Fresno Reel Pride LGBTQ Film Festival - 2019

ABOUT FRESNO REEL PRIDE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

From humble beginnings in a Fresno State classroom, WELCOME TO THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF
Fresno Reel Pride has evolved into the sixth oldest — and FRESNO REEL PRIDE!
one of the largest — Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,
and Queer (LGBTQ) film festivals in the United States. Through the sharing of stories that reflect our community and our lives,
Fresno Reel Pride is a celebration of LGBTQ cinema and Reel Pride Film Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary. Reel Pride
is a premier cultural event in Central California attracting has enjoyed a unique role in promoting LGBTQ+ political and social
thousands of attendees to its five-day festival of international awareness and acceptance by entertaining and humanizing through the
features, documentaries, and short films. silver screen.

MISSION STATEMENT LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations of our great nation and in our
beautiful Central Valley have all been impacted by what it means to be
The mission of Fresno Reel Pride is to increase the LGBTQ+:
awareness of the LGBTQ community through the exhibition
of films and videos exploring LGBTQ themes at an annual • We have all spoken for social equality and the recognition of human
festival in Fresno. Fresno Reel Pride, through the universal rights for Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Queer people to live free from
appeal of movies, works to produce a major cultural event stigma, abusive laws, and sanctioned brutalities,
for the entire Central Valley community designed to enhance
community acceptance and understanding while adding to • We have felt the loss, anger, and sadness that the AIDS epidemic
the diversity of a culturally rich city. ravaged on our brothers and sisters, ever so loudly calling for
government action to help end the disease,
VENUE & TICKET INFORMATION
• We have all fought and won the right for marriage equality and
MOVIE VENUES: ViSTA Theater
1296 N. Wishon Avenue • We continue to fight for implementation of rights for those in our
The Tower Theatre community who are marginalized.
815 E. Olive Avenue Veni Vidi Vici
1116 N. Fulton Street — all political and social issues documented over the last 30 years of film.
EVENT VENUES:
Struggles and fights that inspired activism by brave individuals on the
The Painted Table frontlines, the common (wo)man who steps forward and becomes more
1211 N. Wishon Avenue than. These moments have all been recorded and brought to you, the
audience.
Bobby Salazar’s Tower District
725 E. Olive Avenue I once invited you to “come laugh, cry and be entertained with us” at Reel
Pride. “To look through the lens of those who express our world.” Today,
Tickets can be purchased online or at our box office located I ask that you give voice to what you’ve seen, to what you believe in and
outside of the Tower Theatre. Youth tickets are available what you want to see come to light.
with a valid student I.D. For more information, visit the Reel
Pride Box Office in front of the Tower Theatre. Many of the films that are highlighted at this year’s festival show us the
struggles of the past and the struggles that await. As a festival community,
we have the opportunity to not only gather to strengthen and renew
friendships, but also to strengthen our future.

Our victories have been sweet, but our movement is not over.
History continues to be written, the artist’s lens will always capture it, and
OUR COMMUNITY should be writing the script.

Thank you ALL for 30 hard-fought, beautiful years.

Kathleen Arambula-Reyna

Board President & Festival Director
Fresno Reel Pride LGBTQ Film Festival

#REELPRIDE30 1



WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 TIME PG. SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Opening Night Pre-Party (Bobby Salazar’s Tower District)* 6:00PM 7
Sell By (Tower Theatre) 7:00PM
Opening Night Gala (Reel Pride Lounge at The Painted Table) PG.
TIME
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 8
7:00PM 9
HOMOSAYWHAT (Tower Theatre) 9:00PM
José (Tower Theatre) PG.
TIME
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 14
6:30 PM 15
Temblores (Tremors) (ViSTA Theater) 6:30 PM 16
No Box For Me: An Intersex Story (Tower Theatre) 8:30 PM 19
Gay USA (ViSTA Theater) 8:30 PM
Tucked (Tower Theatre)
Cocktails with the Imperial Dove Court de Fresno TIME PG.
(Reel Pride Lounge at The Painted Table)
11:00 AM 22
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 11:00 AM 23
1:00 PM 24
Fun in Girls Shorts (Tower Theatre) 1:00 PM 27
Making Montgomery Clift (ViSTA Theater) 2:30 PM 29
Fun in Boys Shorts (Tower Theatre) 3:00 PM 33
Discoveries Youth Program (ViSTA Theater) 4:30 PM 35
Gaytino! Made in America (Tower Theatre) 5:00 PM 36
The Garden Left Behind (ViSTA Theater) 6:00 PM
We Are The Radical Monarchs (Tower Theatre) 7:00 PM 38
Straight Up (ViSTA Theater) 9:00 PM 39
Directors’ Club & Filmmakers Reception (Veni Vidi Vici)**
More Beautiful for Having Been Broken (Tower Theatre) TIME PG.
Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street (Tower Theatre)
Reel Night Out After Party (Reel Pride Lounge at The Painted Table) 11:00 AM 41
11:00 AM 42
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 1:00 PM 43
1:00 PM 44
Directors’ Club Brunch (The Painted Table)** 3:00 PM 47
Transcendent Shorts (ViSTA Theater) 3:15 PM 48
The Archivettes (Tower Theatre) 5:00 PM 49
Changing the Game (ViSTA Theater) 7:00 PM
Good Kisser (Tower Theatre)
Luciérnagas (Fireflies) (ViSTA Theater) 3
Gay Chorus Deep South (Tower Theatre)
Adam (Tower Theatre)
Closing Night Gala (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

#REELPRIDE30



HERE’S TO THE POWER OF

AT&T has a long-standing history of leading the way for the LGBTQ community.
From our inclusive culture to supporting initiatives, we understand that including a
healthy mix of perspectives, skills and ambition gets you to the heart of innovation.
That’s why AT&T is proud to support Fresno Reel Pride.

