Fresno Reel Pride LGBTQ Film Festival - 2017

It’s tempting to think that what we’re doing at Bitwise Industries
is about buildings or technology or companies. Those are in-
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bitwiseindustries.com | [email protected]

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

ABOUT FRESNO REEL PRIDE OUR COMMUNITY in early 1990 came together with
an idea of a Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. Through
From humble beginnings in a Fresno State classroom, the dedication and vision of many individuals over
Fresno Reel Pride has evolved into the sixth oldest - and the past decades, this festival has grown out of a
one of the largest - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, small campus classroom to multiple main stage
and Queer (LGBTQ) film festivals in the United States. venues. The festival has expanded to five days
of films, after parties, six members only spotlight
Fresno Reel Pride is a celebration of LGBTQ cinema and events, LGBTQ+ youth outreach and collaboration
is a premier cultural event in Central California attracting with many community organizations, all taking place
thousands of attendees to its five-day festival of international within the heart of the Central Valley, one of the most
features, documentaries, and short films. conservative areas in California.

MISSION STATEMENT Life for a 501(c)(3) non-profit is a difficult one; life for a
LGBTQ+ organization is even harder. We pay tribute
The mission of Fresno Reel Pride is to increase the to all that have made this festival dream possible; we
awareness of the LGBTQ community through the exhibition thank and appreciate those who continue to make
of films and videos exploring LGBTQ themes at an annual the festival a reality; and encourage those who will
festival in Fresno. Fresno Reel Pride, through the universal take up the task to make this festival ever enduring.
appeal of movies, works to produce a major cultural event You are the foundation to our success.
for the entire Central Valley community designed to enhance
community acceptance and understanding while adding to Our Community has lost a number of organizations
the diversity of a culturally rich city. and we continue to be in danger of losing more.
Fresno Reel Pride has been fortunate to receive the
VENUE & TICKET INFORMATION support it has been gifted over the years and we
welcome you as a member of our community to
MOVIE VENUES: continue in this effort. Without you as a filmgoer,
a sponsor, a festival volunteer, a board member,
The Tower Theatre ViSTA Theater or a contributor to our fledgling endowment fund,
815 E. Olive Avenue 1296 N. Wishon Avenue this organization would dissolve. Fresno Reel Pride
welcomes and encourages community engagement
EVENT VENUES: and support for all LGBTQ+ organizations within our
Central Valley.
The Painted Table Club Legends
We invite you to become involved.
1211 N. Wishon Avenue 3075 N. Maroa Avenue
On behalf of the Fresno Reel Pride Board of Directors,
Veni Vidi Vici Lucy’s Lounge welcome to this year’s 28th Annual Reel Pride Film
1116 N. Fulton Street 737 E. Olive Avenue Festival. Every year our team works tirelessly in
hopes of providing ‘Films for Everyone’. Our team
Tickets can be purchased online or at our box office located continues to honor the commitment made by our
outside of the Tower Theatre. Youth tickets are available predecessors in 1990, by bringing awareness and
with a valid student I.D. For more information, visit the Reel acceptance to this great Central Valley. We hope
Pride Box Office in front of the Tower Theatre. you enjoy the experience of TOGETHERNESS in
COMMUNITY.

Kathleen Arambula-Reyna
Board President & Festival Director
Fresno Reel Pride LGBTQ+ Film Festival

reelpride.com 1



Wednesday, September 20 Time Page SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Opening Night Festival Pre-Party - Bobby’s in Tower* 6:00 PM

Hello Again - Tower Theatre 7:30 PM 7

Opening Night Gala - Reel Pride Lounge at The Painted Table* 9:00 PM

Thursday, September 21

The Feels - Tower Theatre 6:00 PM 9

The Ring Thing - Tower Theatre 8:00 PM 11

Friday, September 22

Signature Move - ViSTA Theater 5:30 PM 13

Sensitivity Training - Tower Theatre 6:00 PM 14

No Dress Code Required (Etiqueta No Rigurosa) - ViSTA Theater 7:20 PM 15

Cherry Pop - Tower Theatre 8:00 PM 17

Brotherly Love - ViSTA Theater 9:20 PM 18

Men’s Night Peep Show - Tower Theatre 10:15 PM 19

Reel Night Out After Party - Club Legends 10:00 PM

Saturday, September 23

Fun in Girls Shorts - Tower Theatre 11:00 AM 22

Discoveries: Youth Shorts Program - ViSTA Theater 11:00 AM 24

Woman On Fire - ViSTA Theater 1:00 PM 27

Fun in Boys Shorts - Tower Theatre 1:00 PM 28

A Million Happy Nows - Tower Theatre 2:30 PM 32

A Date for Mad Mary - ViSTA Theater 3:00 PM 33

Chavela - Tower Theatre 4:30 PM 35

The Lavender Scare - ViSTA Theater 5:00 PM 36

Directors’ Club & Filmmakers Reception - Veni Vidi Vici** 6:00 PM

Behind The Curtain: Todrick Hall - Tower Theatre 6:30 PM 37

The City of the Future (A Cidade Do Futuro) - ViSTA Theater 7:00 PM 38

Snapshot - Tower Theatre 8:45 PM 39

Reel Night Out After Party - Lucy’s Lounge 9:00 PM

Sunday, September 24 11:00 AM
Directors’ Club Brunch - The Painted Table**

Transcendent Shorts - ViSTA Theater 11:00 AM 40

In Between - ViSTA Theater 1:00 PM 41

The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson - Tower Theatre 1:00 PM 43

