The American Academy of Motion Pictures released some Shortlists for 2023 Oscars including Best International Film and we are so delighted that it includes 3 excellent queer films. two of which were made in countries where being gay is still illegal.
Queerguru Contributing Editor Andrew Hebden was at Londons BFI London Film Festival in October where he reviewed CLOSE from Belgium. He wrote On a film that loosely follows the seasons, to say that Lukas Dhont’s Close might make you weep is as inevitable as saying winter might follow autumn. The emotions are so finely evoked in this masterful coming-of-age drama they could have been drawn with an eyelash.
He added “Dhont’s Close manages to capture flawless performances from the two young leads. The title of the film is also a description of the intimacy of the camera work, constantly within inches of the actor’s faces. Their eyes tell their own stories, and the paired-back dialogue is a lesson in when saying nothing tells the audience so much more, even when the situation seems to cry out for closure through words.”
A24 Films are releasing CLOSE into movie theaters on Jan 27th 2023
Queerguru Contributing Editor Ris Fatah was bowled away by Joyland, the directorial debut from Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq which has already won the Queer Palm and Un Certain Regard prize from Cannes Film Festival
Sadiq’s film is an intense analysis of the crippling effect ‘traditional family values’ on gender and sexuality can have on individuals in 21st Century families, not just in Pakistan, but in conservative households across the world. Many of the family members in this structure are slightly lost and downtrodden, and contrast sharply to the assertive, driven, fearless protagonist who has no such strictures around herself.
Pakistan, in common with many other Asian countries, has long recognized the concept of a ‘third gender’ and has a vibrant trans culture protected by law. Life is usually tough for the trans community, though, many of whom can only find work as sex workers. Homosexuality remains frowned upon in Pakistani society, although more and more middle-class and rich queers there are coming out to friends and families and there are underground queer parties.
Studio Soho will release JOYLAND in UK cinemas on Feb 24
Queerguru Contributing Editor Ris Fatah reviewed The Blue Caftan (from Morocco) at NEWFEST in NY this Fall. He wrote Le Bleu du Caftan (The Blue Caftan) is director Maryam Touzani’s beautifully poetic drama about the relationship between a closeted Moroccan tailor, Halim, (Saleh Bakri), his dying wife Mina (Lubna Azabal), and their gay male apprentice Youssef (Ayoub Missioui).
Beautifully shot and lit by cinematographer Virginie Surdej, with excellent, very tender, performances by the three main actors, Touzani’s intimate, authentic film is paced to reflect the slow-burn of the lives and relationships she is exploring. Her film is a great close-up study on the combinations of despondency, laughter, grief and joy life can entail.
Strand Releasing is releasing the film in the US on Feb 10th
The 95th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles,
California on March 12, 2023. 