Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party
Religious LGBT coming-of-age movie Henry Gamble's Birthday Party unfolds over the course of one eventful day in the life of 17-year-old preacher’s kid Henry (played by newcomer Cole Doman in a winning, charismatic performance), who must navigate his faith, secrets, and sexuality within his family and religious community.
After a NYC theatrical release and year of film festival success, Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party, from acclaimed writer/director Stephen Cone, will be released via Wolfe Video on DVD and VOD on May 3, 2016 in the U.S.
On the day of Henry’s big birthday party, Henry’s mom Kat (Elizabeth Laidlaw), his father Pastor Bob (Pat Healy) and 19-year-old sister Autumn (Nina Ganet), prepare for the party, while each also grapples with their own secrets and desires. Later that afternoon, guests begin to arrive – the assistant pastor, husbands and wives, as well as Henry’s own teenaged church and “secular” friends, including the closeted young Logan (Daniel Kyri), who has eyes for Henry. As day turns to night and clothes come off, Henry & Co. carefully navigate the religious strictures and sexual secrets held within the community, all struggling to tread the public and private, and their longing, despite themselves and their faith, for earthly love.
Chicago-based LGBT filmmaker Stephen Cone (son of a Southern Baptist minister) returns to the subject matter of evangelical America he previously explored in the award-winning indie film The Wise Kids, this time with an even deeper, respectful look at the nuances, challenges, and intersections of faith, religion, sexuality, community.
Cole Doman in Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party
The film’s ensemble cast includes newcomers and acting veterans of stage and screen: Cole Doman, Pat Healy (24, How To Get Away With Murder, Magnolia, Ghost World), Chicago veteran stage actress Elizabeth Laidlaw, Nina Ganet, Daniel Kyri, Tyler Ross and Jack Ball. Produced by Laura Klein (Obvious Child), Shane Simmons, and Stephen Cone.