FILM/SNEAK PEEK : MONETTE'S SPECIAL FILM GETS SPECIAL SCREENING.

Writer Paul Monette, who died of AIDS in February 1995, wrote 16 books that reflect a life devoted to creativity and political activism, including his autobiography, ``Becoming a Man: Half a Life Story,'' which won the National Book Award in 1992.

Two and a half years before his death, he became involved in the making of a remarkable film, ``Paul Monette: The Brink of Summer's End,'' which was voted the most popular documentary by the audience at this year's Sundance Film Festival.

A special benefit screening of the film will be held at 7:30 tonight at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Theater, 8949 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. The event, which will feature remarks by the movie's director, Monte Bramer, and producer, Lesli Klainberg, will benefit the Pride Foster Family Agency and the Mobile Health Outreach Project, both of which are programs of GLASS (Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services). Tickets are available for $25, $50 and $100 by calling [phone].

Out and on film

Tickets are on sale now for OUTFEST '97: The 15th Anniversary Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, which runs July 11-20 at the Directors Guild theater in Hollywood. The ever-expanding fest will showcase 45 feature films, 24 documentaries.

``The quality and quantity of films and videos by, about, or of interest to gay men and lesbians has exploded across the screen in ways unimaginable in 1982 when the first Gay and Lesbian Media Festival was held at UCLA,'' says the event's executive director, Morgan Rumpf.

About 2,000 moviegoers are expected for the July 11 opening-night screening of the gay screwball comedy ``I Think I Do,'' to be held downtown at the historic Los Angeles Theatre on Broadway. The opening-night gala will feature OUTFEST's first Lifetime Achievement Award, to director John Schlesinger (``Midnight Cowboy,'' ``Sunday, Bloody Sunday,'') for ``unflinching commitment to unique gay characters.'' The award is sponsored by the United Talent Agency.

The closing-night gala will feature a screening of Deepa Mehta's ``Fire,'' a tale of passion and forbidden love set in contemporary New Delhi. The ``Outies'' film awards, sponsored by Universal Studios, will be presented afterward. Among other special events this year will be a question-and-answer session and live performance featuring singer/songwriter Sophie B. Hawkins on July 13 in conjunction with a sneak preview of Gigi Gaston's work-in-progress film about Hawkins called ``The Cream Will Rise.''

For schedule and ticket sales information, call Out on the Screen at [phone].

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Photo

Photo: Paul Monette's remarkable film ``Paul Monette: The Brink of Summer's End'' will have a benefit screening tonight at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Theater in Los Angeles.