The documentary by filmmaker Gene Graham has finally made it's way to Boston via the premiere at the 24th Annual Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. I've been anticipating this film for months now and to see it along with fellow Paradise Garage and West End Records enthusiasts was amazing. 

For those who aren't familiar with this film, it's about the life of Mel Cheren, based on his autobiography "My Life and the Paradise Garage: Keep On Dancing." The story follows in chronological order his rise through the music industry along with his discovery of dance music and his own sexuality.  The story tells some astonishing feats that Mel accomplished in his lifetime which were: the release of the first instrumental only B side on a 12"; the creation of West End Records leading to the release of some of the greatest dance tracks in history including Loose Joint "Is It All Over My Face", Sesso Mato's "Sesso Matto", and Taana Gardner's "Haertbeat" ; and financially backing and helping to create the Paradise Garage.

On a socially conscience level he also created the first AIDS music industry activist group, 24 Hours for Life whioh later became Lifebeat and gave the Gay Men's Health Crisis its first headquarters. One thing the film does not include is his passing on December 17th, 2007.

If you don't know much about Mel Cheren then this film is a must and if you own every record in the West End catalog the film is still great to hear the stories Mel tells and the accolades today's DJ superstars such as Louis Vega and Danny Krivit give to Mel's legacy.