A LOOK AT LOVE
By Liz Doup Staff Writer
Sun-Sentinel Wednesday, June 23, 2004

Forget the recent buzz about gay marriage, the flurry of words from politicians and preachers, lawyers and lovers. Just focus on this image from I Can't Marry You, a documentary about same-sex couples who want the right to wed.

The camera captures an elderly couple named Steve and Malcolm. Steve speaks, sitting by Malcolm, who lies in a hospital bed, his eyes unblinking, his expression blank.

Steve gently cradles Malcolm's hand in his own and says to the camera: "We've been together 42 years." More

Tube - Turning can’t into can
Doc about same-sex marriages couldn’t have come at a better time
Dallas Voice June 2004
By Robert Ross
Contributing Writer

The makers of “I Can’t Marry You” point out that this documentary is the first to address the subject of same-sex marriage. A few years ago, director Catherine Gray had just finished shooting footage when the issue seized the national headlines — thanks to the Nov. 18, 2003 ruling of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court that overturned the state’s ban on same-sex civil marriage. Well, what perfect timing. A month after gay and lesbian couples began marrying in the U.S., Gray’s film is set to air on PBS stations nationwide. More

SAVE Dade event supports same-sex marriage Documentary
‘I Can’t Marry You’ to screen
06/10/04

With any luck, Catherine Gray’s documentary “I Can’t Marry You” will eventually be viewed solely for its historical context rather than its contemporary commentary. But until marriage benefits are extended to same-sex couples throughout the United States, its message remains timely. More

Understanding Gay Marriage
The Gayly Oklahoman July 2004
by Andrew Hicks
Staff Writer

TULSA - In the last few months, more than ever, at the forefront of the gay community is the issue of the right for gays and lesbians to marry. Hoping to expose the urgency of the situation is lesbian filmmaker Catherine Gray whose film I Can't Marry You, narrated by host Betty DeGeneres, explores same-sex marriage issues through the personal experiences of twenty gay and lesbian couples who have been in long-term relationships from 10 to over 50 years. Their poignant and powerful testimonies put faces to, and actual examples of the painful impact of discrimination. More

CENTER SCREENS GAY MARRIAGE DOC

On July 15, the Houston GLBT Community Center will present a benefit screening of “I Can’t Marry You,” the acclaimed 2004 documentary about the legalization of same-gender marriage. The film’s director, Catherine Gray, will appear at the event, co-hosted by the group Equality Knocks. More

Filmmaker Catherine Gray brings her view of marriage equality to Texas
Texas Triangle Online Vol. XII Issue 37 June 18-24, 2004
Steven Morris

Before Massachusetts, before San Francisco, before the Federal Marriage Amendment, Catherine Gray had a dream. She wanted to show the gay community and the world that there were hundreds and thousands of gay couples across the country in tiny towns and thriving metropolises who were living their lives together happily and successfully for ten, twenty, thirty years. And yet, none of them had the benefit of marriage. More

PBS Commits to I Can’t Marry You
Windy City Times 05-19-2004

A few years back, before it was cool to care, producer/director Catherine Gray decided to make a documentary about same-sex couples who wanted the right to marry. She traveled around the United States interviewing lesbian and gay couples of all stripes who were in long-term relationships—some having accomplished a mere decade, and others who had been together for as long as 55 years.

Her finally finished project, I Can’t Marry You, couldn’t be more au courant given the country’s political climate. Betty DeGeneres narrates the film, which will air on PBS stations throughout the wedding/gay pride month of June. Check local listings and be sure to complain if that local outlet is backing down from airing it.
Click Here to read article

A film on gay marriage arrives as FMA hits Senate
‘I Can’t Marry You’ puts a face on the issue of same-sex marriage
Houston Voice
By JOSEF MOLNAR
Friday, July 09, 2004

As local advocacy groups encourage gay men and lesbians in Houston to contact their senators regarding a proposed amendment that would deny marriage rights to same-sex couples, a filmmaker comes to town with her documentary on the subject. More

PERFECT TIMING
Same-sex togetherness
BY KRISTEN LOMBARDI
The Boston Phoenix Issue May 21 - 27, 2004

GRAY (left) with Betty DeGeneres (Ellen's mom), who appears in the film.

