheeler Management”, a starter package for their portfolio (retailed at over $2000) and the chance to expose themselves to the industry. With challenges, photo shoots, PSA’s and live eliminations over 3 weeks, its going to be the event of the summer!

The really great thing about this event is that all the money raised from donations will go to “The Play 4 Phil Foundation”. Founded by Rob and Tony Trinh after their cousin Phil Truong was an innocent victim of a gang-related shooting last summer that claimed Phil’s life. The goal of “Play 4 Phil” is to give back to the community through scholarships, sponsoring troubled youth to sports camps, and educating students that it is okay to be a Role Model. In alliance with Rob’s high school Campaign, “Stop the Silence, Have a Voice Against Violence” , this is a positive message that needs to be heard.

We hope you will include this in your media to get the word out about this great opportunity to make a difference in not just one models life, but ultimately the many, many unseen faces that will benefit from the Event. We invite you to attend the casting to interview those audition and get a sneak peek at the event that’s about to take over! If you have any question or would like to get in contact with this dynamic duo please feel free.

We hope to see you there!

Rob Trinh & Brandon Howe
DONATIONS can be made out in cheque to PLAY 4 PHIL FOUNDATION.

WHERE: PULSE NIGHT CLUB @ 1138 Davie Street. (cross st. between Thurlow and Bute)
WHAT: CASTING for Modeling Competition. The winner receives some great Prizes, including one year modeling contract with Carrie Wheeler Management.
WHEN: AUDITIONS: Monday, July 13, 2009 and Tuesday, July 14, 2009 @ 6 pm. Contestants will then appear at the Live events starting @ 8-10 pm, Sunday, July 26, Sunday, August 9, and Sunday, August 16.
WHO: All aspiring and potential models with great attitudes please come on down!
WHY: For a great cause, Play 4 Phil, and because you want to do something amazing this summer!
HOW: Show up with your government issued ID, along with your measurements, (we can measure you there) and be your natural self!