Ahead of the Curve

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2:08

Ahead of the Curve

Released May 28, 2021

1h 38m

Documentary

LGBTQ+

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Popcornmeter

93%

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27 Reviews

88%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

With a fist full of credit cards, a lucky run at the horse track, and chutzpah for days, Franco Stevens launched Curve, the best-selling lesbian magazine ever published. AHEAD OF THE CURVE tracks the power of lesbian visibility and community from the early '90s to the present day through the story of Franco's founding of Curve magazine. Decades later, in the wake of a disabling injury, Franco learns that Curve will fold within the year and questions the relevance of the magazine in the face of accelerating threats to LGBTQ+ community. To forge a path forward, Franco reaches out to women working in today's queer spaces to understand what queer women need today and how Curve can continue to serve the community.

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Nell Minow

AWFJ.org

Ahead of the Curve is a powerful reminder of the vital importance of connection and community, the impact of representation, and the never-ending fight for ever-broader understanding of inclusion.

Jan 10, 2022

Full Review

Peter Keough

Boston Globe

A vivid portrait of a resilient and inspiring figure as well as a microcosm of three decades of social and cultural change, Ahead of the Curve is a provocative and illuminating way to usher in LBGTQ+ Pride Month.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 10, 2021

Full Review

Tracy Brown

Los Angeles Times

The true story of how Deneuve magazine - later renamed Curve - was able to launch in 1990 is as outlandish as the best urban legends.

Jun 2, 2021

Full Review

William Schwartz

Book & Film Globe

How exactly do you start a lesbian magazine in the early nineties without offending, you know, someone? In a weird way, Stevens did manage to solve that riddle- via shameless branding.

Jun 14, 2024

Full Review

Barbara Shulgasser

Common Sense Media

The movie's diversity demonstrates that the LGBTQ+ community has come a long way, but there is still progress to be made.

May 10, 2024

Full Review

Cate Marquis

AWFJ.org

Sound kinda crazy? Yeah, it is that sense of audaciousness and underdog rebellion that makes this documentary so interesting and fun.

Jan 10, 2022

Full Review

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tom m

Interesting and reasonably well done.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This film was absolutely STELLAR!!! Exceptionally made, Well thought out, A comprehensive reflection on this VITAL entity in our lesbian culture and history. So exceptional to hear from the makers of Curve Magazine, Franco Stevens, exactly what went on behind the scenes. Having known Franco for most of the years Curve Magazine existed, as a dear close friend, i KNOW what Franco went through each issue, month after month, year after year...Culturally this film is VITAL, to fully understand our culture. BRAVO dear Franco, for your courage to stand in front and take all the blows so we could see our lives reflected respectfully and accurately. BRAVO to Jen and Rivkah for your dedication to preserve this essential story.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I was so touched by this film. Hearing Franco's struggles, bravery, and perseverance was really inspiring. So much more than just a magazine, Franco was and continues to be a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community. Grateful that well-made films like these exist.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Being out of the news of the lgbtq community for a while, I found this documentary absolutely fantastic, extremely informative about so many things that we have had to overcome as a gay community and that are still having to work on. Franco Stevens is one of my new super heroes and I have a lot of respect for her. The documentary included both the older generation like me plus the current generation and I thought it was so great to see how so many of us are trying to make a difference in our community and bring awareness to so many. I love "Ahead of the curve" and I thank Franco Stevens for all she has done and continues to do. I'm one of your biggest fans 🏳️‍🌈🌹

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This documentary was amazing! It brought back some really wonderful memories, as well as some difficult times growing up. Franco has an incredible mind and drive to succeed. She paved the way for many, many people. ❤️

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/20/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Before LGBT+ issues were a part of the national discussion, before the Internet, the only outlets we had as lesbians were select bars, coffeehouses and progressive bookstores where magazines like "Curve" and "The Advocate" were sold. Those magazines helped many of us, especially in ultra conservative states, see that that we weren't alone and there was the possibility of joy and happiness out there. I hope younger members of our community watch this to better understand how far we've come in 30 years and how brave foot soldiers like Franco and the staff at "Curve" were to launch this magazine at a time when Lesbians in America had zero visibility.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/09/23

Full Review

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Jen Rainin

Director

Rivkah Beth Medow

Director

Franco Stevens

Self

Melissa Etheridge

Self

Jewelle Gomez

Self

Lea DeLaria

Self

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Ahead of the Curve: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

With a fist full of credit cards, a lucky run at the horse track, and chutzpah for days, Franco Stevens launched Curve, the best-selling lesbian magazine ever published. AHEAD OF THE CURVE tracks the power of lesbian visibility and community from the early '90s to the present day through the story of Franco's founding of Curve magazine. Decades later, in the wake of a disabling injury, Franco learns that Curve will fold within the year and questions the relevance of the magazine in the face of accelerating threats to LGBTQ+ community. To forge a path forward, Franco reaches out to women working in today's queer spaces to understand what queer women need today and how Curve can continue to serve the community.

Director: Jen Rainin, Rivkah Beth Medow
Producer: Rivkah Beth Medow
Distributor: Wolfe Video
Production Co: Frankly Speaking Films
Genre: Documentary, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 28, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 1, 2021
Runtime: 1h 38m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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