PROUD TO BRAND REEL PRIDE

jpmktg.com

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

Fresno Reel Pride.

OPENING NIGHT FILM

SELL BY WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18
TOWER THEATRE
Director: Mike Doyle | 2019 | USA | 94 min. 7:00PM // $10

Does every relationship have an expiration date? Adam and PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Marklin are about to find out. Their five-year relationship has gone
from a passionate flame to a medium burn, forcing them to reconcile THE
with each other’s shortcomings all while watching their support
network crumble around them. Best friend Cammy’s latest beau Esmeralda Soria, Fresno City Councilmember District 1
checks all of her boxes — if you don’t count that he’s homeless; Miguel Arias, Fresno City Councilmember District 3
Haley’s 17-year-old student is more interested in studying her than
for the SATs; and Elizabeth and Damon — the “stable” ones — are
on the brink of divorce after 15 years of so-called bliss. But, in this
mess, hope springs eternal as they all muddle their way through to
try to make life work.

SELL BY is the directorial debut of Mike Doyle and stars an
impressive cast including Kate Walsh (GREY’S ANATOMY), Scott
Evans (GO-GO INTERRUPTED, THE LOVELY BONES), and
Patricia Clarkson (SIX FEET UNDER).

OPENING NIGHT GALA 7

After SELL BY, join us for our Opening Night Gala at The Painted Table. Enjoy a
cocktail while celebrating 30 years of film. Sponsors and Festival Pass Holders
and above are invited to our VIP area to enjoy the evening. Festival Passes and
Directors’ Club memberships are available at the Reel Pride Box Office outside
Tower Theatre.

#REELPRIDE30

HOMOSAYWHAT THURSDAY, SEPT. 19
TOWER THEATRE
Director: Craig Bettendorf | 2019 | USA | 76 min. 7:00PM // $10

It starts with a taunt, a barb, a joke...HOMOSAYWHAT? PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
“Making fun of” morphs into angst, then fear, then hate, leading
to the intimidation, oppression, and even murder of those who
are deemed inferior. HOMOSAYWHAT contrasts the social,
political, and religious intolerance shown toward LGBT people
in past decades with the present day’s legal and growing social
acceptance. The film juxtaposes life after much of the fight for gay
rights has been won with the hard truth of what it took to get to
where the community is today. As the film unfolds the link between
the challenges of the past and those of the present may seem
surprisingly familiar.

8 ReelPride.com

JOSÉ THURSDAY, SEPT. 19
TOWER THEATRE
Director: Li Cheng | 2019 | Guatemala, USA | 94 min. 9:00PM // $10
In Spanish with English subtitles.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
José lives with his mother in Guatemala City, where they survive
on her selling sandwiches at bus stops and with him working at
a local restaurant. It is a poor and sometimes dangerous country
where, dominated by conservative Catholic and Evangelical
Christian religion, living one’s life as an openly gay man is hard
for José to imagine. His mother has never had a husband, and as
her youngest and favorite child, though at the edge of manhood
at 19-years old, she is determined to hold on to him. Reserved
and private, José fills his free moments playing with his phone and
random sex with other men arranged on street corners and dating
apps. When he meets attractive and gentle Luis, a migrant from the
rural Caribbean coast, they pursue an unexpected relationship with
more emotion than José has ever felt. He is thrust into new passion
and pain, and self-reflection, that push him to rethink his life even
as he is reluctant to take a leap of faith.

#REELPRIDE30 9

Thanks for putting
art in the heart of
the community

Bank of America recognizes Fresno Reel Pride for its success in bringing the arts to performers and
audiences throughout the community. We commend you on creating an opportunity for all to enjoy and
share a cultural experience.
Visit us at bankofamerica.com/local.

©2019 Bank of America Corporation | AR64WX5V | ENT-211-AD



CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF LGBT+ FILM
PROUD SPONSOR OF FRESNO REEL PRIDE

thesourcelgbt.org • 208 W Main Street Suite B Visalia, CA • 559.429.4277

Hotel-Piccadilly.com
Ceremonies | Receptions | Special Events

TEMBLORES (TREMORS) FRIDAY, SEPT. 20
VISTA THEATER
Director: Jayro Bustamante | 2019 | Guatemala, France | 107 min. 6:30PM // $10
In Spanish with English subtitles.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
When handsome and charismatic Pablo arrives at his affluent
family’s house everyone is eagerly awaiting the return of their
beloved son, devoted father, and caring husband. A seemingly
exemplary pillar of Guatemala City’s Evangelical Christian
community, Pablo’s announcement that he intends to leave his wife
for another man sends shock waves through the family. As Pablo
tries to acclimate to his new life in the city’s gay subculture with the
liberated Francisco, his ultra-religious family does everything in its
power to get their prodigal son back on track, no matter the cost.