The Freedom To Marry - Tower Theatre 3:15 PM 45

The Fabulous Allan Carr - ViSTA Theater 3:15 PM 46

Girl Unbound: The War to Be Her - ViSTA Theater 5:15 PM 47

After Louie - Tower Theatre 5:15 PM 49

Closing Night After Party - Reel Pride Lounge at The Painted Table

* Festival Pass Holders, Directors’ Club Members, Producers’ Circle and Sponsors Only **Sponsors, Filmmakers, and Directors’ Club Members and Above Only

reelpride.com 3

PROUD TO BRAND REEL PRIDE

jpmktg.com

Once again, JP Marketing is proud
to provide the theme and design for

Fresno Reel Pride.

Together is beautiful.

We celebrate the power and beauty of working together. It’s why Wells Fargo
works with national and local organizations that serve the LGBT community
to strengthen their impact. And it’s the reason we work with you — to help
you realize your potential, and succeed financially.
Celebrating 30 years of standing together with the LGBT community.
wellsfargo.com/standingtogether

© 2017 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. IHA-21214



W September 20
Tower Theatre
7:30 PM | $10

OPENING NIGHT

HELLO AGAIN Proudly Sponsored By:

Director: Tom Gustafson | 2017 | USA | 105 min.

A time-hopping daisy chain of musical bed-hopping antics, HELLO AGAIN
explores 10 love affairs across 10 periods of time in New York City history. Adapted
from the successful 1994 off-Broadway musical by Michael John LaChiusa,
HELLO AGAIN takes it inspiration from the famous 1897 play “La Ronde” by
Arthur Schnitzler. HELLO AGAIN brings together a star-studded cast including six-
time Tony Award winner and Fresno favorite Audra McDonald, Martha Plimpton
(Raising Hope), Cheyenne Jackson (American Horror Story), T.R. Knight (Grey’s
Anatomy), Rumer Willis (Hostage), and Jenna Ushkowitz (Glee).

OPENING SHORT THE NEWS TODAY

Director: Lisa Donato | 2017 | USA | 12 min. 7
The last ordinary moments between two men
in love.

reelpride.com



September 21
Tower Theatre

Th 6:00 PM | $10

THE FEELS

Director: Jenée Lamarque | 2017 | USA | 90 min.

Andi (Constance Wu, Fresh Off The Boat) and Lu (Angela Trimbur) are excited
to celebrate their upcoming wedding with a joint bachelorette weekend in wine
country. On the first night, the brides and their friends get wasted, and Lu admits
to everyone that she’s never had an orgasm. The admission comes as complete
surprise to Andi and derails the weekend in unexpected and poignant ways. It
causes everyone to reflect on trust, love, and their journeys to experience their
first orgasm.

THE FEELS is an improvised comedy about a group of girlfriends (and one
dude) that explores sexuality in a way that feels real and true and is the perfect
film for any Girl’s Night!

reelpride.com 9

XOTICA THURSDAYS

XOTICTAHESHOW

September 21
Tower Theatre

Th 8:00 PM | $10

THE RING THING Proudly Sponsored By:

Writer & Director: William C. Sullivan | 2017 | USA | 112 min.

While helping her divorced mother move again, Sarah comes across
her estranged father’s wedding ring. This discovery sparks a discussion of
marriage with her longtime girlfriend Kristen, who suddenly seems ready to
take the next step. Sarah, finding herself at odds with Kristen’s expectations,
is forced to confront her apprehensions towards the institution.

As Sarah’s film highlights the realities of married life, we glimpse what
“could be” for Sarah and Kristen three years into their marriage. Kristen
unexpectedly loses her high-profile job and the couple is confronted by the
very same obstacles foreshadowed in the documentary.

Looking for a change, Kristen abruptly pivots her career to pursue
her true passion, a move that puts the women at risk of growing apart.
As family history threatens to repeat itself, Sarah goes to great lengths to
prevent making the same mistakes as her divorced parents.

reelpride.com 11



F September 22
ViSTA Theater
5:30 PM | $10

SIGNATURE MOVE

Director: Jennifer Reeder | 2017 | USA | 80 min.

Zaynab (Fawzia Mirza) is a thirty-something Pakistani, Muslim, lesbian lawyer
living in Chicago who begins a new romance with Alma (Sari Sanchez), a confident
and vivacious Mexican-American woman. Zaynab’s recently widowed mother
Parveen (Shabana Azmi) has moved in and spends her days watching Pakistani
TV Dramas while searching for a potential husband for her only daughter. Alma’s
mother, Rosa (Charin Alvarez), is a former professional Luchadora which Zaynab
finds fascinating as she has recently taken up lucha-style wrestling training with
a fomer pro wrestler, Jayde. Zaynab tries to kep both her love life and wrestling a
secret from her muslim mother, who knows more than she lets on.

reelpride.com 13

F September 22
Tower Theatre
6:00 PM | $10

SENSITIVITY TRAINING Proudly Sponsored By:

Writer & Director: Melissa Finell | 2016 | USA | 87 min.

