BY NATASIA LANGFELDER
Lesbian.com

How would a girl’s life change, if she was a boy? What privileges would she have as a man that she wouldn’t as a woman? How would it affect her friendships? Her sexuality? Her identity? Girls Lost attempts to answer this question through a ‘modern fairytale,’ albeit more “Brothers Grimm” than Disney. 

The post ‘Girls Lost,’ a compelling coming of age story that challenges gender norms first appeared on Lesbian.com.

All About E

Better Than Chocolate

Blue is the Warmest Color

Bound

Circumstance
Charismatic young actresses Nikohl Boosheri and Sarah Kazemy immerse us in the experience of two teenage girls navigating the wild Iranian underground scene as they grapple with their attraction for one another against the backdrop of an impossibly homophobic society. Maryam Keshavarz’s terrific lesbian drama has been getting rave reviews everywhere since its Sundance premiere. A truly must-see movie.

Concussion

Desert Hearts

Elena Undone

Gia

The Guest House

The Gymnast

High Art

If These Walls Could Talk 2

Imagine Me & You

The Incredibly True Adventures of 2 Girls in Love

Jenny’s Wedding

Kiss Me

Liz in September

Loving Annabelle

A Perfect Ending

Reaching for the Moon

Room in Rome

Tru Love

The World Unseen

This is just the tip of the iceberg of course. Please share YOUR top suggestions in the comments below!

The post The Top 25 Hot Lesbian Movie List first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Katherine Heigl in “Jenny’s Wedding.”
(Photo courtesy of Tiffany Laufer)

BY EMELINA MINERO
Lesbian.com

LOOK FOR “JENNY’S WEDDING” IN THEATERS NOW.

It’s rare that we see a film with lesbian characters in the theaters. The few times we do see a movie with a strong queer character on the big screen, we are moved because the opportunities to see that aspect of ourselves reflected on the big screen, an aspect that society had made taboo, are scarce. We feel empowered, or perhaps scared – maybe a sense of fulfillment and validation, or anger that a movie with a lesbian character making it into the theaters is still a big deal. And it is a big deal.

“Jenny’s Wedding” is a big deal, and not only does the film have a lesbian character, but lesbian leads. Katherine Heigl (“Gray’s Anatomy,” “Knocked Up”) is cast in the title role, and Alexis Bledel (“Gilmore Girls,” “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants”) portrays her lesbian fiancé.

Katherine Heigl and Alexis Bledel (Photo courtesy of Tiffany Laufer)

“Jenny’s Wedding” is our exposure. It’s not a campy film. Being gay is a theme in the film, but it’s not the entire story. It’s humanizing – of everyone. It humanizes Jenny, a conventional woman from a conventional small town who is also a lesbian. She doesn’t want to stand out. She just wants to marry the woman she loves, start a family in her hometown and just be another town member among her neighbors.

There are no villains in this film. “Jenny’s Wedding” humanizes Jenny’s family. When Jenny comes out to them, they’re thrown into this new world that they hadn’t any exposure to previously. They’re more conventional than conservative. They’re not change makers. They prefer not to stand out, and Jenny coming out in their small town makes them stand out.

They’re hurt that Jenny had kept a part of herself a secret from them for so long. They struggle, not only with trying to accept this change, but also with how Jenny coming out is making them look at themselves, evaluate themselves and change themselves.

“Jenny’s Wedding” is a story about family, love, personal courage and stretching past one’s personal limits when confronted with something new. This film is a roadmap for families who are struggling with their kids coming out, and it’s a roadmap for families who are struggling to accept anything out of their comfort zone, not just their LGBTQ children.

When we go see “Jenny’s Wedding” in the theaters, it will move us. We’ll laugh. We’ll cry and we’ll be moved by seeing an aspect of ourselves portrayed on the big screen that at one point in our lives we had kept hidden, or perhaps that we still hide.

