Stars and Straights Forever! - Gay Immigration Movie Launches Controversial On-line Store
Items featuring the Statue of Liberty in handcuffs are up for sale in a roundabout same-sex marriage plea by indie flick, Maple Palm; an expose into hardships faced by same-sex bi-national couples in need of immigration reform. A not so subtle metaphor for the chains binding bi-national couples, and the freedoms lacking in the U.S. for all same-sex couples.
(PRWEB) January 5, 2006 -- In a roundabout same-sex marriage plea, indie flick, Maple Palm, exposes hardships faced by same-sex bi-national couples in need of immigration reform. In an effort to support the cause, the film's website launched an on-line store with products inspired by the film's controversial poster featuring the Statue of Liberty in handcuffs and the caption "Stars and Straights Forever!" A not so subtle metaphor for the chains binding bi-national couples, and the freedoms lacking in the U.S. for all same-sex couples.
"The line actually comes straight from the film" says producer and cast member, Robert J. Feldman. "It's a powerful moment where one of the lead characters questions this country's failure to provide freedom and equality for all Americans. Questions every gay and lesbian American should confront their friends, families and co-workers with; God Bless America...Except the fags! -- is another favorite. Point being, the U.S. isn’t the freest country on Earth if you’re gay."
Maple Palm is the story of Nicole and Amy, a lesbian couple living with the secret that one is an illegal alien. After an innocent visit to the Statue of Liberty, the girls return home, unaware that this icon of freedom, was about to strip them of their own.
Turning treasured icons and national slogans into political exclamations via intense drama seems to be the method used by Maple Palm to deliver its powerful message. And while Feldman admits creating merchandising like caps, pins and pens for a film of such political significance feels strange, he's quick to point out that Maple Palm was funded entirely out of pocket by filmmakers devoted to helping make a change for tens of thousands of same-sex bi-national Americans crushed by current immigration policy.
"It's Hollywood. Everyone needs a cause" states Feldman with light sarcasm. But he insists the motivation behind the effort is genuine. "We're seriously considering self-releasing since that may be the only way to assure the film and same-sex immigration get the exposure they need. And if trite merchandising can help us achieve that goal, then so be it. We don't have a powerhouse publicity campaign behind us like Brokeback Mountain. This is a grassroots effort."
Feldman promises Maple Palm pulls no punches in its brutal depiction of the harsh circumstances faced by same-sex bi-national couples. Sixteen countries recognize same-sex couples for the purpose of immigration, and a bill which seeks to do the same in the U.S. (the Uniting American Families Act) was recently introduced to Congress and Senate by Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT.)
Maple Palm is set to hit the 2006 film festival circuit around the country in the coming months, with a limited theatrical release later in the year.
For more info on the film, visit: www.MaplePalmMovie.com.
To browse the online store, visit: www.maplepalmmovie.com/store.htm
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