For Immediate Release Contact: David Huffman, Cleveland Cinemas Director of Marketing 440.349.3306 dhuffman@clevelandcinemas.com<mailto:dhuffman@clevelandcinemas.com> May 28, 2019 PRIDE MONTH FILM SERIES AT THE CAPITOL THEATRE Four films featured in third annual LGBT series (Cleveland, OH) The Capitol Theatre (1390 W. 65th St., Cleveland) will present its third annual LGBT PRIDE MONTH FILM SERIES starting June 4th with a special screening of the newly-restored BEFORE STONEWALL. Opening night will also include a reception with Happy Hour drink specials and desserts provided by Bitchy Vegan Homo. Featuring a selection of both narrative and documentary films, the Capitol Theatre is proud to bring these unique stories to Cleveland. The films selected for this year’s PRIDE MONTH FILM SERIES are as follows: BEFORE STONEWALL 87 mins., Not Rated Directed by: Greta Schiller, Robert Rosenberg Tuesday, June 4th, Opening night reception begins at 6:30 PM Film screening starts at 7:30 PM Summary: Newly restored for the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. In 1969 the police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City's Greenwich Village, leading to three nights of rioting by the city's gay community. With this outpouring of courage and unity the gay liberation movement had begun. Before Stonewall pries open the closet door, setting free the dramatic story of the sometimes horrifying public and private existences experienced by LGBT Americans since the early 1900's. Revealing and often humorous, this widely acclaimed film relives the emotionally-charged sparking of today's gay rights movement, from the events that led to the fevered 1969 riots to many other milestones in the brave fight for acceptance. Experience the fascinating and unforgettable, decade-by-decade history of homosexuality in America through eye-opening historical footage and amazing interviews with those who lived through an often brutal closeted history. Narrated by iconic author Rita Mae Brown. Groundbreaking interviews with Ann Bannon, Martin Duberman, Allen Ginsberg, Barbara Gittings, Harry Hay, Mabel Hampton, Dr. Evelyn Hooker, Frank Kameny, Audre Lorde, Richard Bruce Nugent, Jose Sarria and many more. GOOD KISSER 80 mins., Not Rated Directed by Wendy Jo Carlton Tuesday, June 11th, 7:30 PM Summary: Jenna agrees to a sexy weekend fling with materialistic girlfriend Kate and the worldly Mia. But as the night unfolds, Jenna realizes she’s bitten off more than she can chew, and the love triangle begins to crack. CHANGING THE GAME 95 mins., Not Rated Directed by Michael Barnett Tuesday, June 18th, 7:30 PM Summary: Michael Barnett’s dynamic documentary takes us into the lives of three high school athletes—all at different stages of their athletic seasons, personal lives, and unique paths as transgender teens. Their stories span across the U.S.—from Sarah, a skier and teen policymaker in New Hampshire, to Andraya, a track star in Connecticut openly transitioning into her authentic self. The film centers on Mack Beggs, who made headlines last year when he became the Texas State Champion in wrestling and was heralded as a hero by some while receiving hate and threats from others. Trans athletes have to work harder than their cisgender peers in order to thrive in their field while also having the courage and resilience to face daily harassment and discrimination. The kids in this film have found sports as a way to channel the negativity around them into a positive, to gain a sense of self-worth and validation. This film is their urgent, articulate plea for acceptance. — LUCY MUKERJEE, TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL Note that this screening includes a post-film discussion hosted by Christine Howey, Executive Director of Literary Cleveland and author/performer of “Exact Change.” CAN’T STOP THE MUSIC 124 mins., Rated PG Directed by Nancy Walker Thursday, June 27th, 7:30 PM Summary: Caitlyn Jenner, Steve Guttenberg, Valerie Perrine and the Village People star in one of the gayest screen musicals of all time. A camp classic of the highest order, this disco-filled spectacle tells the story of an aspiring songwriter who assembles some of the colorful characters from his neighborhood to help launch his career. Admission is $9.75 for adults, $7.00 for seniors/children, $8.75 for students. Tickets are available at the theatre box offices or online at clevelandcinemas.com. A portion of all concession sales from the Pride Film Series will be donated to the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland. Bitchy Vegan Homo is a Cleveland-based vegan baker and YouTube cooking show. Recipes and videos can be found at bitchyveganhomo.com. Press screeners for review are available upon request. Send inquiries to dhuffman@clevelandcinemas.com. ###