Winner of the Israeli Oscar for Best Documentary, as well as eight international awards, Keep Not Silent boldly documents the clandestine struggle of three women fighting for their right to love within their beloved Orthodox communities in Jerusalem. All three are pious, religiously committed women. All three are lesbians, and members of a secret support group called the “Ortho-Dykes.”Â?

Though their life choices exact a devastating price, these women are committed to confronting their duality, and accept the toll with a profound compassion toward their society. Ingenious cinematic techniques underscore the excruciating pain of constant self-suppression, and provide the anonymity necessary for these women to continue living in their communities. Their courageous fight for self-realization, honesty and acceptance is an extraordinary model for those who struggle with issues of religious and sexual identity.

Accompanying Ilil Alexander’s stunning debut film is In My Father’s Church by Charissa King, a poignant exploration of the intersection of homosexuality and religion from the perspective of someone who has much at stake. Charissa is a lesbian who wants a church wedding. Her dad is the pastor of the town’s United Methodist Church. While he has been quietly supportive of his daughter’s lesbian relationship, Charissa’s father knows he would put his career at risk if he chose to officiate at her marriage ceremony. This emotionally charged story of one woman’s attempt to reconcile her love, faith and family brings to life the deep conflicts that gay marriage has caused in many churches –and for many individuals trying to maintain their faith while preserving their own identities.