NEWS | AWARDS | REVIEWS | INTERVIEWS
Director Jeffrey Schwarz makes the Out 100 list! Full article at: out.com
Seattle Weekly. “Time and distance have granted Divine a halo, and he wears it well.” (full article: seattleweekly.com)
The Village Voice previews ‘I Am Divine’. (full article: villagevoice.com)
“[John Waters] said he was thrilled that “I Am Divine,” a documentary about his friend and muse, the late drag queen Divine, whose final starring role was in “Hairspray,” would be among the first films shown at the renovated Senator.” (full article: baltimoresun.com)
“This doc captures each moment with grace and treats it’s subject with the utmost awe and respect. Here’s to ya, Divine.” (full article: tucsonweekly.com)
Video: All about the legendary underground star, Divine. (link: advocate.com)
Houston-based Variety stringer Joe Leydon writes up “Divine” (full article: houston.culturemap)
“A lot of the drag queens that you see that are really outrageous and over-the-top and kind of scary, Divine spearheaded all of that,” Schwarz tells Gay Star News. (full article: gaystarnews.com)
Catch ‘Divine’ at Long Beach’s longest-running film festival, along with some of the best LGBT films on the festival circuit right now. (full article: presstelegram.com)
We’re excited to announce that distributor Wolfe releasing has picked up the rights for “Divine”! Stay tuned for news about the VOD and DVD release in 2014. (full article: screendaily.com)
“Divine has become such an icon and we thought we knew all there was. Apparently not. The movie is a master class to the world that is Divine.” (full article: progressivepulse.com)
Great write-up on the Damn These Heels! film festival by the Salt Lake Tribune. (full article: sltrib.com)
One of the most joyous and bittersweet films in this year’s festival is Jeffrey Schwarz’s look at the life, career and massive cultural influence of queer icon Divine. (full article: laweekly.com)
Portions of the interview that did not make the article in The Transcript, talking about Divine’s old girlfriend, the radical qualities in Hairspray, and Divine’s addictive personality. (full article: blogs.thetranscript.com)
For the ‘Divine’ flicks on deadCENTER’s schedule, consider these eight cinematic contenders
“Known for helming more than 100 short-form documentaries as DVD and Blu-ray extras, Schwarz brings the same style of quick, no-nonsense storytelling to this feature-length treatment. As with his 2007 doc, Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story, he mixes heavy doses of talking-head interviews and film clips that move at near-lightning speed to chronicle a psychotronic life actually worth chronicling.” (full article: okgazette.com)
Festival in line for a Divine introduction
‘Divine’ Producer Lance Robertson, currently on tour with Yo Gabba Gabba Live , will pop in for a special introduction of the documentary on June 15 and 16 at the Sydney Film Festival. (full article: theaustralian.com)
Q-FEST ST. LOUIS – The Gay Film Festival Starts Thursday
‘Divine’ is a MUST-SEE at this week’s Q-Fest St. Louis, running June 6-9. (full article: wearemoviegeeks.com)
“Divine” inspiration for modern misfits
“Divine is certainly a poster child for misspent youth, and I feel like it’s the right moment, it’s in the national conversation. One of the reviews said it was sort of like an ‘It Gets Better’ video on angel dust and I kind of agree with that, even though Divine wasn’t really into angel dust.” (full article: thetranscript.com)
Inside Inside Out
Sneak peek at the films in this festival, including ‘Divine’ and ‘Interior: Leather Bar’. (full article: dorkshelf.com)
‘A Divine Sunday’ film event to benefit Trevor Project for LGBT teens
‘Divine’ will play a double bill with ‘Vito’ this Sunday (6.2.13) in the Twin Cities, with all proceeds gong to the LGBT youth crisis and suicide intervention effort the Trevor Project. Director Jeffrey Schwarz will also be in attendance. (full article: minnpost.com)
I Am Divine to screen at Inside Out
Article on Canadian Gay and Lesbian news site Xtra! in advance of June 1 screening. (full article: xtra.ca)
‘Divine’ to play in Frameline 37
Coming to the famous Castro Theatre on June 23 – get your tickets now! (web site: frameline.org)
10 films to see at the 2013 Sydney Film Festival 2013
Considering the very large and diverse number of documentaries being shown at this year’s festival, it’d be criminal to not mention at least one that’s worth checking out. My pick is I Am Divine… (full article: anonlineuniverse.com)
“I Am Divine” At The Pride Arts & Film Festival 2013
‘Divine’ will play on a double bill with ‘Female Trouble’ at the Brighton Pride Arts & film Festival, July 19, 2013. (full article: brighton-pride.org)
Edge Boston: Photos from the Opening
Great gallery of pictures from the “I Am Divine” screening at the Museum of Fine Arts, Saturday, May 4, 2013. (full article: edgeboston.com)
