THE CELLULOID CLOSET (1995): 30th Anniversary
Narrated by Lily Tomlin and based on Vito Russo’s landmark book, this classic 1995 documentary traces a century of LGBTQ+ representation on screen. Presented in partnership with the American LGBTQ+ Museum.
Description
Based on the landmark book from pioneer Vito Russo, THE CELLULOID CLOSET is an exuberant, eye-opening documentary from 1995 that serves up a dazzling hundred-year history of LGBTQ+ representation on the silver screen. Lily Tomlin narrates as Oscar-winning filmmaker Rob Epstein (THE TIMES OF HARVEY MILK) and Jeffrey Friedman (TAYLOR MAC’S 24-DECADE HISTORY OF POPULAR MUSIC) assemble illuminating clips and footage from 120 films. This archival collection shows the changing face of cinema sexuality from cruel stereotypes to covert love to the activist correctives of the early 1990s. Harvey Fierstein, Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Hanks, Susan Sarandon, Quentin Crisp, and Gore Vidal are just a few of the many actors, writers, and commentators who provide funny and insightful anecdotes. Join us as we reflect on the past, present, and future of LGBTQ+ visibility on screen.
This screening will be followed by an extended Q&A conversation with Rob Epstein (co-director, THE CELLULOID CLOSET), Jeffrey Friedman (co-director, THE CELLULOID CLOSET), Jourdain Searles (writer/curator/critic), Alex Schmider (GLAAD), and Brandon Smith (Queer Voices NYC), guest moderated by Imara Jones
Presented in partnership with
Director
Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman
Writer
Vito Russo, Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman, Sharon Wood, Armistead Maupin
Cast
Lily Tomlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Harvey Fierstein, Gore Vidal, Susie Bright, Shirley MacLaine, Ron Nyswaner, Tom Hanks, Susan Sarandon, Quentin Crisp, John Schlesinger
Showtimes
In-Person
7:15 PM - SVA
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