14 ReelPride.com

NO BOX FOR ME FRIDAY, SEPT. 20
TOWER THEATRE
AN INTERSEX STORY 6:30PM // $10

Director: Floriane Devigne | 2018 | France | 58 min. PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
In French with English subtitles.
OPENING SHORT
“Sometimes I dream I’ve gotten rid of my hips, and buttocks,
and legs. But I’m not really that crazy. All that really bothers me is TACOS Y TACONES
what lies in-between... so utterly useless it’s spine-chilling.”
Dir: Matthew Benjamin Ramos | 2019 | USA | 8 min.
How do you live with a secret? How do you live with genitals Three trans latina sex workers have a candid
that were chosen for you, surgically reconstructed at birth so they conversation about love, life, and dreams.
would comply with the norm? How do you shape your identity with
that difference? 27-year-old M lives in France, where intersexuality 15
is still seen as a pathology that needs to be treated and repaired.
This integral part of her is taboo. To break the silence, M answers
an ad placed by 25-year-old Deborah, born intersexed herself,
who’s looking for first-hand stories about intersexuality for the
dissertation she’s writing for her gender studies degree. They
begin a correspondence that will radically change both their lives.

The film looks at the ways intersex people work to reclaim their
bodies and shape their identities. It asks hard questions about the
things Western societies are willing to do in the name of social
norms, and what it means to be a man, a woman, or a little of both.

#REELPRIDE30

GAY USA FRIDAY, SEPT. 2O
VISTA THEATER
Director: Arthur Bressan | 1977 | USA | 72 min. 8:30PM // $10

Director Arthur J. Bressan, Jr. (best known for his 1985 gay drama PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
BUDDIES) mobilized camera crews across the country to document
the national Gay Freedom Day marches in June of 1977. GAY USA
conveys the passion, anger, and defiant optimism of a community
under attack (in that month of June 1977 alone: California’s anti-gay
Briggs Initiative had just been announced, Anita Bryant’s vicious
homophobia had helped repeal Miami’s gay rights ordinance, and a
gay man named Robert Hillsborough had only days earlier been the
victim of a fatal gay-bashing in San Francisco). Bressan weaves in
audio of some of those homophobic voices and gives an overview
of historical homophobia, including an account of gays and the
Holocaust — and then illustrates the triumphant power of love and
pride. In addition to the magnificent cross-section of footage from the
marches in San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San
Diego, and Philadelphia, GAY USA also gives us a fantastic look at
rare footage shot by Lilli Vincenz of the very first gay pride parade in
New York City in 1970 (which was then known as Christopher Street
Liberation Day) as well as showing Bressan’s own previously shot
footage from San Francisco’s first major gay pride celebration in
1972.

Beautifully restored by the UCLA Film & Television Archive
in collaboration with Frameline and Outfest, GAY USA is the first
American feature-length documentary by and about LGBTQ+ people.

16 ReelPride.com



INDUSTRIES
INDUSTRIES

CENTERPIECE FILM

TUCKED FRIDAY, SEPT. 20
TOWER THEATRE
Director: Jamie Patterson | 2018 | UK | 80 min. 8:30PM // $10

An aging drag queen gets a diagnosis of terminal cancer and PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
makes a new friend in this touching, unexpectedly funny end-of-life
drama set in Brighton, England.

Derren Nesbitt (THE NAKED RUNNER, WHERE EAGLES
DARE) plays Jack Collins, an everyday old man who initially looks
like a retired brickie. But, under a towering beehive wig, Jack
becomes Jackie, the main attraction at a drag club, performing
mildly offensive un-PC comedy routines that go down a storm with
the millennial audience. Jack’s cancer diagnosis comes after he
collapses on stage. But the show must go on and, a few nights
later, he rescues a young singer, Faith, from homophobic attackers.
Together, they form an unlikely friendship, both struggling with their
own issues of gender identity and mortality. As they discover more
about each other, they realize how to truly be themselves. TUCKED
is a ‘slice of life’ drama about love, loss and friendship; a feel good
film with great charm and sense of humour.

FRIDAY NIGHT AFTER PARTY

After TUCKED, the party will continue at Reel Pride’s Friday Night After Party
at The Painted Table. $3 buy-in gets you Happy Hour priced cocktails all night
long. The party is open to all TUCKED ticket holders, sponsors and festival pass
holders and above until midnight.

#REELPRIDE30 19

About Us Join Today Why FPLC?
“We Serve” • LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY VISIBILITY
The simple and straight forward • WHOLE COMMUNITY VOLUNTERISM
• CAMARADERIE
motto of the • FUN
Fresno Pride Lions Club.
Are you a community member that is
looking for a way to give back to the
ENTIRE community through

volunteerism?

We invite you to contact us or join us at our regular meetings every
2nd and 4th Thursday, 6pm,
Round Table Pizza Clubhouse,
SE corner of First and Bullard.