Divine, weird and wonderful at the Maryland Film Festival
“If there’s one film at this year’s MFF that absolutely needs to be seen in Baltimore to be properly appreciated, it was director Jeffrey Schwarz’s “I Am Divine,” a look at John Waters’ drag-queen muse that made a convincing argument for Divine’s place among the most original and fiercely talented actors of the ’70s and ’80s.” (full article: baltimoresun.com)
Tickets available for Manchester screening
Get your tix for the North West premiere of the eagerly awaited documentary feature on cult icon Divine.Monday, June 3, 2013 at 022NQ. (full article: skiddle.com)
Baltimore City Paper
Quick preview of ‘Divine’ before the Maryland Film Festival. (full article: citypaper.com)
Maryland Film Festival highlights movies with Baltimore ties
Short profile on ‘Divine’ and other films with local ties at the Maryland Film Festival, May 8-12, 2013. (full article: bmoremedia.com)
Toronto drag queens share special bond with moms
Profiles of Toronto drag queens and their relationships with their mothers, with a shout out to Divine and his mother, Francis Milstead. (full article: the star.com)
DOXA screens James Franco and Divine films
Xtra! profiles ‘Divine’ and ‘Interior. Leather Bar’, screening at DOXA in Vancouver, Canada. (full article: xtra.ca)
Hot gay film picks for Inside Out
Inside Out’s Director of Programming gives a sneak peak at what to watch for at this year’s LGBT film festival. I Am Divine, G.B.F., Pit Stop and Peaches Does Herself all make the list. (video - Youtube)
Boston: “I Am Divine” and Afterparty with Mink Stole, DJ Brother Cleve and Mehran!
This Saturday (May 4), come see Divine and party afterwards with the one and only Mink Stole! (full article: yelp.com)
CT Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Promises Good Screen Fun
‘Divine’ will be the centerpiece of the 26th Annual Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, May 31 – June 8, 2013. (full article: therainbowtimesmass.com)
TWITCH: Brace Yourself, Philadelphia! Things Are About To Get Awesome!
‘DIVINE’ premieres in Philadelphia on July 1st as part of The Awesome Fest; check out this page to see the full schedule of Awesome films! (full article: twitch film.com)
Award winners in the spotlight at LGBT festival
The Boston Globe previews the Boston LGBT Film Festival. (full article: bostonglobe.com)
Louisiana International Film Festival Continues with Industry Expo, Strong Documentaries, ‘I Am Divine’
Thompson on Hollywood loves ‘Divine’! “If you’re a Divine fan, this movie is right up your alley — I am one, and yet I was totally ignorant of her disco career. If the John Waters star is unknown to you, you’ll be a fan after you see the movie.” (full article: blogs.indiewire.com)
Photos from Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
Some lovely, filthy photos from the Tampa screening! (full article: watermarkonline.com)
Miami Heats up with the Miami/Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
“From April 26-May 5, you can enjoy movies that will warm your heart, inspire you, and just plain entertain. Check out the film festival’s opener G.B.F. (Gay Best Friend), the much-anticipated Divine documentary (I Am Divine), the James Franco film Interior. Leather Bar, and heaps more.” (full article: passportmagazine.com)
Accidental Trailblazer: An Interview With Cult Cinema Icon Mink Stole
HuffPost Gay Voices talks to Mink Stole about her friendship with Divine and her memories of the Dreamlanders. (full article: (huffingtonpost.com)
Tickets available for “A Divine Sunday” in Minneapolis
Both ‘Divine’ and ‘Vito’ will be screening at this event, which also includes a reception at Pracna with the films’ director and producer Jeffrey Schwarz. All proceeds from the evening will benefit The Trevor Project, the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. (full article: twin cities.com)
Nashville Film Festival 2013: A Dozen Films You Shouldn’t Miss
Nashville Scene previews the Nashville Film Festival, which runs April 18-25. (full article: nashvillescene.com)
QDoc goes big with ‘Divine’ opening night
“We think that there’s a big audience for [the film]. We thought, ‘Let’s go all out go for a big theatre,’” says David Weismann, who co-created QDoc with former San Francisco International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival operations director Russ Gage. “It’s always great to start a festival with a splash, and there’s not a much bigger splash than Divine.” (full article: pqmonthly.com)
2013 HARVEY MILK FESTIVAL LINEUP
10 Thousand Couples posts the lineup for the Harvey Milk Festival in Sarasota, FL. ‘Divine’ will screen there on May 16. (full article: 10thousandcouples.com)
Tickets available for FilmOut San Diego (closing night film)
To purchase tickets to ‘Divine’ and closing night party, click here.
