Dear Jesse

Gay North Carolina native Tim Kirkman plays the personal off the political in this intriguing documentary that's both a journey home and an examination of the enduring appeal of Republican Sen. Jesse Helms. Two years after finishing college, Kirkman fled his home state, inextricably linked in people's minds with the notoriously homophobic Helms, for the relative sanctuary of New York City. After a particularly painful romantic breakup, Kirkman realized it was time for a trip back home, a decision that neatly coincided with Helms' announcement that he would seek yet another Senate term (he's been serving since 1972). Kirkman came up with the idea of keeping a video ...