By request, I’ve recently started sharing documentary film recommendations.
Last week I recommended two newer films: 13Th and Trapped.
Today I want to share an older but still very relevant documentary, The Case Against 8 (2014). It looks like it’s available on HBO, and I hope you’ll watch it.
The movie follows several people during the legal battle against Proposition 8, legislation that banned same-sex marriage in California.
Here’s the trailer:
The Case Against 8 screened at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in Durham, N.C., in 2014.
For many years, I’ve been attending Full Frame as a significant part of my film education. If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know how much I love the fest. I binge on as many documentaries and conversations about filmmaking as I possibly can during those four days. It’s the time of the year when I feel most at home, challenged, exhausted, inspired, and rejuvenated.
The year that The Case Against 8, I was volunteering at the fest.
I briefly mentioned it in a blog post here, with a photo of Kris and Sandy, women who are featured in the film.
Kris and Sandy were featured in The Case Against 8.
The Case Against 8 is a moving, unforgettable account of love.
So many things about that movie have stuck with me. I’m so thankful for that. Allowing filmmakers to follow you for several years, during a trying time in your life is no small feat. I’m amazed, humble, and grateful for everyone who was a part of the movie – and to those whom were responsible for it screening at Full Frame in 2014.
Why it’s relevant today
The movie was released in 2014, but it’s timeless and relevant.
Documentary films help us understand our world, and how we fit into it. As a documentarian, I know that’s a huge responsibility. It’s a very difficult job to take on, which is why I want to share the movie with you.
In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage was legal in all states.
President Obama called the ruling a “victory for America” (source) – a pretty huge milestone for the first sitting POTUS to take that stance on same-sex marriage, a change in his tone from 2008 (source).
As 2016 closes out, the new President-elect is appointing anti-LGBT rights people to leadership positions. You can google it yourself to see who he has appointed and their record on the issues.
My sincerest hope is that you’ll take the time to watch this movie so that you can see the people behind the legislation. I hope that you’ll educate yourself issues like same-sex marriage, looking at many different resources (not relying on one) so that you can draw your own conclusions about human rights and equality. I hope that you’ll take the time to talk to and listen to the people who are affected by it.
The time is now.
Watch the movie
It looks like The Case Against 8 is available on HBO: hbo.com/documentaries/the-case-against-8.
Watch the movie and tell me what you think.
Tell me what you think
If you want to continue the discussion, please use the comments. I welcome conversations about it, and would love to hear what’s on your mind.