A Great Ride

A Great Ride is an inspiring documentary that takes you into the extraordinary lives of Sally Gearhart and Brenda Crawford in a place unlike anywhere else - Northern California. Directed by Deborah Craig, the movie is an awe-inspiring chronicle of a specific time in history and the lesbian culture that once blossomed within the area's women-only spaces.

The film opens with an exploration of the awe-striking landscapes of Northern California, nodding to the natural beauty that attracted many to the area. The tranquil and serene rural setting forms the backdrop where vibrant communities of women thrived, lived, and shaped a culture that defied societal norms. Sprawling ranches secluded from the busy city life paint the perfect scenery to foster independence, feminist thinking and its unique community culture.

The movie brings Sally Gearhart and Brenda Crawford into focus amidst the mesmerizing beauty of the area. Sally Gearhart is a vibrant character, a distinguished feminist activist, theorist, and one of the first openly gay women to hold a faculty position at San Francisco State University. Brenda Crawford, on the other hand, is known for her significant work as a public figure and activist. The chemistry between them forms the backbone of the narrative.

Gearhart and Crawford shared a vision: to create an environment where women could come together, live, and work in harmony. A Great Ride shares this journey, their triumphs along with the challenges they faced and overcame. The documentary provides a look into these open-minded women, their pioneering spirit, and the influences they had in the feminist movement and the LGBTQ+ community.

The film successfully depicts the aura of the time when they consolidated their thoughts and beliefs into the formation of a unique community—an era that saw the rise of women's independence and rights. As viewers delve into the movie, they will experience an overwhelming sense of nostalgia, watching historical footage and gaining insight into the societal transformations that shifted the world’s perspective towards gender and sexual orientation.

While the documentary spotlights Gearhart and Crawford, the movie further expands, focusing on other women in the self-built communities in Northern California. Activists, artists, educators, and everyday women who left their lives behind in pursuit of independence, shared their experiences. These vibrant communities offered a haven of safety, acceptance, and sisterhood where they could explore their personal identities, craft skills, find self-reliance and live with dignity.

With time, the communities faced multiple challenges. The women grew older, societal views shifted, and the number of women living in these communities in the cascading hills dwindled. However, the resilience of these incredible women shines through as the film details the steps taken to revive and preserve these distinct and vibrant communities even in current times.

Integral to the documentary is the captivating cinematography that lends additional weight to the narrative. The scenic beauty of Northern California—a mix of mysterious redwood forests, tranquil water bodies, and hilltop view—essentially forms a character in itself, underlying the storyline with a majestic yet homely element. The evocative soundtrack augments this overall experience.

A Great Ride is not just a testimony to the incredible lives of Sally Gearhart and Brenda Crawford. It is more than merely a snapshot of a little-known time in lesbian history. It portrays a heartfelt exploration of a transformative social movement that resonates beyond the boundaries of Northern California, preserving a vibrant slice of women's collective history and serving up a triumphant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, female solidarity, and strength of spirit.

In conclusion, A Great Ride is an inspiring, historical, and emotive piece that tells an essential and too often untold story of women’s communities, culture, and courage. Through their vibrant lives, the film salutes the spirit of every woman who dared to challenge conventional norms and paved the way towards a more accepting and liberating society. It delivers a much-needed message of support and celebration to the LGBTQ+ community in particular and every woman in general. It is indeed, a 'great ride' through life's transformative journey.