Since he emerged on the scene in 2011 with his beautiful coming of age drama, The Wise Kids, Chicago-based actor-filmmaker Stephen Cone has been one of the most acclaimed gay directors of the past few years (The Wise Kids won the Outfest Grand Jury awards for both Best Feature and Best Screenplay).
Cone’s latest teen gay ensemble tale hits on many of the same themes as The Wise Kids — most notably the over-arching oppressive homophobia of a Christian evangelist community. Also like The Wise Kids, Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party features a charming young preacher’s kid protagonist grappling with his emerging gayness. Star Cole Doman is definitely one to watch.
Look for the film on VOD and DVD soon from Wolfe Video. Above is the brand new Wolfe trailer for the film, just posted today.
Chris
Being gay is easy; just follow your natural instincts without being a douche. Being a preacher’s kid, however and as everyone who’s ever listened to a song or watched a movie with a preacher’s kid or wife knows, is what’s difficult.
Berkleyguy
Growing up in a ministerial family, I can identify with this kid so easily. It takes real courage to finally come out or even admit it to yourself, especially if you grow up in a denomination that tells you that you are going to hell. When you reach the point of being tired of living the lie and must be true to yourself – you somehow muster the courage to do what’s right and despite the backlash a tremendous weight is off your shoulders.
SteveDenver
This clip has a strong feel of authenticity. The young actors look age-appropriate, the knowing looks from adults reflects the popular religious approach to human nature: denial. The energy feels young and confusing.
I can’t even count the number of my friends who were raised in religion and are now out. Several married, some had kids. Universally I’ve heard they tried to be something they aren’t. Compound that with being a PK (Preacher’s Kid) and the burden of dad’s professional reputation — guilt is big in religion.
This should connect with many people.
bobbyjoe
Saw this at an LGBT festival and would highly recommend it. It’s not like the usual coming out films; it’s got a lot of characters and plays almost like a Robert Altman film. I’m not sure “over-arching oppressive homophobia of a Christian evangelist community” really describes it. This movie is a lot more nuanced than “evil religious people oppress kid.” If anything, much of the religious community here seems to ignore or reject the ravings of the one majorly homophobic character. And that character is viewed as someone who’s acting out to cover a lot of other problems in her own family. It’s a really humane movie, and modern in that it acknowledges the types of changes that are occurring even in these kinds of religious communities.
sesfm
“Attractive model men pretend to have problems” should be the subtitle of every fucking gay movie and TV show. That’s why I can never stand to watch any of them.
joeyty
http://img.thesun.co.uk/aidemitlum/archive/00945/Dappy-280_945604a.jpg ugh