“Jenny’s Wedding” has a lot of Hollywood support, but it is an independent film. Mary Agnes Donoghue, the writer of “Beaches” and “White Oleander,” wrote, directed and produced “Jenny’s Wedding.” The film is loosely inspired by her niece coming out to her family. Michelle Manning, also the producer of the film, produced “Sixteen Candles” and “The Breakfast Club,” and worked with Paramount Pictures as senior vice president of production, and later as president of production. Gail Levin, again a producer, was the executive vice president of features casting at Paramount Pictures, and personally casted “Almost Famous,” “Jerry Maguire” and ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.”

The film boasts an incredible ensemble cast as well. Golden Globe and Emmy winner and two-time Oscar nominated Tom Wilkinson plays Jenny’s father, Eddie. Linda Emond (“Across the Universe,” “Julie & Julia”) plays Jenny’s mother, Rose, and Grace Gummer (“Zero Hour,” “The Newsroom”) plays Jenny’s sister, Anne.

The film has been a passion project for everyone involved. Filming has wrapped and the project is now in post-production. It’s a low-budget film and the producers have launched an Indiegogo campaign to help fund the soundtrack, an integral element of any film.

The filmmakers are offering some very enticing campaign incentives: tickets to the Los Angeles and Cleveland screenings of the film; autographs from Katherine Heigl; the wedding dress from the film. Donations are tax-deductible thanks to their partnership with From the Heart Productions and a portion of each donation will be contributed to non-profit PFLAG Cleveland.

“Jenny’s Wedding” is a film that can change lives and through the Indiegogo campaign the community is being offered the opportunity to contribute to that change.

Help the Filmmakers of Jenny’s Wedding from Jenny’s Wedding on Vimeo.

The post ‘Jenny’s Wedding’: A lesbian marriage goes mainstream first appeared on Lesbian.com.

A scene from Jane Clark’s latest feature film, “Crazy Bitches”

BY CANDY PARKER
Lesbian.com

I know what you’re thinking. You already have enough crazy bitches in your life, right? But if I told you that filmmaker Jane Clark wants to introduce you to some “Crazy Bitches” that include Cathy DeBuono, Guinevere Turner and Candis Cayne, wouldn’t you try to make room for just a few more? Yeah, that’s what I thought, and you’re in luck as Clark wants to do just that as she prepares to unveil her second feature film, “Crazy Bitches,” the follow up to her multiple award-winning “Meth Head.”

“Crazy Bitches,” a suspense/horror/comedy in the tradition of “Scream,” introduces us to seven women and their best gay guy friend who head to a remote ranch to enjoy a little down time. One by one the old college friends are mysteriously picked off, done in by their vanity, poor cellular service and horrendous decision-making.

Clark, who wrote and directed “Crazy Bitches” and previously produced the lesbian film favorite “Elena Undone,” spoke with us about her inspiration for the film, the perils of fly pest strips on set and what lies ahead for her with “Crazy Bitches” and beyond.

“Crazy Bitches” makes its film festival debuts this summer with screenings at Frameline SF, Thursday, June 26, 2014, 9:30pm at the Victoria Theatre and at Outfest Los Angeles, Thursday, July 17, 2014, at 8:30pm at the Ford Theatre.

“Crazy Bitches” is a departure from other films you’ve written and directed. Why did you decide to go the comedy/horror/suspense route with this latest project?

Most of my script ideas generate from an experience in my life and “Crazy Bitches” is no different in that way. I was having lunch with a friend, and she said something and I remember thinking, “I can’t believe you just said that to me.” Only it wasn’t to me. It was about her and she was trying to make herself feel better about some aspect of herself. But in the process what she said hit a nerve of insecurity in me and felt a little bit like a knock. I never said anything. I knew she hadn’t meant to hurt me. But it stayed with me, and from that experience “Crazy Bitches” was born. It’s morphed a lot since the germ of the idea, but that is the core. The damage we do with thoughtless words to the friends and family we love.

I am seriously not at all sure when I decided that idea was best represented in a horror movie. I shy away from horror movies because I get too scared. But here I am, and I have to admit I really enjoyed the process.

