After a 4 1/2 year production journey, the much anticipated documentary OUT IN THE RING, exploring the history of LGBTQIA+ wrestlers and queer representation in professional wrestling will have its U.S. premiere as part of the prestigious line-up at the Cinequest Film and Creativity Festival’s August physical edition, with the premiere slated for Sunday, August 21st at 2:50 p.m. at Hammer Theatre Center, San Jose. A 2nd screening is scheduled for Thursday, August 25th at 2:35 p.m. at Pruneyard Cinemas. Tickets are available now.
The screening will be attended by director/producer Ry Levey, who will be joined by pro wrestler Dark Sheik and pro wrestling manager and journalist Pollo Del Mar AKA Paul Pratt. Also in attendance will be producer/editor Brad Webb and Associate producer Shawn Smith.
Of the premiere, Mr. Levey says, “Cinequest has been a special festival for me personally and professionally, I’m thrilled to have the festival host the U.S. premiere.”
About The Film:
OUT IN THE RING looks at the history of queer identity in professional wrestling. Using a historical timeline starting from the 1940’s and 50’s to the current LGBTQIA+ wrestling explosion with LGBTQIA+ run promotions and talent focused shows globally (A recent article in Outsports highlighted the 200 top LGBTQIA+ pro wrestlers in the world), the film interviews the performers, the fans and writers, exploring aspects of masculinity/ femininity, cultural representation/appropriation, homophobia and self representation/openness.
The film features interviews with historians, wrestling legends and contemporary performers discussing the various characterizations and performers both straight (Gorgeous George, Adrian Street, Adrian Adonis, Goldust) and gay (Pat Patterson, Sandy Parker, Chris Colt, Jim Barnett, Darren Young, Chyna, Chris Kanyon).
Those featured in the film include current out pro wrestling stars Charlie Morgan, Mike Parrow, Effy, AC Mack, Billy Dixon, Sonny Kiss, Dani Jordyn, Pollo Del Mar and The Dark Sheik plus legends and veterans like Susan “Tex” Green and Scott “Sgt. Dickson” McEwan, now out and telling their story. These brave and open performers talk about their start in the business and own struggles and triumphs in and out of the ring.
OUT IN THE RING provides an entertaining and historical look at something taboo in the sport, and how these trailblazers have set about to survive, thrive and change perceptions in and out of the business.