Documentaries

Ask Not (PBS), 2008
Johnny Symons, Producer
www.asknotfilm.com

ASK NOT is a rare and compelling documentary film that explores the effects of the US military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gay and lesbian soldiers and service members. The film exposes the tangled political battles that led to the discriminatory law and examines the societal shifts that have occurred since its passage in 1993. Current and veteran gay soldiers reveal how “don’t ask, don’t tell” affects them during their tours of duty, as they struggle to maintain a double life, uncertain of whom they can trust. The film also explores how gay veterans and youth organizers are turning to forms of personal activism to overturn the policy. From a national speaking tour of conservative universities to protests at military recruitment offices, these public events question how the U.S. military can claim to represent democracy and freedom while denying one segment of the population the right to serve.

Tell, 2007
Joe Murray, Producer
www.tell-documentary.com

Ever present in the media and in the minds of many people in the U.S. today, are stories about the military and it’s role in the world today.  As concerns are raised about the ability for ongoing preparedness of our Armed Forces, once again the question of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy started well over a decade ago that banned Gays & Lesbians from serving openly in the military, is being debated. Director TOM MURRAY adds a human face to the debate as he set out across the country to talk with Gay & Lesbian veterans and their allies, about the struggles faced by dedicated and patriotic Americans who want to serve their country, but can only do so while not being honest about who they fully are.  Wide ranging in age and experiences, the participants and their stories are a candid and fascinating look at this timely topic.

Courage Under Fire, 2005
Patrick Sammon, Producer
Film website

Tens of thousands heroes of history gathered in Washington, DC on Memorial Day weekend 2004 for the dedication of a long overdue memorial to the 16 million Americans who fought in World War II.  These brave men came from small towns and big cities, from industrial centers and farming communities, from mountain hamlets and ocean villages.  From every ethnic background and religion, they represented the tapestry of America—united together, under one flag in defense of liberty and democracy. Our nation built this new memorial for men like 82 year-old Rupert Starr.  With his  last name Starr, his college fraternity brothers nicknamed him Twink—He grew up in Mount Sterling, Ohio—a farm community not far from Columbus.  He joined the ROTC in 1940 while a student at Ohio University.  After graduation he enlisted in the Army, training first in Georgia then Tennessee.  When his unit shipped out for Europe in the spring of 1944, Twink didn’t think much about the possibility of death, “I was ready to go and win the war.”  He was more concerned about how he would perform in combat than whether he would survive combat.

Coming Out Under Fire, 1994
Arthur Dong, Producer
Film website

COMING OUT UNDER FIRE shoots to the heart of today’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy on gays and lesbians in the military. Based on the ground-breaking book by Allan Bérubé, this internationally acclaimed film uncovers the World War II origins of military regulations that labeled homosexuals as mentally ill and “sex perverts.” Nine gay and lesbian veterans recount how they joined the patriotic war against fascism in the 1940s only to find themselves fighting two battles: one for their country and another for their right serve. Warm and humorous stories of finding each other and talks of first love and deep friendships are shattered as gay service members become targets of witch hunts, dehumanizing interrogations, imprisonment and involuntary psychiatric treatments.