Roadside Attractions

SUBSIDIARY OF LIONSGATE ENTERTAINMENT

Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles

WIDEST THEATRICAL RELEASE: 77 THEATERS

This documentary is an in-depth reflection on the hit musical Fiddler on the Roof. Cast, fans, and creatives involved in the production speak extensively about the late Jerome Robbins, a gay man who directed and choreographed the original production. The documentary briefly chronicles Robbins’ involvement and testimonies during the McCarthy Trials, and his decision to share names for fear he would himself be outed and lose his career.

One talking head interviewed was out actor and writer Harvey Fierstein, who played Tevye in a 2004 revival of Fiddler. The film also delves into how the themes in the musical are meaningful and relevant to so many people, including LGBTQ people. Out actor Adam Kantor additionally talked about how the show can be read as an allegory for the LGBTQ rights movement.

Judy

WIDEST THEATRICAL RELEASE: 1627 THEATERS

In this film that chronicles the final years in the life of icon Judy Garland, homage is paid to the gay fans that loved her. The film explores Garland’s relationship with her gay fans through a London couple, Stan and Dan, who attended all her shows, and even hosted her for dinner one night. At their apartment, Dan

ANDY NYMAN AND DANIEL CERQUEIRA AS DAN AND STAN, JUDY Founded in 2003 by Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff, Roadside Attractions specializes largely in independent films. In 2007, Lionsgate bought a portion of the company. Notable LGBTQinclusive films previously released by the studio include I Love You Phillip Morris (2010), Dear White People, The Skeleton Twins (2014), Hello, My Name is Doris (2016), and Whitney (2018).

Summary of 2019 Findings

9

films released theatrically in 2019 under studio & official imprints

2

total number of LGBTQ-inclusive films

22%

percent of LGBTQ-inclusive films of studio total releases

talks about how Stan had been imprisoned for being gay before the laws were changed, and Garland sympathizes with him, emphatically declaring “to hell with them.” Later on, when Judy falters on stage during a show, Dan and Stan begin singing to her, causing the entire audience to sing along in a climactic overture.

Considering Garland was so beloved by gay fans, and is still decades later, it was important that this aspect of her life be portrayed in this film, and that these details be handled with great respect. Judy was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award.