The Official Section opened yesterday with Freeheld based on the true story of Laurel Hester, a decorated New Jersey police officerwho fought to the end to be allowed to leave her pension to her domestic partner after being diagnosed with cancer.

Freehold stars Juliette Moore and Ellen Page, and it was the latter who presented the film along with director Peter Sollett and the producers. Page plays Hester’s partner, Stacie Andrée, who the actress actually met. “She was generous, kind and vulnerable, but always available despite how painful it must have been for her.”

Peter Sollett thought that the film dealt with the impact that the denial of their rights has on people’s lives. “Even today there are a lot of people in the United States who are against equality.” As for his work with Moore and Page, he pointed out that they were so good, that his job was restricted to creating an environment in which they could relax and work, without him getting in the way.