On June 27, 1969, police raided The Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York. In a spontaneous show of support and frustration, the city's gay community rioted for three nights in the streets, an event that is considered the birth of the modern Gay Rights Movement.
Revealing and often humorous, the award winning Before Stonewall exposes the fascinating and unforgettable decade-by-decade history of homosexuality in America, from 1920's Harlem through to World War II and the witch hunt trials of the McCarthy era.
Before Stonewall is essential viewing for all those who have celebrated their sexuality, or have been persecuted because of it.
Cast: Greta Schiller Director: Language: English
Publisher: Peccadillo Pictures, Year: 1984
The late director Norman Rene and writer Craig Lucas made a pretty fine creative team on the stage and in the movies, and this 1990 drama about the evolving impact of AIDS on gay New Yorkers is their best cinematic achievement. The ensemble story follows the lives of nine or so characters as word of the so-called "gay cancer" eventually becomes a real force, killing several of them as the years go by. The film works well on a number of levels, not least of which is the enviable closeness of the characters, the script's wit, the bittersweet experience of loss, and a celebratory attitude at the end mixing wisdom with defiance. - Tom Keogh (amazon review)
Cast: Stephen Caffrey, Patrick Cassidy, Brian Cousins, Bruce Davison, John Dossett Director: Norman Rene Language: English
Publisher: Twentieth Century Fox, Year: 1989
Gus van Sant directs this political biopic telling the story of California's first openly gay elected public official, Harvey Milk. Sean Penn won the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of the New Yorker who became known as a gay rights activist after moving to San Francisco in the early 1970s. After two failed attempts to become elected to San Francisco's Board of Supervisors, Milk finally made it onto the board in 1977 - but only served for a matter of months before he and the city's mayor George Moscone (Victor Garber) were shot to death by right-wing rival Dan White (Josh Brolin).
Cast: Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Diego Luna, James Franco Director: Gus van Sant Language: english
Publisher: Momentum Pictures, Year: 2008
Documentary about gay street gangs in New York and the Harlem Balls, where the contestants compete in drag for various categories including Best Dressed Butch Queens, Evening Wear and Executive. Made over three years between 1986 and 1989 it portrays a section of society fighting back with ironic revenge on straight culture. Both funny and occasionally tragic, empowering and celebratory, this film also reveals the source of all Madonna's ideas about 'vogueing'.
Cast: Willi Ninja and Pepper LaBeija, various Director: Jennie Livingston Language: English
Publisher: Second Sight, Year: 2010
Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks, Saving Private Ryan), a promising young lawyer, finds his career cut short when he is fired from the prestigious law firm he works for. They say he has not got what it takes. Andrew knows it's because he's got AIDS. Determined to defend his dignity and professional reputation, Andrew hires a small-time personal injury lawyer, Joe Miller (Denzel Washington, American Gangster), to sue his former employees for wrongful dismissal. Joe is initially reluctant to take on the case. Although he has grown up knowing the pain of prejudice, he's never had to confront his own prejudices against homosexuality and AIDS... until now. The two men launch an historic and moving struggle against society's ignorance and intolerance. One man is fighting for his reputation, his life and ultimately for justice. The other is battling to overcome his own society's prejudice and fear. And they are both fighting for something uniquely important. Philadelphia is one of the most powerful and critically acclaimed movies of our time.
Cast: Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Antonio Banderas, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen Director: Jonathan Demme Language: english
Publisher: Sony Pictures, Year: 1993
1985: Frankie is the new understudy for an up-and-coming San Francisco based modern dance company where six muscular male dancers move their way through bold, athletic choreography. Bad boy Todd, a handsome and established dancer, watches the innocent Frankie with interest and as opposites attract, the pair quickly realise they may want to be more than just friends.
When one of the dancers is injured Frankie must perform in his place - this is the opportunity of a lifetime, but is Frankie good enough? Outside of work, Frankie and Todd's relationship deepens and together they face a new kind of test. A disease is spreading across the city and few know anything about it, except who it targets. But as they quickly learn to navigate a world filled with risk, they also find it is full of hope.
With sensitive performances, an upbeat 80s soundtrack and electrifying dance sequences TEST is a compelling drama that lovingly recreates gay life in 1980s San Francisco.
Cast: Kevin Clarke, Kristoffer Cusick, Chris Mason Johnson, Scott Marlowe Director: Chris Mason Johnson Language: English
Publisher: Peccadillo Pictures, Year: 2014
1985: Frankie is the new understudy for an up-and-coming San Francisco based modern dance company where six muscular male dancers move their way through bold, athletic choreography. Bad boy Todd, a handsome and established dancer, watches the innocent Frankie with interest and as opposites attract, the pair quickly realise they may want to be more than just friends.
When one of the dancers is injured Frankie must perform in his place - this is the opportunity of a lifetime, but is Frankie good enough? Outside of work, Frankie and Todd's relationship deepens and together they face a new kind of test. A disease is spreading across the city and few know anything about it, except who it targets. But as they quickly learn to navigate a world filled with risk, they also find it is full of hope.
With sensitive performances, an upbeat 80s soundtrack and electrifying dance sequences TEST is a compelling drama that lovingly recreates gay life in 1980s San Francisco.
Cast: Kevin Clarke, Kristoffer Cusick, Chris Mason Johnson, Scott Marlowe Director: Chris Mason Johnson Language: English
Publisher: Peccadilo Pictures, Year: 2014
ily Tomlin narrates this award winning documentary that historically examines the way homosexuality has been dealt with over the years by mainstream Hollywood. Using film clips and interviews, the film illustrates tinseltown's negative portrayal of gay stereotypes over the years, but also highlights how, over time, gay characters on screen have not only increased, but have come to be more representative of the gay community at large.
Cast: Jeffrey Friedman, Rob Epstein Director: Language: English
Publisher: Drakes Avenue Pictures, Year: 1995
An edifying must-see that has received accolades at film festivals the world over, 'We Were Here' is the first film to take a deep and reflective look back at the arrival and impact of a definitive chapter in a city s queer history. It explores how the inhabitants were affected by, and how they responded to, a calamitous epidemic.
Though a San Francisco-based story, We Were Here extends beyond San Francisco and beyond AIDS itself. It speaks to our capacity as individuals to rise to the occasion, and to the incredible power of a community coming together with love, compassion, and determination.
In the face of adversity they stood strong and united.
Cast: David Weissman, Bill Weber Director: David Weissman Language: English
Publisher: Peccadillo Pictures, Year: 2011