MORE INFO: https://www.facebook.com/fresnopridelionsclub/

LOOKIN’
GOOD
AFTER
30 YEARS

Keeping you healthy, advocating for equality,
and providing education that is sensitive and
affirming to L.G.B.T.Q. communities.
PPMM is here for you. No Matter What!

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

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

DINNER FOR FOUR IT STARTED WITH A DING

Dir: Jane Clark | 2019 | USA | 15 min. Dir: Deanna Buller | 2019 | USA | 5 min.

A bisexual polyamory evangelist, a lesbian blogger who Hayley Shaw’s crush finally slips into her DM’s. Question is...

romanticizes monogamy, and a curious freelance photographer is Hayley’s crush gay and really into her?

and her heterosexual boyfriend meet at dinner party that turns

awkward and revealing when the other guests don’t show up.

FUN IN GIRLS SHORTS

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21 PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
TOWER THEATRE
11:00AM // $10

U USHACHA (U FOR USHA) FLOOD

Dir: Rohan Parashuram Kanawade | 2019 | India | 21 min. Dir: Hailey Abernathy | 2019 | USA | 8 min.
In Marathi with English subtitles.
Allie struggles to find her identity as religion and sexuality pull her
Usha, a single mother who works as a farm laborer in rural India, in opposite directions, straining her most important relationships
feels drawn to a female teacher of the local primary school in and creating unwanted inner turmoil.
ways she never knew possible.

22 ReelPride.com

MAKING SATURDAY, SEPT. 21
MONTGOMERY CLIFT VISTA THEATER
11:00AM // $10
Director: Robert Clift, Hillary Demmon | 2018 | USA | 88 min.

Montgomery Clift was one of the most influential actors in
the history of cinema, bucking traditions on and off screen, but
countless biographies have reduced him to labels like “tragically
self-destructive” and “tormented.” Now, nephew Robert Clift and
Hillary Demmon rigorously examine the flawed narratives that
have come to define Monty’s legacy. Drawing on interviews with
family and loved ones and a rich collection of unreleased archival
materials from Monty and his brother, Brooks Clift, this fresh portrait
of the actor’s passions, contributions and commitment to living and
working in his own way gives one of Hollywood’s underappreciated
legends his due.

#REELPRIDE30 23

ENGAGED LUKEWARM

Dir: David Scala | 2019 | USA | 17 min. Dir: Mitch Yapko | 2019 | USA | 7 min.

Darren keeps trying — and failing — to propose to his boyfriend A comedy based on an improv sketch about managing the

Elliot. When their relationship is put into an uncomfortable sexual expectations of those awkward first dates.

spotlight at a party, Darren realizes he might be sabotaging

FUN IN BOYS SHORTShimselfduetohisowninsecurities.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21 PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
TOWER THEATRE
1:00PM // $10

RESHAPING BEAUTY CONTACT WINDOW SHOPPING

Dir: Gaby Scott | 2018 | USA | 7 min. Dir: Teal Greyhavens, Nikolai von Keller Dir: Russell Kohlmann | 2019 | USA | 6 min.
2018 | USA | 13 min.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But Inspired by the banality of everyday crushes,
we live in a world that is obsessed with one When Jason’s companion suddenly vanishes WINDOW SHOPPING follows a young man
specific, narrow type of beauty. How would before his eyes, he realizes the world around with an active imagination and lackluster sex
our perceptions of beauty change if we dared him may be starting to unravel in this sci-fi life.
to idealize other types of beauty? short.

24 ReelPride.com





LISTEN LA SERENATA

Dir: Jake Graf | 2019 | USA | 5 min. Dir: Adelina Anthony | 2018 | USA | 11 min.

A powerful insight into the lives of trans teens as the navigate Two parents struggle with their beloved Mexican musical
school, bullying, and relationships with their parents. tradition when their son requests a love song for another boy.

DISCOVERIES YOUTH SHORTS

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21 PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
VISTA THEATER
YOUTH SOCIAL HOUR
1:00PM // FREE FOR YOUTH
Calling all youth! Join us before the Discoveries Youth Shorts program for a
special Youth Social Hour at The Painted Table. Come enjoy pizza courtesy of
Richie’s Pizza & Hot Dogs and snow cones from Kona Ice of Clovis.

TURN IT AROUND SEE YOU NEXT SUMMER GEORGIE

Dir: Niels Bourgonje | 2018 | Netherlands | Dir: Scarlett Turner | 2019 | USA | 15 min. Dir: Lars Keer | 2018 | USA | 15 min.
9 min. | In Dutch with English subtitles.
Following the divorce of her parents, a young A young girl named Penny is kicked out of
At a house party 15-year-old Bram is girl is sent to an all-girls summer camp, where her home and hitches off with her pet turtle,
surrounded by friends and draws the attention she comes to terms with her sexuality while Georgie, to Wildwood NJ to track down her
of many pretty girls. But he has no interest in trying to fit in with the girls of Cabin 5. childhood crush, Violet.
them. He has fallen hopelessly in love with the
pretty boy on the dance floor:

#REELPRIDE30 27

WE #WILLBECOUNTED IN THE 2020 CENSUS

Too often, California’s diverse LGBTQ community has been undercounted — which denies
us power, representation and funding for programs that the most vulnerable
members of our community need to survive.
There is too much at stake to let the powerful and privileged game the system.
We need a fair and accurate 2020 census to take back our power.

