Description

• Online Tools:

• Print Page
• Share
• Bookmark

The 1950's were a hostile time for gay men and lesbians as laws across America targeted gay behavior with harsh penalties. Though New Orleans had long been a safe haven for people escaping oppression, in the 1950's politicians began driving their campaigns on platforms of the "eradication of filth and vice." Soon in New Orleans there were laws against cross-dressing, same-sex dancing, and "serving alcohol to persons of lewd character," and even laws eventually prohibiting "one homosexual from associating in public with another homosexual."

But out of this severe oppression was born a new outlet for gay expression and celebration. Since the mid-1800's Mardi Gras organizations in New Orleans, called krewes, had celebrated the season with balls, parades and typically a coronation of a King and Queen. Then in 1959 the first Mardi Gras krewe founded by gay men was formed, and within 10 years four different gay krewes dazzled New Orleans and became the hot tickets in town presenting the most fabulous and festive evenings.

The film contains rare footage from the early gay Mardi Gras events through the present day. You will never see more glamorous and outrageous gowns like the ones you will see in THE SONS OF TENNESSEE WILLIAMS.

"Draws on a treasure trove of archival footage to show the evolution of New Orleans' gay community over half a century."
- The New York Post

"About an early triumph in the struggle for gay rights, and a colorful, fun glimpse at New Orleans' Mardi Gras in drag."

- About.com

"Making good use of vintage photos and other historical material, Director Tim Wolff captures the vibrancy of their lavish parties, making it easy to understand why local straight socialites started begging for tickets."

- The Hollywood Reporter

 Buy $7 advance tickets here.

Suggested donation $10 at the door, 47 advance. Doors open at 4pm for drinks, food and socializing. Screenings begin at 4:15pm. Bar food menu, including the Chillfest Cheeseburger Special. 

Chillfest, the mostly gay and lesbian film series of Jersey City is dedicated to supporting the distribution and exhibition of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered narrative and documentary films, and to recognizing the creative work of filmmakers by deepening the appreciation of their art. Chillfest works to foster public discussions, helping to break down walls of social and cultural ignorance about the LGBT community.