Serena is a misanthropic microbiologist, great with bacteria but horrible with
people. After crossing a line with a colleague, Serena is forced into sensitivity
training with Caroline, the bubbly woman assigned to be her coach. Caroline and
her sunny disposition represent everything Serena hates, but she is determined
to make Serena an acceptable human. While Serena does her best to get rid of
Caroline, she may have finally met her match.

14 reelpride.com

F September 22
ViSTA Theater
7:20 PM | $10

NO DRESS CODE REQUIRED

(ETIQUETA NO RIGUROSA)

Director: Cristina Herrera Bórquez | 2016 | Mexico | 92 min.

In Spanish with English subtitles.

Victor and Fernando are two beauty professionals living in Baja California, Mexico and
are known for beautifying Mexicali socialites. For many of their customers they were a lovely
couple, until they decided to marry and become the first gay couple in the state to fight for
their rights in a place filled with homophobia and inequality. Facing a wave of criticism and
outrage from the city council, through their struggle, they managed to open the eyes of the
members of Baja Californian society.

In its most basic elements, NO DRESS CODE REQUIRED is a simple love story of a
couple who are fighting for their own rights to love one another, and for the rights of all
LGBTQ Mexicans.

reelpride.com 15

CLUB LEGENDS & ALIBI THE OFFICIAL
3075 N MAROA AVE. DOAPYESNASEWVEEENK 4538 E. BELMONT AVE. AFTER PARTY

WE’RE LGBT OWNED & PROUD
TO BE SUPPORTING THIS YEARS’

FRESNO REEL PRIDE
FILM FESTIVAL!

FARLILDPAAYSE*SV*HEONNLOINDCGEOR, SVSEE&PRTS*EP*MOBNESROR2S2

- HEATED SWIMMING POOL
- THE XOTICA SHOW: THURSDAY NIGHTS
- FREE BBQ @ LEGENDS: SUNDAY FUNDAY
- THE DOLLHOUSE SHOW: SUNDAY EVENINGS
- HAPPY HOUR @ ALIBI: 7 DAYS A WEEK TILL 8PM

F September 22
Tower Theatre
8:00 PM | $10

CHERRY POP Proudly Sponsored By:

Director: Assaad Yacoub | 2016 | USA | 79 min.

Welcome to Cherry Pop, the dive drag bar where, as one of its hard-luck
entertainers puts it, “dreams go to die.”

Tonight, Cherry Pop celebrates the circle of drag life, with a newbie “Cherry”
(Lars Berge) making her debut, just as veteran Lady Zaza (Tempest DuJour,
Rupaul’s Drag Race) prepares to tuck for the very last time. Throw in a bunch of
other back-stabbing queens with their own problems who just can’t stand each
other, and you’re in for one chaotic night! The barbs fly in this real-time comedy
just as fast as patrons’ crumpled dollar bills hit the floor in this backstage ex-drag-
aganza.

CHERRY POP features many Rupaul’s Drag Race alumni including season
eight winner Bob the Drag Queen, Detox, and Latrice Royale.

OPENING SHORTS MEDULA OBLONGOTA BETTER KNOWN AS PEACHES CHRIST

Director: Roberto Nascimento | 2017 | New Zealand | 7 min. Director: Jeff Dragomanovich | 2016 | USA | 4 min.
Abraham, better known as Medulla Oblongata, explores
where Abe is now and the life he left behind in the Maldives Peaches Christ offers a rare, intimate glimpse into her
transformation and describes the path from stifled teen to
reelpride.com brazen cult hero.

17

F September 22
ViSTA Theater
9:20 PM | $10
UNDER 17 NOT ADMITTED

BROTHERLY LOVE

Director: Anthony J. Caruso | 2017 | USA | 118 min.
The film adaptation of the hit novel “Seventy Times Seven” by Salvatore Sapienza, BROTHERLY LOVE is the

critically acclaimed story of Brother Vito Fortunato as he navigates the emotionally stifling world of celibacy. About
to take his final vows into the Catholic Brotherhood, Vito struggles with letting go of the sexual life he enjoys. A
sabbatical to Austin, which was meant to clear his head, leads to even more confusion as he meets Gabe, a
handsome, recently-divorced landscaper. Under the guise of being “just friends”, Vito and Gabe develop a bond that
forces Vito to choose between his vows and his newfound love.

Unlike other gay religious themed films, BROTHERLY LOVE is light-hearted and non-preachy, as the battle here
is not with God or religion, but rather with celibacy. Is the bond of love strong enough to break a personal promise
to God? Or is Vito hiding behind his vow to avoid the vulnerability of true intimacy? To make his decision, Vito leans
on his faith, his friends and, of course, The Golden Girls.

Proudly Sponsored By:

Donaghy Sales

18 reelpride.com

F September 22
Tower Theatre
10:15 PM | $5
UNDER 17 NOT ADMITTED

BEAR HILL FOR YOUR GODS

Dir: VENFIELD 8 | 2013 | USA | 2 min. Dir: VENFIELD 8 | 2016 | USA | 3 min.

Artist VENFIELD 8’s homage to the iconic Bear Pond by A meditation of the fetishization of designer labels and
Bruce Weber – only this time featuring stunning young illustrates the erotic currency in the extreme.
“bears” as the models.

MOONR8KR - THE SERIES SECRET SANTA SEX PARTY

Dir: VENFIELD 8 | 2016 | USA | 9 min. Dir: Charles Lum & Todd Verow | 2017 | USA | 12 min.

