Filmmakers talk art, passion and undying love
Chris & Don is a beautiful tale of the love that Hollywood tries to imitate in many of its narrative films. But instead of making it up, Mascara and Santi resurrect a relationship, showing it in its true form. Chris & Don is a reminder that true unyielding love does exist, against all inequality, change and even death.
After the film's presentation, Bachardy, Mascara and Santi took to the front of the lecture hall to answer questions. They were immediately met with a standing ovation. The experience of seeing the filmmakers in the flesh was remarkable, and it seemed as though Bachardy simply walked off the screen that he had been projected on only moments before. The audience was given the opportunity to ask questions, many of which were directed to Bachardy. He was asked about his artwork, his role in the documentary's production and his relationship with Isherwood. Members of Baltimore's GLBT community who were in attendance applauded Mascara and Santi for making a film that so beautifully depicts a homosexual relationship.
"I am so grateful to all of you for bringing this beautiful story to film. There is so little celebration of gay love in our society, and I truly appreciate it," one woman commented. Another asked Bachardy what his thoughts on the gay marriage controversy in California are. To this, Bachardy replied vehemently: "Of course we should have the right to marry each other if we want to. On what possible firm basis can we be denied? It's sheer bigotry. And also, it's un-American . . . What possible valid reason against it can there be?" He also commented, though, that if it were available to him and Isherwood at the time, they would never have gotten married because what really mattered was "our devotion to each other; no one else had to sanction it."
Bachardy spoke about what Isherwood's death meant to him and what that moment was like. He commented that though it was one of the hardest times for him, he had made up his mind at 18 that he would always take care of Isherwood, and so that's what he did. Bachardy spoke even further about his never-ending love for Isherwood and when asked if he had any other great loves, he simply laughed and responded that none had been so great. Though Bachardy was primarily the topic of interest during the question-and-answer section, the next morning, about a dozen film majors had the chance to meet with the trio again, this time engaging Mascara and Santi in most of the conversation.
After the film's presentation, Bachardy, Mascara and Santi took to the front of the lecture hall to answer questions. They were immediately met with a standing ovation. The experience of seeing the filmmakers in the flesh was remarkable, and it seemed as though Bachardy simply walked off the screen that he had been projected on only moments before. The audience was given the opportunity to ask questions, many of which were directed to Bachardy. He was asked about his artwork, his role in the documentary's production and his relationship with Isherwood. Members of Baltimore's GLBT community who were in attendance applauded Mascara and Santi for making a film that so beautifully depicts a homosexual relationship.
"I am so grateful to all of you for bringing this beautiful story to film. There is so little celebration of gay love in our society, and I truly appreciate it," one woman commented. Another asked Bachardy what his thoughts on the gay marriage controversy in California are. To this, Bachardy replied vehemently: "Of course we should have the right to marry each other if we want to. On what possible firm basis can we be denied? It's sheer bigotry. And also, it's un-American . . . What possible valid reason against it can there be?" He also commented, though, that if it were available to him and Isherwood at the time, they would never have gotten married because what really mattered was "our devotion to each other; no one else had to sanction it."
Bachardy spoke about what Isherwood's death meant to him and what that moment was like. He commented that though it was one of the hardest times for him, he had made up his mind at 18 that he would always take care of Isherwood, and so that's what he did. Bachardy spoke even further about his never-ending love for Isherwood and when asked if he had any other great loves, he simply laughed and responded that none had been so great. Though Bachardy was primarily the topic of interest during the question-and-answer section, the next morning, about a dozen film majors had the chance to meet with the trio again, this time engaging Mascara and Santi in most of the conversation.
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