Alexis Bittar premiered his documentary short Reclaim the Flag with special Pride Month screenings in New York City and Los Angeles. The New York event, held in partnership with the Human Rights Campaign, officially launched the Reclaim the Flag movement.
Bittar, a jewelry designer and filmmaker, directed the short produced by Bruce Cohen. The film explores the American flag as a symbol of unity, with a focus on the LGBTQ community.
It features interviews with Lena Waithe, Gus Kenworthy, Jonathan Capehart, Marc Jacobs, Bill T. Jones, Jim Parsons, George Takei and others. Bittar said some participants were nervous to appear on camera during filming, which occurred when Trump was targeting universities.
At the New York screening, Mayor Zohran Mamdani spoke about the questions the film raises. "This film asks us a question: What does the American flag mean?" he said. "I know that there is more we can do to make our nation feel more open and inclusive."
Bittar noted the flag has been co-opted by the right and said the left allowed it to happen. The film includes no mention of Trump.
