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Its Pride season and so our annual journey around the globe takes us to Barcelona for the 19th annual Fire! Mostra Lambda Barcelona International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. These are my picks from the amazing line-up of films from across the globe, each showcasing a unique facet of the great rainbow spectrum.
The Comedian
We are transported to the somewhat disconnected world of Edward Hogg. He is in his thirties, alone and without direction. He aimlessly goes from one dead end job to the next. His stand-up career stands in stark contrast to his depressing circumstances. He is lost amidst the great expanse of a contemporary London milieu, and we can relate to his loneliness. His genuine portrayal of this universal character creates a connection between the audience and himself and we are drawn in. All is lost until Nathan comes onto the scene. Nathan questions Ed’s dispiritedness and lack of confidence.
This stunning piece of Independent cinema shows us why arts funding is so important, as without it so many great stories like this will go untold..
Who’s Afraid of Vagina Wolf?
This charming comedy takes us into suburbia Los Angeles. Not into some lavish mansion, but rather the cramped confines of a garage. Here we meet Anna, 40, single and unemployed. Her life seems without reason and purpose until Katia enters. Katia becomes her muse and sets the ball in motion for our protagonist. With a fresh sense of purpose and energy Anna embarks on creating a remake of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? This is a fun film, with a story we all know too well. Don’t change for anyone, just live your life for YOU.
Hold
This Swedish short film by Erik Linghede is an experimental piece of cinematic genius. Here we are told the story of two young men in love. The entire story is told, not with words but via an improvisational dance. The choreography incorporates modern street dance techniques such as popping and waving. The purpose of the film is not to try explain love but to show it as a fluid kinetic energy. Within this realm where love becomes disconnected from sex, love becomes an energy, the distinction between gay or straight becomes incomprehensible. By the end of the film, one understands that love is love, regardless of the parties’ privy to such.
Catch up with us next week when LA Outfest brings us even more great LGBTQ cinema!
