A new film directed by Alexis Bittar and produced along with Oscar Winner Bruce Cohen is examining how the flag can be reclaimed as a symbol of unity for all Americans, with a focus on the LGBTQ community. “Reclaim The Flag” is a 30 minute short documentary available on YouTube that features interviews with bold-faced names from Hollywood, politics, media and fashion, including Lena Waithe, Gus Kenworthy, Jonathan Capehart, Marc Jacobs, Bill T. Jones, Jim Parsons, George Takei, Gottmik, Gigi Goode, Cheyenne Jackson, Brandon Flynn, Harper Steele, Isaac Mizrahi, John Cameron Mitchell, Paul Tazewell, Raquel Willis, Josh Wood, Jenna Lyons, and Justin Tranter. In the trailer, Lena Waithe makes the statement:
“Depending on how the United States feels about you, will depend on how you feel about the flag.”
When discussing why he created the movie, Bittar said:
“Over the past decade, the American flag has increasingly become a symbol of division. I wanted to make a documentary about reclaiming it for all Americans — by bringing together 50 leaders from the LGBTQ+ community to share their reflections and hopes. Speaking with a historically marginalized group offered a powerful lens for shaping a blueprint toward actionable steps to reclaim the flag.”
