Coming to PBS’s America ReFramed on The WORLD Channel tomorrow, Tuesday, June 24: BROKEN HEART LAND
Jeremy and Randy Stulberg’s look at the impact of a homophobia on a small town just had its official world premiere at Frameline this past weekend. Sneak previews have also taken place in Norman and Oklahoma City OK.
In 2010, Zach Harrington, a young gay man in Norman OK, committed suicide. One week prior, Norman’s city council meeting was the site of unexpected controversy, as conservative community members spoke out against a proposal to recognize LGBT History Month in the town, often spouting anti-gay rhetoric and fear-mongering misinformation. The Stulbergs’ poignant film focuses on Zach’s sad action – including revelations from his diary – and its aftermath, as revealed through the unexpected politicization of his conservative Republican parents, who begin to campaign for LGBT-supportive candidates. While the Harringtons are genuine, relatable subjects who try to make their private tragedy into an impetus for larger community transformation, the film shines most when Zach’s story is instead allowed to take center stage, rather than haunting the background of the campaign.
what (not) to doc 