Newly restored film honors the 50th anniversary of Stonewall riots; community discussion follows
Sedona AZ (November 4, 2019) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with Unify Sedona: A Rainbow Alliance and PFLAG Sedona/Verde Valley to present the premiere of “Before Stonewall” on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.
Come early for a pre-film reception hosted by Unify Sedona, and stay after the film for a Q&A and community conversation.
In 1969 the police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City’s Greenwich Village, leading to three nights of rioting by the city’s LGBT community. With this outpouring of courage and unity the gay liberation movement had begun.
Newly restored for the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, “Before Stonewall” pries open the closet door, setting free the dramatic story of survival, love, persecution and resistance experienced by LGBT Americans since the early 1900’s. Revealing and often humorous, this widely-acclaimed film relives the emotionally-charged sparking of today’s gay rights movement, from the events that led to the fevered 1969 riots to many other milestones in the brave fight for acceptance.
Experience the fascinating and unforgettable, decade-by-decade history of homosexuality in America through eye-opening historical footage and amazing interviews with those who lived through an often brutal closeted history.
Narrated by iconic author Rita Mae Brown, “Before Stonewall” includes groundbreaking interviews with Ann Bannon, Martin Duberman, Allen Ginsberg, Barbara Gittings, Harry Hay, Mabel Hampton, Dr. Evelyn Hooker, Frank Kameny, Audre Lorde, Richard Bruce Nugent, Jose Sarria and many more.
“Entertaining and enlightening.” — Los Angeles Times
“Funny, courageous and touching.” — Seattle Times
“Intelligent, moving!” — The New York Times
“The personal and profound stories of LGBT Americans that populate this Emmy award-winning film remain timeless, and so does its urgent reminder of the personal and political battles facing the LGBTQ community.” — Ms. Magazine
“You owe it to yourself to see it.” — Judith Crist, WOR-TV
This special Sedona premiere of “Before Stonewall” is co-presented by Unify Sedona: A Rainbow Alliance and PFLAG Sedona/Verde Valley and made possible by a grant from The Center for LGBTQ Philanthropy at the Arizona Community Foundation. There will be a community discussion and Q&A following the screening. You are invited to come early for a pre-film reception in the theatre courtyard.
“Before Stonewall” will show at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members. For tickets and more information, please call 928-282-1177. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.org.
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