Outfest Spotlight: "Ciao" explores love, friendship and grief...

Before heading over to last night's opening night festivities for Outfest, I watched a screener of the film "Ciao" which was superb.

Directed by Yen Tan, this is a no-frills movie with a wonderful script. It's mostly two guys talking, getting to know each other. And you can't keep your eyes off of them. I didn't feel like I was watching a movie sometimes, just watching two people interact.

Here's a synopsis: When Mark (Chuck Blaum) dies in a car accident, his best friend Jeff (Adam Neal Smith) is left to tie up loose ends as he mourns. While sending emails of the sudden passing, Jeff meets Andrea (Alessandro Calza), Mark's Italian online boyfriend. On a whim, Jeff and Andrea decide to meet, each hoping to gain a sense of closure.
We only see Mark toward the end in a video he made but it is a powerful appearance and we understand why both of these men loved him. Calzar is physically so beautiful but he also brings such a charm and a lot of heart to his performance - especially in those moments when he is sharing with Jeff the things about Mark that Jeff never knew about. Whether over dinner, over beers or visiting Mark's apartment and grave, these two form a beautiful bond and you will want to witness it.

"Ciao" will screen at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 18 at the Fairfax 1. Thought I'd give you a heads-up if any readers in LA are attending Outfest. This one is an absolute keeper. Here is the trailer:

For more information about Outfest, the 26th Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival - which runs July 9-21 - go to Outfest.org