Celebrate three decades of the groundbreaking documentary The Celluloid Closet at the iconic Castro Theatre! Based on Vito Russo’s seminal book, the 1995 film by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman excavates a century of Hollywood’s often-coded, censored, and complex portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters. Narrated by Lily Tomlin and featuring commentary from Hollywood legends like Tom Hanks, Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg, Tony Curtis, Gore Vidal, and Harvey Fierstein, The Celluloid Closet is an exuberant, eye-opening look at the evolution from subtext to open representation.

Marking 30 years since its legendary 1996 premiere at The Castro Theatre, this special night will feature a live, in-person appearance from the film’s directors, Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, who will introduce this enduring work of LGBTQ cinema. Unexpected surprises are also planned to commemorate this profoundly important film.

Don’t miss this essential night of film history, reflection, and community!