Local filmmaker honored at Breckenridge Festival of Film

By Emma Gray

Local filmmaker and Friends of Trees supporter Martin Vavra was awarded not only best LGBT film but also best short documentary film at the 2011 Breckenridge Festival of Film this week.

Vavra’s award-winning film Patrick’s Story follows a gay man who was removed from a Portland hospital as his partner lay dying. The film is a powerful and moving exploration of the social construct of marriage. It also addresses the confusion that exists around the concept of registered domestic partnership rights.

You can watch this trailer of Patrick’s Story from Galaxy Sailor.

Established in 1981, the Breckenridge Festival of Film is one of the oldest film festivals in the country. Breckenridge 2011 was held June 9-11 and featured 56 independent dramas, comedies, documentaries, and big-picture premieres.

Friends of Trees is fortunate to be the recipient of Martin’s pro bono footage and video production of several important events, including our May 2011 Leadership Awards Luncheon and Mayor Sam Adams planting trees at our 2010 Plant it Portland! kick-off event. We are grateful that this talented and award-winning filmmaker has generously helped us document these important milestones.

Check out Martin’s film and his work with Friends of Trees!

–Gray is Gift Tree & Membership Services Specialist with Friends of Trees.