Parting Glances

NEW 35mm RESTORATION ► The romantic comedy-drama went positively gay — and gay-positive — in writer-director Bill Sherwood’s 1986 indie feature Parting Glances, a landmark of gay cinema and one of the first American films to address the AIDS epidemic. Steve Buscemi, in his first major role, is Nick, a sardonic rock singer dying of AIDS. Nick is the best friend and former lover of Michael (Richard Ganoung); Michael is steeling himself for the imminent departure of current partner Robert (John Bolger), who’s leaving for a two-year stint overseas. Set in an affluent New York City milieu, Sherwood’s quirky, charming and tender movie unfolds over a 24-hour period as Michael and Robert cope with their separation anxiety, and with Nick’s illness, and prepare for Robert’s going-away bash. The film appeared at a time when representations of gays in mainstream cinema tended towards the overwrought and tortured — and when the Reagan administration appeared utterly indifferent to the AIDS crisis. Tragically, Parting Glances would be Sherwood’s only feature; he himself would die of AIDS in 1990. “Sherwood brings a notable grace and droll humour to his story . . . A film of subtle and elegant musicality” (Time Out). “Buscemi has a powerfully anarchic presence . . . He makes a memorable impression” (Janet Maslin, New York Times). Colour, 35mm. 90 mins.

AIDS Vancouver Board Member, Bradford McIntyre, a long term survivor living with HIV since 1984, will discuss the film Parting Glances and share his own experience living with HIV.

Special thanks to the UCLA Film & Television Archive. Parting Glances was the first film to be preserved by UCLA as part of its Outfest Legacy Project for LGBT Film Preservation.

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AIDS Vancouver is proud to announce the We Care Red Ribbon Campaign during the month of November 2010. This month has officially been proclaimed Red Ribbon Month throughout the City of Vancouver by Mayor Gregor Robertson and City Council. With innovative events and public outreach throughout November, the We Care Red Ribbon Campaign will focus on the importance of safe sex and breaking down the silence and stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. The We Care Red Ribbon Campaign intends to galvanize the Vancouver community to “Spread The Love, Stop The Virus.” To find out more about the campaign visit www.red-ribbon.ca.

The We Care Red Ribbon Campaign is grateful for the support from: City Of Vancouver Transit Shelter Advertising, TV Week, Georgia Straight, Capers/Wholefoods, Granville Island Brewing Company, Cineworks and Pacific Cinematheque.