WILMINGTON, N.C. — Working Films has joined the battle against the North Carolina anti-gay amendment on the ballot on May 8, 2012, with its addition of Reel Equality.
This initiative hopes to bring about awareness about the travails and issues surrounding passage of any legislation against recognition of gay marriage. It is comprised of a collection of six documentary films that help to tell the story. The organizers’ goal is to “turn audiences into supporters of statewide efforts of Equality NC and national efforts of the Human Rights Campaign.”
Working Films’ co-founders are Robert West (executive director) and Judith Helfand (development strategist and field explorer).
West is no stranger to North Carolina social justice projects. In Charlotte, he was part of the OutCharlotte Film Festival for many years. Helfand is a Peabody Award-winning filmmaker.
It’s website says, “This amendment is bad for all families, hurts the economy as many large national employers support their LGBT colleagues, and sends a terrible message to vulnerable LGBT youth that their state considers them to be second class citizens. It will be an uphill battle, as the timing of the vote will turn out a base that supports this amendment, but the fight is just getting started!”
They have launched a Facebook page and have listed online resources where one can pledge to vote, learn about the repeal of Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), find out how the Human Rights Campaign is championing the charge and more. They hope that visitors will use the films for community-based activism. The Facebook page comes with a toolkit, as well.
Currently, a short video is available for viewing. Working Films also has offices in London, England.
For more information, visit workingfilms.org or facebook.com/reelequality.