Talk about impeccable timing. Catherine Gray had just finished shooting footage for her new documentary on gay and lesbian couples who want the right to marry when the issue seized the national headlines, thanks to the November 18, 2003, ruling of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court that overturned the state’s ban on same-sex civil marriage. Now, just days after gay and lesbian couples have begun marrying here for real, Gray’s film is set to air on PBS stations nationwide.
Click here to read the whole article

"I Can't Marry You" Promises To Be a Powerful Film Event
Desert Pride Newsletter May 2004

The Desert Pride Center is proud to have been chosen as one of thirty gay centers around the country that will play host to the screening of the film, I Can't Marry You, directed and produced by Catherine Gray, a passionate spokeswoman for the gay marriage cause.
Click here to read the whole article

I Can't Marry You
By Mona de Crinis
Bottomline May 2004

I can't marry you..."It's a sad statement in general and an even sadder commentary on American society in a nation that prides itself on equal rights and justice for all, but apparently not when it comes to the right for gays and lesbians to marry each other. That's why Catherine Gray decided to make a film that speaks on this controversial and surprisingly volatile issue.
Click here to read the whole article

Express Gay News
Fort Lauderdale, Florida - December 2003
The Gay Community's Stormy Engagement - Activists Differ on How to Handle Hot-Button Marriage Issue
Phil LaPadula
Click here for a link to article

Express Gay News
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida - October 2003
FLIFF Goes Gay

The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival's official opening night isn't until Nov. 7, but the longest film festival in the world is already underway.

The festival began Oct. 17 and has been showing films nightly at Cinema Paradiso, the festival's own art house cinema. The festival features nearly 100 features and documentaries, and about 40 shorts from around the world, including a mini-fest with nine films with gay and lesbian themes.

"They're the spiciest films we've had," says Gregory von Hausch, president of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.

In my opinion, one of the best gay films featured at the festival is I Can't Marry You, a documentary by Catherine Gray and narrated by Ellen's mom, Betty DeGeneres. Many couples from across the country, including several from South Florida, are interviewed about the problems they've encountered by not being able to get legal recognition of their unions. It's a funny and moving film which truly gets to the heart of a hot topic. Director Catherine Gray will appear at the screening.

For a complete schedule of films, visit fliff.com.

Thirteen.org
OUT! launches with I CAN'T MARRY YOU (Tuesday, June 8 at 10 p.m.). Hosted by Betty DeGeneres, mother of talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres, the film is a timely look at the struggle for same-sex marriage through interviews with a diverse group of 20 long-term gay and lesbian couples. More

The Gay Community’s Stormy Engagement
Fort Lauderdale, Florida - March 2004
Activists Differ on How to Handle Hot-Button Marriage Issue
Phil LaPadula
Click here for link to article

Documentary on Gay Marriage to Begin Filming
Fort Lauderdale, Florida - May 2002
Film to Focus on Long-Term Couples Fighting for Their Rights
Michael James
Click here for link to article

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2003

'I do’ is not an option Filmmaker’s debut documentary
hits on the hot topic of gay marriage
By LOANN HALDEN
Features Editor
10/30/03

People ask Catherine Gray about her relationship status quite frequently these days. The filmmaker completed her first documentary this summer on the subject of gay marriage and the discrimination same-sex couples face, so there’s an assumption she has a wife-to-be waiting in the wings.
"I am dating someone. It’s quite recent though," she laughs. "The marriage question is not on the table for me. More

Gay Marriage Documentary Hosted by Betty DeGeneres Features Asheville Couple

October 15, 2003-Asheville, NC: The issue of civil marriage rights for same-sex marriage is the topic of a new documentary featured in the upcoming Asheville Film Festival.

