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Love Leads at NewFest NYC 2010
blog layout & video by Amanda Vontobel
This movie literally fell into our laps. A few weeks ago, Amanda happened to spot a mention of Leading Ladies on AfterEllen. We both checked out the trailer, thought it looked cool, saw it would be playing at Newfest in NYC, and bought our tix. Much to our delight, it was fantastic!
The tag line “let love lead” sums up the message of the film perfectly. It applies to love of every kind…family, friends, couples. As the story takes us through the lives of the Campari family, it shows us that all we have to do is open our hearts and minds to see what is right in front of us. It really can be as simple as that.
The Campari family consists of Sheri (Melanie LaPatin), a lovable but overbearing stage mom who now lives vicariously through her two daughters Anastasia “Tasi” (Shannon Lea Smith), and Antoinette “Toni” (Laurel Vail). Sheri has spent her life primping Tasi to perform on the Ballroom/Swing Dancing Competition circuit. While Toni also trained to dance, she remained out of the spotlight as the quiet one on the sidelines. Although Toni serves as an apparent understudy to Tasi, she assumes the role willingly. But wait…if you’re thinking you already can tell where the plot is going, you are probably wrong. This is not a typical underdog rises up and takes the lead movie. There is no veiled animosity that Toni holds for Tasi or their Mom. Instead Toni is supportive, appreciative, and loving. The same goes for Tasi toward Toni, and both of them toward their Mom. Of course they sometimes lament about the crazy antics they endure with quirky Sheri as a Mom, but they fully embrace their family’s oddness. Even Tasi’s dance partner Cedric (Benji Schwimmer) is practically part of the family, though he is more of a brother type than a suitor for Tasi. Sheri hopes for the latter, but the problem is she seems to be the only one not to accept that Cedric is gay, no matter how many hilarious ways he tries to confirm this to her. One night when Toni goes out dancing with Cedric, she meets Mona (Nicole Dionne) and they have an instant attraction. This serves as the so-called “ah-hah” moment for Toni as things finally start to make sense for her. 
To create the story, writer/director Erika Randall Beahm mixed elements of her own life with several of her friend’s lives to make up all the characters. Also, writer Jennifer Bechtel wanted to make a positive gay/lesbian movie that could be accessible for younger gays and lesbians. I found it refreshing to watch such a great a film that didn’t utilize any nudity, vulgar language, or drug use. They also wanted the movie to transcend the constraints that labels puts on us and focus on love, not label. Erika says in the Q&A that she was able to show the film at a private High School and the kids loved it, both straight and queer. It is comforting to know that kids today are more accepting of being gay than any prior generation. All the more reason that movies like this can be made, and will continue to help pave the way for the future.
And in continuing our a recurring theme on our blog, this film is also a great testament to the DIY vibe. As Erika explains during the Q&A session, the film was made with “no money” and lots of cooperation from friends and supporters. It seems the residents and local businesses of Champaign, IL were more than willing to offer their spaces for free to use in the movie. Some of the music was performed in the film by Erika’s husband Daniel Beahm, who is a musician and also served as director/producer. Shannon Lea Smith does her own singing during the hilarious supermarket dance routine. Another interesting tidbit, actress Laurel Vail had no dancing skills whatsoever when she auditioned for the role. But Benji felt she had the most passion and potential to learn to dance. So with the help of Melanie skilled choreography teachings, she and Benji were able to transform Laurel into a graceful ballroom/swing dancer in no time. Shannon also had to learn some basic techniques from Melanie and Benji. When you see the film, you understand how impressive this is.
For all this and more, I think Leading Ladies delivers on every level. It is as laugh out loud funny as it is warm and touching. It has characters that are strong, positive, and supportive of each other. That support seems to be as much off screen as on. The cheers from the theater and comments on their Facebook page made it evident that this movie means a lot to all involved. I sincerely hope it gets the attention it deserves and surpasses Erika’s vision of crossing over to all audiences. A message as simple as “let love lead” surely needs to be heard loud and clear.
Both Lorraine and I will be at NewFest in NYC tomorrow night to see the new film, Leading Ladies. The information is below.
Friday, June 11th @ 8:00pm
SVA Theater #2
Newfest Film Festival
We are very much looking forward to seeing the film. I actually found out about the film by a comment left on AfterEllen by the producers. Couldn’t even tell you which article it was, but I’m very glad I happened to see that comment and followed the link.
Here is the official synopsis: The Camparis are a family of women in which everyone knows her place. Sheri is the larger-than-life, overbearing stage mom. Once a young and beautiful ballroom champion, Sheri now lives vicariously through her youngest daughter Tasi, the darling of the local amateur ballroom circuit. Sheri’s oldest daughter, Toni, is Tasi’s practice partner, the wallflower who must quietly support them all. The only consistent man in the life of the Campari women is Cedric, Tasi’s dance partner and Toni’s best friend. Find out what happens to each as they reexamine their roles in modern life and on the dance floor and learn to “Let Love Lead.” ™
Watch the trailer on their website and if you’re in town or nearby, get yourself to the theater.
