My Sister, My Bride 2004
Distributed by Women Make Movies, 462 Broadway, New York, NY 10013; 212-925-0606
Produced by Bonnie Burt
Directed by Bonnie Burt
VHS, color, 25 min.
Sr. High - Adult
Gay and Lesbian Studies
Date Entered: 05/26/2006
Reviewed by Beth Traylor, University of Wisconsin Libraries, MilwaukeeFilmed in Carson City, Nevada in 2002, this program focuses on a lesbian couple, Caren and Farrell as they prepare for their marriage ceremony. Through a series of honest and touching interviews, they discuss how they met, their feelings towards one another and their relationship. They also discuss their family’s reactions to both their relationship and the upcoming marriage. Intercut with scenes of their Jewish marriage ceremony, Caren and Farrell discuss their reasons for having it, and how they want the same values automatically given to heterosexual couples, placed on their union. The second part of the program focuses on the banning of same-sex marriages in different states. In 2004, San Francisco’s mayor approved the issuing of same-sex marriage licenses. More than 4000 couples, including Caren and Farrell were able to participate between February and March. Amid the footage of their civil ceremony is the emphasis on how much the marriage licenses meant to the couples who could be officially married for the first time and how it affected and validated their relationships.
My Sister, My Bride’s two good stories could have been much longer and more in-depth. It would have been nice to hear from other couples getting married in San Francisco as well.
My Sister, My Bride would be a good addition to any public or academic library collection. Highly Recommended.