dirs. Samuael Topiary & Molly Skonieczny, 2025, 18 mins

A video essay about the nearly forgotten period of queer history in the 1970s when lesbian mothers were fighting homophobic family courts for custody of their children. Giving personal and political context to landmark lesbian documentary In the Best Interests of the Children (dirs. Frances Reid, Elizabeth Stevens, Cathy Zheutlin, 1977), this short introduces us to award-winning cinematographer and film director Frances Reid as she reminisces with Julie Stevens, daughter of filmmaker Liz Stevens, as they look through the film’s archives and reminisce about their personal experiences.

“Ultimately, the film offers a layered historical perspective on queer family struggles and the fight for parental rights.”
—Beandrea July, UCLA Film & Television Archive

Up-coming Screenings:

• UCLA Film & Television Archive: Fri, June 6, 2025 at 7:30pm - Billy Wilder Theater, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles (inside the Hammer Museum)

• CAFILM Pride: Sun. June 15, 2025 at 5:30pm - The Smith San Rafael

• Frameline49: Wed. June 25, 2025 at 4pm - The Vogue ( > tickets )

• Gravitational Lensing: Feminist Film Dialogues - Program 8.5:
  Sun. June 29th at 7pm - Shapeshifters Cinema, 567 5th St., Oakland