Film shows human side of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ debate

By Produced by Eight Forty-Eight
Film shows human side of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ debate
Ned Farr's film, 'A Marine Story,' stars his wife Dreya Weber. Photo courtesy of Last Battlefield Productions
Film shows human side of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ debate
Ned Farr's film, 'A Marine Story,' stars his wife Dreya Weber. Photo courtesy of Last Battlefield Productions

Film shows human side of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ debate

By Produced by Eight Forty-Eight
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Last week’s election results cast doubt on what once seemed close to a mission accomplished: The repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell.”

The military policy bans gay soldiers from serving openly. Since taking office, President Obama has repeatedly called for its repeal but under a new Congress that’s unlikely to happen anytime soon.

A new film attempts to take the debate over “don’t ask, don’t tell.” out of the political arena and into everyday life. “A Marine Story” follows Alexandra Everett as she returns home after being discharged under the policy.

The film screens tonight as part of Reeling: The Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival. The protagonist is played by Dreya Weber. She and her husband, the film’s director, Ned Farr, joined Eight Forty-Eight to discuss the film and its commentary on the controversial policy.