A Culinary Uprising: The Story of Bloodroot with Short Film: Lesbian Custody
In the 1970s and '80s, there were over 230 feminist restaurants, cafés, and coffeehouses across the United States and Canada. Bloodroot, located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is now the oldest and longest-running of these spaces, operating continuously for over 46 years. 'A Culinary Uprising: The Story of Bloodroot' is a short documentary that explores this feminist, queer, vegan restaurant and bookstore, highlighting the legacy of its pioneering proprietors, Selma Miriam and Noel Furie. The film offers an intimate look at their 46-year working partnership and how they navigate sexism, homophobia, and the realities of aging. Despite challenges, Bloodroot has endured as a beloved space for generations of feminists, vegans, and queer people who continue to return. Please Join Us After for a Q&A with Director Annie Laurie Medonis!
- Selma Miriam, Noel Furie
- Annie Laurie Medonis
- 2025
- 100 minutes
Lesbian Custody
A short video essay about the history of lesbian mothers fighting for custody of their children in the 1970s. The short introduces the landmark lesbian feminist documentary "In the Best Interests of the Children" (dirs. Frances Reid, Liz Stevens, Cathy Zheutlin, 1977) — providing insight into the personal story of the making of the film and the larger context for this nearly forgotten period of LGBTQ history, and putting the history in dialogue with the political struggles of today. As a conversation between past and present, the video features now retired filmmaker, Frances Reid (award winning cinematographer and director), talking with Julie Stevens (adult daughter filmmaker Liz Stevens and Reid's lover, now deceased) as they explore the archives and production photos from the film and reminisce about their lives in Berkeley as a lesbian family.
Cast: Frances Reid, Julie Stevens
Director: Samuael Topiary, Molly Skonieczny
Producers: Samuael Topiary Landberg, Molly Skonieczny
Release: 2025
Region: United States
Length: 18:00
About The Santa Cruz Film Festival
Dive into five electrifying days of world-class films, unforgettable parties, and celebration as the Santa Cruz Film Festival roars back this October 8–12 2025 for its 25th anniversary.
Experience the cinematic spirit of the Central Coast as the Santa Cruz Film Festival celebrates 25 years of movie magic. Over five unforgettable days this October, the city comes alive with world-class films fresh from Sundance, SXSW, and Tribeca, intimate conversations with visiting filmmakers, and lively parties under the Santa Cruz sky. From boundary-pushing documentaries to electrifying narratives, SCFF invites you to immerse yourself in the moving-image arts and connect with a community that thrives on creativity.
Experience bold and necessary storytelling from around the world, including award-winning films fresh from Sundance, SXSW, Cannes, and Tribeca, alongside powerful local stories that showcase Santa Cruz and our endlessly creative Central Coast. Plus, meet the filmmakers at screenings, Q&As, industry panels and at the Opening Night Gala at the Museum of Art and History!
SCFF 25 will be held at The Del Mar Theater, Santa Cruz Cinema Colligan Theater, The 418 Project, and Indexical.