Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival 2008

This year’s Local Produce program showcases two amazing short documentaries. Both films were locally made, and each features a Seattle institution. The skill and passion of the filmmakers give these organizations the recognition they richly deserve.

BAILEY-BOUSHAY HOUSE: A LIVING HISTORY
Terence Brown, director; 2008; US; 32 min.
A compelling look at the first nursing home and hospice in the United States for people with HIV/AIDS. Bailey-Boushay House broke ground in the late ‘80s, during the height of the fear and discrimination surrounding the AIDS epidemic. The film follows the story of a grassroots effort to build the facility, vividly portraying both the community’s immense compassion and enormous loss.

THIS LAND IS OUR LAND: A CHORUS TOUR
John Shanfy, director; 2008; US; 44 min.
With some trepidation, courageous members of the Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus embark on a bus tour of the “red states.” Happily, they find most of the reaction “out there” is welcoming and heart-warming. Mixing with gay, lesbian and straight audience members—including some chorus members’ parents—is an emotional and affirming experience. From Pocatello to Salt Lake, they tell stories, sing, and touch people’s hearts.

Total Running Time: 76 min.