A brief interview with Matthew Shepard, then a student at Catawba College, appears in this 82-minute documentary about Jesse Helms and Tim Kirkman's contrasting lives.
Synopsis
A brief interview with Matthew Shepard, then a student at Catawba College, appears in this 82-minute documentary about Jesse Helms and Tim Kirkman's contrasting lives.
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Synopsis
Tim Kirkman returns to his hometown in North Carolina, reflecting on his life as an openly gay man in contrast to Senator Jesse Helms, a prominent figure known for his anti-gay rights stance. Through a first-person narrative, Kirkman addresses Helms directly, weaving in interviews with community activists, novelists Lee Smith and Allan Gurganus, and Carrboro mayor Mike Nelson. The film captures the tension between their differing values and beliefs, set against the backdrop of a politically charged environment in the 1990s.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet openly gay Carrboro mayor Mike Nelson
- See interviews with Lee Smith and Allan Gurganus
- Find out about Jesse Helms' anti-gay rights views
Did You Know
- The film won the Audience Award at the 1998 Frameline festival.
- Matthew Shepard was interviewed in the film while he was a student.
- The film has an 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 7 reviews.
- Tim Kirkman was nominated for an Emmy Award for Documentary Writing after the film aired.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed the documentary Dear Jesse?
Dear Jesse was directed by Tim Kirkman.
What award did Dear Jesse win in 1998?
In 1998, Dear Jesse won the Audience Award at Frameline, the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.
What is the approval rating of Dear Jesse on Rotten Tomatoes?
Dear Jesse holds an approval rating of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 7 reviews.
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