But there’s a growing movement to change that and elevate the voices of LGBTQ filmmakers. In fact, the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema in Brooklyn was established three years ago to do just that. Feirstein is now preparing to graduate its first class of diverse filmmakers and they are hellbent on making film and TV more accessible for everyone, regardless of race, gender, orientation, disabilities, and socioeconomic status.
Feirstein’s first-ever graduating class includes 58 diverse filmmakers that represent the school’s dedication to diversity and showcases what happens when you match public funding with determined students and star-studded leadership. The students worked collaboratively to create 12 thesis films, which will be screened May 23 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Rose Theater at the inaugural Feirstein Film Festival.
One of the films featured, Bob & Dale, was written and directed by David Rosfeld, a graduating member of Feirstein’s inaugural class, and executive produced by Howard Rosenman, the prolific producer whose recent credits include Call Me By Your Name. Shot on location in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Bob & Dale tells the story of two elderly gay men who find a deeper love when dementia threatens their independence.