Creating a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ poeple starts here. We
won’t be silenced. We will make our voices heard. We #WillBeCounted!

eqca.org

GAYTINO! SATURDAY, SEPT. 21
TOWER THEATRE
MADE IN AMERICA 2:30PM // $10

Written and Performed by Dan Guerrero | 2019 | USA | 75 min. PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Mariachi to Merman. Sondheim to César Chavez. Dan Guerrero
OPENING SHORT
brings his two worlds together in a riveting solo performance in
story and song. Touching, provocative, and hilarious, the film of EAT THE RAINBOW
the acclaimed autobiographical play travels through decades of
Mexican-American history and the gay experience from a unique Dir: Brian Benson | 2019 | USA | 20 min.
and personal point of view.
An odd yet kind man named Bayani moves into a
The acclaimed long-touring play, now on film, is a remarkable conservative suburban neighborhood. Togetther
life journey from 1950s East LA to New York’s Great White Way with Cousin Wonderlette, who only sees kindness
in the 60s and 70s and back to Hollywood. The autobiographical in others, they take on the agressive neighborhood
75-minute film with music is driven by Dan’s lifelong friendship mob and neighborhood bully.
with late Chicano visual artist Carlos Almaraz and by Dan’s father,
Chicano music legend, Lalo Guerrero. His story travels through 29
decades of Mexican American history and the gay experience
from a unique and personal perspective. Touching, provocative,
hilarious and absolutely one-of-a-kind, Dan Guerrero brings his
two fascinating worlds together in a riveting solo performance.

#REELPRIDE30

2019 REEL PRIDE MEMBERSHIP

2019 Board of Directors Producers’ Circle
Jim Daggs
Kathleen Arambula-Reyna, Executive Officer; President & Festival Director Peyton Bryars & Richard Jennings
Jean Coffelt Brletic, Executive Officer; Treasurer
Augie G. Blancas, Executive Officer; Vice President & Communications Directors’ Club Platinum
Michael S. Reyna, Vice President & Sponsorships Augie Blancas
Margo Isaac Serrano, Programming Farin Montanez
Rick Riddick, Lounge & Events
Toni Onkka, Membership & Volunteers Directors’ Club Gold
Natalie Nigg, Web & Technology
Niesha Blancas, Social Media Della Green Campbell & Toni Onkka
Elizabeth Meza-Castillo, Outreach & Silent Auction Felix Wang & Wayne Chitwood
Melissa Jordine, Sponsorship & Silent Auction Warren Rost & Jess Esquivel
Nickolas Lorenzo Lucio, Member-At-Large
Christopher Dodd, Member-At-Large Carmen & Kathleen Arambula-Reyna
Michael Craghead & Kevin Michael
Emeriti Directors
Brass Unicorn
Festival Directors Emeriti: Brad Schleder
Kenneth Fries
Jeff Robinson Directors’ Club
Jera Peterson
Dave Houck Jamie Richardson & Sheryl Felling
Jon Carroll Robin Sischo
Peter Robertson
Lisa Rosas-Silva & Elena Silva
Directors Emeriti: Dawn Diestelkamp & Elena Diestelkamp
Jen Bracy
Daryle Maddock Julia Howell
Ron Wilson Tobin Dean
Laurel Montoya
Co-Founders: Sherri Valenti
Kenneth Fries Michelle DenBeste & Melissa Jordine
Peter Robertson Debra Harding & Kathy Weston
Emma & Debby Sultan
Fresno EOC Board of Directors Appointee: Barbara Cambria
Michael S. Reyna, 2nd Vice-Chair Jefferson Beavers
Zody & Jeff
Thank You to our Presenting Partner Lydia Simon
Lee Danker
Ronald Avedisian & Gary Mykins
Brad Schleder
Lupe Fernandez
Liz Brown
Lisa Lindsay
Jenn English
Diana Gomez & Maria Chavez

