Ruthie & Connie

Distributed by Women Make Movies, 462 Broadway, New York, NY 10013; 212-925-0606Produced by Deborah Dickson, Donald GoldmacherDirected by Deborah Dickson2002, VHS, color, 55 min. This documentary explores the relationship of Ruth Berman and Connie Kurtz, two remarkable women who, at the time of the making of the video, had been lovers for 25 years. Ruth and Connie started out as friends 40 years prior when both were part of the tight-knight Jewish community in their Brooklyn neighborhood. They both had husbands and children and each made an attempt to live the traditional life that was expected of them. But something was missing. Each woman felt an indescribable lack that seemed to render her life less-than-satisfying. Then in 1974 Ruthie and Connie became lovers. While the two found a great deal of happiness with each other, the situation also created a myriad of problems. Their families were devastated and many in the community shunned them. Ruthie and Connie would not be deterred, however. They were determined to remain together through all the hostility and homophobia directed toward them. They eventually moved in together, joined a new temple that was welcoming to homosexuals and became an influential part of the Brooklyn les-bi-gay community. In 1994 they successfully sued the city of New York to win domestic-partner benefits for all gay and lesbian New York City employees. In addition to showing the strength and pride exuded by these two women, the film also briefly touches upon the hurt and anger experienced by the couple’s families. Fortunately, most of Ruth’s and Connie’s children have come to accept the situation. Only Berman’s youngest son refuses to reconcile with his mother. But even though the film touches upon some difficult and painful issues, it is by no means depressing. Most of the story focuses upon the love and wisdom of these two remarkable women. The film consists primarily of interviews with Ruthie & Connie interspersed with film clips of them hosting friends, facilitating a coming-out workshop, getting ready for their 25th anniversary celebration and appearing on the Phil Donahue Show, among others. These segments all blend to create a marvelous collage of the two women’s lives together. This film is an excellent exploration of the obstacles and homophobia that some lesbians face in their coming-out process. This couple’s story stands as a testament to how inner strength and conviction can carry you through even the most difficult times. It also provides a glimpse into an earlier time, long before lesbianism became “chic,” when coming out of the closet was often a dangerous and career-ending proposition. It is recommended for any libraries interested in gay/lesbian and women’s studies materials and is particularly recommended for college and university collections. Ruthie and Connie’s story is an inspiration to all who have ever felt different or outcast. Ultimately, it is a wonderful reminder of how love can triumph over any adversity. Awards: Best Documentary: Seattle International Film Festival Provincetown Film Festival Nashville Film Festival Audience Award: New York Lesbian & Gay Film Festival Toronto Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Los Angeles Lesbian & Gay Film Festival Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Chicago Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Austin Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Santa Fe Film Festival Brussels Lesbian & Gay Film Festival Vienna Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Barcelona LGBT Film Festival GIRLFRIENDS Magazine Sappho Award