Welcome to the second of the OIA Festivals in 2011. The April issue was successful so we’re on the right track. The third and last edition is from 21-30 October.

This Festival would not be possible were it not for the generous support of the Atlantic Philanthropies, the National Lottery and the National Film and Video Foundation.

Thanks are due to the OIA Board – Jack Lewis, Duncan Houghton, Shahindran Moonieya, Mandisa Zitha and Sheryl Ozinsky.

Donovan Steyl of Lunchbox Media has brought us new, welcome advertisers, which just about pays the printing bill. We’re going digital and we have a QR code to download our programme to your smartphone, and iPhone and Android apps.

Welcome to our regular supporters – Nu Metro, the Sunday Times, 6 Spin Street and Mamba. The British Council has afforded us the pleasure of the film Weekend.

Kapenaars, support the Pride Shelter, donate dry and canned foods. There will be baskets at the cinema.

At the time of going to print we have two filmmaker guests – Nerina Penzhorn and Matthew Brown, we thank them for their films Waited For and Glitterboys and Ganglands. Other guests may confirm later, so do visit our website for updates and information on films and events.

Gay and lesbian films are a constant reminder of the rights we enjoy here, but rights can be taken away. The Protection of Information Bill and the Media Tribunal are still lurking in the wings. So, in honour of the late Kader Asmal, a great supporter of LGBTI rights, do as he asked when he opened the Festival in 2008 and be that ‘articulate, occasionally rude and impertinent’ citizen and stand up for our rights and the rights of others.

And stand up for the Festival – hit the bloody GIVE button on the website.

As ever, we look forward to seeing you, often.