A biker, a hippie, and an ACLU lawyer walk into a restaurant...

This is no joke, but in fact a pivotal scene in the classic 1969 film Easy Rider. In a Louisiana diner, the characters played by Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson are confronted by the harsh realities of a changing American cultural landscape. Under the intense scrutiny of local residents, the sense of freedom represented by these three characters collides with the intolerance that remains entrenched throughout the nation. This iconic film that captivated audiences forty years ago exposes many of the difficult contradictions still present in America today.

Just as Easy Rider displays the tension between varying perspectives of the American experience, the 2008 Academy Award-winning Milk tells a story of a community struggling for acceptance. Following Harvey Milk on his journey to become the first openly gay man elected to a major public office in the U.S., this powerful film shows what is possible when courageous people stand up and stake claims to their rights.

View the full festival schedule and buy tickets here.

On Thursday, September 25th, the ACLU will present Easy Rider and Outlook Media will feature Milk on the final night of the Puffin Collaborative Film Festival. These films display in dramatic fashion the common struggles that link both organizations.

For over 90 years the ACLU has staunchly defended the people’s rights to speech and expression - regardless of what was popular or acceptable at the time. Belief in equal protection under the law has made the ACLU a key ally in the struggle for LGBT rights.

Since 1996, Outlook Media has represented the LGBT and allied community in Central Ohio. Now distributed to over 2,000 locations across the state, Outlook Magazine provides an avenue for people to connect around political, social, and personal challenges and celebrations. Following their motto, “Everything is political,” Outlook seeks to use connections and visibility to create more inclusive spaces and promote full equality.

The Puffin Collaborative Film Festival contains a unique opportunity to support the missions behind both great films and organizations. Tickets for Easy Rider and Milk, as well as movies appearing on all nights of the festival are available now at the Puffin Collaborative Film Festival website.