Has anyone seen this? I'm not so sure of the title but I saw this while browsing thru youtube. It looks like a tragic story (again!) of an interracial lesbian couple staying in some part of the U.S. (I suppose). The trailer gave me goosebumps. I hope this won't happen to any of my friends (or to me).
Go watch--
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EloxYyBYsFc&NR
Submitted by
on March 8, 2007 - 2:31am.
chang wrote: Has anyone seen
Has anyone seen this? I'm not so sure of the title but I saw this while browsing thru youtube. It looks like a tragic story (again!) of an interracial lesbian couple staying in some part of the U.S. (I suppose). The trailer gave me goosebumps. I hope this won't happen to any of my friends (or to me).
Go watch--
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EloxYyBYsFc&NR
I saw it and found it very disturbing. Actually, I hated it at first. But then the more time that went by, I found myself still thinking about it. Now I'm not sure what I think about it. To this day, whenever I hear about immigration in the news, I immediately think of this film. I'm not sure if that makes it good or bad, but it's certainly left an impression. For what it's worth, my 2 cents
maplepalm wrote: thought
thought people might find this of interest.............
Maple Palm - Lesbian Illegal Immigration Movie Migrates to DVD July 3
Los Angeles, CA. May 22, 2007 -- Last year's politically charged indie feature, Maple Palm, sneaks across the border from theaters to home video when it's released on DVD July 3, with advance crossings occurring now via pre-order. Set in California's idyllic Marina del Rey, the film's dramatic subject matter exposes the one arena in which gay relationships are a felony, and in the process, challenges our stereotypes of what it means to be an immigrant, and an American.
Art not only imitates history but current events in last years limited theatrical release, Maple Palm, set to be released on a Collector's Edition DVD July 3. Maple Palm dramatizes the story of a lesbian couple of fifteen years concealing the secret that one is an illegal immigrant. As seen in the film's movie trailer and exclusive clips, Maple Palm offers an intense dramatization of what it means to be an illegal immigrant facing deportation. At times, the film is raw and disturbing, depicting the harsh and sometimes violent truth of these difficult circumstances. Yet the filmmakers insist that, at its core, Maple Palm is a love story, albeit a tragic one.
The filmmakers expected harsh criticism from predictable reactionary groups, but what they didn't expect, was unabashed ignorance from the gay community itself, "some told us gay immigrants don't deserve any rights until gay Americans get them first" states actor/producer, Robert J. Feldman. He goes on to add, "it's unfortunate. But if the gay community had the ability to band together like other minorities, maybe the entire movement would be further along."
Despite the ignorance, the filmmakers have received countless emails from across the globe from same-sex couples living the predicament their film depicts, including emails from gay Americans forced to flee this country so they can live elsewhere legally with their foreign born partners. A bi-national lesbian couple who asked to remain anonymous states, "we can't all be as lucky as Ellen and Portia" referring to Ellen DeGeneres and her Australian born partner, Portia de Rossi. "I have no idea what their situation is, but they're the most famous bi-national couple in the world. I hope they at least support the struggles fellow bi-national couples face. So many gays don't [support same-sex immigration.]"
Actually, one could argue the most famous bi-national couple hails from the world's first gay "royal wedding" between Britain's Elton John and Canada's David Furnish. But our anonymous lesbian couple is quick to point out, "it's different when you're rich. If your partner doesn't already have residency, you can just buy them a million dollar green card" referring to the Investment Visa program in which business investors may acquire immigrant visas for any designated foreign employees.
The lesbian couple goes on to state "this isn't just a movie. Real people are actually living this and we're stuck in the shadows. A big disappointment has been Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. For a man who insists everyone remove the words "I can't" from their vocabulary, his veto of same-sex marriage in California assures thousands of gays and lesbians will continue to say "I can't" get married, and by result, "I can't" sponsor my foreign partner. I expected more from a first generation immigrant. I guess there are some things love can't conquer."
Feldman, the film's producer illuminates further, "the difference between truth and fiction, is fiction has to be credible. Life's oddities aren't questioned with the same scrutiny. And it's not just a gay issue. Even American born children are being separated from their straight, undocumented immigrant parents. It's inhumane." When asked if the film based on their IFP acclaimed screenplay could've been more widely received, the producer states, "probably not. We struggled to fund this out of pocket because no one cares. In a world filled with strife, gay immigration isn't a blip on anyone's radar. Angelina and Madonna will never adopt a gay immigrant. The issue just isn't perceived as meaningful." The producer admits their goals for the film were modest to begin with, claiming victory in educating people about the political issue itself, "every person who sees our film, the trailer, or even just the website, goes away learning something they didn't know before. That in itself is a victory. The rest is up to politicians and voters."
Director, Ralph Torjan, has championed Maple Palm since it's inception but admits it's time to move on, "I wish I could say I was doing a frivolous comedy next, but I guess that's just not my style. I see the world through a different lens." Speaking on his influences, Torjan continues, "I've always been inspired by John Waters. He's the epitome of independent filmmaking and I'd be lucky to emulate his success." Torjan's next film, Personal Justice, takes an unconventional look into the prison system, yet he promises it'll be his most commercial film to date, "it still packs a punch, but it's geared for a younger audience. They're more accepting and open minded. With age, comes stagnation. I think it's important to always explore new ideas and broaden one's understanding. I'd like to make commercial films that support that ideal."
The Maple Palm Collector's Edition DVD is set for release July 3, 2007. You can also pre-order Maple Palm at Amazon.com. Exclusive promotions are also available directly from the film's official website: http://www.MaplePalmMovie.comthanks...
for those who are
for those who are interested, we're releasing some movie clips for iPod. they're also available at youtube..........
