NFPs Urged to Take Up Marriage Equality Debate

Not for Profits are being urged to start a conversation around the marriage equality debate using a new social change film funded through the Australian arm of the international documentary forum, Good Pitch.

The film, Gayby Baby, is about the children of same-sex parents, which has been launched with a strong impact and outreach program to allow Not for Profits to host screenings and also use the film to fundraise for their own causes.

The film will have a national cinema release on September 3.

The release of the film comes as Government and Opposition political parties continue to debate the issues around gay marriage and marriage equality.

Directed by Maya Newell, Gayby Baby addresses the marriage equality issue from the perspective of the children of same-sex partners, who share stories about their experiences in a world that places intense scrutiny on families like theirs.

A number of MPs have had the opportunity to see Gayby Baby at special screenings in electorates where local MPs hold the balance of power in the marriage equality vote.

“It’s incredible because five years ago I never dreamt that the film’s release would be so politically relevant,” Maya Newell said.

“I was raised by my lesbian mums, they had their 30th anniversary this year, which is pretty amazing, and I just felt like there was a voice missing in this discussion. Even though gays can’t marry, they’ve been having kids for generations already.

“I really wanted to feel like the film would give an honest portrayal of what it’s like to grow up with same-sex parents today.”

Newell said as part of the outreach program, Not for Profits can host a screening of the film and start the conversation that can deliver a deeper understanding of family diversity. NFPs can also host the film as part of their own fundraising programs.

Gayby Baby is Newell’s debut feature. The film recently premiered to sold out audiences in Toronto at Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival.

The film was showcased at the inaugural Good Pitch event in Sydney in 2014 which is said to have changed the way philanthropy and filmmakers drive social change in Australia.

Good Pitch Australia was an initiative of Shark Island Institute and Documentary Australia Foundation. Pro Bono Australia and Philanthropy Australia, are Community Partners for the initiative.

Last year’s inaugural Good Pitch Australia secured more than $2 million in philanthropic funding and over 60 new strategic partnerships were forged to fund production, build audiences and deliver impact.

Six new social impact documentaries have been chosen for Good Pitch Australia 2015.

The six new feature-length documentary projects chosen for Good Pitch Australia 2015 are:

• BLUE (Director/Producer, Karina Holden)

• HAPPY SAD MAN (Director/Producer, Genevieve Bailey; Producer, Henrik Nordstrom)

• THE HUNTING GROUND (Producer, Amy Ziering; Director, Kirby Dick)

• ON RICHARD’S SIDE (Director, Andrew Wiseman)

• PRISON SONGS (Director, Kelrick Martin; Producer, Harry Bardwell)

• WHITELEY (Director, James Bogle; Producer, Sue Clothier)

“Our goal is not only to find and support outstanding films, but to select a diversity of subject matter with a view to continuing the ‘national conversation’ that we began with Good Pitch Australia in 2014,” Chair and Moderator of Good Pitch Australia, Ian Darling said.

Find out more about hosting a screening of Gaby Baby HERE

For more information email info@thegaybyproject.com