The Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado will host a special screening of the acclaimed new film “Freeheld” by filmmaker Cynthia Wade as part of the Festival in the Community Series that immediately precedes the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival. The screening will be followed by an audience Q&A with Ms. Wade about her film, which won a Special Jury Prize at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival as well as numerous additional awards this year at leading film festivals around the country.
The screening will take place on Thursday, November 1, 2007 from 5:30-7:30pm at the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado’s offices at 315 East Costilla Street in Colorado Springs. For information on how to attend the event please call 719-473-4455.
Cynthia Wade is a New York City-based documentary filmmaker whose award-winning work also includes the HBO documentary “Shelter Dogs” and the Cinemax Reel Life documentary “Grist for the Mill.” Her new film “Freeheld” chronicles the dramatic struggle of a dying policewoman whose final battle for justice is for her partner. After spending a lifetime fighting for justice for other people, she launches a final battle for justice. After receiving a terminal diagnosis, veteran New Jersey detective Lieutenant Laurel Hester must fight an epic battle to leave her pension benefits to her life partner. Not only is their home at risk, but the life they have built together.
“It is an honor to host this screening of such a powerful film, and to have Cynthia Wade here in person to present it and discuss it with attendees,” said Mary Lou Makepeace, executive director of the Gay & Lesbian Fund. “The Festival in the Community series is a wonderful part of the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival because it gives people the opportunity to attend free screenings of remarkable films at locations throughout Colorado Springs. We are proud to be a part of this, and we are also proud to be a sponsor of the film festival, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.”
For more information about “Freeheld” and Cynthia Wade, visit www.cynthiawade.com.
About The Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival
Dedicated to celebrating the drive, spirit and diversity of women, is a three day tribute to women and film. The Festival, which runs from November 2-4, 2007, is a unique cultural experience that offers glimpses into a variety of worlds through diverse points of views. These films challenge assumptions and shed light upon the unique aspects of people and communities while unearthing the ways in which we are connected. Sponsors of this year’s RMWFF include the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado, the Colorado Council on the Arts and Humanities, the Pikes Peak Community Foundation and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. For more information about the festival, visit www.rmwfilmfest.org.
About the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado
Since it was founded in 1996, the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado has provided financial support and critical resources to hundreds of nonprofit organizations that share the fund’s commitment to advancing equality and improving quality of life for people across Colorado. Having awarded more than $18 million to arts and culture, civic leadership, healthy families, and public broadcasting programs, the fund prides itself on the collaborations it has formed with those who share a common vision for equality. Along with grantees, business partners, nonprofit leaders, public supporters, and allies, the Gay & Lesbian Fund believes that Colorado is a stronger state when all residents have equal access to opportunities and resources. Learn more about the fund’s philanthropic work at www.gayandlesbianfund.org