The AmFest Film Festival in Russia, which runs Sept. 16-27 in Moscow and St. Petersburg, has added the gay-themed drama I Am Michael to its lineup.
The U.S. Embassy in Russia is a main sponsor of the festival, which highlights new American independent cinema.
According to a report in The Hollywood Reporter, in light of the Russia’s anti-gay laws, which make illegal the promotion of a gay lifestyle to minors and other so-called “gay propaganda,” planning to screen I Am Michael looks like as much of a political as an artistic decision on the part of AmFest organizers and backers.
The movie, directed by Justin Kelly tells the true story of a gay activist (James Franco), who, after a health scare, is “saved” from his homosexuality and becomes a Christian pastor with a girlfriend. I Am Michael debuted in Sundance this year and also screened in Berlin.
