"Inspired by Rosalie 'Rose' Bamberger (1921-1990), the mixed-race Filipina American paintbrush maker and co-founder of the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB) in 1955. When DOB shifted their focus to becoming the first US lesbian political rights organization, Rose and her partner Rosemary faded from the historical record. What they truly sought was a 'secret society for lesbians' -- a space to dance, drink, and dine without fear of police raids.

"The film presents Rose's unrealized vision -- a kaleidoscope of women swinging, playing, and dancing, intercut with celluloid fragments of potlucks and paintbrushes. The film explores Rose's desire for a sanctuary of queer joy, rejecting the political visibility sought by DOB's The Ladder. This liberation manifests in rhythmic motion and sensual detail: the subversive pleasure of playgrounds at night, and the close intimacy of lesbians of color dancing. This joy is realized through shared acts of preparing fried chicken to the soft, knowing stroke of a paintbrush." (TT)

Commissioned for Canyon Cinema's Print Generations project.