A film by artist VENFIELD 8 - learn about the origins of The idiosyncratic story of the New York Prime Timers - the
MOONR8KR and his journey of discovering his sexuality. randy New York City Chapter of the national senior gay
men’s organization - sexual holiday celebration.

YOU’VE GOT TAIL

Dir: Danny Tayara | 2016 | USA | 5 min.

A mail carrier is in for a salty surprise! The pups
at this house are a little friendlier than he was
expecting.

reelpride.com 19

ITS OUR TOWN

PROUD SUPPORTER OF
FRESNO REEL PRIDE FILM FESTIVAL

Advancing Advocacy.
Promoting Pride.
Supporting Students.

“Whether you’re looking
to buy or sell call me

to discuss your options!”

David Sheppard
Realtor®
559-493-8466
[email protected]
lic# 01326259

S September 23
Tower Theatre
11:00 AM | $10

ENCUENTRO HAPPY

Dir: Florencia Manóvil | 2016 | USA | 17 min. Dir: Laura Dudgeon | 2016 | Australia | 12 min.

Claudia’s night out with friends is disrupted by an A sexually inexperienced and lonely young woman
encounter with the captivating foreigner Isabel. downloads a dating app on her birthday and seeks
out a casual encounter with another woman.

FUN IN GIRLS SHORTS

MORE THAN GOD OUR SECOND FIRST DATE

Dir: Kev Cahill | 2015 | UK, Ireland | 9 min. Dir: Emi Schaufeld | 2016 | USA | 12 min.

A pious Doctor is forced to deal with a family A woman is magically forced to repeat the same
matter whilst hiding under the bed of a stranger. date over and over again until she can make it
go perfectly.

OUT AGAIN PRUDENCE THE ESCAPE HATCH

Dir: Robin Cloud | 2017 | USA | 10 min. Dir: Angela Jade | 2015 | USA | 9 min. Dir: David Willing | 2015 | Austrailia | 10 min.

Cat visits her parents for the weekend A dishonorably discharged World War A woman walks into a bar dressed as
and is confronted with her mother’s II Nurse, stricken by grief and crippling Wonder Woman and orders a beer. A
inability to remember one key detail dementia, seeks out her beloved for funny, feel good film about love and
about her life. one last dance. courage.

22 reelpride.com

Host your next event at the
classically modern K-Jewel
Art Gallery located in the
One Putt Broadcasting Building.
Ideal for up to 125 people.

Catering available.

Contact John Ostlund at
[email protected] or
559.497.5118

S September 23
ViSTA Theater
11:00 AM | Free for Youth with Student I.D.

DISCOVERIES: YOUTH SHORTS CREATING GENDER INCLUSIVE ESCAPING AGRA
SCHOOLS
Dir: Pallavi Somusetty | 2016 | USA | 23 min.
Dir: Jonathan Skurnik | 2016 | USA | 21 min.
Held hostage in India after their parents find out about their
What happens when you bring gender training to a gender and sexual orientation, Naveen fights back.
public elementary school? A school in Oakland California
demonstrates the power of an open conversation about
gender.

IMAGO LILY

Dir: Liz Cardenas Franke | 2017 | USA | 8 min. Dir: Graham Cantwell | 2016 | Ireland | 21 min.

The courageous, life-altering decision to never let anyone Lily is a girl with a secret on the cusp of becoming a young
bully him ever again – not even his own father – leads a woman. With her best friend, she navigates the treacherous
15-year-old gay teen to fully embrace his true identity. waters of school life.

Youth Social Hour

Join us after the program and enjoy pizza

and ice cream at our Youth Social Hour

courtesy of:

THE WOMEN’S BATHROOM PROJECT

Dir: Zachary Clarence | 2016 | USA | 6 min.
A little girl’s conversation with a transgender woman in a public
bathroom.

24 reelpride.com



WE’RE FOR
EVERY BODY

For the 8th year in a row, Kaiser
Permanente has been recognized as
a leader in health care equality for
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
populations in the Healthcare Equality
Index 2017 report. And this year, Kaiser
Permanente has received a 100% rating
as one of the Best Places to Work for
lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
populations in the Corporate Equality
Index. Visit kp.org today because

together we thrive.

A place where “all means all” Since 1984

Worship at 10:30am GRueesttirSepdeaBkeisr hop

Childcare 9:15am - 11:30am Gene Robinson

Sunday School for children and youth Sunday, October 22nd, 10:30am

10:15am to 11:30am

Adult Forum & Classes Pink Cow Thrift Store T/Th 10am - 2pm

Sundays 9:15am, Mondays 11am, Wednesdays Noon PFLAG Second Sundays 2pm

Recovery Groups Throughout the Week Food Bags Available Thursdays 9am
Drop In for Coffee & Bagels Tuesdays 10am
Free Dinner Every Thursday at 5:30pm
wesleyfresno.org or facebook.com/wesleyfresno

S September 23
ViSTA Theater
1:00 PM | $10

WOMAN ON FIRE

Director: Julie Sokolow | 2016 | USA | 85 min.

In February 2015, the Village Voice heralded the arrival of “New York’s Bravest” – Brooke Guinan, the first openly
transgender firefighter in New York City. As a third-generation firefighter, Brooke has a passion for heroism that
runs in her blood. Her father George is a respected lieutenant and 9/11 survivor with a 35-year legacy in the FDNY.
People always asked Brooke if she would follow in her father’s footsteps. But when Brooke transitions from male to
female in her father’s workplace, it poses not only a challenge to a macho profession, but also to the customs of the
people she cares about the most – her traditional family.