There will definitely be a follow-up blog.
written by Lorraine Mazza
blog layout by Amanda Vontobel
all photos by Sophia Wallace
It’s been about a year since “And Then Came Lola” was thrust onto scene and what a year it’s been. As the film made the rounds on the LGBT indie movie circuit, the momentum of interest and excitement kept building steadily after each screening. Now Lola has recently been released on DVD, including Blu-ray, and it still shows no evidence of slowing down. It could be the often used tag line, “sexy, lesbian romp” that got everyone running to the theaters. Or maybe it was the dynamic duo team of Jill Bennett (as Casey) and Cathy DeBuono (as Danielle) who have become increasingly popular in the last year thanks to their hit web series and vlogs, not to mention their genuine, down to earth personalities. Of course, it could be the fact that film creators Ellen Seidler and Megan Siler set out to make a movie with a team of out LGBT participants, from actors to those behind the cameras. In addition to Cathy and Jill, there is Ashleigh Sumner (as Lola) Jessica Graham (as Jen, Lola’s ex), and Jenoa Harlow (as “Speed Freak Girl”). Ashleigh Sumner gives Lola the life that I have no doubt perfectly fit what Ellen and Megan had in mind for the character. Though according to the DVD’s extra features, Cathy actually auditioned first for the role. Jenoa Harlow’s role in the film may have been brief with few words, but they are definitely pertinent scenes that added much hilarity to the story. Jenoa certainly gave “Speed Freak Girl” lots of charisma in her few moments on the screen. She is another gem that I’m grateful for finding out about thanks to this movie. 
The soundtrack for the film in a word, rocks. It includes artists Saucy Monky, Sick of Sarah, Corday, and several more. Corday probably would have never gotten on my radar if it wasn’t for this little film. I had already been listening to Sick of Sarah, but hearing their songs along to Lola running the streets of San Francisco was a lot of fun. And Saucy Monky is band that also may not have found its way to my iPod if it wasn’t for the movie, and for that, I am immensely grateful. Annmarie Cullen and Cynthia Catania are the creative duo behind Saucy Monky’s greatness. They are two talented artists who joined together after each having separate careers, and the result is a perfect blend of emotive, heartfelt indie rock tunes. (Stay tuned for a full write up on Saucy Monky in the near future). As for the “And Then Came Lola” soundtrack, you can check out and buy the tracks in iTunes.
Despite all of the greatness, there were a few glitches along the way. Last year when Ellen and Megan began to promote the film, they hit a brick wall when Facebook deemed the ad photo too raunchy. 
Ridiculous behavior on their part, when you consider some of the ads that already grace the pages of Facebook. Sure, the photo is suggestive. But, let’s not forget the movie is touted as a “sexy, lesbian romp”. The photo depicts the basis of the storyline, a love triangle, in a clever, tongue in cheek manner. Perhaps most absurd was the fact that Facebook ads are on a targeted, marketed basis. Which meant that only those 18 and older, who also have some sort of LGBT interest on their profile, would have seen the ad. I’m also willing to bet that those same Facebook subscribers would have already been aware of the film, as it had quite a following all on its own thanks to the notoriety of its stars. So what exactly was Facebook objecting to? The whole thing reeked of double standard. But thankfully after much effort from Ellen and Megan, along with the fans who found ways to help and protest the ban, it was cleared up. And Lola ran on.
So what is the movie about? It loosely pays homage to the 1998 German cult hit “Run Lola Run”, but the plot is much lighter as a romantic comedy rather than a dark thriller. “And Then Came Lola” also cleverly uses some animation (by animator Jett Atwood) allowing them to play out the action scenes on a smaller budget. And I don’t want to burst any one’s bubble, but it definitely is not just a “sexy, lesbian romp”, though that is a fun part of it. The gist of the story is Lola’s girlfriend Casey needs her to bring some photographs to a meeting by 5:30 pm. Lola is not the best at being on time, and Casey knows that, but is hoping Lola can pull it together just this once. Lola is determined to deliver, especially when she realizes that Casey’s meeting is with her tall, dark, suave ex-girlfriend, Danielle. Various events ensue that challenge Lola, but I’ll leave that up to the viewer to enjoy for themselves. One thing I especially liked was the sub-story that seemed to show how some situations can be misconstrued in an instant. That one second you look over and see your girlfriend in a car with a stranger leaning over, having just taken the seat belt off. These bits of the film were subtle but I found them to be as much as part of the plot as everything else. Ultimately, Lola ends up having three chances to make the delivery that will make or break her relationship with Casey. As for the sexy romp scenes, all I will say is that is a pretty accurate description, and the viewer will have to get the DVD and see for themselves. 
Now that Lola DVDs have been finally reaching the homes of the devoted fans who scattered about to the various screenings just last year, I’m sure the creators and all involved couldn’t be happier or prouder of their project. Aside from the US and Canada, The DVD is also hitting markets overseas such as Germany, UK, France, and The Netherlands. Ellen, Megan and various members of the cast are continually attending new screenings, parties, and other events regarding the film. I’m sure it is a huge honor for all those involved that it has taken off and done so well. Speaking from the fan perspective, I know I have thoroughly enjoyed watching this film grow from its early stages to now. I’m also grateful that it has introduced me to the many wonderful talents who participated in this fun, feel good movie. You can order yourself a copy of “And Then Came Lola” on DVD or Blu-Ray DVD from the links on the main site.
