LI Gay and Lesbian film fest unreels

If the lineup at this year's Long Island Gay and Lesbian Film Festival feels a little less politically charged than usual, that might be a good thing.

Gay filmmakers have begun to embrace more traditional genres -- comedies, romances, even horror movies -- as gays and lesbians have become less marginalized in American culture and more visible in the media, says festival director Steve Flynn. At a time when Conan O'Brien can officiate a gay wedding on a major cable network, and Neil Patrick Harris can play a closeted straight version of himself in the latest "Harold & Kumar" comedy, it makes sense that a gay film festival might begin to look a little more mainstream.

"We have a good mix of fun films and serious films, and some interesting foreign films," Flynn says. "Fifteen years ago, you would see a lot of coming-out stories, and that's being kind of curtailed. It's not coming out anymore, it's just being gay."

Here are some highlights from the 14th annual festival, which kicks off Friday at Huntington's Cinema Arts Centre and offers more than 50 features and shorts, along with plenty of receptions, panels and parties.

CODEPENDENT LESBIAN SPACE ALIEN SEEKS SAME (Friday, 7:15 p.m.)

The title isn't figurative: Zoinx is an E.T. being chased by federal agents; Jane is the greeting-card saleswoman who falls for her.

I AM (Saturday, 3 p.m.)

Amityville filmmaker Sonali Gulati returned to India and spoke with parents of gay children for this documentary. She'll be in attendance.

THE GREEN (Saturday, 9:15 p.m.)

A gay high-school teacher is accused of inappropriate behavior with a student. The writer-producer is former Verizon pitchman Paul Marcarelli ("Can you hear me now?"), who came out earlier this year.

BETTE MIDLER -- RARE PERFORMANCES (Nov. 15, 6:45 p.m.)

By request, Freeport rock archivist Bill Shelley presents little-seen footage of the longtime gay icon.

THE NIGHT WATCH (Nov. 17, 7 p.m.)

This closing-night film is a BBC production based on Sarah Waters' 2006 novel, set during World War II, about a group of friends of varying sexualities.

Long Island Gay and Lesbian Film Festival

WHEN | WHERE Friday through Nov. 17 at Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington.

TICKETS $10-$15; passes are $60

INFO 800-838-3006; liglff.org