Monday, March 27, 2006

New Immigration Flick Could be Lesbian "Brokeback"

(Link) Says the film's producer "If a gay American falls in love with a foreigner, there's no legal way for the couple to stay together. But if a straight man orders a foreign bride over the internet, she'll have a green card within days." (Link includes clip for the movie's trailer)

1 comment:

LNewsEditor said...

JIC Post:
From PRWeb

With a Senate vote on immigration looming, a controversial new independent film combines the explosive issues of immigration and gay marriage exposing the one arena where same-sex relationships are not only illegal, but will soon be a Federal Crime if Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's immigration reform becomes law.

"If a gay American falls in love with a foreigner, there's no legal way for the couple to stay together. But if a straight man orders a foreign bride over the internet, she'll have a green card within days after they first meet. How is that not a security risk, but gay relationships are?" says producer, Robert J. Feldman.

The bill, if passed, would make it a Federal Crime to know an undocumented immigrant; so in effect, lesbian and gay Americans in a relationship with same-sex undocumented foreigners would officially become felons.

"The sad fact of the matter is that if you're a gay or lesbian American, this isn't the freest country on Earth. Straight Americans insist that isn't true, but that's like a Caucasian telling an African American there's no such thing as racism," the filmmakers state.

The film, Maple Palm, features the story of a lesbian couple of fifteen years living with the secret that one is an undocumented immigrant. After visiting the Statue of Liberty, the girls return home to Los Angeles, unaware that a routine security check at the icon of freedom was about to strip them of their own. The issue affects tens of thousands of Americans and their foreign born partners. The filmmakers explain it's an emotional and tragic love story that they hope will move audiences to support positive immigration reform that creates equality for all Americans.

The comparisons to Brokeback Mountain are inevitable and the filmmakers admit some have already labeled it "Brokeback Hooters" but they don't seem to mind the comparisons to the acclaimed film.

"We should be so lucky," states the film's director, "but the fact of the matter is, while most straight guys are disgusted by fags, the thought of two girls kissing always sends a tingle to their crotch."

Maple Palm stars Deborah Stewart, Taymour Ghazi, Andrea Carvajal and supporting players; all of whom deliver intense and powerful performances from an IFP/NY acclaimed screenplay. The original score by Rebecca Hansen and Katy J is an edgy, eclectic mix of Christian music and alternative rock. Rebecca, a devout Christian known for religious ballads, is excited to see her music featured in a lesbian love story where her lyrics take on a profound duality in meaning.

The film is set for a limited theatrical release September 2006, just in time for mid-term elections when same-sex relationships will undoubtedly be a wedge issue once again, particularly in states that have gay marriage bans up before voters.

For more information on the film visit: www.maplepalmmovie.com