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About the films
Wish Me Away
The multiple award-winning documentary Chely Wright:
Wish Me Away from filmmakers Bobbie Birleffi and Beverly
Kopf opens June 15 in Los Angeles at Laemmle Music Hall.
Coming at a time when more and more Americans are
finding the courage to speak out about LGBT rights, Chely
Wright: Wish Me Away tells the story of one very brave
Nashville music star, who was the first of her kind to come
out as gay. After a lifetime of hiding her sexual identity,
Chely risked her career and personal relationships in order
to live an authentic, meaningful life. The filmmakers spent
3 years of that struggle alongside Chely and were given
extraordinary access her unfolding plan to come out
publicly. Using interviews with Chely, her family, her pastor,
and key players in the music world, alongside Chely's
intimate private video diaries, the film goes deep into her
back story as an established star, and then forward as she
steps into the national spotlight to reveal her secret.
Chronicling the aftermath in Nashville and within the LGBT
community, Chely Wright: Wish Me Away reveals both the
devastation of her own internalized homophobia and the
transformational power of living an authentic life. Chely Wright: Wish Me Away has been honored with the
Jury Award at the Los Angeles Film Festival, the Award for Outstanding Documentary Feature at Frameline,
The San Francisco LGBT Film Festival, and the Audience Award at the Nashville Film Festival, among many
others.
RUNTIME: 90 MINUTES
"A fascinating and inspirational account of coming out." - Joe Leydon, Variety
"A first-rate piece of documentary filmmaking. It's the right moment for this movie."
- Stephen Farber, The Hollywood Reporter
“A first-rate piece of documentary filmmaking" ~ Stephen Farber, The Hollywood Reporter
“An alternately harrowing and triumphant documentary… lovely, raw and riveting.” ~ Steve Pond, The Wrap
“Fascinating… inspirational.” ~ Joe Leydon, Variety
More about Wish Me Away http://www.wishmeawaydoc.com/
Out Late
It’s never too late to be yourself
A FILM BY BEATRICE ALDA AND JENNIFER BROOKE
*Documentary contains partial nudity
“Out Late” is an inspirational and moving documentary
about five individuals who made the courageous and life
altering decision to “come out” as senior citizens.
Their stories are nothing less than extraordinary: many
lived straight lives complete with marriage and children,
and now face the challenge of beginning again late in life.
Why did they wait until their 50’s, 60’s, or 70’s to come
out? And what was the turning point that caused each of
them to openly declare their sexuality? From Canada to
Florida, to Kansas, we explore what ultimately led these
dynamic individuals to make the liberating choice to live
openly and honestly amongst their family, friends and
community…perhaps for the first time in their lives.
RUNTIME: 62 MINUTES
- Phil Donahue "Very moving and so important"
- Gloria Steinem “Gives new meaning to 'better late than
never.' A valuable film that could encourage young gays
to live their lives without fear and secrets.”
- Joy Behar, Host of “The Joy Behar Show”, Co-Host of “The View”
"Both compelling and intimate, this well produced documentary provides an important perspective."
- Henry Schleiff, President/GM of Investigation Discovery Channel
"Depicts both the rush involved in claiming one's sexual identity and the fear that having waited so long
might make real romance impossible."
More About Out Late http://www.outlate.net
A Girl Named Kai
08:00 min
Experimental
Director: Kai Ling Xue
Producer: Kai Ling Xue
Winner of the Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Transgender
Rights Award.
About The Film
More About A Girl Named Kai from Director Kai Ling Xue
Three years in the making, shot in four countries, A Girl Named Kai is a brave and honest autobiographical
vignette in three chapters about Kai Ling's relationships, self discoveries, passions, secrets and dreams.
Using digitally-edited Super 8 and 16mm, this experimental short will take you through a true life journey
from the highs of love to the lows of loss, delicately threaded together with original music. A Girl Named
Kai sets out to challenge our society's preconceptions of people who are considered outsiders while
empowering the audience to continue to examine contemporary notions of internal and external social
identities.
Kai Ling Xue, Director/Producer
Kai Ling Xue was born in Hualien, Taiwan and moved to Vancouver in 1997 to pursue her dream of
becoming an interdisciplinary artist. Her work explores women's issues, race and sexuality. Her work has
been shown at festivals and Biennales in Asia, Europe, the US and Canada.
More about A Girl Named Kai http://www.mediathatmattersfest.org/films/a_girl_named_kai
Fahisha
Synopsis:
Fahisha means “abomination”, the Arabic word
used to describe homosexuals in the Qu’ran.
However, with LGBTQ issues becoming more
acceptable in secular countries, traditional
regions of the world are less open to change.
My film will explore whether it is possible for
a growing number of LGBTQ Muslim youth
to balance their faith with their sexuality.
Film Maker Bio
Nabila
Country: United States/Egypt
Age: 18
My Story:
I was born in Brooklyn. My father, who is from Egypt, made sure I was raised with a strong Muslim
community, and I attended an Islamic school for eleven years. In high school, I decided to come out as a
lesbian to my family. My father did not react well, and the circumstances at home made it impossible for
me to stay there. I was ostracized from my community and family.
