July 2020 What do you get if you take the 1970s gay porn industry and cross it with a slasher film?. The answer is a glorious mix of fantasy horror that shines with pride. In the truly unique 2018 film Knife + Heart. A film that provides us with a fantasy horror that miraculously works on every level, despite its …
When does art become political activism or political activism become art? This is a question embedded within both creativity, culture and community from the dawn of human history to now. From the rise of graffiti art through to sculpture and protest. However, one artist rarely mentioned in the same breath as Banksy or Ai Weiwei is Keith Haring. Despite a …
Welcome to Chechnya changed the names and facial details of all those victims interviewed. In order to protect their human rights from further state persecution. As someone who has spent my adult life fighting for LGBTQ equality, I watched the growing persecution of LGBTQ people in Russia with horror. The introduction of the 2013 ‘gay propaganda law’ a mere tool …
At what age does the freedom and innocence of childhood become consumed by the mists of adolescence? The answer, of course, differs for every person, the journey to adulthood one of personal self-discovery. It’s jarring and uncomfortable dawn bringing with it the realities of adult life, sex, and relationships. Creating a transition that is often both painful and joyous in …
In October 2019 our retrospective look at A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2 shone a light on homophobia in 1980s America. Exploring the undeniable themes of sexuality and gender sitting at the heart of an unlikely LGBTQ film. While exploring these in the context of the socio-political world of its release. A world where AIDS had changed the landscape …
This review is brought to you in partnership with our friends at Vertigo Releasing While the thematic base of Alex Thompson’s debut feature film ‘Saint Frances’ may sit within the familiar territory of thirty-something disillusionment. His film transcends the usual comedy/drama tropes of the subject, by embracing a frank, honest and loving exploration of the female experience. Layering this with …
The 1990s offered a period of large scale change in both the U.K and Ireland, as the social structures of the 80s were challenged by a newly emerging social confidence. In Britain, this led to the birth of Brit Pop and political change, while across the Irish Sea young people began to question the beliefs of their parents, government, and …
Writer and director Céline Sciamma is renowned for her beautiful and nuanced coming of age films. With a back catalogue filled with stunning reflections on the transition to adulthood, from Water Lilies to Tomboy. However, with her latest film ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’, Sciamma breaks with her own convention. While equally demonstrating that the urgency of love and belonging is not …
Political regimes built on segregation and hate are multi-faceted in their use of control, violence and indoctrination. Often forcing both internal and external discrimination and oppression based on an ideology that fears any difference. In turn, using divide and conquer governance, in ensuring people who do not fit their idealised mould are targeted whether they be internal or external to …
Five years after it first started production, Xavier Dolan’s first English language movie has finally and quietly arrived on streaming platforms. After bypassing cinemas in the UK and spending a lengthy period of time in the editing suite. While also having been duly slated by critics on its short festival run in 2018. Therefore, hopes were not high for The …