Closing Night Film
Directed by Thomas Wallner | 2015 | Germany/Canada/Belgium | Documentary | 92 mins
Special Jury Prize, Hot Docs; Grand Prize FIFA
Sponsors: Main Street Landing
Film Source: Gebrueder Beetz Filmproduktion
Special Guests presenting Audience Favorite Awards: The House of LeMay
Followed by Closing Night Party at Skinny Pancake
Before the Last Curtain Falls is inspired by a spectacular dance show called “Gardenia” which toured for two years in 25 countries and gave over 200 performances. We meet the performers, a group of transgender women and drag-queens in their 60s and 70s, when they take the stage one last time. Thomas Wallner’s heartfelt documentary studies each of the six performers with a rare emotional depth. One of the most moving offerings in this year’s festival program, the film is an endearingly honest exploration of queer identity in a pre-Reality TV era when publicly voicing one’s convictions was a risky and courageous thing to do. Before the Last Curtain Falls is a film about passion, bravery, aging, acting out one’s dreams, and, above all, love.