"I Can't Marry You" includes interviews with twenty gay and lesbian couples from across the United States (one couple resides in Asheville). All have been in long-term relationships ranging from 10-55+ years. The film, through each couple, takes an intimate look at the highly politicized issue of gay marriage. Each couple sheds light on various legal and financial issues, including: healthcare rights, immigration laws, inheritance and taxes. But, perhaps the most compelling part of the film is each couple's story of what brought them together and why they stay together.

Asheville residents, Karen and Cindy, have been together for 18 years. Karen suffers from MS yet continues to work because she is unable to benefit from her partner's insurance coverage because they cannot legally marry. Jerri and Glen, sister and brother, also live in Asheville. They are featured in the film discussing issues that affect their sister, Staci, and her partner KC, a lesbian couple in Florida, also featured in the film.

Betty DeGeneres, the gay-rights activist and mother of television talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, narrates the documentary. The film features interviews with a prominent civil rights attorney, Evan Wolfson; and, a spokesperson for the Christian Coalition.

The film was directed and produced by first-time filmmaker Catherine Gray. "I am thankful to everyone who participated in this documentary. We finished the film before the landmark Supreme Court rulings and these stories couldn't be more timely," Gray said.

To view clips from the film, go to www.icantmarryyou.com. VHS copies of the film will be available for sale at the film festival and on www.icantmarryyou.com.

"I Can't Marry You" @ Asheville Film Festival:

Saturday, November 8th - 5:30 P.M.
Asheville Community Theater
35 E. Walnut St.

For more information, visit the Asheville Film Festival website: www.ashevillefilmfestival.com or (828) 259-5774

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Gay Marriage Documentary Hosted by Betty DeGeneres to Debut in Florida at Upcoming Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival

October 14, 2003-Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Longtime resident Catherine Gray is coming home to South Florida with the debut of her first film, "I Can't Marry You." When she received the news that her first film had been selected for the prestigious Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, Gray said, "This film was a truly a labor of love and I believe in my heart that all people-gay and non-gay-need to be educated about why the issue of equal rights for same-sex civil marriage is so important. We are currently at a pivotal time in this country where the fate of this civil right will be determined in the very near future."

Gray directed and produced "I Cant Marry You." For the film, she traveled across the United States with her crew to interview twenty gay and lesbian couples that have been in long-term relationships ranging from 10-55+ years. Each couple offered a very personal account of how they are affected by various legal and financial issues including healthcare rights, immigration laws, inheritance and taxes. Perhaps the most compelling part of the film is each couple's story of what brought them together and why they stay together.

Betty DeGeneres, the gay-rights activist and mother of television talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, narrates the documentary. The film features interviews with a prominent civil rights attorney, Evan Wolfson; and, a spokesperson for the Christian Coalition.

To view clips from the film, go to www.icantmarryyou.com. VHS copies of the film will be available for sale at the film festival and on www.icantmarryyou.com.

"I Can't Marry You" @ The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival Schedule:

7:30 P.M. - Monday, November 3rd and Wednesday,
November 12th.
Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6th Street. (Tickets are $8).

For more information, visit the Fort Lauderdale Film International Film Festival website: www.fliff.com or call 954-525-FILM.

There will be an "After Party" at Bar Amici on Las Olas Boulevard following the November 3rd screenings of the film. Attendees who bring their ticket stubs will be admitted and invited to enjoy complimentary hors d' oeuvres with a cash bar and live music by Pamela Stanley who revamped her hit "Coming Out of Hiding" which is featured in "I Can't Marry You."

