L.A. Gay Film Festival Opens With

The story of Beat poet Allen Ginsberg and the creation of his most famous work, Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman's Howl will kick off Outfest, the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, July 8.

Starring James Franco as the gay writer, Howl tells the story of the eponymous poem's creation and the obscenity trial that followed its publication. According to a press release from Outfest, the film tells "three interwoven stories -- the unfolding of a landmark 1957 censorship trial; the revelations of a renegade artist breaking down barriers to find love and redemption; and an imaginative ride through a prophetic masterpiece that rocked a generation."

Epstein and Friedman both wrote and directed Howl; the film also stars David Strathairn and Mary Louise-Parker.

At the Outfest opening night gala, lesbian actress Jane Lynch will be awarded this year's Outfest Achievement Award by her Glee costar Chris Colfer.