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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
Back to top
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
Back to top
..........
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."
Back to top
..........
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.
Back to top
..........
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.
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