Equal is an ambitious, fast-paced, dynamic, creatively told, often gripping and frequently moving four-part docu-series landing on HBO Max this LGBTQ History Month to remind us that queer history in the USA did not begin and end with the Stonewall riots in June 1969. The final episode though, Stonewall: From Rebellion to Liberation, directed by... Continue Reading →
The Max original LGBTQ+ civil rights docu-series Equal premieres on HBO Max today, Thursday October 22nd. Dynamically and stylishly breathing life and potent emotion into queer history, the series recontextualises the Stonewall riots in the final episode, having set out in the previous three episodes the long, often hidden, fight for equality that came before... Continue Reading →
The second episode of HBO Max's impactful four-part LGBTQ+ rights docu-series Equal, focuses on stories of trans pioneers and trans resistance. Bookended by the Compton's Cafteria riot, we're presented with figures that might already be familiar like Christine Jorgensen as well as names we're far less likely to have encountered, such as Black trans socialite,... Continue Reading →
Following her work as director of photography on Sam Feder's groundbreaking documentary Disclosure, Ava Benjamin Shorr has now lensed the dynamic and stirring four-part LGBTQ+ civil rights docu-series Equal, which premieres on HBO on Thursday October 22nd. Her work on the series saw her collaborate with directors Stephen Kijak and Kimberly Reed to create visually... Continue Reading →
Experimental drag queen and fine artist Yvie Oddly, aka Jovan Bridges, releases her sickening debut hip hop album Drag Trap on Friday October 23rd. Her unconventional, unpredictable and endlessly creative approach to drag, along with that signature deliciously dirty cackle, and gag-worthy physical contortions, saw her crowned the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race season 11... Continue Reading →
This month, the Criterion Channel is celebrating the groundbreaking work and enduring legacy of the late queer Black filmmaker, activist, poet and educator Marlon Riggs. Race, Sex & Cinema: The World of Marlon Riggs features a complete retrospective of his still searingly urgent, provocative, nuanced, and beautifully crafted video work exploring Black identity and representation,... Continue Reading →
This month sees the work of queer experiential filmmaker Jenni Olson celebrated on the Criterion Channel, with a five film retrospective, plus a new insightful interview. Included in the collection are Olson's two features, The Joy of Life (2005) and The Royal Road (2015), which both world premiered at Sundance. These, along with her 1998... Continue Reading →
The search for your latest Netflix binge ends right here. Gripping, nuanced and urgent, Brooklyn-set high school drama Grand Army, adapted from creator Katie Cappiello's own 2013 play Slut, follows the lives of a diverse group of students navigating contemporary teenage life. Among them is Indian-American Sid Pakam, played by Degrassi: Next Class star Amir... Continue Reading →
NewFest, the 32nd New York LGBTQ Film Festival launches today Friday October 16th at 8pm ET with the NYC premiere of God's Own Country filmmaker Francis Lee’s Ammonite. Oscar-winner Kate Winlset who stars opposite Saoirse Ronan in the film, will virtually present Lee with NewFest's inaugural World Queer Visionary Award ahead of the opening night... Continue Reading →
The experience of watching Jen Rainin and Rivkah Beth Medow's feature documentary Ahead of the Curve, which just played Toronto's Inside Out film festival before heading on to New York's NewFest, is much like spending an hour and half getting lost in the pages of your favourite queer magazine; insightful, stimulating, empowering, with a deep-dive... Continue Reading →