Meanwhile, Brooke’s boyfriend of two years, Jim,
struggles with to come out to his family. A wise-
cracking Air Force veteran, Jim still hasn’t told his
mother that Brooke is a transwoman. Brooke and
Jim realize that having the life they want means being
vulnerable in the face of judgment. As we watch the
couple buy a house together and consider marriage,
we reconsider what it means to be man and woman,
gay and straight, traditional and nontraditional. A
heartfelt portrait of change in the American family and
workplace, Woman on Fire is a testament to love,
courage, and loyalty.

reelpride.com 27

S September 23
Tower Theatre
1:00 PM | $10

BRITNEY-HOLICS ANONYMOUS: CAKE
A SPEAR-ITUAL AWAKENING
Dir: Jacintho Muinos | 2015 | USA | 15 min.
Dir: Jerell Rosales | 2015 | USA | 10 min.
A late night Internet hook-up between a housebound
A lonely, closeted, Britney Spears fan gets a Spear-itual gamer and a relentless party boy runs overtime and
awakening when he comes across an anonymous support awkwardly transitions into a neighbourhood BBQ. Trapped
group of Britney-holics. amongst the oldies, the two young men discover what
they’re actually looking for is not so different after all.

FUN IN BOYS SHORTS

CURMUDGEONS EXCHANGE

Dir: Danny DeVito | 2016 | USA | 17 min. Dir: Dorian Carli-Jones | 2017 | USA | 9 min.
A pair of senior citizens have a relationship that shocks both
their families in this potty mouthed but endearing comedy. A gay man is forced to give up the last remaining vestige
of yet another failed relationship: his ex’s jacket. But during
Proudly Sponsored By: the post-breakup stuff exchange, belongings are not the
only things that get swapped.

GOLDEN BOYS

Dir: Jill Riley | 2016 | Canada | 8 min.

A failure-to-launch and his two
successful buddies break into their
old private school to recapture their
adolescence, but are soon haunted by
troubling memories.

28 reelpride.com

Support

by becoming a member today!

Your membership supports
innovative exhibitions, local
artists, and thought-provoking
programs on the arts and society.
Your membership supports

educational programs for
children throughout the San
Joaquin Valley and beyond.
Your membership supports

creative and
innovative thinkers.

Become a
part

of YOUR
art

museum!

Go to www.FresnoArtMuseum.org

and click on Become a Member NOW! to join
Fresno Art Museum•2233 North First Street

2017 REEL PRIDE MEMBERSHIP

2017 Board of Directors Producers’ Circle

Kathleen Arambula-Reyna, Angela Hill & Francia Renteria
Jim Daggs
Festival Director / Board President
Peter Robertson, Co-Founder & Endowment
Augie G. Blancas, Vice President & Communications
Michael S. Reyna, Vice President & Sponsorships Directors’ Club Platinum

Dawn Diestelkamp, Treasurer Peyton Bryars & Richard Jennings
Rod & Jeromie Garza-Hansen
Annalisa Perea, Programming
Margo Serrano-Parker, Programming
Christopher Dodd, Memberships & Volunteers Directors’ Club Gold
Lisa Rosas, Sponsorships
Alan Gilmore & Manuel Carollo
Felix Wang & Wayne Chitwood
Emeriti Directors Harald Haneborg
Herb Peterson & Carl Hernandez
Festival Directors Emeriti: Julia Howell
Jon Carroll
Kenneth Fries Ken & Scott Costa
Dave Houck Kevin Michael
Jera Peterson Kristen Beasley
Peter Robertson
Jeff Robinson Michelle DenBeste & Melissa Jordine
Robin Sischo

Tim McCraw & Jess Esquivel
Warren Rost
Directors Emeriti:
Jen Bracy
Daryle Maddock Directors’ Club
Ron Wilson
Bernice Miessner Jonathan Wyile
Brian Carnes Kim Walker
Carmen Arambula-Reyna Lee Danker
Co-Founders: Dawn & Elena Diestelkamp Matthew Schwartz & Samuel Nuñez
Kenneth Fries Ronald Avedisian & Gary Mykins
Peter Robertson Della Green Campbell Ruby Rios
Jennifer English
Jamie Richardson & Sheryl Felling Sherri Valenti
Jim Cardella Stephen Cox
Joe Erickson

Thank you to our Festival Pass Holders
Presenting Partner
Bill Knezovich
THE David Klingensmith & Jeff Fay

