VALENTINE ROAD, HBO Documentary with Dir. Marta Cunningham

Episode 110 : BYOD

Episode Synopsis

Valentine Road, the new HBO Documentary about the shooting of gay student Lawrence “Larry” King by classmate Brandon McInerney in their Oxnard, California school. Though there was child abuse and white supremacy informing the horrible attack, the community came to support the accused murderer and vilify the “deviant” victim. We discuss the film and the issues of hate, youth, gender and empathy that created such an incredible story on this BYOD interview with director Marta Cunningham.

Guest Bio

Marta Cunningham is a first time filmmaker and accomplished actress, dancer and choreographer. A native of Northern California, she was so moved by the story of Larry’s murder that she became embedded in Oxnard and soon began filming those whose lives were touched by the tragedy. The film premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and went on to win many awards including best documentary at Miami and San Francisco Gay & Lesbian Film Festivals. Marta also won honors as a first time filmmaker and first time documentary filmmaker at the Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.

Episode Breakdown

00:01 Welcome to BYOD.

00:21 Introducing Valentine Road and Marta Cunningham.

02:40 Child abuse, gender identity, and the story that demanded a documentary.

05:14 Investigation of child care and focusing on the children.

07:06 Valentine Road, Trailer.

08:02 Valentine Road, Clip: The morning of the shooting.

09:20 The events that led to the murder and the police reaction.

10:46 The school responds to the shooting.

13:00 Gender roles, costs of self-expression and femininity.

15:08 The defense attorney arguments for Brandon McInerney.

17:58 Costs of rehabilitation and incarceration.

18:25 Valentine Road, clip: Defense attorney.

19:50 Valentine Road, clip: Attorney interview.

21:00 Coming to be an advocate for Lawrence “Larry” King.

23:02 The McInerney family history of violence.

25:00 Understanding the larger social issue.

26:45 A jury of women act for the defense of the accused murderer.

31:41 Shooting in Oxnard after the event and time spent waiting for the wheels of justice.

32:40 Brandon’s girlfriend and support from the community.

35:45 Race and homophobia and what makes news.

37:30 Seeing the film on HBO.

38:32 Making films and the community of doc makers.

40:00 Working on LGBT teen films.

42:49 Hunger and children and different effects of abuse.

45:22 Thanks and Goodbye!

Additional Links

http://valentineroaddocumentary.com/

http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/valentine-road

https://www.facebook.com/valentineroaddoc

https://twitter.com/valentinerddoc

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Hosted By

Ondi Timoner

Ondi Timoner is the only filmmaker to win Grand Jury Prize at Sundance twice. Born in Miami, Florida, Timoner graduated cum laude from Yale University, with a double major in American Studies (concentration in Film and Literature) and Theater Studies.

Vladimir Radovanov

Vladimir Radovanov is a musician, entrepreneur and entertainment attorney, and has represented numerous entities in the entertainment industry, including musical artists, record labels, independent filmmakers, and television and film production companies, including TV Guide and 20th Century Fox.