San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom touched off a political firestorm in 2004, when he began issuing same-sex marriage licenses. To the world, watching in rapt fascination as thousands of couples began lining up on the steps of City Hall, this seemed like a quick eruption of emotion - the spontaneous action of a city determined to do right by its citizens.
However, behind the scenes, Newsom and his staff had been quietly laying the groundwork for that exact moment - a moment touched off when he handed the first marriage certificate to Del Martin and Phyliss Lyon, two long-time activists in the close-knit San Francisco LGBT community.
Filmmaker Geoff Callan was able to capture every riveting moment leading up to and beyond the morning of February 14. After all, he'd been clued in a bit earlier - over a family brunch with the Mayor, who happens to be his brother-in-law. After joking that "I'm about to ruin my political career", Newsom invited Callan to come in and film the unfolding events - while specifically asking him "not to sugarcoat anything".
The resulting film is riveting in its portrayal of a Mayor, his staff and a select few members of the LGBT community as they quietly flew under the radar to enact legislation affording same-sex couples the right to marry, igniting the most controversial civil rights topic in recent history.
The story continues on the streets, in the courtrooms, and on the steps of City Hall, where same-sex couples, finally validated on the happiest day of their lives, clash with church groups who declare that who they are and how they love is a sin.
In life changing moments, this film focuses on the compelling, human rights struggles surrounding same-sex marriage and captures the elation and despair of couples and families who are fighting for equal rights.
Audience Award for Best Documentary:
San Francisco International Film Festival
San Luis Obispo Film Festival
Melbourne Queer Film Festival
Sonoma Valley Film Festival
Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival
Best of the Fest Award
Palm Spring International Film Festival
Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival
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