Gay and Lesbian World Cinema

Gay and lesbian films have flourished in every continent across the world (well, not Antarctica), even in countries where homosexuality is restricted.

China, Poland - even Cuba (the surprisingly subversive Strawberry and Chocolate) have produced brilliant gay and lesbian movies, although these are often banned in their native country. ... show more >

Gay and lesbian films have flourished in every continent across the world (well, not Antarctica), even in countries where homosexuality is restricted.

China, Poland - even Cuba (the surprisingly subversive Strawberry and Chocolate) have produced brilliant gay and lesbian movies, although these are often banned in their native country. Europe especially has produced some hugely prolific and beloved queer auteurs, most notably Rainer Werner Fassbinder (Fox and His Friends, The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant) and Pedro Almodóvar (Law of Desire, Bad Education).

The range of classics from each country is staggering. From the all-out farce of La Cage aux Folles (for a long time the most successful subtitled film ever made) to the subtle, sensual Room in Rome, from the angry critique of homophobic religion in the Israeli Eyes Wide Open to the transvestite underground classic from Japan, Funeral Parade of Roses, world cinema has continued to push boundaries.

With new directors such as Francois Ozon (Time to Leave) and Apichatpong Weerasethakul (Tropical Malady) continuing the tradition of groundbreaking gay and lesbian world cinema, the future of this once esoteric genre looks brighter than ever before. < show less