Now that Pride Month has wrapped up, corporate giants have shed their yassified rainbow exteriors and reverted to their standard-issue selves. For them, Pride has always been another trend to exploit for a quick buck, a fleeting act of tokenism. So, in the spirit of authenticity, I thought it’d be fitting to recommend some truly unforgettable queer films that seemed to have been forgotten somewhere along the line, on the cusp of glory.
In many ways, Jonas Poher Rasmussen’s “Flee” feels as if “Persepolis” and “Waltz with Bashir” had a brilliant, queer baby. It’s a one-of-a-kind animated documentary that chronicles the harrowing journey of Amin Nawabi, a pseudonym for a gay Afghan refugee. What really made “Flee” so special was the animation’s ability to release Amin of his inhibitions and allow him to stay true to his shifting identities, in his own words. The film made history as the first to be nominated under Animated Feature, Documentary Feature as well as the International Feature categories. The blend of poignant storytelling and exceptional animation allowed audiences worldwide a rare glimpse into the turmoil and resilience of queer refugees.
Memory plays such an integral part in shaping one’s identity; the same idea won Japanese auteur Hirokazu Kore-eda the Queer Palme at Cannes last year for his psychological thriller, “Monster.” The film revolves around a mother who notices her son Minato’s disturbing behavior and learns he claims to have been hit by his teacher. A tale of misperceptions and misunderstandings, everything is not what it seems in Kore-eda’s poignant journey of self-discovery. “Monster” dives deep into the complex layers of human emotions and the labyrinth of individual experiences, giving viewers a profound exploration of truth and identity.
Historically, the Queer Palme has spotlighted a number of beautiful pieces of storytelling that “Monster” followed in the footsteps of. However, winners of the prize seem periodically cursed with being snubbed at the Academy Awards. Take, for instance, Celine Sciamma’s seminal lesbian romance “Portrait of a Lady on Fire.” The forbidden period love story was arguably one of the most gorgeous pieces of cinema the year had to offer.
. Alas, the French Film Commission had their sights set elsewhere (Ladj Ly’s “Les Miserables”), failing to offer Sciamma a much-deserved shot at Oscar glory. The film’s stunning visuals and profound exploration of forbidden love deserved more recognition, illustrating the sweeping, transformative power of queer cinema.
The pattern persisted with Pakistan’s official submission for the Oscars 2023 — Saim Sadiq’s groundbreaking “Joyland.” The film tells the story of Haider, who becomes infatuated with Biba, a trans dancer, while grappling with the constrictions of patriarchy. It’s a brave piece of subversive storytelling from the debutant filmmaker, one that most definitely deserved a global stage like the Academy Awards. “Joyland” doesn’t just challenge traditional gender roles and societal norms in Pakistan; it redefines the cinematic portrayal of queer love in South Asian cinema, making it a compelling narrative worthy of the highest accolades.
Most recently, the Irish-Brit heart-throb duo in Andrew Haigh’s gay romance “All Of Us Strangers” fell prey to Academy snubbing. Andrew Scott’s sizzling on-screen chemistry with co-star Paul Mescal made for the most haunting coming-out story of 2023. Haigh’s thoughtful direction and the emotionally charged performances offered an authentic and heartbreaking depiction of love, loss, and identity. Yet, despite its rave reviews and critical acclaim, this poignant film was overlooked during award season.
In the spirit of Pride, it’s only fair that these films receive a moment in the sun beyond the trappings of merely “queer cinema.” They should be celebrated as films that serve as fitting reminders of some truly inspiring storytelling. These films touch upon universal themes, reaching beyond their primary queer narratives to speak to all of humanity’s complexities and emotions. No accolades could ever hope to capture the indomitable spirit and profound impact these stories have on both the LGBTQ+ community and the world at large.
From The Hindu cinema team, these recommendations come as a part of a fortnightly column spotlighting films and shows tied to a mood, theme, or pop cultural event. As we reflect on Pride and what it stands for, let’s not forget the incredible queer stories that continue to enrich the global cinematic landscape, deserving far more recognition than they have thus far received.