“Crazy Bitches” will screen at Frameline, the San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival, on June 26. When can we expect to see it available outside the festival circuit?

We are aiming to take it out pretty quickly, actually. We’ll play the LGBT, horror and straight fest circuit through the fall (we will be at Outfest next on July 17th at the Ford Amphitheater) and then if all goes as planned we’ll release in January or Feburary of 2015.

Your previous film, “Meth Head,” which you directed received a number of awards and was met by audience and critical acclaim. Did you feel any pressure coming off that success as you started production on “Crazy Bitches?”

Oh yeah. It’s scary, honestly. You can’t help but think, ‘what if “Meth Head” was the best I could do?’ But you can’t afford to have any doubt going into a production. As soon as the trigger is pulled and money is starting to be spent, all you can do is take a deep breath, dive in and give it all that you have.

Now that the film is finished, what I am learning, however, is that even though I sometimes joke that “Meth Head” is it’s own type of horror film, “Crazy Bitches” and “Meth Head” are two different animals. They have different trajectories and can’t be judged side by side. One is a serious and stark look at addiction; the other is sheer entertainment. We did some focus groups on “Crazy Bitches” as I was editing and I had to get used to people yelling in the middle of the film. Things like “The red-head is next! or” “Don’t go in there!”

Which filmmaker in the horror/suspense genre do you admire the most?

As I mentioned, I really didn’t watch a lot of horror movies before I started working on “Crazy Bitches”, except for the classics like “The Shining’ and “The Omen” and “The Exorcist.” Even those I didn’t see until I was an adult, and at home with the lights on. But once I decided to go for the genre, I re-watched all of those older classics, a ton of new films, and a few slightly older ones like “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and the “Scream” series, which I felt might be closest to the tone of “Crazy Bitches.” I can’t say I have a favorite, although I thought “The Shining” was a brilliant example of suspense versus horror. A recent thriller/scary movie that I thought was really well done and very simple was “House at the End of the Street.”

Ultimately, though, I was a little on my own because while there are some horror and suspense elements, there is also a lot of humor. The film almost borders on absurd at times, because I push the boundaries of believability, not necessarily with the murders but with the situations and behavior of the characters.

We sometimes hear tales of odd happenings on the set of horror films. Were there any strange doings on the set of “Crazy Bitches?”

The place we shot at, Great Spirits Ranch, has been deemed to be a very spiritual place actually. Tibetan monks donated a yurt to the owner because they felt its spirituality so deeply. My DP and I spent the first week of night shoots in the trailer on the grounds so we could maximize our work time together and I can tell you it is quite peaceful when no one is around. And I had thought that beautiful energy would gift us with a lovely peaceful production. But somehow the shoot went the complete awry.

We had a llama get loose and pigs oinking and interrupting shots. We spent a good 3 hours mucking around in horse manure to shoot one scene, and another we were in the sun without a trailer nearby for the entire day on the hottest day of the summer. We had a serious fly problem at lunch because of the horses nearby. (I caught my hair in a fly strip more than once). On top of all of that we had all kinds of equipment failure — the electricity in the trailers didn’t work, the prop knife didn’t squirt blood, the camera overheated — the list is too long to even go into.

I keep thinking the spiritual gift of the ranch was to challenge my strength and perseverance.

Who was the biggest prankster on set?

Honestly, there wasn’t much pranking, though there was a lot of laughter. When you are shooting a film in 15 days, with on average six cast members on set at any given time and eight pages of dialogue to get through, there really isn’t much time for fooling around. Though I have a feeling that if you asked one of the actors they’d have a better answer. They all genuinely enjoyed each other, became friends through the shoot, and still hang out together a year later.

You’ve worn many hats both in front of and behind the camera – from actress to writer to producer to director. Which of these was your favorite? Which role do you enjoy the least?