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2002 / Press Releases

Why Get Married
For Immediate Release

Why Get Married? A Documentary Now in Production Will Present the Pro-Marriage Argument Straight from Long-Term Couples Who cohabitate & Want to Marry ...but Can't

May 9, 2002 - Fort Lauderdale, FL: Two people meet, fall in love want to spend the rest of their lives together, get married and take care of each other in sickness and in health, for better for worse, till death do they part ...

So what prevents these young (and old) lovers from being married in the eyes of the law? It seems like a straightforward question. The answer is that these couples are gay.

FYI Productions will explore the issue of legalizing gay marriages in a documentary currently in production. Producer / Director Catherine Gray has teamed together with Emmy Award Winning Videographer /Editor, Dwayne Shorey, to present the compelling and poignant stories of couples across the United States who are unable to benefit from some of the basic rights granted to heterosexual married couples - e.g. hospital visitation, adoption, survivor benefits.

"Recently 9/11 has put a spotlight on denial of survivor benefits and Rosie O'Donnell has come out to fight for adoption rights for gay couples," notes Gray. "Our objective is to show the personal, legal and financial implications of denying a segment of our society - the sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, aunts and uncles, loyal employees, tax paying citizens, neighbors and friends - the same rights that straight couples often take for granted."

The filmmakers will be documenting the personal accounts of long-term gay and lesbian couples around the country throughout the summer. Couples interested in contributing to this documentary, currently in long-term relationships (10+years), that have fought to overcome obstacles for rights or benefits, please contact info@icantmarryyou.com or call 954-328-4864.

FYI Productions' 2002 filming schedule:

South Florida May 25-27
Saugatuck, Michigan June 8-9
Asheville, North Carolina June 22-23
New York, New York July 6-7
Washington, D.C. July 20-21
California (cities TBA) August 3-4

FYI Productions is also seeking sponsors to underwrite and promote this important documentary, which will air on television and at film festivals in the U.S. and abroad.

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WOMO - Woman's Monthly
Washington, DC - July 2002
Gay Marriage documentary in DC

In July, FYI Productions will explore the issue of legalizing gay marriages in a documentary currently in production. "Our objective," says producer/director Catherine Gray, "is to show the personal, legal and financial implications of denying a segment of our society - the sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, aunts and uncles, loyal employees, tax paying citizens, neighbors and friends - the same rights straight couples often take for granted." The filmmakers will be documenting the personal accounts of long-term gay and lesbian couples around the country this summer. The team will be in Washington, DC on July 20-21. Couples interested in contributing who are in long-term relationships (10+ years) and who have fought to overcome obstacles for rights or benefits, contact:

She Magazine - The Source for Women
Fort Lauderdale, Florida - May 2002
Tell the World Your Story

If you and your leading lady have been together for more than 10 years, and have fought to overcome obstacles for rights or benefits, filmmaker Catherine Gray wants you. Gray is putting together a documentary about couples in long-term relationships who would like to get married but can't, in order to spotlight the gay marriage debate and to document the stories of couples that have been denied basic rights accorded to heterosexual couples. Couples who meet the criteria and wish to participate can contact Gray at . The shooting schedule includes Saugatuck, Michigan, June 8-9; Asheville, NC, June 22-23; New York City, July 6-7; Washington D.C., July 20-21; California, August 3-4 and South Florida in August.

The Gazette -
Tampa, Florida - May 2002
Couples Wanted for Documentary

Two people meet, fall in love and want to get married. It happens all the time. So what's the problem? If the two people happen to be of the same sex, the law is the problem. Same-sex couples are not allowed to legally marry. Ft. Lauderdale based FYI Productions is looking for same-sex couples for a documentary currently in production that will explore the issue of legalizing gay marriages. Producer/ Director Catherine Gray has teamed up with Emmy Award-winning Videographer and Editor Dwayne Shorey to present the compelling and poignant stories of couples across the United States who are unable to benefit from the basic rights guaranteed to heterosexual couples. The filmmakers will be documenting the personal accounts of long-term gay and lesbian couples around the country throughout the summer.