Film & Video: Gay Illegal Immigration Movie Tackles Political Issue

Last year's politically charged indie feature, "Maple Palm," sneaks across the border from theaters to home video when it's released on DVD July 3. Set in California's idyllic Marina del Rey, the film's dramatic subject matter exposes the one arena in which gay relationships are a felony, and in the process, challenges our stereotypes of what it means to be an immigrant, and an American.

Art not only imitates history but current events in last years limited theatrical release Maple Palm, set to be released on a Collector's Edition DVD July 3. Maple Palm dramatizes the story of a lesbian couple of fifteen years concealing the secret that one is an illegal immigrant. As seen in the film's movie trailer and exclusive clips, Maple Palm offers an intense dramatization of what it means to be an illegal immigrant facing deportation. At times, the film is raw and disturbing, depicting the harsh and sometimes violent truth of these difficult circumstances. Yet the filmmakers insist that, at its core, Maple Palm is a love story, albeit a tragic one.

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The filmmakers expected harsh criticism from predictable reactionary groups, but what they didn't expect, was unabashed ignorance from the gay community itself, "some told us gay immigrants don't deserve any rights until gay Americans get them first." states actor/producer, Robert J. Feldman. He goes on to add, "It's unfortunate. But if the gay community had the ability to band together like other minorities, maybe the entire movement would be further along."

Despite the ignorance, the filmmakers have received countless emails from across the globe from same-sex couples living the predicament their film depicts, including emails from gay Americans forced to flee this country so they can live elsewhere legally with their foreign born partners. A bi-national lesbian couple who asked to remain anonymous states, "we can't all be as lucky as Ellen and Portia" referring to Ellen DeGeneres and her Australian born partner, Portia de Rossi. "I have no idea what their situation is, but they're the most famous bi-national couple in the world. I hope they at least support the struggles fellow bi-national couples face. So many gays don't support same-sex immigration."

Actually, one could argue the most famous bi-national couple hails from the world's first gay "royal wedding" between Britain's Elton John and Canada's David Furnish. But our anonymous lesbian couple is quick to point out, "it's different when you're rich. If your partner doesn't already have residency, you can just buy them a million dollar green card" referring to the Investment Visa program in which business investors may acquire immigrant visas for any designated foreign employees.

The lesbian couple goes on to state "this isn't just a movie. Real people are actually living this and we're stuck in the shadows. A big disappointment has been Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. For a man who insists everyone remove the words "I can't" from their vocabulary, his veto of same-sex marriage in California assures thousands of gays and lesbians will continue to say "I can't" get married, and by result, "I can't" sponsor my foreign partner. I expected more from a first generation immigrant. I guess there are some things love can't conquer."

Feldman, the film's producer illuminates further, "the difference between truth and fiction, is fiction has to be credible. Life's oddities aren't questioned with the same scrutiny. And it's not just a gay issue. Even American born children are being separated from their straight, undocumented immigrant parents. It's inhumane." When asked if the film based on their IFP acclaimed screenplay could've been more widely received, the producer states, "probably not. We struggled to fund this out of pocket because no one cares. In a world filled with strife, gay immigration isn't a blip on anyone's radar. Angelina and Madonna will never adopt a gay immigrant. The issue just isn't perceived as meaningful." The producer admits their goals for the film were modest to begin with, claiming victory in educating people about the political issue itself, "every person who sees our film, the trailer, or even just the website, goes away learning something they didn't know before. That in itself is a victory. The rest is up to politicians and voters."

Director, Ralph Torjan, has championed Maple Palm since it's inception but admits it's time to move on, "I wish I could say I was doing a frivolous comedy next, but I guess that's just not my style. I see the world through a different lens." Speaking on his influences, Torjan continues, "I've always been inspired by John Waters. He's the epitome of independent filmmaking and I'd be lucky to emulate his success." Torjan's next film, Personal Justice, takes an unconventional look into the prison system, yet he promises it'll be his most commercial film to date, "it still packs a punch, but it's geared for a younger audience. They're more accepting and open minded. With age, comes stagnation. I think it's important to always explore new ideas and broaden one's understanding. I'd like to make commercial films that support that ideal."

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