Reeling closes with 'King Cobra' starring James Franco, Christian Slater

Thu. September 29, 2016 10:40 AM by GoPride.com News Staff

Writer-director Justin Kelly and actor Garret Clayton to attend Reeling closing, Thursday

Chicago, IL - The 34th edition of Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival, the second-oldest LGBTQ film festival in the world, closes on Thursday, Sept. 29 with an advance screening of King Cobra, writer-director Justin Kelly's (I Am Michael) eagerly anticipated crime thriller based on a true story.

The film is based on the book Cobra Killer by Andrew E. Stoner and Peter A. Conway, which told the real-life murder of gay porn producer Bryan Kocis in 2007. Kocis is played by Christian Slater, who goes to war with rival porn producer Joe (James Franco) over the employment of the industry's newest star, Brent Corrigan (Garret Clayton).

Porn star Harlow Raymond Cuadra and Joseph Manuel Kerekes were convicted of the 2007 murder of Kocis, head of Cobra Video, following a contract dispute over Corrigan, who's real name is Sean Paul Lockhart.

The much anticipated film is billed as "part delirious, tabloid-shocker satire, part American tragedy".

Alicia Silverstone and Molly Ringwald round out the cast.

Reeling 2016 opened Thursday, Sept. 22 with Hurricane Bianca and has presented nearly 40 features and numerous shorts from around the world, most of them Chicago premieres, some U.S. and/or World premieres.

Related: Photos from Reeling 2016 opening with Bianca Del Rio

The festival closes at Landmark's Century Centre Cinema, 2828 N Clark, with King Cobra. Clayton and Kelly are expected to attend.

King Cobra opens nationwide October 21.

Related: Watch James Franco in first trailer for gay thriller 'King Cobra'
 

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