June 1st, 2026 – Bedford Playhouse launched Pride Month in memorable fashion on Monday evening with a screening of the newly restored 4K edition of The Celluloid Closet, the landmark documentary that chronicles the representation of LGBTQ+ people throughout the history of cinema.
The special event commemorated the film’s 30th anniversary and welcomed two distinguished guests whose contributions helped make the documentary a lasting cultural touchstone: seven-time Tony Award winner, actor, playwright, author, and LGBTQ+ activist Harvey Fierstein, and Academy Award-winning director Rob Epstein.
Narrated by Lily Tomlin, The Celluloid Closet explores more than a century of LGBTQ+ representation on screen, examining how Hollywood portrayed gay and lesbian characters—from early stereotypes and coded depictions to increasingly authentic and visible stories. Drawing from clips spanning over 120 films, the documentary features commentary from an array of celebrated voices, including Tom Hanks, Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg, Tony Curtis, Gore Vidal, and Fierstein himself.
Following the screening, audience members were treated to a lively and insightful discussion with Fierstein and Epstein, who reflected on the making of the film, the evolution of LGBTQ+ visibility in entertainment, and the progress—and ongoing challenges—facing the community today. Their conversation offered both historical perspective and personal reflections, underscoring the film’s continued relevance three decades after its release.
The evening served as both a celebration of Pride Month and a reminder of the powerful role storytelling plays in shaping cultural understanding. Guests left with a deeper appreciation for the artists, activists, and filmmakers whose work helped transform LGBTQ+ representation on screen and in society.
📸 Peter T Michaelis
