Bashing doco to get screening
A fundraiser screening of the documentary about the homophobic bashing of Craig Gee and Shane Brennen will be held on the one-year anniversary of the attack.
The film crew who followed the reactions of the gay and lesbian community and the response by police and politicians are offering a first screening of the almost complete documentary to raise funds for its completion.
Stickybeak Films’ Katherine Wilkinson and Tonnette Stanford funded the 10-month production themselves, but several thousand more is needed to put the finishing touches on the work.
On 3 December we’re going to show a selection of lesbian short films by us, Frontbum Dancin’ and The Vicious and The Delicious, and then after that we’re going to show a nearly finished version of the documentary, Wilkinson said.
A question and answer forum with Gee and Brennen will be held after the screening.
The documentary features interviews with key players in the community who championed the need for action, several high ranking police, Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore and Sydney Star Observer editor Scott Abrahams. Outspoken US comedian Margaret Cho, who shared the Mardi Gras parade lead with Gee and Brennen, also took part.
Beginning with the now iconic photograph of Gee’s face that appeared on the SSO cover in January, the film covers the unprecedented developments that included the replacement of the top officers at Surry Hills Police. So shocked was the community that a vigil against homophobic violence was organised at Harmony Park, City of Sydney renewed its outreach to the GLBT community, and New Mardi Gras honoured Gee and Brennen and all past victims of homophobic violence as the lead parade float.
But the community has not previously been privy to the private troubles faced by the two men, which led to the couple breaking up, and losing support from Gee’s family.
The screening at the Chauvel cinema will have a door price of $13, but more will be needed to reach the necessary target. Anyone choosing to support this chapter in gay and lesbian history with a $50 or greater donation will have the option of having their name in the film’s credits, Wilkinson said.
info: Tickets to the screening can be purchased by contacting the filmmakers at [email protected].
who cares?
people get assualted all the time whislt on nights out. not just gay and lesbian people i add.
…yawns
It’s been a YEAR!?
And nothing has changed, the violence is still as bad. I’m very sad to read of the ongoing impact for Craig and Andrew too.
The wonderful vigil we had planned turned very sour indeed;
but I also remember, when I was photographing the parade last year, an ocean of hands thrust over the barriers to shake Craig’s hand. So I think we did some good after all. :)