Community residents are invited to join the Jewish Family Service on June 15 for a showing of the documentary Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement (2009). Directed by Susan Muska and Gréta Ólafsdottir (directors of the Emmy-nominated film The Brandon Teena Story), the film is about two lifelong partners, Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer, and a lifetime of commitment and embrace that transcends politics and circumstance. 

In the closeted 1960s, these two women met and fell in love and so began the extraordinary tale of Edie and Thea, whose engagement to each other would span more than forty years. This documentary recounts how their improbable romance ignited a lifelong journey around the world and through history. Though touched by events like the civil rights movement and the Stonewall riots, Windsor and Spyer’s relationship is a shining example of love’s ability to endure.

Ultimately, in their 70s, with Spyer’s health in rapid decline, the two seize the opportunity to fulfill their dream of getting married. The film captures their inspiring journey to Toronto and Spyer’s last trip on a plane where the lovers are finally able to make their vows. The film premiered in 2009 at San Francisco's Frameline Film Festival, four months after Spyer passed away.

The event begins with refreshments at 5:30 p.m. and the movie showing at 6 p.m. Following the film there will be open discussion. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP by calling 330-867-3388. The filming will be held at the Schultz Campus for Jewish Life, 750 White Pond Drive in Akron.