Dorothy Partida
Elena Silva
Jena Adams
Jim Sandifer

Joan Hughes
Kevin & Satora O’Connor

Penny Steele
Ray Ensher
Sven Hamilton

30 reelpride.com

Festival Sponsors SPONSORS & VOLUNTEERS

Alibi Programming Acknowledgements &
American Ambulance Special Thanks
Arctic Glacier USA Venue Managers:
Beneficial State Bank John Beynon The Painted Table -
Bobby Salazar’s John Jordan Rod & Jeromie Garza-Hansen
Boos & Associates Tehnical Directors: The Tower Theatre - Lawrence Abbate &
Bradley Rutledge - Russell Leavitt Tower Theatre Staff
Guarantee Real Estate Derrick Spiva ViSTA Theater - John Alden & Debi Ruud
Brick & Mortar Programming Assistant: A/V Equipment by Expo Audio Visual
The California Endowment - Chris Guerrero Fresno Filmworks
Dumont Printing - Gayle Takakjian-Gilbert
Fresno Building Healthy Communities Volunteers & Host JP Marketing - Art Reker
Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino Committee VENFIELD 8
Club Legends Reel Pride “Stinger” - The Diva X
CSAA / AAA Travel Alex Holguin Tower District Marketing
David Sheppard - Andrew Losh Fresno Art Museum - Tash Mendoza
Guarantee Real Estate Brent Kilgore NOW 99.3 FM - Miggy Santos
DJ Binx – Bianca Lopez Chris Guerrero Beauty Boutique
DJ Smack Jilly - Stefan Ramirez Giselle O’Ell Expo Party Rental
Donaghy Sales Jessica Rodriguez Posh & Posy - Underground Supper Club
Dumont Printing Jesus Sepulveda Macy’s - Lee Danker
Fresno Art Museum Patricia DeLeon Chase Flower Shop - Michael Chase
Fresno City Councilmember Rick Riddick Pepsi Co. Equal -
Esmeralda Soria Robert Griffin Shell Vorhees & Aimee Brantley
Fresno Filmworks Rupen Hagopian The Earth Builders - Sean Dempsey
Fresno Music Academy and Arts Suliana Juarez Engelmann Cellars
Fresno Pride Lions Club Susan Quinville Lithia Subaru of Fresno
Fresno State Alumni Association - Sven Hamilton Garden Cocktails
Bulldog Pride Fund Tory Domena-Quinville Fresno Pride Lions Club
Fresno State College of Social Sciences Venus Hagopian-DeCarlo Rudy Perez
Fresno State Rainbow Alumni and Jia Salon - Mark Anthony
Allies Club Media Sponsors Make-Up by Matt Garcia
Gazebo Gardens Wooforia Dog Grooming - Priscilla Ross
Hedrick’s Chevrolet Celena Martin
Imperial Dove Court Fresno
JP Marketing A very special thank you to the businesses,
Kaiser Permanente restaurants and individuals who contributed
Melody Daggs Dog Training to this year’s silent auction and festival.
Netricks, Inc.
New Amsterdam Vodka Cultural Arts Partners
The Painted Table
Pepsi Co. - Equal
PG&E
Piccadilly Inn Shaw
Planned Parenthood Mar Monte
Positive Life
Queen’s Inn / Idle Hour Winery
Richie’s Pizza & Hot Dogs
Sequoia Brewing Company
Stella Artois
St. James Episcopal Cathedral
The Source LGBT+ Center
Toni M. Onkka, LCSW
Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno
Veni Vidi Vici
ViSTA Theater
Wells Fargo
Wesley United Methodist Church
The Xotica Show
Young’s Market Company

reelpride.com 31

S September 23
Tower Theatre
2:30 PM | $10

A MILLION HAPPY NOWS

Director: Albert Alarr | 2016 | USA | 80 min.
Veteran actress Lainey Allen (Crystal Chappell, One Life to Live) is tired of being sidelined for younger talent on

the soap she has starred in for twenty years. Coupled with finding it harder to retain her lines, she decides not to
renew her contract, and she and her publicist and partner, Eva Morales (Jessica Leccia, One Life to Live), move to
a beach house overlooking the ocean on California’s Central Coast. The move highlights some small changes in
Lainey’s personality – mild depression that Eva puts down to leaving the show. But when Lainey starts to forget more
than can be attributed to stress, Eva insists on a visit to the doctor. A MILLION HAPPY NOWS chronicles Lainey
and Eva’s changing relationship as they struggle to deal with the diagnosis of Lainey’s Early Onset Alzheimer’s, the
prospect of an indomitable woman’s future of dependence and her single support system – the woman who was
once in awe of her, became everything to her, and will now look after her.  

Proudly Sponsored By:

32 reelpride.com

S September 23
ViSTA Theater
3:00 PM | $10

A DATE FOR MAD MARY

Director: Darren Thornton | 2016 | Ireland | 82 min.

“Mad” Mary McArdle returns to Drogheda after a short spell in prison - for something she’d rather forget. Back
home, everything and everyone has changed. Her best friend, Charlene, is about to get married and Mary is her
maid of honor. When Charlene refuses Mary a “plus one” on the grounds that she probably couldn’t find a date, Mary
becomes determined to prove her wrong. But her attempts at dating are a disaster and she winds up feeling more
alone - until she meets Charlene’s wedding videographer, Jess.

Jess, like Mary, is equally adrift around happy couples. In the midst of all the wedding madness, Mary and Jess
connect and what starts out as a friendship soon becomes more intimate.

A DATE FOR MAD MARY is a tough and tender story about friendship, first love, and letting go of the glory days.

reelpride.com 33



S September 23
Tower Theatre
4:30 PM | $10

DOCUMENTARY
CENTERPIECE

CHAVELA 35

Director: Catherine Gund & Daresha Kyi | 2017 | Mexico, Spain, USA | 93 min.

CHAVELA is the captivating look at the unconventional life of beloved
performer Chavela Vargas, whose passionate renditions of Mexican popular
music and triumphant return to the stage late in life brought her international
fame.

