AfterEllen had posted an interview last week with Sharon Gless, of "Cagney & Lacey" fame. Sharon was very complementary and appreciative of her lesbian fans and expressed that it was an honor to play this role. After reading the interview, I did a search for the movie and found that it was playing in Minneapolis on Nov. 4th, the only viewing here so far. I made plans right away to attend. :)http://www.afterellen.com/blog/thelinster/sharon-gless-loves-being-free
"Hannah Free" is an independent film, financed by individuals and the film-makers themselves, as well as many people who put in their time and effort free of charge.
It is the story of 2 women, Hannah and Rachel, who grew up together, and from the time they were children
they shared a closeness and attraction that led to a secret life-- which eventually came out into the open. Hannah is the "out" character, she is open about her love for Rachel, but is also an adventurous woman who spends long periods travelling the world and living on her own. Rachel stays in their hometown in Michigan, has children and becomes a young widow.The past is told through flashbacks, while in the present both Hannah and Rachel are in a local nursing home. Hannah is there because she can't physically get around enough to take care of herself, and Rachel because she has suffered a stroke and is on life-support. The heartbreaking part is that although they have been in the same facility for many months, Hannah has not been allowed to see Rachel bec
ause she is not "family." This film illustrates how same-sex couples are unequal under the current laws in the U.S., and also touches on treatment of the elderly -- who may not be able-bodied, but are still very able-minded!It is a beautiful film. Well-written, strong acting, funny, poignant, up-lifting, and always touching. You would never have any idea it was a "small-budget" film. It was the perfect boost to my mood that evening, when I had spent much of my day reading about Maine's voting results, feeling hurt and angry.
Being that this is an independently-made film, the filmmakers are still working very hard to get exposure for the film and to make enough money to pay back all their investors. Lesbian films generally don't make a lot of money, which is why so few are made. If they were money-makers, they would be made all the time! And certainly the quality of the film and the actors they would attract would improve, too! Please support "Hannah Free" in any way you can.
Become a fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Hannah-Free/76436188517?ref=ts
"Save" the movie in your Netflix queue! The more people that do this will let Netflix know that this is a film their customers are interested in renting-- and that will encourage them to buy more copies of the DVD.
And also, please BUY the DVD! Filmmakers make squat from the box-office and television showings. Most money is made through sales of DVDs-- to rental businesses and to individual customers. In order to keep getting beautiful movies like this made, it's really important to pay back those investors and encourage them to invest in lesbian films in the future!!