I like them all, though Producer is probably my least favorite. I love acting and would gladly jump into a role if anyone asked! But I hated auditioning and the insecurity of that process. Once I get past the treatment, writing is really fulfilling. Once past the first draft, it’s a lot of fun. Directing is probably the most joyous for me because I love every inch of the process, from planning out the shots and imagining the film coming together in my brain, to rehearsing with the actors and watching the characters come to life. I love the collaboration overall, actually — not just with the actors, but with my DP and my key team. Each person bringing talent and creativity to the script in a more complete way than I can ever imagine on my own.

After the energy and excitement on set, I go into what I affectionately call my cave, and get peaceful and singular again, to edit the film and put the final piece of the puzzle together.

Though you are straight, many of the films with which you have been involved have feature LGBT characters. Why do you think you’re drawn to these types of projects?

I am a big believer in following the path that unfolds in front of me, rather than setting a path and refusing to veer. So my filmmaking journey has been dictated by the stories that presented themselves to me. There is a long, connected evolution from film to film to film, that it is too long to explain here. But if I did you would see the logic and sense to it.

But ultimately and most importantly, I don’t really see my films as straight or gay. I see them as stories about interesting and empathetic characters who excite, inspire or move me.

Do you have any other projects in the works right now? What’s next for Jane Clark?

I am setting up a film in Paris called “Slate & Kelly” based on characters that my dear friends John W. McLaughlin and Cathy DeBuono created. It’s about two misfit detectives who are forced to work together to solve a string of murders in a drag club. It’s a sort of classic crime caper with the twist that the detectives are a gay guy and a lesbian. We’ve got a really good French supporting cast and are just beginning to look for the U.S. leads. We’re hoping to shoot that in Spring 2015, dependent on financing.

I am also working a script for on a horror/comedy to star Candis Cayne, which if I can pull it off, should be a hoot.

And I’ve got a spooky, sexy romance — sort of a reverse ghost story — that I’ve written and am beginning to develop.

Is there anything you’d like to tell our audience that we haven’t asked you about?

Just come see the movie! It’s a fun ride that hopefully will have you laughing at the characters and looking over your shoulder when you get back to your dark home.

Learn more about “Crazy Bitches” at www.thecrazybitchesmovie.com and get a sneak peak behind the scenes of the film in the promo trailer below.

The post Jane Clark wants to introduce you to some ‘Crazy Bitches’ first appeared on Lesbian.com.

BY GABRIELLE LINDAU

New to Video On Demand (VOD) is Director Ti West’s latest chiller “The Sacrament.” “The Sacrament” takes viewers on a journey inside a cult and through the jungle where things aren’t exactly what they appear to be. The film is told through the point of view of three gorilla journalists who work for VICE, a cutting edge Brooklyn-based international media company.

Although “The Sacrament” is a fictional story with major similarities to the last hours of cult leader Jim Jones, VICE is in fact a real corporation. Specifically known for its “immersionist” style of journalism. VICE has received much acclaim and in 2013 partnered with HBO to create a television series.

“VICE” the TV show is currently in its second season as it continues to tackle horrifying and provocative news from around the globe. The show even went so far as arrange a basketball game in North Korea with the Harlem Globetrotters putting them on the map as the first American news organization to meet Kim Jong Un. If Jim Jones and his cult were alive today chances are “VICE” would be close by filming.

What Eli Roth and Ti West did with “The Sacrament” is create a horror flick that is truly a unique for its genre. Rather than just telling a story “based on” cult leader Jim Jones they decided to take viewers up close to a Jim Jones-like character and cult while letting them experience exactly what it would have been like the moment they drank the Kool-Aid. When “The Sacrament’s” lead characters look directly into the camera and share their every step of the film it’s chilling how similar the film mirrors an episode of HBO’s “VICE.” “The Sacrament” will make your stomach turn, with or without Kool-Aid.

“VICE” airs on Friday nights at 11p.m. EST on HBO and is also available on VOD.

Gabrielle Lindau is a film director, producer and writer known for 2010’s “These Showers Can Talk” and 2013’s “Who You Are.” You can follow Lindau on Facebook and Twitter.