Now I’m living in a group home in Bedford Stuyvesant. I wish my family would accept me for who I am, but
most importantly, I am at peace with myself, and do not regret my decision to tell my family at all.
The situation I am living in is not ideal, but I’m graduating high school. I’ve already been accepted to a
good college for the fall, and I’m following a path that feels right for me. I’m working with a non-profit I
believe in, and I’m a strong advocate for reform in the Muslim community and LBGTQ rights.
RUNTIME: 17:30 MINUTES
More About Fahisha http://www.reel-lives.org/films-filmmakers/spring-2011/nabila/
I’m Not A Boy
06:10 min
Documentary
Director: Julie Joyce
Producer: Listen Up! & Frame
by Frame Fierce Winner of the
Empowerment Award ABOUT THE FILM
I’m Not a Boy from Producer Listen Up! Beyond
Borders: Personal Stories from a Small Planet is a
creative burst of defiance and hope by teenagers
who are overcoming the huge obstacles and
ignorance that have defined their lives. It’s an
inspiring compilation of 11 short films written, shot and edited by teenagers who weave documentary
filmmaking, animation and archival footage to tell personal stories on fear and insecurity.
When we began the Beyond Borders Project, we were inspired by Michael Moore’s film Bowling for
Columbine, as well as a speech given by Tim Robbins at the National Press Corps in Washington, D.C.
Moore challenged us to rethink our fears, while Robbins described how our government squandered an
opportunity to unite our country and world after 9/11. Both men took heat for speaking the truth. So, we
asked the youth filmmakers what they most fear in their own lives and how they manage to overcome it.
This is Julie's story:
Julie Joyce is not a boy. She is more than just an intense, fast-talking New York City sixteen-year-old.
She's a trans-gendered youth who wants what all young people want – to be heard and to have a
positive space to live and grow.
Julie Joyce, Director
Julie Joyce lives in New York City. She has a Paralegal degree and will be going to school to become an R.
N. She plans to combine the two fields and become a legal nurse consultant. She hopes I’m Not a Boy
helps young transgendered women to be proud and to be able to voice their struggle. Julie still participates
in the ballroom scene, but not as frequently.
RUNTIME: 6:11 MINUTES
More about I’m Not A Boy http://www.mediathatmattersfest.org/films/im_not_a_boy/
Wish Me Away
The multiple award-winning documentary Chely Wright:
Wish Me Away from filmmakers Bobbie Birleffi and Beverly
Kopf opens June 15 in Los Angeles at Laemmle Music Hall.
Coming at a time when more and more Americans are
finding the courage to speak out about LGBT rights, Chely
Wright: Wish Me Away tells the story of one very brave
Nashville music star, who was the first of her kind to come
out as gay. After a lifetime of hiding her sexual identity,
Chely risked her career and personal relationships in order
to live an authentic, meaningful life. The filmmakers spent
3 years of that struggle alongside Chely and were given
extraordinary access her unfolding plan to come out
publicly. Using interviews with Chely, her family, her pastor,
and key players in the music world, alongside Chely's
intimate private video diaries, the film goes deep into her
back story as an established star, and then forward as she
steps into the national spotlight to reveal her secret.
Chronicling the aftermath in Nashville and within the LGBT
community, Chely Wright: Wish Me Away reveals both the
devastation of her own internalized homophobia and the
transformational power of living an authentic life. Chely Wright: Wish Me Away has been honored with the
Jury Award at the Los Angeles Film Festival, the Award for Outstanding Documentary Feature at Frameline,
The San Francisco LGBT Film Festival, and the Audience Award at the Nashville Film Festival, among many
others.
RUNTIME: 90 MINUTES
"A fascinating and inspirational account of coming out." - Joe Leydon, Variety
"A first-rate piece of documentary filmmaking. It's the right moment for this movie."
- Stephen Farber, The Hollywood Reporter
“A first-rate piece of documentary filmmaking" ~ Stephen Farber, The Hollywood Reporter
“An alternately harrowing and triumphant documentary… lovely, raw and riveting.” ~ Steve Pond, The Wrap
“Fascinating… inspirational.” ~ Joe Leydon, Variety
More about Wish Me Away http://www.wishmeawaydoc.com/
Out Late
It’s never too late to be yourself
A FILM BY BEATRICE ALDA AND JENNIFER BROOKE
*Documentary contains partial nudity
“Out Late” is an inspirational and moving documentary
about five individuals who made the courageous and life
altering decision to “come out” as senior citizens.
Their stories are nothing less than extraordinary: many
lived straight lives complete with marriage and children,
and now face the challenge of beginning again late in life.
Why did they wait until their 50’s, 60’s, or 70’s to come
out? And what was the turning point that caused each of
them to openly declare their sexuality? From Canada to
Florida, to Kansas, we explore what ultimately led these
dynamic individuals to make the liberating choice to live
openly and honestly amongst their family, friends and
community…perhaps for the first time in their lives.
