REVIEWS
"A gripping, nimbly assembled documentary. A vivid, disturbing and rousing picture of specious government intrusion at its worst."
“Compelling and well-made. The touching finale leaves you with a sense of resiliency.”
“Queer history is American history, and The Lavender Scare re-examines World War II, the Eisenhower administration and the space race through a lens of gay liberation. It’s fascinating and horrifying — and timely, given the continuing scapegoating of marginalized groups.”
“Josh Howard’s powerful film makes sure we don’t forget this lamentable time in history.”
“An essential and absorbing documentary tells the story of the political repression of homosexuality in America in the '50s, when anti-gay panic fused with anti-Communist paranoia to create a new beast of injustice.”
“The eye-opening documentary should be required viewing to understand how homophobia and persecution were supported by a government that can and should be challenged. The message is clear not just about history repeating itself but possibly regressing to socially harmful and unjust ways.”
“An exceptional documentary, beautiful, carefully constructed and inspiring. While we are not yet where we need to be, watching this film left me hopeful and inspired. I felt like I was back in the 60s, when I came of age, and anything seemed possible if we tried.”
“The film is a documentary, but it builds with such suspense that it feels like a thriller.”
“A must-see for anyone looking to immerse themselves in such history – especially LGBTQ viewers who want to learn more about their roots. This film belongs on LGBTQ studies syllabi nationwide.”
“A fascinating documentary about a missing piece of our history.”
“Sheds a valuable spotlight on the U.S. government's shameful history of anti-gay discrimination. A film that should be essential viewing in these times when intolerance is on the rise.”
“Completely engrossing… the film delivers its impact with honesty and heart.”
PRAISE FROM SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY GROUPS AND BUSINESSES
“The Lavender Scare is thoroughly engaging. Our students were fascinated by this untold story of American history. ‘Why haven’t I ever learned about this in school?’ they asked. Well, thanks to this invaluable film, now they have.”
--Katherine Parker
Professor of History
Monmouth University
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​“We loved the documentary. The film provided a powerful historical perspective for all our employees, especially our younger LGBT staff, and it was a great conversation starter with our straight co-workers.” ​
--Dr. Chris LaFleur
Sandia National Laboratories
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“McDermott Will & Emery screened The Lavender Scare as part of the firm’s annual pride program. The film received rave reviews for its authenticity and bold content. It’s touching and inspiring, and its message becomes more relevant with each passing day.” ​
--Lisa A. Linsky, Partner
Trial Department
McDermott Will & Emery
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“We were delighted by the film and the audience reception. Frankly, it far exceeded even my high expectations. It’s a beautiful film about a compelling story that needed to be told.”
--Joyce Bolinger
Steering committee
Southern Arizona Senior Pride
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​“Our audience members, which included senior citizens, high school and college students as well as educators and members of the LGBTQ community were in awe of the film. Thank you for sharing it with us.”
--Eric Mora
Outreach Coordinator
The National Steinbeck Center
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WINNER OF 16 AWARDS FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY
AT FILM FESTIVALS FROM COAST TO COAST AND AROUND THE WORLD
**Denotes Award Winner
Amsterdam
New Renaissance Festival
Ashford, Washington
Ranier Independent Film Festival
Atlanta
Jewish Film Festival / Out on Film
**Atlantic City
Garden State Film Festival
Austin
Austin Gay+Lesbian Film Festival
**Berlin
Courage Film Festival
Bethel, Connecticut
FilmFest 52
Buffalo
Buffalo Niagara Film Festival
Charlotte, North Carolina
Gay Charlotte Film Festival
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte Int'l Film Festival
Charlottesville, Virginia
Virginia Film Festival
**Cologne
FilmFest Homochrom
**Fargo
Fargo-Morehead LGBT Film Festival
Flagstaff
Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival
Fort Lauderdale
OUTshine LGBT Film Festival
Fort Myers
Fort Myers Film Festival
**Fort Worth
Q Cinema Film Festival
Fresno
Fresno Reel Pride Film Festival
Geneva
Everybody's Perfect Film Festival
**Hartford, Connecticut
Out Film CT
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Houston
Queer Hippo LGBT Film Festival
Huntington Beach, California
SoCal Film Festival
Huntington, New York
Cinema Arts Center
**Kansas City
Out Here Now Film Festival
Long Beach, California
QFilms Long Beach
Long Branch, New Jersey
Monmouth University
**Louisville
Louisville LGBT Film Festival
**Macon, Georgia
Macon Film Festival
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Spectrum Film Festival
**Memphis
Outflix Film Festival
​Miami
OutShine Film Festival
Milwaukee
LGBT Film/Video Festival
New Haven
Documentary Film Festival
Newport Beach, California
Newport Beach Film Festival
**Ocean Grove, New Jersey
qFest LGBT Film and Video Festival
Palm Springs
Cinema Diverse Film Festival
Philadelphia
qFLIX LGBT Film Festival
Portland, Oregon
QDoc Film Festival
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Independent Film Festival
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​** Rochester, New York
ImageOut LGBT Film Festival
**Sacramento
Int'l LGBTQ Film Festival
**Sag Harbor, New York
Hamptons Documentary Film Festival
Salt Lake City
Utah Film Awards
**San Diego
Film Out San Diego
San Diego
International Film Festival
San Francisco
Frameline41 LGBT Film Festival
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale International Film Festival
Seattle
TWIST: Seattle Queer Film Festival
Sonoma, California
OUTwatch LGBTQI Film Festival
St. Louis
QFest Film Festival
Sun Valley
International Film Festival
**Sydney
Queer Screen Film Festival
**Tampa
Int'l Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
Toronto
InsideOut Film Festival
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**Vero Beach, Florida
Film and Wine Festival
**Yonkers, New York
YoFi Fest
Zagreb, Croatia
Festival of Tolerance