Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival 2008

During her first year at college, Elizabeth questions her sexual identity and struggles to break free from her strict Catholic parents. Middle-aged Laurie is a single mother dealing with the psychological games played by her ex-husband and the potential problems in a relationship with a much younger man. And recent Academy Award nominee Ruby Dee (American Gangster) gives another award-worthy performance as Doris, an older woman facing feelings of despair and emptiness after the death of her husband.

Unbeknownst to them, these women share many of the same struggles and joys and separately learn to find strength, joy and beauty in their unique circumstances. By interweaving the stories of their individual journeys, director Kyle Schickner shows how age, race, class and religion have little to do with matters of the heart — ultimately, we all want the same things: love and happiness.

At times playful and uplifting and other times heartbreaking, Steam speaks to the universality of human experience and the resilient spirit that allows us to rebound from struggle and emerge triumphant.

- Nora Isaacs, Frameline32 (edited)

Director Kyle Schickner and actress Kate Siegel in attendance!

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