QUEER FILMS EVERYONE SHOULD SEE THIS PRIDE MONTH
Photo: Shrem Zajac and imdb
Need something to watch this weekend? For our first FLAW watchlist, we asked Shrem to take us through the queer films that stayed with him long after the credits rolled.
A Dublin-based Polish queer blogger, vinyl selector, DJ, cinephile, and self-confessed über-nerd, Shrem is known for his passionately curated themed nights and eclectic sets across the city. When he's not behind the decks, he's deep in cinema, with nearly 3,000 films watched and ranked on Letterboxd.
The Heiresses [Las herederas]
This impressive Paraguayan lesbian drama is one of the most underrated and sadly overlooked gems of recent years. With superb acting, an engaging story-line and remarkable craftsmanship, it is a perfect example of world-class cinema emerging from beyond the usual destinations.
Happy Together [春光乍洩]
The first LGBTQ+ film I completely fell in love with. Maestro Wong Kar-wai delivers a passionate portrayal of a tumultuous
Hong-Kongese gay relationship set in Argentina. This film is a landmark of queer cinema, and the tango scene is just one of many reasons why it has achieved cult status.
Tomboy
Perhaps controversially, I consider this Céline Sciamma’s best film to date. A sublimely told coming-of-age story filled with sensitivity, mystery, and compassion. It is raw, authentic, and at times reminiscent of my own childhood search for identity and belonging.
A quiet marvel of a film.
Pain and Glory [Dolor y gloria]
I could have chosen literally any of his films, but this autobiographical drama is a quintessential Almodóvar experience, showcasing the full palette of his emotions, colours, iconic moments, and daring honesty. Pedro is such a unique visionary - my personal all-time favourite director - with 23 feature films, ALL of which I have re-watched multiple times by now.
Crossing [Geçiş / გადასვლა]
Quite simply one of the greatest films of the current decade, this Georgian drama set in Istanbul left me with goosebumps, tears, and weeks of reflection afterwards.
Full of empathy, care, heartbreak, and humour, it is cinema at its most subtle yet most powerful. I also adored Akin’s previous film “And Then We Danced”.
Rafiki
Part of the African New Wave, this Kenyan drama is perhaps not an easy watch, but it is an important one. A brave piece of filmmaking, it tells the romantic story of two young women while offering a powerful commentary on the social norms and pressures that LGBTQ+ people so often have to navigate, regardless of where they live.
Swan Song
A deliciously camp drama filled to the brim with heartfelt moments, hilarious scenes, and a whole lot of flamboyance. Featuring a fantastic performance from the late, legendary Udo Kier, the film is both touching and entertaining. Jennifer Coolidge’s guest appearance is the fabulous cherry on top.
From cult classics to overlooked gems, these are the queer stories he believes everyone should experience at least once. Save this for your next weekend watchlist.
