Top Five LGBT Films with Pride

Johnny Symons has made two films with ITVS: Ask Not and Daddy & Papa. In celebration of LGBT month this June, the Bay Area filmmaker offered BTB his top five, favorite LGBT films.

I make non-fiction films about the LGBT experience to help right a wrong:  there aren’t nearly enough authentic, complex images of gay people out there.  The result is that too many people – gay and straight – perpetuate narrow, homophobic stereotypes, and continue to live in fear.  My work is inspired by other gay documentaries, including the ones below.  I plan to keep making films like these until there’s no more need for them.

• The Times of Harvey Milk 

• Paris is Burning 

• Tongues Untied 

• Tongzhi in Love 

• Be Like Others

Symons recently dropped by ITVS and talked about his early experiences working with the organization as an emerging independent filmmaker.