Sundance Hit 'C.O.G.' to Open Outfest

Jonathan Groff and Denis O'Hare in 'C.O.G.' / Photo by Jas Shelton

Outfest announced today that C.O.G., the first film adaptation of David Sedaris's work, has been selected as Opening Night Gala of the 31st Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, which takes place July 11.

When C.O.G. premiered at Sundance it was an audience favorite and Sedaris, who seemed pleased by the overall result, attended the premiere. He also commented on the casting of sexy Corey Stoll to play Curly, the character the friendly co-worker who becomes sexually aggressive and nearly rapes Samuel. "If [the real] Curly looked like Corey, I would still be living in Oregon," Sedaris told the crowd after the screening, "...and be wearing adult diapers."

Outfest will also present the Achievement Award, its highest honor, to writer/director Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don't Cry, Stop-Loss, Carrie) in recognition of her body of work that has made a significant contribution to LGBT film and media.

"One of Outfest's principal goals has been to celebrate the many voices of LGBT storytelling on film, and we couldn't be more excited to honor Kimberly Peirce's extraordinary filmmaking career while also heralding writer-director Kyle Patrick Alvarez's stunning sophomore feature capturing David Serdaris' hilarious tone," commented Kirsten Schaffer, Outfest Executive Director. "The mix promises to make this our most memorable Opening Night."

Outfest has previously given the award to John Waters, Jane Lynch, Bill Condon, Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, Don Roos, Donna Deitch, Kenneth Anger, Greg Araki, Todd Haynes, Jane Anderson, Christine Vachon, Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Freidman, Gus Van Sant, Ian McKellen, John Schlesinger, and Strand Releasing.

Watch the trailer for C.O.G. the film below: