HBO To Produce Documentary On Proposition 8 Legal Battle

HBO on Tuesday announced a documentary film project that will chronicle the court battle to overturn California’s ban on same-sex marriage according to The New York Times.

“The premium cable network said Tuesday that it has begun production on a telefilm focusing on the landmark Supreme Court case that overturned Proposition 8, California’s ban on same-sex marriage,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The still-untitled documentary is said to be completed by the end of this year and will make its debut on HBO sometime in 2014.

Michael Lombardo, HBO’s programming president, in a statement called the movie “the story of a modern-day American revolution” and said it was intended to be “the film of record on this landmark case.”

The New York Times reported:

Mr. Cotner, a first-time director, and Mr. White, known for the documentary “Good Ol’ Freda,” about the woman who served as secretary to the Beatles, gained access to the Proposition 8 legal team – led by the liberal David Boies and conservative Theodore B. Olson – through the American Foundation for Equal Rights, the nonprofit group that brought the challenge.

The lawsuit against Prop 8 was backed by the American Foundation for Equal Rights on behalf of couples Kris Perry and Sandy Stier and Jeffrey Zarillo and Paul Katami, according to according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“The documentary will tell the story of the people behind the case and their respective journeys to secure marriage equality in California — and for all Americans.”

The Supreme Court invalidated Prop 8 on June 26, handing a major victory to same-sex couples in California.

“I’ve always said that the best evidence in this case is to hear our clients tell their stories,” said Ted Olson.

“Paul, Jeff, Kris and Sandy have been brave enough to share their lives with the courts and now with the world. As Ben and Ryan tell this incredible story — that for me was the most important case I’ve ever worked on — people will inevitably be moved by getting to know these amazing individuals.”

What do you think of this new HBO documentary on Proposition 8?

[Image by Timothy Vollmer via Wikimedia]