Directed by Jonah Markowitz & Tracy Wares
USA | Documentary | 2016 | 86 min
Film Source: Idiot Savant Pictures
Sponsor: Madeleine Kunin
Showtimes: Tuesday, October 25 | 6:30 p.m. | BB
Awards: Best Documentary – Los Angeles Film Festival & Provincetown International Film Festival
California Senator Carole Migden will be in attendance.
This documentary portrait of the first four openly gay elected California state politicians reflects its subjects: vivacious, focused and passionate. Carole Migden, Sheila Kuehl, Jackie Goldberg and Christine Kehoe broke ground and glass ceilings with equal aplomb, each of them shepherding landmark legislation into law with significant social and legal ramifications far beyond their home state. Political Animals recounts the legislative battles — the strategic compromises and momentous victories — fought for by these four determined, trailblazing lesbians over the course of their careers. And while celebrating these politicians’ historic achievements, the film also reminds us that the fight is far from over. At a time when many hard-won protections are under attack across the country, and the progress made in recent decades is threatened by a foul and virulent backlash, this reminder is both welcome and invigorating. The struggle for civil rights carries on. Political Animals pays tribute to four incredible women who helped shape the movement. ~SJ