Gay Immigration Movie Podcasts Now avaialbe on Apple iTunes:
Download the movie trailer and exclusive clips from the film, Maple Palm! Watch the clips on your computer or play them on your iPod. More clips will be added soon, so be sure to subscribe to our RSS feed or the Apple iTunes store subscription link.
Buy the DVD at Amazon
Gay Illegal Immigrants Sneak Across the Border July 3 in Maple P
As straight families celebrate their freedom this July 4th, gay illegal immigrants and their American born partners are left wondering why they're free to buy a dog from most any country they choose, yet they can't sponsor the person they love. While straight Americans routinely sponsor foreign partners either legitimately, or sight unseen as "mail order brides," gay Americans and their foreign partners are forced to live as felons no matter how many years their relationship spans. Such is the plight for Nicole and Amy in last year's politically charged gay immigration film, Maple Palm, which sneaks across the border from theaters to home video when it's released on DVD Tuesday, July 3.
Los Angeles, CA. June 26, 2007 -- Gay illegal immigrants featured in last year's controversial independent film, Maple Palm, have arrived on home video with a newly released Collector's Edition DVD. Art imitates life in this disturbingly intense dramatization of a lesbian couple together fifteen years, concealing the secret that one is an illegal immigrant. When their secret is exposed, the girls must choose - fight to stay together, or let bureaucracy tear them apart. The real-life political issue is equally obscure in the gay movement as it is within the immigration movement, yet for those trapped within the bureaucracy, the burden is very real. As straight families celebrate their freedom this July 4th, gay illegal immigrants and their American born partners are left wondering why they're free to buy a dog from most any country they choose, yet they can't sponsor the person they love.
As seen in the film's movie trailer and exclusive clips, Maple Palm offers an unflinching look at the burden faced by gay illegal immigrants. Inspired by true-life circumstances effecting over 40,000 Americans and their foreign partners, and validated by longtime immigration attorneys acting as technical advisors into the inner workings of a bureaucracy they've witnessed, Maple Palm offers an alternative composite of the American Dream as lived by gay citizens involved in international relationships. "It's sad to think this exists in this day and age, but immigration is a very complex subject, and the ultimate question the film asks is -- what would you sacrifice to be with the one you love?" states actor/producer, Robert J. Feldman.
Maple Palm stars Deborah Stewart, Taymour Ghazi and supporting players; all of whom deliver intense and powerful performances from an IFP/NY acclaimed screenplay. Complex in its simplicity, the film backs off from heavy stylization in favor of a day-in-the-life approach that allows the viewer to eavesdrop on the action and get a front-row seat to its raw and disturbing intensity. Feldman continues, "everyone knows how volatile the subject is. And unfortunately, many new immigrants seem to have a 'close the door behind you' mentality once they've achieved their own status. Then add the stigma of sexuality, and there's not a lot of support out there for gay immigration, let alone a movie about the subject."
Despite the challenges, the filmmakers say they've received countless emails and blog entries on the film's website from gay illegal immigrants and their American born partners thanking them for making the film and bringing their predicament to light. As a lesbian American moving to Europe to be with her partner states, "what I want people to know this July 4th is that gay and lesbian Americans are being forced out of this country to live elsewhere legally with their foreign partners. And while the homophobes out there might not care, I'm still an American and I resent being forced from my home."
Feldman admits the controversy was perhaps too much for a small independent film to overcome, "it's difficult to claim a market share against big films with massive ad campaigns, and going in, we underestimated how volatile a subject this actually was, both to straight and gay audiences. But in the end, I'm proud of the accomplishment and the small contribution we've made to cinema and the political debate."
Maple Palm was funded entirely out of pocket by filmmakers passionate about independent films with something to say, "there's a reason why big studios stick to frivolous entertainment. Audiences want an enjoyable diversion from their own problems and pay top dollar for the ride. Challenging films are held to a higher level of scrutiny and resentment" states Feldman. "Independent filmmakers often create films that make people look inward, and it can be tricky to get an audience to pay for that experience. Especially when the dose of reality is uncomfortable. But that's the reality gay illegal immigrants face."
Sixteen countries legally recognize same-sex partners for the purpose of immigration. No such law currently exists here in the U.S., however, Representative Jerrold Nadler [NY] has introduced legislation, The Uniting American Families Act (UAFA,) to Congress which would allow American gays and lesbians to sponsor their foreign born partners for the purpose of immigration. Senator Patrick Leahy [VT] has introduced similar legislation to the Senate.
Writer/Director, Ralph Torjan, states he'd like to steer clear of such politically charged material in the future but admits that might not be possible, "in pitching my next film to white-collar investors, their shocked looks made me realize the project is no less risqué than my last. None of it seems all that unusual to me. I guess I just need to find gap investors that aren't afraid of new ideas." Inspired by actual events, Torjan's next film, Personal Justice, thrusts four students undercover into a maximum security prison for a week. One of the students, a gay All-American quarterback eager to be locked-up with sexually frustrated straight men, is already causing a stir. "I thought I'd take everyone's biggest prison fear and turn it on it's ear. Apparently I'll be making controversial films a little while longer."
The Maple Palm Collector's Edition DVD is available now at Amazon.com and various retail outlets. Exclusive promotions are also available directly from the film's official website: www.MaplePalmMovie.com
Intense
can't say as i blame you.
can't say as i blame you. life is difficult enough without movies reminding you of that fact. especially with an issue like this