Sep 17, 2015
SFFILM
San Francisco, CA — The San Francisco Film Society has announced that it will partner with the National Center for Lesbian Rights to present a very special advance screening of Lionsgate’s Freeheld, Peter Sollett’s moving new drama depicting a critical and timely moment in the national LGBT rights movement, on Wednesday October 7, 7:30 pm at the Castro Theatre. Sollett, along with lead stars Julianne Moore and Ellen Page, are expected to appear in person and participate in a post-screening Q&A. The film opens in San Francisco on October 9.
“We are beyond excited to have the opportunity to join up with the National Center for Lesbian Rights to present this special first look at one of the most important films of the year, and to have such luminaries on hand to personally introduce it to Bay Area audiences,” said SFFS Executive Director Noah Cowan. “Peter Sollett’s powerful new work explores a pivotal event in the history of the LGBT rights movement from a new perspective, and I for one can’t wait to share it with our community. The film is a powerful exploration of love in the face of adversity, brilliantly and movingly brought to life by the powerful performances of Julianne Moore and Ellen Page, and it quite frankly moved me to tears. This will be a very special evening at the Castro, indeed.”
Based on the Oscar®-winning short documentary and adapted by the writer of Philadelphia, Freeheld is the true love story of Laurel Hester (Julianne Moore) and Stacie Andree (Ellen Page) and their fight for justice. A decorated New Jersey police detective, Laurel is diagnosed with cancer and wants to leave her hard earned pension to her domestic partner, Stacie. However the county officials, Freeholders, conspire to prevent Laurel from doing this. Hard-nosed detective Dane Wells (Michael Shannon) and activist Steven Goldstein (Steve Carell) unite in Laurel and Stacie’s defense, rallying police officers and ordinary citizens to support their struggle for equality.
“When people ask how the LGBT community has come so far, so fast, one reason is the story of Laurel Hester and Stacie Andree,” said Kate Kendell, Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. “It is an honor for NCLR to co-present Freeheld. The Academy Award©-winning documentary is now a major motion picture starring the incomparable Julianne Moore and the fabulous Ellen Page. Now, millions will see the devotion and courage of Laurel, Stacie and the community that supported them in winning some small measure of justice in the middle of a nightmare.”
Tickets to Freeheld are $25 for SFFS members, $30 general. A limited number of VIP tickets, which include access to an exclusive pre-screening reception and reserved seating, are available for $350. Ticket proceeds will benefit year-round programs at the San Francisco Film Society. Box office now open online at sffs.org.