Keith & Al Toney

Al & Keith Toney are one of the couples featured in the film
SAME SEX AMERICA.

About the film...
In 2004, Massachusetts became the first state in America to offer same-gender couples the opportunity to marry-not civil unions, but good old-fashioned cake-and-rented tuxedo- weddings. Same Sex America follows the vicious political battles that marked the fight over the definition of marriage. From the steps of the legislature to suburban backyards, advocates of traditional marriage are heard explaining their deeply held, mostly religious, objections. On the flip side, gay men, lesbians, and their friends are given (perhaps a little more) time to tell their stories, mostly moving tales of longing for societal acceptance and public romantic declarations. The State Supreme Court has already mandated a day when city clerks across Massachusetts have to begin handing out marriage licenses to couples regardless of gender. As this day approaches, a diverse group of gay and lesbian couples plan their weddings. The camera follows as they share the ups and downs of fighting against a split legislature. Most of the couples have children of their own and much time is spent explaining to the youngsters exactly what all the fuss is about. For their part, the kids are remarkably easygoing about the media and political storm brewing around the issue. As gay marriage continues to roil through politics nationwide, Same Sex America offers cogent arguments on both sides, but ultimately comes down on the side of the couples-to-be. The problem? Each and every marriage may become null and void next year when the legislature holds a follow-up vote. This possibility gives the film a sense of poignancy.

 

SAME SEX AMERICA
WORLD PREMIERE

SAME SEX AMERICA a film by Henry Corra and Charlene Rule makes is world premiere April 9, 2005 at the Full Frame Film Festival. in Durham, North Carolina

www.corrafilms.com

When the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriages earlier this year, it created a wave of unsanctioned marriages across the country. A powerful backlash from conservatives followed, reaching all the way to the White House. President George Bush proposed a constitutional ban on same-sex marriages that catapulted the issue to the forefront of the 2004 Presidential race. For many couples, the road to marriage can be a difficult one — riddled with doubt and anxiety — for same-sex couples that is compounded by external pressure and often condemnation. SAME SEX AMERICA follows several gay and lesbian couples, who have a personal stake in this civil rights clash, as they face their own issues as well as society's prejudices. The film also examines both sides of the political debate and a family's right to define itself without interference from the state. Featured are religious leaders who feel the marriages are a violation of God's word, politicians who are conflicted between civil rights and their own beliefs, and a chorus of everyday people whose feelings on the issue have become a do-or-die situation. The film is directed by Henry Corra ("Umbrellas," "George") of Corra Films, Inc. It is produced by Alex R. Johnson. Executive Producers are Robert F. Katz and Jerry Kupfer.

We are very happy to say that SAME SEX AMERICA will be screening at the
Boston International Film Fest! I just got these dates from them so mark your calendars! We hope to see you there.

• Friday April 22nd, 5:30 PM, Sommerville Theatre
• Saturday April 23rd 7:30pm Museum of Fine Arts
• Sunday April 24th 5:30pm Brattle Theatre

There will also be three screenings here in NYC during the Tribeca Filmfest

• Thursday April 28 4:00pm
• Friday April 29 9:45pm
• Saturday April 30 11:15am

Corra Films has been a mainstay of the independent film community since 1994. Founder Henry Corra, best known for his innovative and award-winning documentary features, SAME SEX AMERICA (2005),FRAMES (2004),UMBRELLAS (1994),and GEORGE (2000), has also been singled out as one of the foremost directors of reality-based TV commercials in America. The production company, located in the heart of downtown Manhattan, draws on the talents of some of New York's most innovative and original filmmakers, artists, musicians and designers who share a commitment to exploring and expanding the boundaries of film language through their work.