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“A far-ranging exposé of hate politics that crosses lines of race,
religion and sexual identity” (B. Ruby Rich)
As the polarizing issue of gay marriage re-invigorates the “cultural wars” of the last decade, the classic documentary Ballot Measure 9 resonates as strongly as ever. The film shocked movie-goers in 1995 with its inside views of a divisive gay-rights battle and the unprecedented violence the campaign rhetoric provoked across the state of Oregon
(such that activists were
given full-time police
protection, and on election night, leaders wore bulletproof vests).
The chasms that divide this country are no less divisive today, and Ballot Measure 9 is as relevant as it ever was. Most importantly, the film continues to inspire a larger community with its vivid illustration of a broad based, diverse civil rights campaign. Winner of jury and audience awards internationally, from the Sundance Film Festival to Berlin, from Los Angeles to Edinburgh, Ballot Measure 9 was often named by critics as one of the best films of the year.
FOR EDUCATORS AND LIBRARIES:
Ballot Measure 9 is a starting point for dialogue about the democratic process in America. A chilling portrait of the politics of intolerance, the film offers a valuable window to discussions about the kind of society in which we want to live. An essential media resource, Ballot Measure 9 is recommended for high schools and universities, public libraries, community and civil liberties groups.
FOR CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS: This account of successful grassroots organizing is an instructive model and inspirational organizing tool, "it just might be the next training manual on how to rescue the soul of America." (B. Ruby Rich).
