A “Pariah” Sneak Preview

“Pariah,” Dee Rees’ new film that chronicles the coming out and coming of age of a butch teenage lesbian, Alike, in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene, had a sneak preview for an LGBT audience at the BAM Rose Cinema on Deccember 21.

The screening, sponsored by Focus Features, the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, and the office of City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, featured appearances by Adepero Oduye, who delivers a remarkably moving performance as Alike, and producer Nekisa Cooper.

Katherine Oliver, the commissioner of the Office of Media and Entertainment, also spoke, emphasizing that the film, shot on location in Brooklyn over 18 days, was a prime example of the vibrancy and diversity of a local movie production industry that employs more than 100,000 New Yorkers.

“This screening is our way to thank residents for hosting crews on their streets and show our support for ‘Made in NY’ productions,” she said.

She quickly amended that statement to say the film more accurately reflects a “Made in Brooklyn” achievement.

Gay City News’ Gary Kramer talks to Oduye and reviews the film –– which opens December 28 at the Landmark Sunshine Cinema, 143 E. Houston St., btwn. First & Second Aves. (landmarktheatres.com) and the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, 144 W. 65th St. (filmlinc.com).

This is not a film to miss.