Events for November 2, 2019

At the heart of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, ward 5B at San Francisco General Hospital became the first ward in the US designed specifically to treat AIDS patients. The 5B unit nurses’ and caregivers’ emphasis on humanity and the power of human touch created a new standard of care in a time of great uncertainty and paranoia. The Cinematheque has level access.

In many cultures elders are revered and respected, but in the LGBTQ+ community they are often forgotten or overlooked. These shorts highlight stories by people who blazed a trail for LGBTQ+ people today, presenting their narratives as they grow older. Visible Enrique Rey / Spain, 2018 Spanish with English subtitles A social stereotype of the LGBTQ+ community has been built around young, fun-loving individuals, never over 40. But where are the older LGBTQ+ people? Do they vanish into thin air when they turn 40? How I Got to The Moon by Subway Tyler Rabinowitz / USA, 2018 English without subtitles After being diagnosed with ALS, a man goes to the hospital with his partner to record his voice bank before he loses the ability to speak. Hank Hongyu Li / USA, 2019 English without subtitles Struggling with a recently opened marriage, a middle-aged gay man must decide if the relationship is worth the compromise. Forget-Me-Not Ferran Navarro-Beltrán / Spain, 2018 Spanish with English subtitles Irene and Luisa are two 70-year-old women who cross paths when visiting their deceased loved ones at a cemetery. A Great Ride Deborah Craig / USA, 2018 English without subtitles ‘A Great Ride’ looks at lesbians who live in a LGBTQ+-friendly retirement community—living with a dynamic zest for life, determination, and humor. The Cinematheque has level access.

Nothing To Lose Kelli Jean Drinkwater / Australia, 2018 English without subtitles In light of bigger bodies’ underrepresentation in mainstream contemporary dance, artistic director Kate Champion was determined to explore their potential and put them on stage. We follow the dancers and their quest to create new, unapologetic forms of movement. Unravelling the intersection between fat activism and queer experiences, this documentary is a refreshing and much-needed re-evaluation of body politics. Renovation Fábio Leal / Brazil, 2018 Portuguese with English subtitles TW: Explicit sex While helping his friend paint, Francisco opens up about his body issues, his rotating cast of handsome bedmates, and his love of sweets and Julia Roberts. Paisa Graham Kolbeins & Dorian Wood / USA, 2018 English without subtitles TW: Explicit sex An immersive fever dream that celebrates the beauty of queer brown sensuality, individuality and fat positivity. The Cinematheque has level access.

Fabulous Audrey Jean-Baptiste / France, 2019 French with English subtitles Lasseindra Ninja, a well-known artist from France’s voguing scene, brings her expertise to her home country of French Guyana. An uplifting exploration of self-empowerment and a stark reminder of the prejudice that French Guyana’s LGBTQ+ youth faces. This film is a powerful tribute to the capacity of voguing to change people’s lives for the better. Burn The House Down Giselle Bailey, Nneka Onuorah / France, 2019 French with English subtitles As we follow the dazzling preparations for Kiddy Smile’s homecoming concert, his loyal troupe of dancers speak candidly about contemporary issues with racism, identity and queer visibility of France. A fascinating insight into the backstage solidarity and politics of the ballroom scene, this documentary explores the world of some of Paris’ most talented performers. The Cinematheque has level access.

The 18-year-old Andrej is sent to a youth detention centre due to problematic behaviour. There, he meets Željko, the informal leader of the detainees. Upon discovering Andrej’s secret, Željko soon begins to take advantage of him; Andrej’s sense of responsibility and moral integrity are put to a trial. Ultimately, he must choose between Željko and his reckless lifestyle and staying true to himself. The Cinematheque has level access.

Based on the true story of writer Lee Israel, who forged letters from dead celebrities to make ends meet, this is an incredibly entertaining yet deeply moving story of alienation and failure. Shut out by the snobbish literary scene of New York, Israel finds her partner in crime in loveable rogue and fellow queer Jack Hock. With both of them earning Oscar nominations for their performances, this boozy adventure through the bars and bookshops of New York is sure to both captivate and delight. The Cinematheque & Empire has level access.

Olivia, an undocumented Filipino transwoman, works as a caregiver to Olga, an elderly Russian woman. Running out of options to attain legal status, Olivia’s life is complicated by her relationship with Olga’s grandson. With immigrant and transgender rights under attack under the Trump administration, the film is making history as the first American feature film written, directed by and starring a transgender woman of color. ‘Lingua Franca’ is a portrait of a woman's political and sexual awakening. The Cinematheque has level access.

In 2018 the second edition of the Mr. Leather Brazil competition takes place. We see the men prepare for the contest and talk about wearing leather and what that means for them. The winner receives the ribbon by the hands of Dom Barbudo, the first Mr. Leather in the country. The winner is tasked with promoting the culture of leather during the next year. The contest is stirring the spirits of the gay fetish community of São Paulo. The Cinematheque has level access.

Paris, 1993. Jacques is a semi-renowned writer and single father in his 30s trying to maintain his sense of romance and humor in spite of his declining health due to AIDS. While on a work trip to Brittany, he meets a young man, Arthur. Opposites attract, and when they do, it can be like fireworks—equal parts magnetism, explosiveness, and pain. Sceptical Jacques and optimistic Arthur discover this when they find themselves falling in love. The Cinematheque has level access.