Controversial Film ‘Stonewall’ Tells Story of Infamous NYC Riots

Sandra Miska

The pivotal event that kicked off the gay rights movement 46 years ago is now the subject of a new historical drama film. “Stonewall” tells the true story of the infamous 1969 Stonewall riots through the eyes of a young man, Danny Winteres (Jeremy Irvine). Danny has left his sister Phoebe (Joey King) behind in small-town Indiana to escape to New York weeks before the riots that took place at a small gay bar.

Upon his arrival in the Big City, Danny finds himself overwhelmed by the sites and sounds of the West Village. Drag Queen Ray, also known as Ramona (Jonny Beauchamp), swoops in and takes the newcomer under his wing. Soon, Danny also befriends Trevor (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and Ed Murphy (Ron Pearlman), the owner of the Stonewall Inn, a dive bar, Ray’s favorite spot.

It may surprise some to learn that this socially conscious film directed by the director of big-budget films such as “Independence Day, “ the 1998 version of “Godzilla,” and “The Patriot.” However, German director Ronald Emmerich is an active campaigner in the LGBT community. In 1985, he co-founded Centropolis Entertainment with his sister.

“Stonewall” is not without its controversy. Ahead of the film’s international premiere Sept. 18 at the Toronto Film Festival, Huffpost Living Canada reported that LGBT activists, including veterans of the real Stonewall riots, are calling for a boycott of the film on the basis that it whitewashes history with its mostly white cisgender cast. In reality, trans women of color are credited with leading the riots. Former child actress Mara Wilson is among the film’s critics, while AIDS activist and playwright Larry Kramer supports Emmerich.

Emmerich addressed the controversy surrounding his film via his Facebook page.

“”…. When the film — that is truly a labor of love for me — finally comes to theaters, audiences will see that it deeply honors the real-life activists who were there… and all the brave people who sparked the civil rights movement that continues to this day. We are all the same in our struggle for acceptance.”

“Stonewall” opens Sept. 25 in select theaters.