Photos | Award Winning Film “Pursuit of Equality” Marked Its 20th Anniversary at the Castro Theater

Event: 20th Anniversary “Pursuit of Equality”
Date: February 1, 2024
Location: Castro Theater, San Francisco
Photos (45): Drew Altizer, Ando Caulfield or Katie Ravas for Drew Altizer Photography

An exclusive anniversary film screening event sponsored by Salesforce was held on February 1 ​in San Francisco celebrating the 20-year milestone of the groundbreaking pursuit of same-sex marital civil rights as told through the film “Pursuit of Equality”. The private event was attended by over 700 guests and included a welcome reception, opening remarks by California State Governor Gavin Newsom, the screening of the film, a surprise performance by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, and concluded with a post-presentation by the filmmakers and cast. ​

Two decades ago, former San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, now California State Governor, courageously issued marriage licenses to same-gender couples, sparking a nationwide movement for marriage emancipation. Newsom teamed up with Callan and Shaw to document loving partners via film while they tirelessly advocated for equal rights during this historic moment. “Pursuit of Equality” originally premiered at the Castro Theatre during the 2005 San Francisco International Film Festival and has gone on to win multiple awards and accolades encompassing the film’s unapparelled storytelling surrounding the intimate lives of those at the forefront of the marriage justice movement.

“Pursuit of Equality” is a true testament to the enduring fight for impartiality and stands committed in their support of the ongoing importance of advocacy and solidarity in the pursuit of justness and equitability for one and all. Callan & Shaw plan to bring the film to mass audiences everywhere, with a second screening scheduled for February 29, 2024, at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, and more to follow in the coming months.

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