Born in Costa Rica in 1919, Chavela Vargas ran away to Mexico City as a
teenager to sing in the streets. By the 1950s, she became a household name in
her adopted country, delivering her performances with a raw passion and unique
voice. Just as influential were her cultural contributions; Chavela was a bold,
rebellious, sexual pioneer who was known for having many female lovers at a
time when being out in Mexico was dangerous.

CHAVELA centers around a 1991 interview—the singer’s first public
appearance after 15 hard years lost to alcoholism and heartbreak. In the final
years of her life, Chavela openly comes out as a lesbian and rises into her
momentous third act, becoming a muse to filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, earning
a Lifetime Achievement Grammy, and selling out performances at prestigious
concert halls around the world.

Proudly Sponsored By:

reelpride.com

S September 23
ViSTA Theater
5:00 PM | $10

THE LAVENDER SCARE

Director: Josh Howard | 2017 | USA | 77 min.
In 1953, President Eisenhower declared gay men and lesbians to be a threat to the security of the country and

therefore unfit for government service. In doing so, he triggered the longest witch hunt in American history. Over the
next four decades, tens of thousands of government workers would lose their jobs for no reason other than their
sexual orientation. The actions of the government had an unintended effect. They inadvertently helped ignite the
gay rights movement.

In 1957, after thousands had lost their jobs, a Harvard-trained astronomer named Frank Kameny became the
first person to fight his dismissal. His attempts to regain his job evolved into a lifelong fight for the rights of LGBT
people.

36 reelpride.com

S September 23
Tower Theatre
6:30 PM | $10

BEHIND THE CURTAIN: TODRICK HALL

Director: Katherine Fairfax Wright | 2017 | USA | 100 min.

Todrick Hall is a singer, songwriter, dancer, choreographer, playwright,
Broadway performer, American Idol finalist, and viral YouTube sensation. Now,
Todrick is about to launch his most ambitious project yet – a full-scale original
musical Straight Outta Oz. Over the course of two weeks, Todrick aspires to
shoot 16 videos for the new visual album which he will then take on the road in
the form of an extravagant live musical.

Directed by Katherine Fairfax Wright (Call Me Kuchu, Reel Pride 23),
BEHIND THE CURTAIN: TODRICK HALL gives an intimate look of a young man
on a mission to make an impact on the lives of countless LGBTQ fans, one
performance or YouTube video at a time.

Proudly Sponsored By:

reelpride.com 37

S September 23
ViSTA Theater
7:00 PM | $10

THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

(A CIDADE DO FUTURO)

Director: Cláudio Marques & Marília Hughes Guerreiro | 2016 | Brazil | 76 min.
In Portuguese with English subtitles.

In a remote part of Brazil, the triad of Mila, Igor, and Gilmar are determined to break away and form their own
nontraditional family, defying the definitions that society has attempted to impose on them. As they prepare for
the birth of their child, the three contemplate their intertwining relationships. Marques and Guerreiro have boldly
collaborated on a naturalistic film that shuns convention, instead embracing love in all its dazzling iterations.

38 reelpride.com

S September 23
Tower Theatre
8:45 PM | $10
UNDER 17 NOT ADMITTED

SNAPSHOT

Writer & Director: Shine Louise Houston | 2017 | USA | 65 min.

A freelance photographer and woman about town, Charlie has her sights set on Danny, an older butch in search
of adventure and romance. Just as things are about to click, Charlie accidentally snaps a photo of a murder, and
becomes his new target. With a killer hot on her trail - and a new relationship developing - will Charlie find love… or
her own demise?

Director Shine Louise Houston draws inspiration from film classics such as Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window and
Michelangelo Antonioni’s Blow Up, featuring a diverse cast and intimate portrayals of queer sex, making SNAPSHOT
an erotic suspense thriller perfect for any voyeur.

Proudly Sponsored By:

reelpride.com 39

September 24
ViSTA Theater

Su 11:00 AM | $10

TRANSCENDENT SHORTSAARSA DUSK

Dir: Kawa Hatef | 2016 | USA, India | 10 min. Dir: Jake Graf | 2017 | UK | 15 min.

The story of Raju, an unnoticed dance studio caretaker Growing up in 1950s England, young Chris Winters
whose love for a beautiful dance instructor ignites his struggles to fit into the gender roles dictated by wider
journey of self identity. society. A more than tough childhood left behind, Chris
meets dream woman Julie, and life lightens a little, but the
growing feeling that theirs is a life half lived haunts Chris.

HEADSPACE UMBRELLA

Dir: Jake Graf | 2017 | UK | 4 min. Dir: Rhys Ernst | 2017 | USA | 15 min.

A rare and intimate glimpse into the trials and tribulations The story of four transgender individuals across America
faced by trans folks on a daily basis. who are fighting for rights and representation in a
challenging and changing world.

WALK FOR ME

Dir: Elegance Bratton | 2016 | USA | 12 min.
Set to make her Femme Queen debut as Hannah, a young
woman’s two worlds collide when her mom shows up and
discovers her daughter’s secret life.

40 reelpride.com

September 24
ViSTA Theater

Su 1:00 PM | $10

IN BETWEEN

Director: Maysaloun Hamoud | 2016 | Isreal | 103 min.
In Hebrew and Arabic with English subtitles.

