LGBTQ+ History Month 2022: Film recommendations
David is Homosexual (1976), documentary based in Lewisham
Made on a shoestring and shot on Super8 over the hot summer of 1976 by members of the Lewisham branch of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE). The film follows lonely, isolated office clerk David as he discovers CHE, makes new friends and blossoms into a happy, out gay man. Intended as an educational tool, the film was shown around the country to straight and gay audiences. It features rare footage of the 1976 Gay Pride rally in Hyde Park, where Tom Robinson debuted his hit anthem 'Glad to be Gay'. The documentary was written and directed by the late Wilfred Avery and shot by David Belton, with support from CHE and the wider LGBTQ+ community.
David is Homosexual can be viewed for free here. The BFI has free LGBTQ+ collections to stream online including LGBT+ Britain and LGBT+ South Asia.
Paris is Burning (1990)
Iconic documentary that focuses on the 1980’s ball culture of New York. Paris Is Burning is an essential and detailed exploration of race, class, gender and sexuality.
Moonlight (2016)
Moonlight follows Chiron through three stages in his life as he grows up in Miami. An epic and moving tale that deals with identity and sexuality, with Academy Award recognised performances from Mahershala Ali and Naomie Harris.
Booksmart (2019)
Booksmart takes place on the last day of term for brainy main characters Amy and Molly, who realise that their years of staying in and studying has not put them in a better position than their classmates. They decide the solution is to embark on their first and last reckless night out in high school.
And Then We Danced (2019)
Georgian dance student Merab’s life is irrevocably changed by the arrival of Irkali. Struggling against the backdrop of conservative Tblisi, we see Merab navigate poverty, passion and rivalry.
Disclosure (2020)
Lavern Cox’s documentary features Trans thinkers, creatives and actors as they discuss Trans representation in Hollywood.
The Watermelon Woman (1996)
The Watermelon Woman was the first feature film written, directed and starring a black and out woman in the US (Cheryl Dunye). A candid film that follows video store worker Cheryl, as she seeks out stories of black women in cinema and becomes fascinated by an actor credited as ‘The Watermelon Woman’.
A Fantastic Woman (2017)
Waitress and singer Marina becomes involved with Orlando, an older man. Struck suddenly by Orlando’s death, Marina must come to terms with many questions left unanswered.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Set in 1770s Normandy, Portait of a Lady on fire follows artist Marianne as she endeavours to paint a portrait of reluctant subject Héloïse, without her knowing. The two bond against the backdrop of a desolate and striking coastal landscape over the course of one week.
LesFlicks
LesFlicks puts Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer (LBQ) women at its centre. Connecting LBQ fans and content creators from around the world through its video streaming platforms, cinema screenings and in person events, as well as helping to provide funding and advice for filmmakers. Visit the LesFlicks website.