Others attended for more personal reasons. Theodore S. kolzak, an individual sponsor, said he supported the Institute because his son had died of AIDS. The late Steven F. Kolzak '76 had been senior vice-president of Columbia Pictures and the original casting director of the TV series Cheers, he said.

Another sponsor, Martha E. Fish, said she saw the event as an opportunity to break down the stigma associated with homosexuals.

"I'm a member of the gay and lesbian community, and I'm supporting the Institute," said Fish. "I think [the event] is a good way to integrate the gay and lesbian community with the straight."

Vivie Hengst, who had donated $100 to the Institute, said, "It was very good, very sad. Our check should've been bigger. I though we should've given more."

Others said they supported the film's message but were disappointed by its presentation.

"I thought it was intense and had a powerful message," said sponsor Terry Schubach. "But I think the execution could have been better."

Institute Executive Director Dr. Richard G. Marlink, Vincent McCarthy, a homosexual attorney, and Richard L. Friedman, managing general partner of the Charles Hotel all spoke at a dinner reception following the movie.

The film opens Friday at the Loews Janus theater in Harvard Square.