A newly announced documentary is expected to highlight the inspiring stories of Stratford and Perth County’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
President and executive producer of Ballinran Entertainment, Craig Thompson, told MyStratfordNow that the documentary is inspired by Kelly Ballantyne, owner of Sirkel Foods, who led the effort to install a rainbow crosswalk in downtown Stratford.
Thompson explained that the film aims to highlight the humanity and value of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in Stratford.
Stratford-Perth Pride is also backing the new documentary.
“We want to use the film as an educational tool to hold screenings, community screenings at events that are already taking place, to try to raise awareness of acceptance,” said Thompson.
Thompon added that members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community are not nameless or faceless and that they all have incredible backstories.
He also emphasized the importance of the documentary’s timing, noting that it coincides with the Stratford Festival’s staging of “La Cage aux Folles,” a play that covers a similar theme. This reflects ongoing issues of acceptance that have persisted for decades.
“I just want people who watch this film to get to know people who are their neighbours, their friends,” said Thompson. “It’s just basically something that we need to learn about.”
The documentary, which has just been announced, is set to be released during Pride month next year.
For more information, visit the company’s website.