Q&A: Cult Star Mink Stole on Working with John Waters and Divine
Portland’s queer doc fest opens with the film ‘I Am Divine’ on May 16, and Stole, Divine’s onscreen nemesis, dishes on the legendary drag queen and his director in advance of coming to town. (full article: portlandmonthlymag.com)
Capital Times: What’s the Wisconsin Film Fest buzz?
Director Jeffrey Schwarz will be at the Wisconsin Film Festival tonight with ‘Divine’! 6:00 PM at UW Elvehjem. (full article: The Capital Times
Harvey Milk Festival Announces Lineup
‘Divine’ will screen on May 16 in Sarasota, FL. (full article: watermarkonline.com)
Straight.com: DOXA Documentary Film Festival 2013 queer flick picks
‘Divine’ will be featured along with fellow SXSW alum ‘Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton’ and James Franco’s ‘Interior. Leather Bar’. (full article: straight.com)
Jetta Bates on iHeartRadio
‘Divine’ is mentioned on Chicago’s iHeartRadio show ‘Jetta Settings’: JETTA SETTING_3-21-13 (starting at 12:20)
Best of New Orleans
2013 FilmOrama preview. (full article: bestofneworleans.com)
Kidnapped Culture can’t wait to see ‘Divine’
“It just might go up there with Paris Is Burning as an education tool.” (full article: kidnappedculture.com)
Beatles and brides, with an extra helping of social justice
The Vancouver Sun previews the DOXA Documentary Film Festival, which will feature ‘Divine’. (full article: vancouversun.com)
Nashville Film Festival rolls out the red carpet April 18-25
The NaFF lineup includes ‘Divine’, ‘Pit Stop’ and ‘Laurence Anyways’ among others. (full article: outandaboutnewspaper.com)
DOXA 2013 Festival Schedule Announced
‘Divine’ will screen as part of this festival, running May 3-12 in Vancouver, Canada. (web site: doxafestival.ca)
Variety: SXSW Serves Film Fanatics with Movies About Movies
“Schwartz’s affectionate appreciation of Divine’s life and career should please fans and enlighten the uninitiated. Born Harris Glenn Milstead, the self-styled superstar comes off as surprisingly sweet, despite her notoriety as the excrement-chomping harridan of Waters’ “Pink Flamingos.”” (full article: variety.com)
2013 Film-O-Rama lineup announced
‘Divine’ will screen in New Orleans on Friday, April 5, 2013. (full article: bestofneworleans.com)
Project Q Atlanta: Out On Film teases 2013 fest with ‘I Am Divine’
‘Divine’ announced as part of Atlanta’s Out On Film festival, October 3-10, 2013 (full article: projectqatlanta.com)
BFI London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival 2013 Record 22,000 Attendance
“The festival opened with the International Premiere of Jeffrey Schwarz’s excellent documentary I Am Divine about the larger than life John Waters’ superstar, drag queen, actor, singer, performer who was born Glen Harris Milstead and became Divine.” (full article: artlyst.com)
Canadian Premiere! The Calgary Underground Film Festival
‘Divine’ will screen on Saturday, April 20 at 9:00 PM (website: CUFF)
Polari Magazine: Andi Fraggs on Divine
Andi Fraggs recalls watching his first Divine film, Hairspray, and how it started a lifelong fascination with “the most beautiful woman in the world”. (full article: polarimagazine.com)
DigBoston: Best of SXSW
“I Am Divine is a touching tribute to one of the most striking figures in cult film.” (full article: digboston.com)
VIDEO: LLGFF Q+A
Click the image above to watch the Q&A from the Opening Night Gala at the BFI London Lesbian & Gay FIlm Festival
Calgary Herald: Calgary Underground Film Festival’s 10th anniversary lineup
‘Divine’ joins several other SXSW alums at this “left of the dial” festival, running from April 15 to 21 at the Globe Theatre in downtown Calgary. (full article: calgaryherald.com)
VIDEO: BYOD Interviews Jeffrey Schwarz and Lotti Pharriss Knowles
Click on the image above to watch the full interview on YouTube.
