The Gay Marriage Thing is a 2005 documentary film directed by Stephanie Higgins, who attended the Emerson College film school graduate program. The film follows the heated debate over same-sex marriage in Massachusetts in 2004 through the perspective of a lesbian couple who wishes to legally marry, as that state became the first in the U.S. to grant same-sex marriages (although those marriages were not recognized by the federal government).
Location.
The film was shot entirely throughout Massachusetts.
Synopsis.
"The Gay Marriage Thing" follows Gayle and Lorre, thirtysomething college sweethearts who marked their 15th anniversary a year after the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled a ban on same-sex marriage stating that it was unconstitutional.
The film includes footage of protests outside the Massachusetts State House, the churches of the Reverends Rich Wiesenbach and Carlton Smith, and the state legislature leading up to May 17, 2004, the first date same-sex couples could file for marriage licenses in Massachusetts.
Interviews.
"The Gay Marriage Thing "includes interviews with United Church of Christ Reverend Richard Wiesenbach, Massachusetts State Representative Kathi-Anne Reinstein, Unitarian Universalist Reverend Carlton Smith, as well as the featured couple and a multitude of man-on-the-street interviews.
Distribution.
In 2005 the Cinema Guild released the film on DVD in the United States.
Film Festivals.
Artivist Film Festival Los Angeles – November 11, 2006
Boston Gay and Lesbian Film/Video Festival – May 21, 2006
Boston Jewish Film Festival – November 8, 2004 (sneak preview work in progress)
Breckenridge Festival of Film, Colorado – September 10, 2005
Camden International Film Festival, Maine – September 30, 2005
Maine Jewish Film Festival – March 14, 2005
New England Film and Video Festival, Massachusetts – October 9, 2005
New Hampshire Film Expo – October 15, 2005
Chicago Reeling Film Festival – November 4, 2005
Reel Identities Film Festival – New Orleans – June 11, 2005 *2nd place audience favorite
Rhode Island International Film Festival – August 11, 2005
Women on Film Festival Key West, FL – September 5, 2007
References.
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