Making films with an LGBTQ+ theme is illegal in many countries. Here, we introduced films that have been banned in their home countries, or where the filmmaker themselves have either been imprisoned because of their film, or have faced pressure whilst filming. 

Wednesday 31st July

7.00pm
I’M NOT SICK! I’M GAY
(documentary, 2015)
Dir. Alexej Getmann and Diana Harders
Dennis is gay, and this is a problem in his home country Kazakhstan. Abuse and beatings occur almost on a daily basis to everyone coming out as LGBTIQ. This documentary portraits Dennis, one of the few open activists in Kazakhstan, his brave fight for equality and his attempts to organize a public Pride event in his home town with his LGBTIQ friends.

09.00pm
INSECTS IN THE BACKYARD
(drama, 2010)
Dir. Tanwarin Sukkhapisit
Trans woman Tannia was married to a loving wife who died after giving birth to their second child. Now the family consists of 17-year-old daughter Jennifer, 15-year-old son Johnny and their father who has become Big Sister Tannia. Both teenagers are about to discover desire and sexuality, but it is Tannia and her search for love and recognition who is at the centre of this film.

Sunday 4th August 

02.00pm
OUTED: THE PAINFUL REALITY
(drama, 2015)
Dir. Kamoga Hassan
Banned in Uganda.
On 25 February 2014, based on no evidence, a Ugandan tabloid published names and photographs of the people they perceived to be the “Top Homosexuals” in the country. This outing not only provoked widespread hate messages towards people perceived to be LGBTQ but also instigated widespread debate among the Ugandan society. Based on a true story, the film looks into the life of John Alex Kigozi aka Vida who appears on the front page of the tabloid despite the fact that he had never disclosed his sexuality to anyone. Following the outing, Vida’s life turns woeful when he consequently loses his job, his house and so much more.

Programmer and presenter Rainer Schulze is (Emeritus) Professor of Modern
European History and Human Rights with a special interest in LGBTQ+ history,
LGBTQ+ rights, and LGBTQ+ film.