It's a war zone out there. The whole Chick Fil-A debacle seems to have died down for now, but that was only the most recent battle in an ongoing struggle: the debate over same-sex marriage. It can be ugly – names are called, people are hurt, friends and families are polarized. Let's take a break from all the conflict and just enjoy some good movies together! The annual LGBT Film Festival is now in its second year, and it all takes place this weekend.

It all starts on Thursday with the kickoff party at the University of Louisville Red Barn, located next to the Student Activities Center (look for the clock tower). Come dressed in your finest 1920s attire and enjoy live music by Billy Goat Strut Review, food by Cafe Fraiche, and a cash bar. The party runs from 7:00 to 11:00 in the evening.

Following the party is three days chock full of some of the finest recent LGBT films from around the world. It starts Friday morning at 11:00 with a double feature – the short film Nobody's Child followed by the feature-length Mosquita y Mari – and continues nonstop (not literally – we gotta sleep, right?) until the closing film, Cloudburst, screening at 8:00 on Sunday.

But wait – there's more! Purchasers of VIP festival tickets are also invited to attend a Meet & Greet and book signing with Chely Wright, writer, musician, and gay rights activist. This event will occur on Saturday at 7:30. Ms. Wright will also be present for a Q&A following the screening of her documentary Wish Me Away, screening Sunday at 2:00.

All films are to screen at the University of Louisville Floyd Theater, located on the third floor of the Student Activities Center. VIP tickets are $50, festival passes are $30 ($15 with student ID), and individual films are $5 ($3 with student ID). Complete festival information and lineup can be found at the LGBT Film Festival website and the Facebook event page. Online ticket sales are no longer available, so those wishing to attend will need to purchase tickets at the festival.

Image: Facebook event page