The post ‘The Sacrament’: A uniquely horrifying film first appeared on Lesbian.com.

If you’re looking for Gabrielle Lindau, chances are you’ll find her behind a camera lens. Perhaps best known for the 2010 comedy short film “These Showers Can Talk,” writer, producer and director Lindau is passionate about translating stories through film and photography.

Lindau’s work has garnered numerous awards, including the New York International Independent Film Festival’s 2012 TV Audience award for “Dinosaur Hunters,” 2011 Independent Filmmaker to Watch award for “These Showers Can Talk” and 2010 Best Reality award for “My Real Porn Life.”

Recently, Lindau has drawn upon her filmmaking expertise to lend her talents as Lesbian.com’s resident film reviewer. In between showings, we caught up to her, stole her popcorn and made her respond to five random questions for this week’s Fast 5.

1. If they started offering free trips to the moon tomorrow, would you sign up to go?

I’d prefer a free trip to my kitchen where I keep the moon pies.

2. Do you have any phobias?

Just trolls and aliens.

3. Window or aisle seat on the airplane?

Window

4. What’s the maximum number of cats you’d feel comfortable owning before worrying that the neighbors were starting to whisper, “There goes the cat lady.”

Do possums count as cats?

5. If you could be anywhere else in the world right now, where would you want to be and what would you be doing?

As long as it involves my fiance Emily (and no trolls or aliens are involved) I’d like to be anywhere in the world having fun.

For more, visit www.gabriellelindau.com or keep up with Gabrielle on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Fast 5 with director, writer, producer Gabrielle Lindau first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Nicole Pacent on set of of SHE4ME filming at the Andaz West Hollywood
(Photo by Rodney Bursiel)

BY NATASIA LANGFELDER
Lesbian.com

The talented Nicole Pacent is an actress, singer and model. She’s also one of the few out bisexual women in Hollywood. Her fans know her best from the web series, “Anyone But Me,” in which she portrayed the lovable Aster. Now, she’s back and starring in the SHE4ME PSA for marriage equality alongside actress Gabrielle Christian.

As a member of the LGBT community, Nicole has a vested interest in furthering equality. She sat down with Lesbian.com to discuss the behind-the-scenes fun on the SHE4ME set and her advice to fans on how to navigate the world as a bisexual person.

How did you first hear of the SHE4ME PSA and why did you choose to get involved with this project?

Well, really, I was sort of there when it was being conceived. I heard about it from my manager Sue Melke. She introduced me to Nicole Conn because they had been speaking about it and collaborating.

Nicole wanted to bring me on board as the bride and I just jumped on board. From there, the next thing we had to do was find another bride. It really was a meeting of minds. I decided to do it because it’s a cause I’m very passionate about, obviously, and I like Nicole Conn’s aesthetic.

What was it like working with director Nicole Conn?

Nicole is really clear on what she wants. It’s always great to work with a director who is that way, that way you can give them what they want. It’s refreshing.

Did you know Gabrielle Christian was going to play the other bride?

Sue forwarded me some ideas on who would be playing the second bride. When they settled on Gaby, it was really cool because we had sort of been orbiting in the same circle for so long, but we had never met or worked together. So we finally got to meet. She is such a doll.

Judging from the blooper reel, there was a lot of fun on the set. Can you dish on any of the behind the scenes hijinks?

It was all shot in one day! There were so many moving parts that everything was going on at once. There was no time for anything really crazy like would happen on a longer shoot. But the atmosphere was very jovial the whole time and during the wedding scene people just started doing funny dances. Everyone was just really happy to be there and have fun with each other.

You’ve been out as a bisexual woman for most of your career. How do you think that’s affected your journey?

It has affected it vastly. I can’t imagine how the journey would be different in terms of being more positive or negative thus far. I really don’t know. I’m glad I did it. In terms of the feedback, I’ve never gotten flack for it as far as I know. Everyone has been really accepting both within the gay community and outside of it. It’s really been wonderful.