RUNTIME: 62 MINUTES
- Phil Donahue "Very moving and so important"
- Gloria Steinem “Gives new meaning to 'better late than
never.' A valuable film that could encourage young gays
to live their lives without fear and secrets.”
- Joy Behar, Host of “The Joy Behar Show”, Co-Host of “The View”
"Both compelling and intimate, this well produced documentary provides an important perspective."
- Henry Schleiff, President/GM of Investigation Discovery Channel
"Depicts both the rush involved in claiming one's sexual identity and the fear that having waited so long
might make real romance impossible."
More About Out Late http://www.outlate.net
A Girl Named Kai
08:00 min
Experimental
Director: Kai Ling Xue
Producer: Kai Ling Xue
Winner of the Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Transgender
Rights Award.
About The Film
More About A Girl Named Kai from Director Kai Ling Xue
Three years in the making, shot in four countries, A Girl Named Kai is a brave and honest autobiographical
vignette in three chapters about Kai Ling's relationships, self discoveries, passions, secrets and dreams.
Using digitally-edited Super 8 and 16mm, this experimental short will take you through a true life journey
from the highs of love to the lows of loss, delicately threaded together with original music. A Girl Named
Kai sets out to challenge our society's preconceptions of people who are considered outsiders while
empowering the audience to continue to examine contemporary notions of internal and external social
identities.
Kai Ling Xue, Director/Producer
Kai Ling Xue was born in Hualien, Taiwan and moved to Vancouver in 1997 to pursue her dream of
becoming an interdisciplinary artist. Her work explores women's issues, race and sexuality. Her work has
been shown at festivals and Biennales in Asia, Europe, the US and Canada.
More about A Girl Named Kai http://www.mediathatmattersfest.org/films/a_girl_named_kai
Fahisha
Synopsis:
Fahisha means “abomination”, the Arabic word
used to describe homosexuals in the Qu’ran.
However, with LGBTQ issues becoming more
acceptable in secular countries, traditional
regions of the world are less open to change.
My film will explore whether it is possible for
a growing number of LGBTQ Muslim youth
to balance their faith with their sexuality.
Film Maker Bio
Nabila
Country: United States/Egypt
Age: 18
My Story:
I was born in Brooklyn. My father, who is from Egypt, made sure I was raised with a strong Muslim
community, and I attended an Islamic school for eleven years. In high school, I decided to come out as a
lesbian to my family. My father did not react well, and the circumstances at home made it impossible for
me to stay there. I was ostracized from my community and family.
Now I’m living in a group home in Bedford Stuyvesant. I wish my family would accept me for who I am, but
most importantly, I am at peace with myself, and do not regret my decision to tell my family at all.
The situation I am living in is not ideal, but I’m graduating high school. I’ve already been accepted to a
good college for the fall, and I’m following a path that feels right for me. I’m working with a non-profit I
believe in, and I’m a strong advocate for reform in the Muslim community and LBGTQ rights.
RUNTIME: 17:30 MINUTES
More About Fahisha http://www.reel-lives.org/films-filmmakers/spring-2011/nabila/
I’m Not A Boy
06:10 min
Documentary
Director: Julie Joyce
Producer: Listen Up! & Frame
by Frame Fierce Winner of the
Empowerment Award ABOUT THE FILM
I’m Not a Boy from Producer Listen Up! Beyond
Borders: Personal Stories from a Small Planet is a
creative burst of defiance and hope by teenagers
who are overcoming the huge obstacles and
ignorance that have defined their lives. It’s an
inspiring compilation of 11 short films written, shot and edited by teenagers who weave documentary
filmmaking, animation and archival footage to tell personal stories on fear and insecurity.
When we began the Beyond Borders Project, we were inspired by Michael Moore’s film Bowling for
Columbine, as well as a speech given by Tim Robbins at the National Press Corps in Washington, D.C.
Moore challenged us to rethink our fears, while Robbins described how our government squandered an
opportunity to unite our country and world after 9/11. Both men took heat for speaking the truth. So, we
asked the youth filmmakers what they most fear in their own lives and how they manage to overcome it.
This is Julie's story:
Julie Joyce is not a boy. She is more than just an intense, fast-talking New York City sixteen-year-old.
She's a trans-gendered youth who wants what all young people want – to be heard and to have a
positive space to live and grow.
Julie Joyce, Director
Julie Joyce lives in New York City. She has a Paralegal degree and will be going to school to become an R.
N. She plans to combine the two fields and become a legal nurse consultant. She hopes I’m Not a Boy
helps young transgendered women to be proud and to be able to voice their struggle. Julie still participates
in the ballroom scene, but not as frequently.
RUNTIME: 6:11 MINUTES
More about I’m Not A Boy http://www.mediathatmattersfest.org/films/im_not_a_boy/
Event flier available for download on Drobox. click here for link.
