Synopsis
Pride vs. Prejudice delves into the riveting narrative of the Vriend v. Alberta case, where Delwin Vriend, an unlikely hero, courageously battles against discrimination from a government determined to deny his human rights . Uncover the twists and turns that unfold as Vriend’s pursuit of justice challenges societal biases, culminating in a ground-breaking Canadian Supreme Court ruling in 1998 that confronts prejudice and sets a transformative precedent for LGBTQ+ rights that is cited around the world.
Director Biography – Darrin Hagen
DARRIN HAGEN is an award-winning playwright, author, composer, performer, and Queer historian, and is also the artistic director of Guys In Disguise. He has created over 40 plays, and dozens of published essays and articles, many dealing with the history of sexual minorities in Alberta.
In addition to the full-length documentary Pride vs. Prejudice: The Delwin Friend Story, he has created and directed the award-nominated music video for Only Here on Loan by King of Foxes, the dance film Shadow of a Doubt with Gerry Morita, the silent experimental short Presence in the Third Space, and the comedy short The Foxy Lady Disco Dancing Lounge Rhinestone Turkey Baster Relay Marathon. He also hosted the web series Queer Places, produced by TelusOptik.
Plays by Darrin include his award-winning 1996 debut, The Edmonton Queen (published by Brindle & Glass Publishing, now in its fourth printing). Other published work includes Tornado Magnet: A Salute to Trailer Court Women. More plays include the Sterling-nominated Buddy, Witch Hunt at the Strand, The Empress & The Prime Minister, Metronome, 10 Funerals. as well as the international hit BitchSlap!, and With Bells On which was adapted into a musical by New York City’s Live & In Color.
He has received 7 Sterling awards for his work in Edmonton theatre, and the AMPIA for Best Male Host for the series Who’s On Top? In 2005 he was named one of 100 Edmontonians of the Century. In 2013 he was inducted into the Q Hall of Fame Canada for his contribution to Queer Canadian culture, and was named by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts as one of the 25 Most Influential Alberta artists in the last 25 years.
Like all Queer Canadians, I have personally benefited from the human rights protections that were achieved over a quarter-century ago when Delwin Vriend stood up to the power of a government and demanded justice. Like all Queer Canadians, I now watch with concern as dark forces gather in an attempt to challenge those hard-won rights.
Pride Vs. Prejudice explores the story of one human challenging a determined and hostile government — and winning.
Featuring compelling first-hand accounts from the people who steered this complex and crucial case to the Supreme Court of Canada, this film showcases the passion, dedication, and sacrifices necessary to change the world for the better.
When we first set out to tell the story of Delwin Vriend’s legal battle with the government of Alberta, we thought we were simply revisiting a pivotal milestone in the slow progress towards equality.
We didn’t realize that we were making a documentary that would act as a portent for generations to come.
This is the documentary I need to see right now – to give me hope, and to remind me of how far we have come.
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Cast
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Countries: CanadaLanguages: English