Festival Pass Holders

Yvonne Aldama Franc Pelayo

THE Women’s Integrative Stress Clinic Terry Stasio

Charles Hoskins & Quintin Hoskins Joan Hughes

Raquel Busani & Inez Zuniga Carol Yohannes

Jim Sandifer Michael Swain & Albert Cano

Jill Canete & Jesus Vargas Amanda Sayers

David Klingensmish & Jeffrey Fay Nickolas Lorenzo Lucio

Brian Vartanian David Paul

Sarrina Staub Andrea Long

Noa Kristi & Anna Lopez

30 ReelPride.com

SPONSORS & VOLUNTEERS

Festival Sponsors Programming Acknowledgements & Special Thanks

American Ambulance Margo Isaac Serrano Alysen McLemore at Peak Wellness
Arctic Glacier USA Jean Coffelt Brletic Ampersand Ice Cream
AT&T Kathleen Arambula-Reyna Amy “iSellHomes” Brown
Bank of America Farin Montanez Aveda Amenities - Kim
Bitwise Industries Melissa Jordine Benny Barraza
Blue River Landscaping Bocca Taqueria
Bobby Salazar’s Venue Managers: CDH Productions - Chadwell Hopper
Boos & Associates John Beynon Chase Flower Shop - Michael Chase
Bradley Rutledge – Atella Properties John Jordan Community Link - Jeff Robinson
Bud Light Councilmember Esmeralda Soria
Bulldog Pride Fund Tehnical Directors: D&L Floral - James Hensley
Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino Russell Leavitt Disneyland Resort
CSAA / AAA Travel Derrick Spiva Dumont Printing - Gayle Takakjian-Gilbert
David Sheppard – Guarantee Real Estate Endure Jewelry
DJ Binx – Bianca Lopez Reel Pride Lounge Enlightenment: The Right Hand Path - Jackie Harris
Donaghy Sales Fit Republic - Trent Cross
Dumont Printing Rick Riddick Fresno Art Museum – Tash Mendoza
Equality California Antonio Rivera Oseguera Fresno Filmworks
Esmeralda Soria, Fresno City Councilmember David Michael Cortina Fresno Pride Lions Club
FAB Fresno Victoria de Leon Frosted Cakery
Fresno Art Museum GunnShot Photography - Michelle Gunn
Fresno Building Healthy Communities Presidential Host Hair by Krisha
Fresno EOC Sanctuary LGBTQ Resource Center Committee HeyTutor - Elizabeth Meza Castillo
Fresno Filmworks Hustler Hollywood
Fresno Pride Lions Club Farin Montanez Imperial Dove Court de Fresno / Madera
Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade and Festival Patricia DeLeon Jeannie Bee Baked Goods
Fresno State College of Social Sciences Priscilla & Rose Presto JP Marketing – Art Reker, Jane Quibe and Team
Fresno State Rainbow Alumni and Allies Club Jessica Nicole Rodriguez Kathleen Arambula-Reyna
GILEAD Sciences Kuppa Joy
Hedrick’s Chevrolet Volunteers & Host LB Showroom
Hotel Piccadilly Committee Luxe Salon and Spa
Imperial Dove Court de Fresno / Madera Macy’s – Lee Danker
JP Marketing Andrew Losh Mark Arvanigan
Kaiser Permanente Ray Quenga Maya Cinemas - Michael Hendon
Kona Ice of Clovis / 32 Below The Diva X Michael S. Reyna
Lucy’s Lounge Robert Griffin Oggi Trattoria
Luxe Salon Venus DeCarlo Pepsi Co. - EQUAL / Amberlie Rivera
Miguel Arias, Fresno City Councilmember Fresno Filmworks Pet Sitting by D - Dalinda Langley
Mystique Medical Spa Quesadilla Gorilla
The Painted Table - Jeromie & Rod Hansen and staff #REELPRIDE30 Reel Pride “Stinger” – The Diva X
Panera Bread Ryan Storm
Pepsi Co. - Equal Spokeasy - Tower District
PG&E Starbucks - Henry Madden Library
PFLAG Tulare & Kings Counties The Painted Table – Jeromie & Rod Hansen
Planned Parenthood Mar Monte The Tower Theatre – Lawrence Abbate and Staff
Positive Life Thurman Orthodontics
Queen’s Inn / Idle Hour Winery Tower District Marketing
Ray Quenga Photography Tower Yoga
Richie’s Pizza & Hot Dogs Two Cities Marathon
Sequoia Brewing Company Underground Supper Club - The Painted Table & Amy Jaye
St. James Episcopal Cathedral ViSTA Theater – John Alden and Debi Ruud
Tacos Marquitos Yvonne Aldama
The California Endowment
The Dollhouse Show A very special thank you to the businesses, restaurants, and
The Source LGBT+ Center individuals who contributed to this year’s silent auction and
Veni Vidi Vici festival.
ViSTA Theater - Fresno Music Academy and Arts
31

We care
for people.

Phone: (559) 443-5900
2911 E. Tulare St. Fresno, CA 93721

For all emergencies dial 9-1-1

www.americanambulance.com

THE GARDEN LEFT BEHIND SATURDAY, SEPT. 21
VISTA THEATER
Director: Flavio Alves | 2019 | USA, Brazil | 88 min. 3:00PM // $10
In English and Spanish with English subtitles.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Tina, a 30 year-old transgender woman, and her grandmother
Eliana, have been struggling to make a life for themselves in
New York since immigrating from Mexico when Tina was only six
years old. Eliana was left alone to raise her grandchild, both as
undocumented immigrants, whose dreams of home are markedly
different. Working as a gypsy cab driver, Tina battles her desire to
make money for her transition with the constant anxiety of being
undocumented. Following the shocking and brutal beating of a
close friend, Tina to joins “The Royal Washers,” an advocacy group
whose goal is to bring their community out of its shadowy place in
society. While in the group, Tina begins to blossom as she learns
to advocate for trans issues. As Tina moves toward her transition,
Eliana struggles to find a way to reconnect and locate her place in
her granddaughter’s new lifestyle.

