Sole Journey

Filmmakers Kate Burns and Sheila E. Schroeder's documentary Sole Journey promotes the work of Soulforce, an organization that uses non-violent agitation to combat political and religious discrimination against gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered individuals. The film centers on the group's campaign against Dr. James Dobson's powerful Focus on the Family, which is shown to control numerous local, supposedly independent, entities across the country. The vehicle for protest is a six-day, 65-mile walk (hence the spelling of “sole” in the film's title) from Denver to Dobson's headquarters in Colorado Springs, where the participants plan to call attention to the destructive impact of his inflammatory rhetoric and political influence. In particular, the goal of Soulforce is to present a written statement responding to Focus on the Family's promotion of ballot initiatives against same-sex marriage. Footage of the journey is combined with excerpts from interviews with such activists as Soulforce founder Dr. Mel White, Judy Shepard of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, actor Chad Allen, and the Reitan family of Mankato, MN, to paint a portrait of people united in their determination to stand up against the bigotry they experience in their daily lives. Though technically unimpressive, the documentary is emotionally affecting. DVD extras include a featurette about ways to become involved in the campaign for marital equality, a directors' statement, and a list of educational resources. A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)