Prior to the movie, guests are welcome to “bring your own” alfresco dinner to the Redwood Room at Gateway. Guests may gather from 5:30pm – 6:30pm for dinner.

This year marks “Desert Hearts”’ 40th anniversary.  This groundbreaking 1985 movie, adapted from Jane Rule’s 1964 novel, Desert of the Heart, is set in 1959 Reno.  It tells the story of Vivian, a reserved professor in Reno to obtain a divorce, and Cay, the artist she encounters during her required six-week stay in Nevada.  The film shows the evolution of the women’s relationship over these six weeks.

Noted for its vivid big-sky cinematography and jukebox country western soundtrack, “Desert Hearts” was one of the first films to present a lesbian relationship in an authentic, joyful, and optimistic manner.  Join the Alliance audience and experience the adventure and romance of historic “Desert Hearts.”

Chat and chew! Join us for a "bring your own" pre-movie dinner, held at the Redwood Room at Gateway from 5:30-6:30. Come early at 6:45 for a pre-movie discussion about how movies from this period portray LGBTQ+ characters.   Members, family, and friends are all welcome! Run time: 1 hr 31 min.