SFIFF: <i>Life in a Box</i> World Premiere

It's long been our experience that when a significant other says, "I think we should have an open relationship," what they really mean is, "let's ensure that our impending breakup is painful and prolonged." And if there's a lesson to be learned from , a brand-new documentary about a gay country/folk duo called "Y'all," it's that painful, prolonged breakups make for good watching, and, unexpectedly, can ultimately be uplifting. The documentary screens again on Thursday at 8pm at the Kabuki, and its three stars will be present for Q & A; we heartily encourage attendance.

Started by real-life couple Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Jay Byrd in 1992, Y'all performed bright, smart folksy-country music, the sort of thing you'd smile along to on Prairie Home Companion. In 2000, they hit the road in a cozy, homey travel-trailer, happily camping out and playing gigs all over the country. For its first 20 minutes or so, Life in a Box is a comfortable road-trip documentary about a cute couple that's courting fame and is seriously in love. Then suddenly it becomes the story of a love triangle that is at times blissful, and at times scary and volatile.