Outfest to Open with 'Vito' Documenetary

Outfest is celebrating its 30th anniversary and the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival has announced that Jeffrey Schwarz's Vito documentary will kick it off during the opening night gala on July 12. Also, the organization's most prestigious award, the Outfest Achievement Award, will be presented to the John Waters.

"Honoring two legendary figures Vito Russo and John Waters is the perfect way to launch Outfest's 30th anniversary," said Executive Director Kirsten Schaffer. "Over that past three decades, Outfest has had a global impact on LGBT lives by promoting understanding, launching world-class talent and preserving our filmed history for generations to come."

Vito, which premieres on HBO on July 23, chronicles the story of Vito Russo (pictured here). He's the founding father of the gay liberation movement, author of The Celluloid Closet, and a vociferous AIDS activist in the 1980s. The film features Lily Tomlin, Armistead Maupin, Bruce Vilanch, Richard Berkowitz and Larry Kramer.

Outfest takes place July 12-22. The full list of films will be announced June 4.