2008 will always be known as an historic year — for the passing of gay marriage laws in two states (and the tragic reduction of those rights in four), for the election of the nation’s first president of color, and for the downturn of the economy.
Years from now, when we talk about 2008, it’s likely that we’ll be discussing these events, rather than any specific lesbian film that came out.
But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a banner year for lesbian cinema.
While there were still extremely few mainstream movies with notable lesbian/bi characters, the overall quality of representation was decidedly — and dramatically — on the rise.
2008 saw an encouraging dearth of murderous, victimized or man-hating lesbian characters in any level of production (from smaller indie flicks to big-budget movies).
Women of color were better represented than in many years past, gross stereotypes were avoided, and new talents emerged.
Years from now, when we talk about 2008, it’s likely that we’ll be discussing these events, rather than any specific lesbian film that came out.
But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a banner year for lesbian cinema.
While there were still extremely few mainstream movies with notable lesbian/bi characters, the overall quality of representation was decidedly — and dramatically — on the rise.
2008 saw an encouraging dearth of murderous, victimized or man-hating lesbian characters in any level of production (from smaller indie flicks to big-budget movies).
Women of color were better represented than in many years past, gross stereotypes were avoided, and new talents emerged.
- 12/16/2008
- by dennis
- AfterEllen.com
Michelle Ehlen is a cinematic jack (or should we say jill?) of all trades. For her debut feature, Butch Jamie, she wrote, directed, produced, starred and edited the film, which centers on the adventures of a struggling butch lesbian actress in L.A. who lands a male role and runs with it. Shot on a shoestring budget in upstate New York, the film landed Ehlen Best Actress accolades at the 2007 Outfest film festival in L.A., and the laughter of just about everyone in queer festival audiences around the country.
We had a chance to chat with the talented filmmaker about the finicky nature of the creative process, how butch vs. femme lesbians are represented onscreen, and how she found the greatest cat actor this side of Homeward Bound.
AfterEllen.com: So, can you give me a little background: How did you go from your initial interest in film to making your first feature,...
We had a chance to chat with the talented filmmaker about the finicky nature of the creative process, how butch vs. femme lesbians are represented onscreen, and how she found the greatest cat actor this side of Homeward Bound.
AfterEllen.com: So, can you give me a little background: How did you go from your initial interest in film to making your first feature,...
- 11/18/2008
- by dennis
- AfterEllen.com
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