About The Case Against 8 (HBO)

"The Case Against 8" is a documentary film that takes an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the United States Supreme Court case that overturned Proposition 8, California's ban on same-sex marriage. The film provides a definitive account of the battle that effectively brought marriage equality to California and paved the way for every state's freedom to marry.

Making / Production

It took five years for directors Ben Cotner and Ryan White to make the film, as they chronicled the legal challenges, firsthand accounts, and personal toll on the four plaintiffs and the team of lawyers who bravely took on one of the most controversial social issues of our time.

Actors

• Kris Perry and Sandy Stier: played themselves, they were strong, resonating figures who were plaintiffs in the case.
• Jeffrey J. Zarrillo and Paul T. Katami: played themselves, they were also plaintiffs and their emotionally powerful testimonies were a crucial part of the case and the film.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was initially planned to end with the Supreme Court hearing, but the filmmakers decided to continue filming after the favourable verdict.
• The directors, Ben Cotner and Ryan White, worked on the film during their spare time, weekends, and nights over the course of five years as they were employed full-time during the making of the film.

Awards

"The Case Against 8" won the Directing Award in the U.S. Documentary category at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and the SXSW Audience Award. The film was also selected to open the 27th Annual Frameline Film Festival.

Quotes

• "We are the manifestation of the American dream." - Paul T. Katami.
• "It's not cutting a part of the population off and saying 'you cannot have this'" - Sandy Stier.

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's original music was provided by Blake Neely, known for his work on The Flash, Arrow, and Supergirl.