Surviving Friendly Fire

In this well-done documentary, we meet 10 "queer street youth" and the adults who helped them develop the monologues, scenes, and songs that over the course of seven months became a highly acclaimed theatrical production entitled "Friendly Fire." Directors Norma Bowles and Ernie Lafky began with 70 young people living at the Youth Shelter of the Gay and Lesbian Center in Los Angeles, drawing out their incredible stories of parental abuse, bigotry, addiction, and just plain hardship. Of that 70, ten kids completed the project and became performers of each others' stories, first at the prestigious L.A. Festival, and then on a tour of L.A. high schools. In the four years since the production, almost all of the teens are off the street, working and living on their own, proof positive that one committed group really can make a difference. Despite the poignancy and appeal, the tape will not be an easy "fit" for most library collections; it covers a lot of Dewey Decimal/LC ground, yet caters to specialized interests. Nonetheless, it is highly recommended for large public and academic collections with vast AV budgets. Aud: C, P. (K. Glaser)