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Nicole Conn – Twenty Years of Filmmaking

Nicole Conn – Twenty Years of Filmmaking

When Nicole Conn released her landmark film, Claire of the Moon in 1992, the landscape was practically void of other lesbian-themed movies. Nearly 20 years later, a sprinkling of movies with queer themes has made it to the main stream: Brokeback Mountain, Boys Don’t Cry, The Kids are Alright. But the field is still so small that most people can name those films off the top of their head.

With this summer’s restored re-release of Claire of the Moon, Nicole Conn takes a look back at the film, her career, and the future of women’s films.

“Claire of the Moon told the story of being a lesbian at a time when we still weren’t visible,” states Conn. “It was a different time. We were searching for each other. We used code, and attended ‘women’s weekends’ or slithered into covert bars in order to find others like us.”

Twenty years later, Conn is still making movies that tell the stories of women in our community.

“We have more visibility now, for sure. But our stories have a continuing to need to be told. We’re a diverse community with diverse experience,” adds Conn.

While she may best be known for her lesbian-themed Claire, and last year’s Elena Undone (which featured the longest on-screen kiss in history), Conn’s other works include the documentary little man– the story of her premature son who was born 100 days early and weighing only one pound (also currently being re-released).

“Women are many things. We’re wives and partners and mothers and lovers. We have rich experiences that deserve to be told with great care.” Speaking about why she chose to share her life through documentary, Conn adds, “My experience is one that many other parents have. Frightening and vulnerable and utterly humbling. When you can’t ‘make it better’ for your child, you feel completely helpless. I wanted to show this most human experience that we were undergoing. I also wanted to ask the question we ask at the end of life: because we have the technology to extend life, does it make it humane to do so? I’m pleased that it’s given hope and comfort to others.”

And, after 20 years, she’s not finished. Right now, Conn and her production company, Soul Kiss Films, are working to complete their newest project, A Perfect Ending. “This movie is going to blow you away,” promises Conn. “It’s a redemption story. A story of self-realization and of a mother’s love. It’s a movie that shows so many facets of being a woman and finding your place in the world. And the acting is superb.”

In the lead roles are Barbara Niven and Jessica Clark. “Jessica is absolutely stunning. She’s our British, Amazon goddess. And Barbara is able to act an entire scene using just her eyes. The subtlety she commands is amazing,” comments Conn.

“It’s been almost 10 years since little man, and almost 20 years since Claire. There are still so many stories to be told. I wonder which ones we will be telling in another 20 years.”

Claire of the Moon will be released by Peccadillo Pictures Ltd. in July 2011, along with a Nicole Conn Box Set that will include Claire of the Moon, Cynara, and Elena Undone.

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5 comments

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  • Charlotte says:

    Listen to our audio interview with Nicole Conn @
    OUTTAKE VOICESâ„¢
    http://voices.outtakeonline.com/2011/07/gay-activist-nicole-conn-speaks-out.html

  • […] more over at: “Nicole Conn – Twenty Years of Filmmaking” Filed Under: News, Press […]

  • […] more about Nicole Conn, Soul Kiss Films and A Perfect Ending on […]

  • […] “Nicole Conn – Twenty Years of Filmmaking” from February 2, 2012, Epochalips. Filed Under: Press Nicole is Record Holder What People Are Saying About Nicole's Work! var mt_contents=new Array() mt_contents[0]='A romance film that appeals to everyone, including straight men…I was bowled away by the acting, amazed by the cinematography, and stunned by the chemistry…it's so amazingly beautiful and raw"– Jonathan Hopwood(straight, 45 years old)';mt_contents[1]='"I'm 51, single and straight black woman who was completely "blown away" by the story of Elena Undone…I hope and pray that your story will continue to reach into the small and frighten minds…. like mine, and pull a few more of us into a well lit place."– Maude ';mt_contents[2]='"Elena Undone was as good as any other "straight" love story that I've enjoyed. A good story's a good story, period. I'm not in the film industry nor am I gay…surely movies with same-sex leads deserve their place alongside mainstream movies…"– Shahida ';mt_contents[3]='"This film, has managed to break me down into finite pieces and stir around a pot of water, that hasn't roiled in many, many a year. The writing was superb and the players exposed themselves and made effortless the bond between their characters. It was a beautifully shot piece of art.."– Netflix Review ';mt_contents[4]='“During the course of my life time I’ve encounter many people that never seamed to mean anything special to me, until I met her. I'm writing because I need you to know what "Elena Undone" has done for me.” — Lissett';mt_contents[5]='"Hey there Nicole, Finally saw Elena Undone, and well, it is now my favorite movie of all time. Thank you for always giving all of us "DELICIOUS" women out here such wonderful, positive, sensual, and beautiful words and images to hold on to, to see ourselves in, and to be so proud of." — MaryEllen Elizabeth'; var mt_delay=6000 var mt_speed=3 mt_start(); Donate to Soul Kiss! Thanks so much for visiting http://www.nicoleconn.com! We will have fantastic new content coming your way in Fall 2011. For now, please consider supporting Nicole and her projects by making a donation to Soul Kiss Films: […]