Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson and husband Justin Mikita have joined the team producing Stonewall Forever as executive producers.
Stonewall Forever is set to be a feature documentary centring on the historic institution while marking the 50th anniversary in the ongoing fight for LGBT+ rights.
Ferguson told The Hollywood Reporter: “So much of where the community is today is because of wheels set in motion 50 years ago — and yet in the day of dying retail and Grindr, it is getting harder and harder to keep queer spaces open”
He continued: “We decided together that we wanted to create a documentary for the younger generation — one that tells the importance of queer spaces for gathering both then and now, and why we have to work to preserve these spaces. We hope that it will not only educate and enlighten but also inspire. We always need new leaders and who better to learn from those who came before us.”
The documentary is still in its early stages.
It will use the Stonewall riots and its upcoming anniversary as a jumping-off point to discuss various aspects of LGBT+ history including Harvey Milk, AIDS, hate crimes, marriage equality and the fight for transgender rights. The historical documentary will use archive footage along with innovative animation, motion graphics and original music
The upcoming film will also depict Stonewall as it exists today, including how it is dealing with rising rent and gentrification.
As for World Pride 2019 in New York, Jesse Tyler Ferguson said the filmmakers will be on the frontlines documenting the historic Pride. He commented, “Our main focus is to fully take advantage of documenting that once in a lifetime event.”
Jeffrey Schwarz, who previously made ‘Tab Hunter Confidential’ and ‘The Fabulous Alan Carr,’ is directing the documentary about the famed LGBT+ institution.
Schwarz commented, “Every time there is progress, it’s followed by pushback. We’re in that moment again. A lot of the progress is being undone. That makes this story even more relevant and urgent to tell.”
Stonewall has recently been making headlines as NYPD apologized for actions taken by the police at the Stonewall riots in 1969.
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