#REELPRIDE30 33



WE ARE THE RADICAL SATURDAY, SEPT. 21
MONARCHS TOWER THEATRE
4:30PM // $10
Director: Linda Goldstein Knowlton | 2019 | USA | 95 min.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
A group of tween girls chant into megaphones while marching
in the San Francisco TransMarch. Holding clenched fists high,
they wear brown berets and vests showcasing colorful badges
like “Black Lives Matter” and “Radical Beauty.” Meet the Radical
Monarchs, a group of young girls of color at the front lines of social
justice.

Set in Oakland, a city with a deep history of social justice
movements, WE ARE THE RADICAL MONARCHS documents the
Radical Monarchs — an alternative to the Scout movement for girls
of color aged 8-13. Its members earn badges for completing units
on social justice including being an LGBTQ ally, the environment,
and disability justice. The group was started by two fierce queer
women of color, Anayvette Martinez and Marilyn Hollinquest as a
way to address and center her daughter’s experience as a young
brown girl. Their work is anchored in the belief that adolescent
girls of color need dedicated spaces and that the foundation for
this innovative work must also be rooted in fierce inter-dependent
sisterhood, self-love, and hope.

#REELPRIDE30 35

STRAIGHT UP SATURDAY, SEPT. 21
VISTA THEATER
Director: James Sweeney | 2019 | USA | 95 min. 5:00PM // $10

Todd and Rory are intellectual soulmates. Thing is, Todd might
be gay. What could go wrong? His favorite film is Legally Blonde,
he shares strong opinions about decorative pillows, and has yet
to meet his soulmate. Rory is an aspiring actress, hates cats, and
enjoys a biting wit and a great vocabulary. An intellectual match
made in heaven? Or will Todd’s sexual identity crisis get in the way.
Can a (probably) gay man and a straight woman add up to be a
truly happy couple?

36 ReelPride.com

CHUKCHANSIGOLD.COM

MORE BEAUTIFUL FOR SATURDAY, SEPT. 21
HAVING BEEN BROKEN TOWER THEATRE
7:00PM // $10
Director: Nicole Conn | 2019 | USA | 111 min.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Devoted FBI Agent McKenzie “Max” De Ridder has recently lost
her mother, who was her very best friend and greatest champion. In
the wake of her grief, McKenzie’s behavior has become erratic and
she soon finds herself suspended. McKenzie, frenzied and lost,
escapes to the small town she used to visit on “Star Adventures”
with her late mother.

Soon after McKenzie arrives in town she meets Freddie, a young
special needs boy with Fanconi Anemia (a rare disease that comes
with a short expiration date). He spends his wheelchair-bound days
whizzing around the streets of the small town of Meriville. Freddie’s
savant-like wisdom and perseverance penetrate McKenzie’s gruff
walls of despair and pain. She is taken by how unaffected he is
by the reality of his condition. McKenzie forms an undeniable bond
with Freddie and an unexpected testy, then loving relationship with
his mother.

The small town tangled relationships and mother-daughter
dynamics reveal themselves, as each woman traverses the intricate
minefields of love, pain and anguish. In the end, the extraordinary
young “teacher” Freddie exhibits strength and courage, creating the
unconditional love each needs to begin their journeys to becoming
whole and finding love.

38 ReelPride.com

SCREAM, QUEEN! SATURDAY, SEPT. 21
TOWER THEATRE
MY NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 9:00PM // $10

Director: Roman Chimienti, Tyler Jensen | 2019 | USA | 99 min. PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

SCREAM, QUEEN! MY NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET sets
the record straight about the controversial sequel to A NIGHTMARE
ON ELM STREET, which ended Mark Patton’s acting career, just
as it was about to begin. SCREAM, QUEEN! follows Patton as he
travels to horror conventions across the United States.

Each new city unwraps a chapter from his life that is met with
equal parts joy and bittersweet detail as he attempts to make
peace with his past and embrace his legacy as cinema’s first male
“scream queen.” SCREAM, QUEEN! also finds Patton confronting
Freddy’s Revenge cast and crew for the first time, including co-
stars Robert Rusler, Kim Myers and Clu Gulager, as well as Freddy
Krueger himself, Robert Englund.

#REELPRIDE30 39



BACKUP PLAN MY NAME WAS JANUARY

Dir: David Beck | 2019 | USA | 14 min. Dir: Elina Gress & Lenee Son | 2019 | USA | 25 min.

Fired for being trans, a devoted school teacher decides the only When a trans sister is brutally murdered in her own home, a
solution is suicide. But an unexpected visit from a Shakespearean community reacts and other trans women of color come to share
actor and his precocious daughter complicates her plan. and voice their issues, concerns, and challenges.

TRANSCENDENT SHORTS

SUNDAY, SEPT. 22
VISTA THEATER
11:00AM // $10

LA FLACA (THE BONY LADY) TACOS Y TACONES

Dir: Thiago Zanato & Adriana Barbosa | 2018 | USA, Brazil | 20 min. Dir: Matthew Benjamin Ramos | 2019 | USA | 8 min.
In Spanish with English subtitles.
Follow Alexis and her friends Iris and Chavela, sex workers in
Arely is a Mexican transgender woman and leader of the Santa their 40s and 50s, each with unique perspectives about their life
Muerte Cult in New York. During an annual celebration, Arely is and dreams.
challenged to fulfill a promise she made ten years ago.