Part of Aster’s popularity was because I was out to the fan base. I got a lot more projects out of that. I don’t know how things would have been different. It shaped it in ways I’m aware of and not aware of. But I’ve never doubted it and I’ve never second guessed it.

What would tell young fans who may be struggling with their bisexuality?

There are challenges that bisexuals face that you don’t get if you’re straight or gay. People don’t have enough information. And I’ve experienced that in my life. But in terms of my experience with work it hasn’t been a problem so far, which is awesome.

People message me about this all the time and it’s really hard because I wish I had time to respond to all of them. I would say there’s no blanket anecdote in terms of coming out for everybody. It’s different for everyone based on family situations or the country you live in. I can’t say come out and be who you are because it’s not that easy in many environments.

But that said, the more that you are able to be yourself and accept yourself as who you are, not only the happier you’re going to be, but the less you are just going keep hiding for your whole life. Whether they’re a total nerd or a cheerleader or if you have a non-traditional sexuality, if you spend your whole life fighting that, you’ll get tired after a while. It wears on you. It’s generally just a better path to go down to accept who you are and trust you’ll find your way. I really do believe that.

Finding spaces that are more accepting and attending support groups are always really good ideas. Connecting with other people, making sure you don’t feel alone. Those things are paramount. For me, it was so important to be surrounded by the bisexual and gay community even before I came out.

It’s so cliche, I know! But the older I get I have to tell you that’s what it’s all about. The constant struggle of having to let go of the idea that I have to be something other than what I am. It’s not worth it. It’s a losing battle. Just be who you are!

“South of Nowhere” ended in 2008 and many fans were able to dry their tears by moving onto “Anyone But Me.” In fact, one of the YouTube comments on the video is “Aster + Spencer = Perfection.” Do you think Spencer and Aster would have ever hooked up?

That’s so funny! I think from Aster’s point of view, she was so young. Vivian was her second girlfriend, but like first real love. Spencer and Aster could definitely have slept together maybe later in life.

Tell us about your favorite interaction with a fan.

Oh man, there are so many, especially because I’m now friends with some fans as a result. I remember this one instance quite well. A couple years back, before “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was repealed, there a woman who messaged me and came out to me. She couldn’t tell anyone but me. She wasn’t out to anyone else. But she had seen “Anyone But Me” and she felt like I provided a safe space where she could be herself. Her job was defending our country and she couldn’t come out. That was pretty incredible. I have to say that messages like that where people have come out because of “Anyone But Me” or because I’m out about my sexuality or anything like that is endlessly inspiring to me and sort of unbelievable.

If you could star in a remake of any movie, which movie would you choose?

“Star Wars!” There’s not even a question in my mind. I could die happy if I was in that.

I would want to be Princess Leia 110 percent. She’s such an awesome female character. I grew up playing Princess Leia on the playground. I love that time period, too, episodes 4-6, of course!

In my adult years, I’ve been able to look back at it and appreciate it on so many other levels, including how strong Leia is as a female character. She is tough and she’s sarcastic and in charge and not submissive at all. She’s just feisty and fun with a dry sense of humor. She’s the type of character I would love to play.

Where can your fans find you?

There are a couple things in the works. There’s a short film that I did that’s going to be released mid-April, “It’s a Cold Cold Night.” I play a pretty funny, wacko character my fans will love.

And, if you are in Los Angeles, you can see me in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “All’s Well That Ends Well” at my theater company. Check my Twitter or Facebook, if you want to know more.

The post Nicole Pacent: The SHE4ME bride with the heart of Princess Leia first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Mary Agnes Donoghue (right) and Katherine Heigl
(Photo courtesy of Marcy Ronen)

BY EMELINA MINERO
Lesbian.com

Mary Agnes Donoghue is a screenwriter, playwright, director and producer with seven movies under her belt, including the memorable “Beaches” and “White Oleander.” Her latest project is “Jenny’s Wedding,” for which she’ll have screenwriter, director and co-producer credits.

