Born and raised in Chicago, firefighter Eddie Budz wanted to make sure the city—particularly the LGBT community—could remember, reflect and come together around Matthew Shepard, as Oct. 12 marks the 15-year anniversary of his tragic death.
It was the night of Oct. 6, 1998, when two men lured Shepard, a gay freshman at the University of Wyoming, from a bar in Laramie. He was kidnapped and driven to a field where he was tortured and tethered to a fence and left to die.
Shepard died at age 21.
"Matthew Shepard means a lot to me," Budz said. "I personally did not know him, but, what his story has done for the LGBT community is something we need to always remember. His story was international news and brought to the forefront exactly what many people in the LGBT community face every day.
"With the 15th anniversary of Matt's death on Oct. 12, it makes me think about where my life was 15 years ago. Matt Shepard and I were born three months apart. When I heard the news of the attack and his subsequent death, it was devastating to me. I was 21 and a college student with my whole life ahead of me, just like Matt. I put myself in his shoes and think that his story could very well have been my story. I would like for everyone to see this film to help remember Matt, told by the people who knew him best, his friends and family."
Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine is an 89-minute emotional tale of Shepard's life and tragic death, told by his friends, teachers, mentors, policemen and family members.
The movie made its world premiere Oct. 4.
The Chicago premiere of Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine is Oct. 29, at Sidetrack in Lakeview.
"I've been very supportive of this film because, as the title states, Matt Shepard is a friend of mine. I could see myself being friends with Matt," Budz said. "Friendships and family mean the world to me. Helping in the small way that I am with this film is more for my friends and family than it is for me. I want them and everyone else to be able to see themselves in Matt Shepard and the friendships he developed. A true friend never gives up on someone and I see that in Matt's story and this film. "
For the Chicago screening, there are two ticket options. The gold ticket ( $35 ) includes a pre-screening reception with food, plus a meet-and-greet with the film's staff, and more. The silver ticket ( $20 ) includes the screening of the film.
Both ticket options include a post-screening Q&A with the filmmaker, Michele Josue; the film's producer, Liam McNiff; and others.
"I came across the film's initial Kickstarter campaign a couple of years ago when they were trying to get the movie made. I believe I gave them around $100," Budz said. "Then earlier this year I noticed they had their second Kickstarter campaign, which would help them get the film shown in as many communities as possible. I [donated] more this.
"I think we have come a long way as a country after Matt's death. Thanks to [Matt's parents] Judy and Dennis Shepard, we now have better legislation regarding hate crimes. I think what we still lack is a compassion for one another. We need to continue to learn to embrace the differences in each and every one of us."
To purchase tickets online for the Chicago screening Oct. 29, go to www.brownpapertickets.com/event/451629.
