By Liz Lopez
During the SXSW Film Festival this past March, I had the opportunity to meet Tab Hunter here in Austin. Even though I was not of age to be in the theaters and venues he was performing in years ago, I knew about him because of my two older sisters who were teens at the time of his fame as a singer and actor. I attended the annual SXSW Filmmaker Brunch hosted by aGLIFF on Saturday, March 14, not thinking I would really have the opportunity to meet and talk to him. What an honor it truly was.
Some of their other expected guests was the director of the documentary, Tab Hunter Confidential, Jeffrey Schwarz (I Am Divine) and from Naz & Maalik, writer/director Jay Dockendorf, producers Jacob Albert and Margaret Katcher, Editor Andy Hafitz, Cinematographer Jake Magee, lead actor Kerwin Johnson (Naz), co-star Annie Grier (Sarah), and Out to Win director, Malcolm Ingram (Small Town Gay Bar).
Later during the festival, I was able to view the documentary, Tab Hunter Confidential, based upon the best seller autobiography written with Eddie Muller (2005). This is one film I highly recommend as the viewer learns so much from start to finish about life from childhood, through Hollywood fame and now his quiet life.
There is a current opportunity to view Tab Hunter Confidential in Austin on Wednesday, October 21st as aGLIFF will host a special screening at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar, 7:30pm. Check for ticket availability at www.drafthouse.com and I highly recommend confirming tickets and reservations in advance.
During a career that spanned four decades, he made 42 films with an impressive list of A-list directors, among them, Joseph Losey, Raoul Walsh, Sidney Lumet, George Abbott, John Huston, Patricia Birch, John Waters, Paul Bartel and David Hemmings. On Tuesday, October 20th, QFLIX Philadelphia hosted a ceremony for Tab Hunter to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. It is well deserved!
Source: QFLIX, aGLIFF, Alamo Drafthouse