The Crier introduced readers to filmmaker Donal Brophy and his production company, Idyllwild Pictures, in late 2021, when their first film, “The Shuroo Process,” was released. Now he is starting a new project, a docuseries called “Pride and Prejudice.” The first session will be filmed with a live audience at the Rustic Theatre Friday, Oct. 6.
PHOTO COURTESY OF IDYLLWILD PICTURES
In each episode Brophy, will interview a successful or notable member of the LGBTQ community. Each interviewee also will focus on an exceptional historical LGBTQ figure who influenced their lives and works.
Brophy explained the timing of the event, which will be a part of the year’s Pride in the Pines festival: “In a time where there seems to be some backlash against the LGBTQ community and the hard-fought rights that were won in the last 30 years, we want to open up a space where we can talk in an open forum, and ask these contemporary figures about their work, and how it is a bridge to the past.”
TC: This will the first episode?
DB: Yes. We’re doing it in conjunction with Pride in the Pines, Oct. 6 and 7. It is a free event at the Rustic, Friday night, and all are welcome, subject to space.
TC: Tell us about “Pride and Prejudice.”
DB: We celebrate pride every year, but also deal with prejudice. What is the pride that helped you get through the prejudice? With each episode we want to explore pride and prejudice and ask, “What are people afraid of? Why do people feel threatened by us living our truth?” Our history is their history, we are all in this together.
TC: How has your company done since we last talked?
DB: Shuroo did well internationally and in theaters across the U.S.. We have several projects in progress. There is a podcast, “Historical Homos,” and “Pride and Prejudice” is basically a spinoff of that.
Brophy’s first interview will be with Billy Clift, who worked his way up the film industry ladder from makeup artist to writer and producer. He has been releasing critically acclaimed films since 2000. In 2019, Clift was an Emmy nominee for “The Advocate Celebrates 50 Years: A Long Road to Freedom.” His 2021 short film, “No Goodbyes,” deals with Nazi persecution of gays during the Holocaust. Last year he released “100 Years of Men in Love: The Accidental Collection” that explores male partnerships through found photographs from the 1850s to 1950s.
Brophy explained that Clift’s historical inspiration was also his cousin; actor Montgomery Clift, who is the subject of his biopic, “American Tragedy.” This is the original title of the book that inspired the 1952 film “A Place in the Sun,” which paired Clift with Elizabeth Taylor.
The first “Pride and Prejudice” episode at the Rustic Theatre has a Welcome Soiree from 6 to 7 p.m. with live taping from 8 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6.
