Is it all worth it?
I woke up this morning to find out that queerDOC has replaced one of the DAMON AND HUNTER screenings with a BBC miniseries. There’s still one more showing on the queerDOC schedule, but I don’t hold out much hope that that screening will take place either.
I’ve been downcast about it all day long, my mood not helped by the grey and windy weather. Then this, from an Australian customer who we had to help through our store’s admitted confusing interface for international orders:
Many thanks for your very welcome email. The film “Damon and Hunter” was very professionally and sensitively done, the quality superb and great credit must be given to Damon and Hunter for their courage in sharing they way they did. It is such an educational film, in a no nonsense way, and with honesty. While different people may view it in different ways and on differing levels, it is special. Well done.
God Bless,
John
This whole adventure has made me reflect on why I make these films; films that can’t be sold here or there, or won’t be screened here or there, films that could get me or other people in trouble for selling. It’s not the first time I’ve wondered whether or not it’s all worth it, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. I’ve got some more thoughts on that, which I will be posting later.
In the mean while, I will say that while John’s note doesn’t make the hurt I’m feeling go away, it helps, and I’m sure I’ll remember this note from John long after I’ve forgotten what does or doesn’t happen in Sydney this month.
September 1st, 2006 at 10:13 pm
That’s a very nice note TC. It is wearying and I don’t blame you one bit for feeling downcast - in reading some pretty wonderful stuff from Justice Kirby here in Australia, I was taken with a comment of his in a recent speech about the need for unity in the fight for gay rights - he talks about not forgetting straight people who do brave things for equality and justice. Making a lovely film that explores and celebrates gay sex and gay love in a dignified and joyous way is an act of bravery. Standing by it and working towards having it screened in its entirety is one too.