In Arab-Israeli female director Maysaloun Hamoud’s feature debut, three Palestinian women sharing an apartment
in the heart of Tel Aviv find themselves doing the same balancing act between tradition and modernity, citizenship
and culture, fealty and freedom. Lalia, a criminal lawyer, loves to burn off her workday stress in the underground
club scene. Salma, a DJ and bartender, starts a budding relationship with a female medical intern. And their new
roommate Nur is a younger, religious Muslim university student whose conservative fiancé is horrified by her secular
friends.

reelpride.com 41

Congratulations to the Reel Pride
Committee for bringing the
festival to Fresno and supporting
our LGBTQ Community

@FSSocialScience FresnoStateCollegeofSocialSciences FSSocialSciences

September 24 PRESIDENT’S
Tower Theatre SPOTLIGHT FILM

Su 1:00 PM | $10

THE DEATH AND LIFE OF Proudly Sponsored By:
MARSHA P. JOHNSON

Director: David France | 2017 | USA | 105 min.

Who killed Marsha P. Johnson? When the beloved, self-described “street
queen” of New York’s Christopher Street was found floating in the Hudson River
in 1992, the NYPD called her death a suicide. Protests erupted but the police
remained impassive and refused to investigate. Now, 25 years on, Academy
Award® nominated director and journalist David France (How to Survive a
Plague) examines Marsha’s death - and her extraordinary life - in his new film.

Marsha arrived in the Village in the 1960s where she teamed up with Sylvia
Rivera when both claimed their identities as “drag queens,” to use the vernacular
of the times. Together, the radical duo fought arrests, condemned police brutality,
organized street kids, battled the intolerant majority within the gay community,
and helped spearhead the Stonewall Riots. In 1970 they formed the world’s
first trans-rights organization, STAR (Street Transvestites Action Revolutionaries).
Despite their many challenges over the years—bias, homelessness, illness -
Marsha and Sylvia ignited a powerful and lasting civil rights movement for gender
nonconforming people. Now, a quarter century later, at a time of unprecedented
visibility and escalating violence in the transgender community, a dynamic activist
named Victoria Cruz has taken it upon herself to reexamine what happened at
the end of Marsha’s life.

reelpride.com 43

PPMM

stands with

Keeping you healthy, advocating for equality, and providing
education that is sensitive & affirming to L.G.B.T.Q. communities.
And we’ll be here for you when you need us. No Matter What!

Walk-in or make an appointment at one of our convenient Fresno Health Centers:

(800) 785-5745 • ppmarmonte.org/ReelPride

2305 W Shaw Ave, Fresno

5 5 9. 3 4 8 . 5 5 2 0

Pi c cad illyinn .c o m

September 24
Tower Theatre

Su 3:15 PM | $10

THE FREEDOM TO MARRY Proudly Sponsored By:

Director: Eddie Rosenstein | 2016 | USA | 86 min.

THE FREEDOM TO MARRY follows Evan Wolfson, Founder and President
of Freedom to Marry, civil rights attorney Mary Bonauto and their key colleagues
on this decades long battle, culminating in a dramatic fight at the United States
Supreme Court. More than the saga of one movement’s history, this nail-biting,
untold story is an inspiring tale of how regular people can change the world and
how same-sex marriage became the law of the land.

reelpride.com 45

September 24
ViSTA Theater

Su 3:15 PM | $10

THE FABULOUS ALLAN CARR

Director: Jeffrey Schwarz | 2017 | USA | 90 min.
Armed with a limitless Rolodex and a Benedict Canyon enclave with its own disco, Allan Carr threw the Hollywood

parties that defined the 1970s. As he gained entrance into the land of beach bodies and beautiful people, Allan
viewed himself as decidedly un-beautiful. His weight, his health, and his sexuality all contributed to a feeling that
he didn’t belong in Hollywood. So, Allan filled this void the only way he knew how – by throwing the most lavish,
extravagant, and theatrical of parties.

A producer, manager, and marketing genius, Allan built his bombastic reputation amid a series of successes
including the hit musical film GREASE and the Broadway sensation LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, until it all came crashing
down after he produced the notorious debacle of the 1989 Academy Awards.

Proudly Sponsored By:

46 reelpride.com

September 24
ViSTA Theater

Su 5:15 PM | $10

GIRL UNBOUND: THE WAR TO BE HER

Director: Erin Heidenreich | 2016 | Pakistan, Canada, USA | 80 min.

At a young age, Maria discovered her love for one of Pakistan’s most popular sports, squash. Through this
game, Maria quickly began to rise in success as one of the nations most revered young players. And unlike those
that came before her, Maria’s path began in a place and time where women were restricted to play sports of any
kind. But with the blessings of her family, she did what no one else dared to do by dressing and ultimately passing,
as a boy.

When she was discovered, Maria’s true identity could no longer contend with the success she was finding in
her squash career and the Taliban took notice. She like those who stood with her quickly became their targets.
The carefree attitudes of a child at play evolved into a young woman with more than just a pastime; she became a
young woman with a presence and a purpose. Years later, Maria is still using her talents to help advocate women’s
rights to education and to play sports. Aware of the consequences this may bring from the Taliban, she believes it
is her right as a human being, and as a Muslim woman, to be free.

reelpride.com 47

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      

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_REELPRIDEcolor.pmd 1 8/30/2017, 5:38 PM