Reel Affirmations: The Nation's LGBT Film Festival 2008

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that 'Save Me' is up there with 'Brokeback Mountain' as one of the most powerful gay dramas of recent years." - Time Out London

Save Me, starring Chad Allen (Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman), Judith Light (Ugly Betty), and Robert Grant (Queer as Folk) , features a nuanced look at both sides of the most polarizing religious and sexual debate in America: the conflict - and possible reconciliation - between homosexuality and Christianity.

Mark (Chad Allen) is young, high, and heading nowhere fast. After a particularly nasty binge, his family intervenes and checks him into an isolated Christian retreat dedicated to "curing" men of their homosexuality. The compassionate couple running the shelter, Gayle (Light, in a particularly moving role) and Ted, refrain from the fire and brimstone most often associated with religious right.

As a new resident, Mark is paired with Scott (Robert Grant) and a friendship soon develops between the two men, a friendship that deepens into a full-fledged secret romance. However, in the cloistered world of Genesis House, secrets aren't kept for long, and the two men slowly are confronted with a number of sobering choices to make.

As the men struggle with their increasing attraction to each other, Gayle and Ted are encountering their own obstacles - as they are forced to confront their own faith and values.

Powerful and restrained performances and a provocative yet believeable plot bring light to this contentious subject. Like the recent documentary FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO, SAVE ME offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.

Opening Night Film, Outfest 2007

Closing Night Film, Newfest 2008