Fri. February 6, 2004
Los Angeles, California -
In what is believed to be a first for a gay themed film, Latter Days has opened with the highest per theater average of films premiering the weekend of Jan. 30.
Latter Days opened in four markets -- New York, Los Angeles, Irvine and Pasadena -- earning a total of $57, 242 for the weekend.
Latter Days is the story of a young closeted Mormon (Steve Sandvoss) who falls in love with a West Hollywood party boy (Wes Ramsey) while serving his missionary assignment in Los Angeles. Jacqueline Bisset, Mary Kay Place, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Erik Palladino also star.
The film's success is particularly sweet for first-time director C. Jay Cox. The film had been scheduled to open in Salt Lake City the same weekend, but it was pulled at the last minute by the theater owners, claiming it lacked sufficient "artistic quality and integrity." Reports say, however, that the theater company was being threatened with boycotts, protests, and membership cancellations from the Mormon Church.
"Latter Days proves that gay cinema is far from dead, especially when it deals with provocative issues in an entertaining way," says Raymond Murray, president of TLA Releasing.
"We are extremely pleased and gratified that audiences have responded so enthusiastically to our film."
Latter Days" will expand its run to Chicago, Palm Springs, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Boston later this year.
©365Gay.com® 2004
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