BFI: 27th LLGFF launched in Divine style
Divine’s showstopping boat-top performance during Gay Pride in 1985 inspires a riverbound party following the LLGFF’s opening gala screening of I Am Divine. (full article: bfi.org)
Flavorwire: The Best and Worst Movies of SXSW 2013
Spolier alert: ‘Divine’ is definitley included in the former and not the latter. (full article: flavorwire.com)
REVIEW: Daily Actor
“Schwarz’s doc is a tribute to Divine, his work and his life and it shouldn’t be missed.” (full article: dailyactor.com)
REVIEW: Gay.com
“‘I Am Divine’ Is Like an ‘It Gets Better’ Video on Angel Dust” (full article: gay.com)
INTERVIEW: Polari Magazine
Christopher Bryant talks to Jeffrey Schwarz about his documentaries Vito and I Am Divine, the latter of which launched the 2013 London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival. (full article: polarimagazine.com)
REVIEW: Austin Fusion Magazine
“Throughout the entire film, you form a connection and a love for Divine that you might not have expected. There is a softness that you experience that opens your heart not only to the character of Divine, but to the man, Glen.” (full article: austinfusionmagazine.com)
Indiewire: How 3 SXSW Films Continue a ‘Divine’ Year For LGBT Documentaries
“But while Schwarz’s documentary is framed around the 1988 death of then 42-year-old Harris Glenn Milstead — the man behind Divine — it is mostly a loving, hilarious (there is no talking head like John Waters’) and complex tribute to a man and his female alter-ego, both of whom lived their lives to the fullest.” (full article: indiewire.com)
27th LLGFF launched in Divine style
“An LLGFF favourite following the screening of his film Vito at last year’s Festival, director Jeffrey Schwarz flew in for this international premiere, four days after the film was unveiled at its world premiere at America’s SXSW festival. Several friends of Divine were among the audience, including sculptor and performance artist Andrew Logan, record producer Pete Waterman and Mark Moore of S’Express.” (full article: bfi.org.uk)
The Finer Dandy: SXSW 2013: 24 Movies On My Must-See List
“Why is it on my list? Before all those queens on Ru Paul’s Drag Race and before Lady Gaga ever existed there was Divine. Hallowed be her name.” (full article: dinoray.com)
OKGorgeous: 8 Movies That Make the SXSW Film Festival Super Cool
“After watching this documentary, you’ll find Ru Paul’s Drag Race and anything and everything done by Lady Gaga and/r Ke$ha extremely boring. You’ll also become a lifelong fan of Divine and John Waters.” (full article: okgorgeous.com)
REVIEW: Twitch: SXSW 2013 Review: I AM DIVINE Lays Bare A Legend
“Jeffrey Schwarz has successfully moved from DVD bonus features to a career as a filmmaker profiling some of the gay community’s biggest icons (Jack Wrangler, Vito Russo, and now Divine), and I think it’s time for him to get recognized for what a wonderful filmmaker he really is.” (full article: twitchfilm)
REVIEW: Film School Rejects give ‘Divine’ a Grade A!
