This Friday marks the opening night of the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. The festival is in its lucky thirteenth year this year and offers all kinds of excitement to film fans, from the opening night gala at Sodo Park to all the films up on the screens.

Film series during the festival include “Arts on the Edge”, which focuses on the creative process with films like Derek, the Tilda Swinton-narrated documentary about gay film pioneer Derek Jarman and “Homo Horror”, a collection of horror movies featuring gay and lesbian characters and/or themes.

Films to look out for include Centerpiece gala include Steam, in which three strong female characters (played by Katie Siegal, Ally Sheedy and Ruby Dee) all find solace from their complicated, troubled lives in the steamroom and Ask Not, a clear-eyed look at the difficulties of the US military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy on homosexuality and its immeasurable impact on the citizens and soldiers laboring under its constraints.

The film festival features a number of receptions and parties in addition to its many excellent shorts, documentaries and features, both brand-new and classic. Check out their website for complete schedule.