Mardi Gras Film Festival - THE RUGBY PLAYER

**SELLING FAST _ BE QUICK** **Presented in partnership with Bingham Cup – Sydney 2014, with guest speakers, DJ Colin Gaff & gay rugby social drinks in the Festival Bar** http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5Is5RfSUWA Australian Premiere An uplifting and stereotype-defying documentary, The Rugby Player tells the story of an unlikely hero and his unique relationship with his mother. Mark Bingham was a gregarious, happy-go-lucky amateur rugby player with gay rugby team the San Francisco Fog. But his life ended abruptly on board United Flight 93, which went down on September 11, 2001. The film picks up after Mark’s death, when we meet his mother Alice as she transforms devastation into resolve. A former United Airlines flight attendant, Alice begins to take on the fight for equal rights for all and becomes an inspiration to LGBT sons, daughters and parents around the world. Utilising footage shot by Bingham himself, this timely film provides keen insights for the national debates on LGBT rights, marriage equality and gay athletes in sports. Winner of multiple festival awards, it is a must-see for rugby players and fans. Discover the story behind the man after whom the Bingham Cup is named before the tournament comes to Sydney later this year. “The Rugby Player somehow weaves a variety of stories – the buildup to a moment of heroism, the story of a sport in a young man’s life, the coming of age of a courageous man, and the making of a new hero, his mom.” RugbyMag.com “Watching [Mark Bingham's mother's] serene demeanour as she remembers her only child breaks your heart, but watching the sense of purpose with which she works to celebrate his life is utterly inspiring.” Movies Kick Ass Blog Dir: Scott Gracheff Prd Info: 90 mins, Documentary, USA The Mardi Gras Film Festival is proudly brought to you by Queer Screen and by our wonderful partners LA Tourism & Convention Board. #MGFF2014