“Schwarz has crafted a well paced and exceedingly watchable film that follows in his tradition of Vito (2011) and before that, Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon (2008) — telling stories of outlaws who refused to capitulate to even gay society’s expectations. Likewise it captures the exuberant spirit of a time in which difference brought together like minds and changed attitudes.”
(full review: filmschoolrejects.com)
Hollywood Reporter: SXSW: 5 Documentaries to Watch For
‘Divine’ named one of the five docs “that festivalgoers are talking about.” (full article: HollywoodReporter.com)
Florida Film Festival: ‘Divine’ announced as Midnight Movie
The 2013 Florida Film Festival, sponsored by Full Sail University, today announced its popular Midnight Movies and Music Sidebar programs. These special programs screen in addition to competition films during the festival, which runs April 5-14. (full article: orlandosentinel.com)
Baltimore Sun: Baltimore’s own Divine to be featured at SXSW Festival
Some hometown love for ‘Divine’! (full article: baltimoresun.com)
Lareputada: 25 años sin Divine
Tal día como hoy, hace 25 años falleció Harris Glenn Milstead, más conocido como Divine. (en español – full article: lareputada.com)
Austin Chronicle: Queer Culture From the 1970s to 70: Three documentaries highlight a generation of gay icons
‘Divine’ is highlighted along with fellow SXSW docs ‘Continental’ and ‘Before You Know It’. (full article: austinchronicle.com)
Austin American-Statesman: 20 films we’re looking forward to at SXSW
‘Divine’ is on their list! (full article: austin360.com)
EW.com: SXSW: Five movies we can’t wait to see
Although not one of the five, ‘Divine’ gets a nice shout-out (full article: EW.com)
eFilmCritic: SXSW Film Interview with director Jeffrey Schwarz
Jason Whyte interviews ‘Divine’ director Jeffrey Schwarz. (full article: efilmcritic)
E Online: John Waters on ‘Divine’ – “It’s great”
Nice quote from Waters in this SXSW featurette. (full article: E! Online)
Indiewire: Jeffrey Schwarz Captures Shock Value and Beauty in ‘I am Divine’Director Jeffrey Schwarz is profiled by Indiewire in their “Meet the 2013 SXSW Filmmakers” series. (full article: Indiewire)
‘I Am Divine’, John Waters and Trash Cinema conference at Offscreen Film FestivalOur film will screen at the 6th Annual Offscreen Film Festival in Brussels, Belgium! The festival also features John Waters as the guest of honor, with a retrospective of all his films including a special screening of the film “Polyester” in Odorama! He will also perform his one-man theatre show, “This Filthy World”. And finally, there will be the discussion: “Divine Trash: A Conference on Camp and Trash Cinema”. (info at Offscreen)
How do you feel about Cleveland?I Am Divine will be screening at the Cleveland International Film Festival! Saturday and Sunday, April 13 and 14. (full link here: CIFF)
Queerty: London Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Is Truly ‘Divine’Among the more anticipated entries in the festival, sponsored by the British Film Institute, are I Am Divine, Jeffrey Schwartz’s documentary about Glenn Milstead’s transformation into the outrageous drag icon Divine… (full article: Queerty)
Screen Daily: Lesbian & Gay fest reveals line-up
Jeffrey Schwarz’s documentary I Am Divine will receive its European premiere as the opening film of the 27th BFI London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, which runs March 14-24 at the BFI Southbank. (full article: ScreenDaily)
Individual tickets on sale for SXSW Screening
No SXSW badge? No problem! Get tix while you can: The Paramount
Divine featured on French web site THE DRONE
We just got a write-up on French site THE DRONE! Who wants to translate? (Full article: The Drone)
Laughing Squid: Upcoming Biopic on Drag Icon Divine
Short write-up on the film on popular art, culture & technology blog. (full article: laughing squid.com)
I AM DIVINE – European Premiere
Opening Night is a great new documentary I Am Divine about the life and legend of the extraordinary actor, drag queen, performer and singer, born Harris Glen Milstead in Baltimore but known to the wider world as Divine. (full article: bent.com)
