Finally! A film with three strong female leads - each delivering a stunning and nuanced performance of a woman faced with profound changes in her life.
In Steam, Kate Siegel (The OC) plays Elizabeth, a college co-ed who comes of age by breaking free of the strict parental bonds of her church-going father and passive mother. Falling for a young activist in her class, Elizabeth soon finds herself in the midst of group-home and parental home antics, alternately preparing safe sex kits and dreaming up ever more flamboyant excuses for missing church services.
Finally coming out to her parents, in a jailhouse showdown, our young heroine finally turns the corner into adulthood - with all the promise and angst that becoming an adult entails.
In the meantime, Ally Sheedy stars as Laurie, a single mother going through a bitter custody battle with her ex-husband. At the urging of her best friend, she begins dating her son's MUCH younger football coach, gaining a new lease on life and learning the true value she brings as mother, friend and lover.
Joining the two women in their steam room ritual of introspection is Doris, a newly-in-love widow played by the Oscar nomindated Ruby Dee (A Raisin in the Sun, Do the Right Thing, Jungle Fever, and Their Eyes Were Watching God).
The three women, who bond and find tentative strength in each other's stories, finally flourish - away from the watchful eyes of parents, children and ex-lovers.
MISSION & OBJECTIVE The Center Long Beach Q Film Festival's mission is to present films that embody the LGBTQ community. Along with The Center Long Beach, we advocate the inclusion of all individuals into a free and just community, without judgment or restriction due to sexual orientation or gender expression. SUBMISSIONS for the 2008 Q Film Festival are closed. Please check back next spring for 2009 submission requirements.