Jon Garcia, the director of the feature film The Falls, talks to HRFF about the film’s focus on Mormonism and homosexuality.
Friday, June 1 @ 2:00pm THE FALLS
Synopsis: 20 year old Mormon missionaries dressed in white shirts and ties, riding their bicycles and trying to convert the world to Mormonism is nothing new. But in The Falls, RJ Smith has just turned 20 and is to begin his two-year, full-time mission – a rite of passage for a young Latter Day Saint and takes us behind the white shirts, bicycles, and close missionary living conditions.
You are not a Mormon, but did you grow up in a
small town with predominately ultra conservative religious values and how did you deal with that?
South Texas is definitely ultra conservative and growingup Catholic, I adapted to many conservative religious views at a young age until I was old enough to realize I didn’t feel the same as many of those around me. As far as how I dealt with it: guilt, repression, and indifference to the church I’d grown up in.
What has been the reaction from still practicing Mormon gays (if any)?
The reaction from still practicing Mormon gays has been very positive. Some tell me I’ve told their story or the story of another former missionary they know. A friend of mine who is gay and a still practicing Mormon called me in tears after I sent him a screener. He had the kindest words to express how the film made him feel. His criticism however, was that I didn’t make the stakes high enough. Many young LDS men have taken their own lives because of the feelings of isolation that come from being turned away by family and church. I chose not to take The Falls down this path for numerous reasons, one being that I wanted people to feel good after watching it. The Falls was definitely influenced by numerous true stories of still practicing gay mormon men and women.
Anything you would do differently?
I feel that I am a much more experienced writer and director now, so I sometimes wish I could of have done The Falls knowing what I know now about story telling and working with actors.
Overall, I’m very proud of what we were able to accomplish as a crew of four. I think we made an amazing film.
What has been the audience reaction in the festivals outside of North America where it has been shown?
The films world premiere was in Athens, Greece,
I unfortunately could not make it. I hear the reception
was very positive.
In Hawaii we have many Mormons, some of whom are undoubtedly GLBT. Any advice for them?
There are great organizations out there like Affirmation and PFLAG that support gay and lesbian community members of the LDS church as well as other denominations through the struggles of dealing with an adverse society. You are not alone.
Get your tickets today:
Friday, June 1 @ 2:00pm THE FALLS