I Am Divine Set To Open The London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival
The full programme for this year’s London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival is due to be announced soon (on Feb 19th, to be precise), but to tease us with what will be showing from March 14th-24th, it’s been revealed that the festival will open with the European premiere of the new documentary I Am Divine. (full article: biggaypicureshow.com)
I Am Divine premiere opens 27th LLGFFThe 27th BFI London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival will kick off with the European premiere of a new documentary about the great actor and drag queen Divine. (full article: bfi.org)
NY Times Arts Beat: SXSW Film Festival Announces Its Feature LineupA vintage drag queen and Richard Nixon will both be on screens at this year’s South by Southwest film festival. (Full article: NewYorkTimes.com)
Daily Grindhouse: KILL EVERYONE NOW! “I AM DIVINE” TO PREMIERE AT SXSWThe legend of Divine has long been rooted in fandom around John Waters, but it’s about time that the grand dame of camp got her own documentary. Jeffrey Schwartz, no stranger to psychotronic docs as the director of SPINE TINGLER! THE WILLIAM CASTLE STORY and WRANGLER: ANATOMY OF AN ICON, agrees, and his documentary project is finally reaching the eyes of eager viewers. They’ve just announced that they’ll debut the film SXSW in Austin in March this year. (Full article: dailygrindhouse.com)
The Advocate: Divine, Gay Seniors, Trans Male Porn Star Highlight SXSWI Am Divine, a documentary on John Waters’s iconic drag star by Jeffrey Schwarz, is among the highlights of the film lineup, announced today. Schwarz, who made last year’s acclaimed HBO documentary Vito, about gay cinephile and activist Vito Russo, tells the story of how Harris Glenn Milstead of Baltimore became Waters’s muse and biggest star. Those featured in the film include Waters, Tab Hunter, Michael Musto, Mink Stole, Holly Woodlawn, Ricki Lake, and Bruce Vilanch. (Full article: The Advocate.com)
Twitch Film: SXSW Announces Features LineupNotable titles include documentaries I Am Divine, by Jeffrey Schwarz, about Glen Milstead, better known as John Waters’ muse Divine; Milius, directed by Zak Knutson and Joey Figueroa, which covers the life of renegade filmmaker John Milius; and Rewind This!, by Josh Johnson, a film that aims to “trace the ripples” of the VHS home video revolution. (Full article: TwitchFilm.com).
Cha-cha Heels, Liquid Eyeliner and The Most Beautiful Woman in the WorldChuck Duncan’s interview with director Jeffrey Schwarz makes its way to Baltimore OUTloud. Read it again, for the first time. Link
Jeffrey Schwarz Wants Everyone To Be A Little More Divine
Divine fan and fellow Baltimorian Chuck Duncan has a nice little chat with director Jeffrey Schwarz over at CliqueClack.com. Link
Will You See This Movie? indieWIRE Would!
indieWIRE’s Bryce J. Renninger contributes a great article and interview with director Jeffrey Schwarz that really highlights our goals in producing I Am Divine and sharing it with the world. Link
Hometown Pride
Baltimore Magazine shows some love for native son Divine and highlights our fundraising efforts. Link
Going Wild for Divine
Diego Martínez from The Wild magazine wants you to help preserve Divine’s legacy of audacity. Link
Cha-Cha Heels or Making History? You Decide
PaperMag‘s Elizabeth Thompson joins in the rallying cry for I Am Divine‘s fundraising efforts. Link
How Filthy Can You Be? I Am Divine Goes IndieGoGo
Queerious.com sends some Divine love our way and encourages you to donate some dollars. Link
It Was Punk. It Was Glamorous. I Was Vomiting.
The Village Voice gives a shout-out to the just-released I Am Divine fundraising promo video. Link
Still Waiting for Their Cha-Cha Heels
The Seattle Gay Scene is frothing at the mouth in anticipation of I Am Divine! Link
Another Helping of Divine from the Village Voice
Mister Musto can’t help but dish more dirt from the documentary dailies of I Am Divine. Link
Village Voice Talks Up Divine
Village Voice columnist—and documentary sound bite artiste—Michael Musto dishes the earliest gossip about I Am Divine. Link