Looking for something more than just parades and block parties to do this Pride weekend? The Audience Awards features a library of 900 short films. Here are seven films curated just for you and your Pride weekend. Grab your friends gather around your tv, laptop or smart phone and enjoy.
1. Don’t Tell Mama
Named after the New York City cabaret club, Don’t Tell Mama, stars fun-loving Tommy Femia as Judy Garland and philosophical, Rick Skye as Liza Minnelli. “Life beats down and deadens your soul. Art reminds you that you have one,” concludes Rick after an exciting performance. But on stage Rick and Tommy transform into dynamic Judy and Liza where they dazzle the crowd with their shimmies, pizazz and impressive pipes.
Don’t Tell Mama, was made by Cathry Czubek and Eva Tsoureka, for this year’s International Doc Challenge.
2. Mark Mitchell
“Why not dress you for death, that way I get you for all eternity.” Mark Mitchell, is a touching profile of a Seattle artist who designs beautiful clothing for the dead. Mark was a costume designer turned tattoo artist, who transitioned into designing urns and then attire for the deceased. He moved to Seattle in the 1980s, where he became HIV positive. The film is a poignant exploration on how choosing to live life according to his ideal, saved Mark.
Mark Mitchell, produced and directed by Marcy Stone, was a part of the 2013 Doc Challenge competition.
3. Lil Miss Hot Mess
She’s “silly,” she’s “sassy” and she’s shaking up social norms and subverting gender roles. San Francisco’s Lil Miss Hot Mess reveals the history of drag, its backstage antics and political importance. Starring Harris David Harris, Lil Miss Hot Mess, is a fun look at the entertainment and societal importance behind drag.
Lil Miss Hot Mess, directed by Marissa Kitazawa, is also a part of the 2014 I Doc Challenge.
4. Housewarming
Tiny houses seem to be all the rage recently and, Housewarming is an intimate look at one homeowner’s relationship with space and the adoration he has for his tiny house. The homeowner appreciates the simplicity and freedom his quaint dwelling provides him. From living in one-hundred square feet apartments in New York for ten years, to sleeping on wooden boards in rural China, and then to a tiny house in Ohio, we catch a glimpse of a man who has everything he needs under the roof of his inviting tiny house.
Housewarming, created by filmmaker Cigdem Slankard, featured in 2013’s Doc Challenge.
5. Mr. Scandinavia
Ross Fogelquist, became openly gay in his senior years. He didn’t dare come out in more conservative, unaccepting times so he gave up on the dream of having a loving partner in his life by immersing himself in his Swedish heritage. Ross Fogelquist is Mr. Scandaniva, the Knight of the Royal Order of the Polar Star—first class, and founder of the Scandinavian Heritage Foundation. He is a welcoming host, nature enthusiast, proud Scandinavian and friend to many. Mr. Scandinavia, is both heart rendering and amusing and Ross is the film’s knight in polished Swedish attire.
Directed by, Amira Dughri and Andrew Saunderson’s, Mr. Scandinavia, belonged to the 2013 Doc Challenge.
6. Faces of 8
Four people present their views on Proposition 8 and the legalization of gay marriage in 2009, before same-sex marriage in California became once again legal. Two people are for gay marriage and two are against and the plot twist comes when you found out their relationship to one another. Thankfully this is no longer a discussion in California, but for the 31 states where same-sex marriage is still a debate, Faces of 8 is a helpful resource.
Faces of 8, directed by Golnar Fakhari was presented in the 2009 International Doc Challenge.
7. Relative Freedom
Freedom, the value on which Americans prides themselves, is not a reality for all Americans or for many homosexuals. However there are 19 states that now uphold the right of marriage for every individual, there are individuals, families and friends who have yet to accept this basic civil right. This is the case for director Joe Kuehne who interviews his immediate family, ten years after he came out, on what their opinions of his homosexuality are. Their responses are the cause for the relative freedom Joe experiences. Although he has a loving partner of ten years, he is still affected by the fact that his family can not except him for who he is.
Relative Freedom appeared in the 2006 International Doc Challenge.
