Award Winning Film “Pursuit of Equality” Marked Its 20th Anniversary at the Castro Theater

California State Governor Gavin Newsom joined filmmakers Geoff Callan & Mike Shaw for this landmark screening celebrating two decades of same-sex unions and marriage equality.

An exclusive anniversary film screening event, sponsored by Salesforce, took place on February 1st at the historic Castro Theatre in San Francisco. The event marked the 20-year milestone of the groundbreaking pursuit of same-sex marital civil rights, as depicted in the award winning film “Pursuit of Equality.”  The private event was attended by over 700 guests and included a welcome reception, opening remarks by California State Governor Gavin Newsom, the screening of the film, a surprise performance by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and concluded with a post-presentation by the filmmakers and cast.

Two decades ago, former San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, now California State
Governor, courageously issued marriage licenses to same-gender couples, sparking a nationwide movement for marriage equality. After receiving a late-night call from then Mayor Newsom, on February 11, 2004, the acclaimed directing team of Callan & Shaw hustled to San Francisco City Hall the next morning and with near limitless access began filming what has become a valuable behind-the-scenes chronicle which documented this historic moment when same-sex couples strived for equal rights during the ‘winter of love’.

“Pursuit of Equality” originally premiered at the Castro Theatre during the 2005 San Francisco International Film Festival, where it won the audience award for best documentary feature and has gone on to win multiple awards and accolades encompassing the film’s unapparelled storytelling surrounding the intimate lives of those at the forefront of the marriage justice movement. Callan & Shaw were also awarded GLAAD’s Presidential Local Hero Award in 2009.

“Pursuit of Equality” is not only deeply moving and inspiring, but a true testament to the enduring fight for equal rights.  This “must see” documentary continues to change hearts and minds, and most importantly, puts a human face on discrimination. Callan & Shaw plan to bring their film to mass audiences across the globe, with a second screening scheduled for February 29, 2024 at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, and more to follow in the coming months. For more information: www.pursuitofequality.com