Fifty years after the Stonewall uprising, a new film by New York University alumni explores the enduring impact of the pivotal LGBTQ+ movement
New York, N.Y. — In a moving tribute to the historic Stonewall uprising, New York University alumni have produced a documentary that captures the spirit, struggles, and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community over the past half-century.
Through rare archival footage, intimate interviews, and compelling storytelling, the film not only commemorates the events of June 1969 but also highlights the ongoing fight for equality and justice in the U.S. and beyond. This news feature delves into the making of the documentary, its cultural significance, and the voices that continue to shape the narrative of LGBTQ+ rights.
Revisiting the Night That Changed History
On June 28, 1969, the Stonewall Inn in NYC’s Greenwich Village became the epicenter of a movement that would forever alter the course of LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S.
What began as a police raid quickly escalated into days of protest,
resistance, and ultimately, a call for dignity and equality.
The new documentary, titled Stonewall at Fifty: Voices of a Revolution, brings together firsthand accounts from survivors, activists, and historians. NYU alumni, drawing on their academic training and personal connections to the city, weave together a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
“Stonewall was not just a riot—it was a reckoning. Our film aims to honor those who stood up and those who continue to fight,” says the film’s director, an NYU Tisch School of the Arts graduate.
The Power of Storytelling: From Campus to Community
For the team behind Stonewall at Fifty, the project was more than a historical retrospective. It was a chance to bridge generations and foster dialogue about identity, activism, and resilience.
The filmmakers, many of whom met as students at NYU, collaborated with local organizations, including the LGBT Community Center and the Lesbian Herstory Archives. Their research unearthed never-before-seen photographs and letters, shedding light on the personal stories behind the headlines.
Intergenerational Voices and the Ongoing Struggle
One of the film’s most poignant aspects is its focus on intergenerational dialogue. Elders who participated in the original uprising share the screen with young activists, reflecting on how the movement has evolved.
“Stonewall was the spark, but the fire still burns,” says a current NYU student featured in the documentary. The film addresses contemporary issues such as trans rights, intersectionality, and the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, drawing parallels between past and present.
By centering voices often marginalized within the movement, including transgender individuals and people of color, the documentary challenges viewers to reconsider what progress means and who it serves.
A Legacy for the Next Fifty Years
As the world marked the fiftieth anniversary of Stonewall, the documentary serves as both a commemoration and a call to action. Screenings at NYU, local theaters, and community centers have sparked conversations about the unfinished work of the movement.
The film’s producers hope that Stonewall at Fifty will inspire a new generation to engage with history, advocate for change, and celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.
“We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us,” says the producer, “but it’s up to us to keep moving forward.”
NYU Alumni Chronicle Stonewall’s Legacy in Anniversary Documentary (June 10, 2025)
75-Word Audio Summary
NYU alumni honor the fiftieth anniversary of the Stonewall uprising with a powerful new documentary, Stonewall at Fifty: Voices of a Revolution. Through interviews, archival footage, and personal stories, the film explores the legacy of Stonewall, the evolution of LGBTQ+ activism, and the ongoing fight for equality. By connecting past and present, the documentary encourages viewers to reflect on progress made and challenges that remain, ensuring Stonewall’s spirit endures for future generations.