The much-anticipated “Jenny’s Wedding,” tells the story of the title character, played by Katherine Heigl, as she comes out as a lesbian to her very traditional family and plans her wedding in a typical Middle American small town. The movie is currently finishing up in post-production and is expected to have a fall release in the theaters.

The filmmakers have launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise money to obtain publishing rights to the music to be used on the film’s soundtrack. With 17 days left in the campaign, we chatted with Donoghue about her inspiration for the film, why the theme of personal courage resonates deeply throughout the picture and her decision not to vilify Jenny’s conventional, Middle American family.

What inspired you to write “Jenny’s Wedding?”

It’s a fictional story, but I was inspired by my niece coming out. Jenny, the real Jenny (I used her real name), was completely at ease with being gay. She came out when she was younger, although she didn’t tell the rest of her family. I think her siblings knew, but no one else. What inspired me is that my sister is a very conventional person, and I was stunned when Jenny wanted to get married, and the distance they went to; they never denied her. There was never a rupture between her parents and Jenny, but I suspected what went on behind the scenes for them as people, and I was impressed by it. I was impressed by the lengths they went to, and it was huge.

Personal courage is a theme in all of your films. Why is personal courage something that resonates with you?

It’s the thing that moves me most in life. I’m endlessly fascinated by people walking by in super markets. It’s not just about a soldier going out. It’s suddenly seeing what it takes for people to lead a good life, and it’s not easy.

How does the theme of personal courage come through in “Jenny’s Wedding?”

I think it comes through for everyone actually. I just feel like people who live in, particularly the south, live in such a conventional world. And there are people who don’t like change. They’re not accustomed to it. Their world is small, comfortable; they like it. They’re at ease in it. They have an order in which they expect life to take place and evolve, and [in the film] they have to come up against their own limitations. I think these are people who never expected to be tested. And then their values are tested. Their values are tested profoundly.

Do you consider Jenny’s family homophobic?

They’re not homophobes. They just live in this world where that isn’t part of their lives. It’s not part of their world. I think it’s less about people being disapproving, [and more about being] unsophisticated and inexperienced and leading lives where there’s very little change. And I think that’s part of it. It’s just a fear of change. And I think that’s part of the reason why people don’t like change — when things do change you are tested. You’re tested on every level.

[As a writer,] you really try to get inside of who these people are. There’s this line in a scene that takes place in the garage; it took me about three years to write it. He [Jenny’s dad] says, “If you tell them, you’ll hurt your mother.” Jenny replies, “And if I don’t, I’ll hurt me. What would you do?” I had a million elaborate things for him to say and I just went deeper and deeper into this. Who is this person? And his line is, “I don’t know.” And it’s that simple. These people are at a loss. You try to get into the truth of the people, and the character.

On your Indiegogo campaign site, you describe “Jenny’s Wedding” as a road map for families with LGBT children. How so?

People will recognize themselves when they see this movie. Families will recognize themselves. And it will give them a guide on how you move through it and the decisions you have to make if you want to keep that tight-knit, loving family together.

It really is that journey as a family and the things we all hold back from each other. The things we reveal or don’t reveal. In this case, it’s a big thing. When Jenny does come out — and the ensuing events — it’s a major moment of truth for everybody. For all of them, and a confrontation about who you are and who you want to be.

I think it could have a huge impact on marriage equality. I think it will hit both sides of the issue, both sides of the community — the families and gay children.

Would you like to support this film? You can help by spreading the word or participating in their Indiegogo campaign. A portion of all contributions will be donated to PFLAG Cleveland, a non-profit that works with families and friends of LGBT people to provide them resources on how to best support their children. By donating to their campaign not only will you be contributing to the making of the film, you’ll be eligible for cool perks like digital downloads of the film, props from the set or screenings with the cast and crew. All donations are tax deductible as a result of their partnership with From the Heart Productions.

