SYNOPSIS
The extraordinary story of Stephan "Lilly” Steffanides (they/them), a terminally ill veteran, who is racing against time to secure their own military burial and restore honor for over 100,000 LGBTQ+ veterans.
PRIDE & HONOR shines a spotlight on the struggles of over 100,000 LGBTQI+ veterans who were unfairly discharged due to their sexual orientation. Despite the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ these veterans’ lives have been severely disrupted, with less-than-honorable discharges restricting access to healthcare, housing, and employment. Stephan “Lilly” Steffanides is the plaintiff in a groundbreaking federal class-action lawsuit aimed at overturning the less-than-honorable discharges given to 100,000 LGBTQI+ veterans solely due to their sexual orientation.
Directed by Mai Iskander
NEWS
“For me this is a dream come true and to see my story told so beautifully brings a sense of relief and an amazing sense of vindication. I thought I would die alone in a gutter. To see the turnaround and to be honored in this way, it is really something.”
– Stephan “Lilly” Steffanides
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BIO
MAI ISKANDER
Director | Producer | Director of Photography
For Mai, it’s more than just telling stories — it’s about being a catalyst for change.
Mai’s films have been featured at more than 100 festivals, including Berlinale, SXSW, IDFA, and the Los Angeles Film Festival. Her debut feature documentary, GARBAGE DREAMS, not only garnered 26 international awards, an Academy Award shortlist, and a Directors Guild of America nomination, but also made a real-world impact by securing a million-dollar grant from the Gates Foundation for the film’s protagonists.
Mai’s unique visual style and adept storytelling have led her to direct major campaigns for brands like Apple, Dove, Garnier, and Walmart. Her “Care Counts” campaign for Whirlpool earned four Lions at the Cannes Festival, an AICP Next Award, a D&AD Impact White Pencil and also made a significant impact with 446 million media impressions.