#REELPRIDE30 41

PRESIDENTIAL PICK

THE ARCHIVETTES SUNDAY, SEPT. 22
TOWER THEATRE
Director: Megan Rossman | 2018 | USA | 61 min. 1:00PM // $10

“Our history was disappearing as quickly as we were making it.” PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

With that realization, Deborah Edel and Joan Nestle co-founded
the Lesbian Herstory Archives, the world’s largest collection of
materials by and about lesbians. For more than 40 years, through
many of the major milestones in LGBTQ+ history, the all-volunteer
organization has literally rescued history from the trash. Now the
co-founders are in their mid-70s, and the group faces a number of
challenges: A transfer of leadership. The rise of digital technology.
A renewed call to activism in a politically charged moment.

The documentary explores how this group came together to combat
lesbian invisibility and create “a place that says yes.”

42 ReelPride.com

CHANGING THE GAME SUNDAY, SEPT. 22
VISTA THEATER
Director: Michael Barnett | 2019 | USA | 95 min. 1:00PM // $10

CHANGING THE GAME takes us into the lives of three high PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
school athletes from across the US — all at different stages of their
athletic seasons, each sharing their lives as transgender teens.

Mack Beggs made headlines last year when he became
the Texas State Champion in girls wrestling, as a boy. Andraya
Yearwood began competing on her high school girls track team
in April 2017 as a transgender female. Sarah Rose Huckman
lives in New Hampshire where she openly competes on the girls
cross country ski team — but her eligibility could be challenged at
anytime.

As trans athletes, each of them show they have to work harder
than their cisgender peers in order to thrive in their field while
having the courage and resilience to face daily harassment and
discrimination — mostly by adults. Each story is led by the brave
and individual voices of these students, allowing extremely personal
and vulnerable access into their journeys. These courageous kids
offer us the opportunity to see the world through their eyes — and
share their struggles and successes along the way.

#REELPRIDE30 43

GOOD KISSER SUNDAY, SEPT. 22
TOWER THEATRE
Director: Mike Doyle | 2019 | USA | 94 min. 3:00PM // $10

Jenna agrees to a sexy weekend fling with her materialistic
girlfriend Kate and the worldly Mia. But as the night unfolds, Jenna
realizes she’s bitten off more than she can chew. As the night
progresses, Jenna starts to notice strange details about the other
women which puts some cracks in the love triangle.

44 ReelPride.com



Explore YOUR Museum! Image: Nick Potter, Order and Progress, 2019, Oil on canvas, 5 1/2' x 7'

See innovative exhibitions and attend
thought-provoking programs on the arts, culture, and society.

www.FresnoArtMuseum.org

Fresno Art Museum • 2233 North First Street • 559.441.4221

SAVE THE DATE: 4.4.20

TRASHIQUE® is a federally registered trademark belonging to Roseanne Guaglianone.
It is used with permission of the trademark owner.

LUCIÉRNAGAS SUNDAY, SEPT. 22
VISTA THEATER
(FIREFLIES) 3:15PM // $10

Director: Bani Khoshnoudi | 2019 | Dominican Republic, Greece,
Mexico, USA | 88 min.
In English, Spanish and Persian with English subtitles.

Ramin, a young Iranian homosexual, had to escape the
persecution in Iran and now lives in the limbo of exile. When he
hid on a cargo ship leaving Turkey, he never expected to arrive in
Veracruz, Mexico, so far from everything he knows. Now forced to
stay in this decadent tropical port city, he begins to realize that he
has no choice but to let go of his past. His nostalgia and melancholy
are confronted with new friendships and love that slowly allow him
to rediscover his own desires.

OPENING SHORT

GUARDING SANTOS

Dir: Adelina Anthony | 2019 | USA | 10 min.

A Mexican American child rebels against gender
norms, forcing her traditional parents to make a
choice about how to raise her.

#REELPRIDE30 47

GAY CHORUS SUNDAY, SEPT. 22
DEEP SOUTH TOWER THEATRE
5:00PM // $10
Director: David Charles Rodrigues | 2019 | USA | 100 min.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
In response to a wave of discriminatory anti-LGBTQ laws in
Southern states and the divisive 2016 election, the San Francisco Bradley Rutledge - Atella Properties
Gay Men’s Chorus embarks on a tour of the American Deep South.

Led by Gay Chorus Conductor Dr. Tim Seelig and joined by
The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the tour brings a message
of music, love, and acceptance to communities and individuals
confronting intolerance.

More than 300 singers traveled from Mississippi to Tennessee
through the Carolinas and over the bridge in Selma to performed in
churches, community centers, and concert halls in hopes of uniting
us in a time of difference. The journey also challenges Tim and
other Chorus members who fled the South to confront their own
fears, pain, and prejudices on a journey towards reconciliation.
The conversations and connections that emerge offer a glimpse
of a less divided America, where the things that divide us — faith,
politics, sexual identity — are set aside by the soaring power of
music, humanity, and a little drag.

48 ReelPride.com