Larry Kramer, Filmmakers, LGBT Equality & More (AUDIO)

In the conclusion of our exclusive two part audio montage series Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with celebrities, activists and filmmakers at the 17th annual Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF) press luncheon. First we talked to straight ally and PIFF 2015 Filmmaker on the Edge Award recipient Bobcat Goldthwait about directing his new documentary “Call Me Lucky” which tells the story of Barry Crimmins, the beer-swilling, politically outspoken comic whose efforts in the 70’s and 80’s fostered the talents of the next generation of standup comedians. However beneath Crimmins’ gruff, hard-drinking, curmudgeonly persona lay an undercurrent of rage stemming from his long-suppressed and horrific abuse as a child. His emotional journey eventually found its way out of the comedy clubs and television shows and into the political arena. We also talked to Bobcat about his spin on the future of LGBT equality. Then we talked to Kim Yaged about her short animated film “Coming Full Circle” a comedy about selling sex and selling out. Her heroine Jyl’s feminist politics are challenged when she meets Elizabeth the hottest stripper around. Jyl must choose between losing the love of her life and losing herself. We talked to Kim about her film and what she would like to see happen for LGBT civil rights in the next few years.

Next we talked to the legendary activist and playwright Larry Kramer who is the center of director Jean Carlomusto’s must-see documentary “Larry Kramer In Love And Anger” currently available on HBO. This intimate portrait of author, activist and playwright Kramer is one of the best documentaries addressing the struggle of gay men in this country spanning over 40 years from Fire Island in the 70’s to achieving marriage equality. Kramer, the pioneering co-founder of Gay Men’s Health Crisis and ACT UP talks about how his play “The Normal Heart” eventually found its audience and his frustration with the current AIDS national research policies. When asked what he would like to see happen for LGBT equality in the next few years Kramer talks about how he would like to see our LGBT community more united with a better and more forceful presence in Washington to lobby for our rights like everyone else does. Kramer also talks about his new book “The American People, Volume 1” in which he rewrites the story of our country, passionately focusing on its homophobia and anti-Semitism in this historical novel.

Then we chat with filmmaker Bao Nguyen about his documentary “Live From New York” about the last 40 years of Saturday Night Live that has been keenly observing American culture. This dynamic behind-the-scenes film reveals a living time capsule with remarkable interviews of many of the hosts and legendary cast members of this TV comedy giant. Bao Nguyen also shared with us his next project that addresses marriage equality in his native country of Vietnam, which has become more progressive than many western nations. We concluded with fierce LGBT ally actress Jennifer Coolidge recipient of the PIFF 2015 Faith Hubley Career Achievement Award. Jennifer talks about how honored she is to receive this award and shares with us how much fun she had working with Jane Lynch in “Best In Show”. Coolidge is currently starring in The Nora Theatre Company production of Marisa Smith’s “Saving Kitty” at the Central Square Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts for a limited engagement from July 9th through August 2nd.

The Provincetown Film Society (PFS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to provide a welcoming, nurturing and inspiring environment for creative exploration in film. Through its Festival, Cinema and Institute, the Society endeavors to give year-round support to new and established independent filmmakers and to connect them with global audiences. Listen To PIFF Press Lunch Part #1
For Info: ptownfilmfest.org

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