Just Announced!!

PRESIDENT OF PFLAG LOS ANGELES LENDS POWERFUL PERSPECTIVE TO “THE GAY MARRIAGE THING” AT ARTIVIST

LOS ANGELES, CA – Steve Krantz, distinguished IBM Engineer, founder of Jews for Marriage Equality and President of the Los Angeles chapter of PFLAG will share his family’s personal journey after learning about his son’s homosexuality, lead a discussion about local marriage rights and answer questions from the audience after the California premiere of THE GAY MARRIAGE THING at the 2006 Artivist Film Festival in Hollywood on Saturday, November 11.

“This is an amazing opportunity for people to hear the powerful perspective and experience only a parent can share,” said award-winning filmmaker and director Stephanie Higgins. “Steve’s moving story has touched audiences from California to Florida. We are so excited for him to share it in conjunction with THE GAY MARRIAGE THING.”

Gayle and Lorre, 30-something college sweethearts who marked their 15th anniversary a year after the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled a ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional, are at the heart of this documentary scrapbook. From the protests outside the Massachusetts State House, to the churches of the Rev. Rich Wiesenbach and Carlton Smith, to the historic chambers echoing with State Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein’s perspective, a wide range of voices swirl around Gayle and Lorre as they approach May 17, 2004, the first date same-sex couples could file for marriage licenses in Massachusetts.

“We are honored to have Steve’s support for and presence with the film. The local vision he brings is invaluable.” Higgins said, “No one with a stake in the same-sex marriage debate should miss this event.”

DATE: Saturday, November 11, 2006
TIME: 12:00 PM (check www.artivists.org to confirm times)
VENUE: The Egyptian Theater (Spielberg Theater), 6712 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028 Phone: 310-712-1222
COST: $12.00
For directions and more information visit www.artivists.org or www.thegaymarriagething.com.

Phoenix, Hannah and McConaughey to be honored at Artivist

Joaquin Phoenix, Daryl Hannah, Matthew McConaughey and International Films will be honored at this year’s Artivist Film Festival & Awards.

The 3rd Annual Artivist Film Festival & Awards will take place November 9-12, 2006 at the historic Egyptian Theatre in the heart of
Hollywood.

65 Films representing 34 countries will be screened during the 4 day Festival. Filmmakers from around the world unite at the annual Artivist Film Festival to address the importance of art and activism in our global community.

See THE GAY MARRIAGE THING at the 2006 Artivist Film Festival. Visit www.artivists.org for more information.

REV. CARLTON SMITH TAKES QUESTIONS FOR FIRST TIME FOLLOWING FILM SCREENING

ARLINGTON, MA - Reverend Carlton Smith will take questions and be part of a discussion following a screening of THE GAY MARRIAGE THING at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Arlington. This event marks the first time Rev. Smith has appeared with the film which presents a balanced look at the politics, the piety, and the people embroiled in and affected by the debate over same-sex marriage. Director Stephanie Higgins and Executive Producer Lorre Fritchy will also be in attendance for the screening and discussion.

This screening comes five days before the Massachusetts legislature is scheduled to reconvene their debate over same-sex marriage. “It’s easy to ignore or become complacent about this issue when the loud voices of the media are silent,” said award-winning filmmaker and director Stephanie Higgins. “However, it’s in these times of silence that quiet conversation thrives.”

Gayle and Lorre, 30-something college sweethearts who marked their 15th anniversary a year after the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled a ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional, are at the heart of this documentary scrapbook. From the protests outside the Massachusetts State House, to the churches of the Rev. Rich Wiesenbach and Carlton Smith, to the historic chambers echoing with State Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein’s perspective, a wide range of voices swirl around Gayle and Lorre as they approach May 17, 2004, the first date same-sex couples could file for marriage licenses in Massachusetts.

“Distribution of the film has been so successful. Both educational and home audiences all over the country are watching THE GAY MARRIAGE THING. This event is a wonderful way for us to give audiences a chance to deepen their connection with the film,” Higgins said. “And it’s a great opportunity for people to meet a kind of local celebrity.”


DATE: Saturday, November 4, 2006
TIME: 7:00PM
VENUE: First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 630 Massachusetts Avenue @ Pleasant Street/Route 60 Arlington, MA 02476
Suggested donation: $5. No one turned away for lack of funds.
RSVP or 781.648.3799 x10
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church

California Premiere of TGMT!

The 2006 Artivist Film Festival will host the California premiere of "The Gay Marriage Thing" next month. We need to pack the house so more people can know about this quiet film. If you are in the area come see the film and tell your friends!

DATE: Saturday, November 11, 2006
TIME: 12:30 PM (check times with venue on day of screening)
VENUE: The Egyptian Theater (Spielberg Theater), 6712 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028 Phone: 310-712-1222
COST: $12.00
Directions and tickets