One would think that those who serve their country with loyalty and valor would be celebrated, but that has not been true in the U.S. military until very recently. A new documentary “Surviving the Silence” reveals struggles, discrimination, and triumph over adversity.
Director Cindy L. Abel and producer Marc Smolowitz joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes via Zoom ahead of the Out on Film virtual showing.
Film synopsis from director Cindy L. Abel: Years before Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Col. Patsy Thompson was forced to expel Army hero Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer for being a lesbian. What no one knew was that Thompson was as well. The way Thompson handled the military trial, however, led to Cammermeyer’s reinstatement via federal court and eventual change in military policy.
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