The post Mary Agnes Donoghue on ‘Jenny’s Wedding’ first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Outfest, the world’s leading organization that promotes equality by creating, sharing, and protecting LGBT stories on the screen, has announced the line-up of its second annual Fusion Lab. A pop-up micro-cinema and media lab, Fusion Lab will be housed at Kaos Network (4343 S. Leimert Blvd., Los Angeles) in Leimert Park. All programs, workshops and screenings are free and open to the public; Fusion Lab is open March 21–April 19.

Supported by a grant from the James Irvine Foundation, Fusion Lab provides free workshops in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, digital media storytelling and how to thrive as an artist. The workshops are taught by accomplished filmmakers, many of whom are Outfest Alumni, including Kyle Patrick Alvarez (“C.O.G.”), Doug Spearman (“Noah’s Arc,” “Hot Guys with Guns”), Lena Waithe (producer, “Dear White People”), D’Lo (“Coming Out,” “Coming Home”), Deondray Gossfield and Quincy LeNear Gossfield (“The DL Chronicles”), and Taj Paxton (veteran film exec and Outfest Fusion Programmer).

“Our first ever Fusion Lab in Highland Park last year was an incredible success,” said Outfest Executive Director Kirsten Schaffer, “Outfest is committed to nurturing emerging artists and to creating new forms of audience engagement. We are excited to see the stories that are created by the community of Leimert Park, and the films that come out of our One-Minute Film Competition.”

The screenings include audience favorites and award-winning films from Outfest Los Angeles LGBT Film Festival and Outfest Fusion LGBT People of Color Film Festival. Highlights are: “Mississippi Damned” (Tina Mabry), “Valentine Road” (Marta Cunningham), “Transvisible: The Bamby Salcedo Story” (Dante Alencastre) and “DL Chronicles – The Chadwick Journals” (Deondray Gossfield and Quincy LeNear Gossfield).

For the complete schedule and to sign up for free, visit OUTFEST.

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The highly anticipated film “Divergent” hits theaters nationwide this weekend. Based on the best-selling book by Veronica Roth, “Divergent” is the first film in the latest science-fiction trilogy from Summit Entertainment (co-producers of the “Twilight” series).

The story takes place in a futuristic city (modeled after Chicago) populated by a dystopic society in which citizens are divided into factions based on one of five established virtues: selflessness (Abnegation), knowledge-seeking, (Erudite), bravery (Dauntless), peace-seeking (Amity) and honesty (Candor). While the segregation peoples into seemingly compatible sub-societies may at first seem appealing, this divisive civilization lacking in culture, art, fashion, music and individuality is ripe for a revolution as the various factions stray from the integrity of their founding manifestos.

“Divergent” is loaded with strong female characters. The beautiful Shailene Woodley (“The Descendants”) is in the lead as Tris, a young non-conformist (otherwise known as a “divergent”) who is forced to choose between her birthright faction (Abnegation) and her nature (Dauntless). Ashley Judd portrays Tris’ mother, Natalie, who we learn is key to Tris’ survival once her choice has been made. Kate Winslet is cast as Jeanine, the callous leader of “Divergent’s” post-apocalyptic hell who despises free thinkers. (I think we’ve all known a Janine or two.)

While many comparisons are being drawn in the press to the “Hunger Games,” I found “Divergent” more relatable as it presents with several themes relevant to our present society.

What happens if unemployment is what ultimately leads our society to hit rock bottom? “Divergent” provokes consideration of a future world in which our careers, our families and even our lives are dictated by “corporate factions” to which individuals are assigned based solely on their defined skill. If you find this concept frightening, you’ll understand the emotion evoked by the film’s premise.

Director Neil Burger does good job directing a multitude of young, new faces and introducing them to the big screen. Burger complements the fresh faces with more seasoned actors who lend an anchoring presence to the film’s story. Action-packed with heart-stopping moments, “Divergent” will have you screaming that famous line from John Waters’ film “Hairspray” — “Integration now, segregation never!”

Gabrielle Lindau is a film director, producer and writer known for 2010’s “These Showers Can Talk” and 2013’s “Who You Are.” You can follow Lindau on Facebook and Twitter.

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