Reel in the Closet

Directed by Stu Maddux, the 2015 documentary film, Reel in the Closet, is a poignant, emotionally-charged journey through the hidden history of the LGBTQ community, doing so through the lens of home movies covering several decades of change and struggle.

Tom Ammiano, Barbara Gittings, and David Imming are part of the diverse cast, each offering a unique perspective, whether from a political, civil rights activism, or a more personal viewpoint.

The documentary takes its name from the “closets” where many of these “reels” have been hidden for years due to societal ignorance, discrimination, and prejudice. Maddux, an award-winning director known for his profound storytelling skills, skillfully presents the wealth of footage as he takes audiences back in time, unveiling unexplored corners of queer history.

Throughout the film, we come across several surprising and little-known aspects of the LGBTQ community's past. Buried deep within personal archives, the plethora of home movies appears almost forgotten, reflecting a world where people had to be engaged in a constant silent struggle for acceptance, respect, and love. The variety and breadth of participants help to create an emotionally charged panorama of queer history, showcasing events, experiences, and individuals that variously shaped, reflected, or simply demonstrated the struggles, joys, and everyday lives of the LGBTQ community over the years.

Tom Ammiano, a former member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and a pioneering gay rights activist, provides a political and social context for these candid home movies, taking audiences into the political struggles of these years. His firsthand accounts serve the viewers with a better understanding of the changes in societal norms and laws over time, making a significant contribution to the documentary’s narrative.

Barbara Gittings, an iconic figure in LGBTQ activism who is often referred to as the mother of the gay rights movement, extends this narrative further with her fearless leadership. The inclusion of her experiences, advocacy, and unassuming courage adds an inspiring element to this heartwarming collection of real-life stories, ensuring that the film not only captivates but educates and inspires viewers as well.

David Imming, the co-founder of Stonewall National Museum & Archive, contributes to the narrative by showing a historical context to these home movies. His insights help us understand the importance of preserving these valuable footages, not just as nostalgic relics of the past but also as a treasure trove of historical importance that bridges the gap between the past and the future generations.

Reel in the Closet is more than just a social examination, it's a celebration of the LGBTQ community's resilience and the joy that comes from navigating the world together. This is not a documentation of a collective struggle, but a deep dive into personal intimacies, shared moments of happiness, sorrow, love, and the strength of community, transcending the political narrative to capture the core of the human experience.

The styles and forms vary across the reels, from silent black and white footages to more vivid, technicolor glimpses into family gatherings, parties, and everyday moments. Each home movie reel serves as a time capsule, taking us back to a different time and allowing us a glimpse into the private, unseen worlds of people we would otherwise have little chance of getting to know.

Reel in the Closet is a film about identity, bravery, and the silent struggle to be oneself in a society that initially offered little acceptance. Craftily pieced together, each snippet of celluloid transcends simple history, creating a rich panorama of human experience from previously unseen angles.

By the end of the film, audiences are left contemplating the untold stories that lie within the confines of other closets, attics, and dusty boxes around the world. Reel in the Closet serves as a stark reminder of the stories from our past that must not be forgotten, for they are the keys to understanding and appreciating the ground we stand upon today.