The Stage 32 Videos: Investigative Documentary

Documentary I directed in Cartel Towns

From award winning director, Robert L. Camina and Executive Producers behind "Back on Board: Greg Louganis", "Raid of the Rainbow Lounge" and "Southern Baptist Sissies", comes the critically-acclaimed documentary, UPSTAIRS INFERNO. On June 24, 1973, an arsonist set fire to the Up Stairs Lounge, ultimately killing 32 people. For over 40 years, it was considered the “Largest Gay Mass Murder in U.S. History”. With heart-wrenching interviews from survivors, family/friends of victims and witnesses, UPSTAIRS INFERNO vividly examines this oft-forgotten story and captures the power of unconditional love and forgiveness in the face of tragedy. Rich with archival photos of the Up Stairs Lounge, long lost newsreels and faded snapshots of the fallen, the story of the deadly Up Stairs Lounge Arson has never been more vivid or more personal than in UPSTAIRS INFERNO. More than just words on a page, survivors breathe life into the story during this award-winning documentary. With additional narration by New Orleans’ own New York Times best-selling author Christopher Rice, UPSTAIRS INFERNO (96 min) is a mesmerizing mix of crime drama and human connections that captures the heartbreaking feelings of unconditional love and overwhelming loss. An unsettling snapshot of what was, until the early hours of June 12, 2016, the deadliest single event to affect the gay community in American history, UPSTAIRS INFERNO gets inside the hearts and minds of a handful of vibrant people who experienced one of the most important and underreported moments in LGBT History. More than just words on a page, the film’s stark imagery, revealing interviews, and compelling narrative present the story of the Up Stairs Lounge arson like you’ve NEVER seen or heard it before. UPSTAIRS INFERNO was featured in major media outlets around the world including The New York Times, CNN, NPR, Advocate Magazine, ABC News and more. UPSTAIRS INFERNO was an Official Selection of 40 esteemed film festivals around the world, winning 20 awards, including 12 Jury Awards and 4 Audience Awards. This includes Frameline: the San Francisco International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, which awarded UPSTAIRS INFERNO with the Jury Award: Honorable Mention, citing its "Special Contribution to Queer History". In addition, UPSTAIRS INFERNO received a prestigious invitation to screen at the Library of Congress in 2017. Some of the images in UPSTAIRS INFERNO are graphic in nature and may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised. Learn more about the film at www.UpstairsInferno.com

From award winning director, Robert L. Camina and Executive Producers behind "Back on Board: Greg Louganis", "Raid of the Rainbow Lounge" and "Southern Baptist Sissies", comes the critically-acclaimed documentary, UPSTAIRS INFERNO. On June 24, 1973, an arsonist set fire to the Up Stairs Lounge, ultimately killing 32 people. For over 40 years, it was considered the “Largest Gay Mass Murder in U.S. History”. With heart-wrenching interviews from survivors, family/friends of victims and witnesses, UPSTAIRS INFERNO vividly examines this oft-forgotten story and captures the power of unconditional love and forgiveness in the face of tragedy. Rich with archival photos of the Up Stairs Lounge, long lost newsreels and faded snapshots of the fallen, the story of the deadly Up Stairs Lounge Arson has never been more vivid or more personal than in UPSTAIRS INFERNO. More than just words on a page, survivors breathe life into the story during this award-winning documentary. With additional narration by New Orleans’ own New York Times best-selling author Christopher Rice, UPSTAIRS INFERNO (96 min) is a mesmerizing mix of crime drama and human connections that captures the heartbreaking feelings of unconditional love and overwhelming loss. An unsettling snapshot of what was, until the early hours of June 12, 2016, the deadliest single event to affect the gay community in American history, UPSTAIRS INFERNO gets inside the hearts and minds of a handful of vibrant people who experienced one of the most important and underreported moments in LGBT History. More than just words on a page, the film’s stark imagery, revealing interviews, and compelling narrative present the story of the Up Stairs Lounge arson like you’ve NEVER seen or heard it before. UPSTAIRS INFERNO was featured in major media outlets around the world including The New York Times, CNN, NPR, Advocate Magazine, ABC News and more. UPSTAIRS INFERNO was an Official Selection of 40 esteemed film festivals around the world, winning 20 awards, including 12 Jury Awards and 4 Audience Awards. This includes Frameline: the San Francisco International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, which awarded UPSTAIRS INFERNO with the Jury Award: Honorable Mention, citing its "Special Contribution to Queer History". In addition, UPSTAIRS INFERNO received a prestigious invitation to screen at the Library of Congress in 2017. Some of the images in UPSTAIRS INFERNO are graphic in nature and may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised. Learn more about the film at www.UpstairsInferno.com

What happens when on the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion, the police and officers from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, raid a Fort Worth, Texas gay bar, resulting in multiple customer arrests and hospitalized patrons? RAID OF THE RAINBOW LOUNGE is a 103 minute documentary recounting the widely publicized and controversial 2009 police raid of a Fort Worth, Texas gay bar that resulted in multiple arrests and serious injuries. Following sordid allegations and outrage, many changes occurred in the city, and Fort Worth became a leader in LGBT equality. However, the changes did not happen overnight and without controversy. The audience will witness history unfold as this film documents that journey from the perspective of witnesses, activists and politicians who helped changed the city. Narrated by television icon, Emmy nominated actress, and author, Meredith Baxter (GLEE, Family Ties, Family, Bridget Loves Bernie) Written, directed and produced by Robert L. Camina The documentary screened over 40 times, including 33 mainstream and LGBT film festivals and won many awards along the way. This includes 5 "Best" Film, 3 "Audience Choice" Awards and the prestigious "FREEDOM AWARD" from FilmOut San Diego (2013). FilmOut chooses one movie from their festival each year that "inspires our community or makes a profound difference in our lives". Critics have called the film "Unflinching, Unforgettable and Unexpectedly Moving" (Pegasusnews. com) "Beautiful and Thought-Inducing" (Long Beach Post) and "One of the Year's Must Sees" (Summit Daily News & Dallas Observer). San Diego Gay and Lesbian News said "Raid of the Rainbow Lounge is perhaps the most important movie showing at FilmOut San Diego"! Furthermore, MyGayToronto says the film "Brings a lump to the throat and occasionally, tears to the eyes". For more information: www.RaidoftheRainbowLounge.com Twitter: @RainbowRaidFilm Facebook fan page: Raid of the Rainbow Lounge: The Documentary #ROTRL