Lighthouse is proud to present the first Lighthouse Queer Film Festival as part of the inaugural Poole Pride in June.
The four-day celebration of contemporary Queer cinema, in association with Arts University Bournemouth, features ten full-length films and a double bill from local Queer film-maker Rob Falconer, supported by entries to the Lighthouse Short Film Open Call.
Presented in association with Arts University Bournemouth and programmed with the help of AUB’s Queer Cinema Society, the festival is one of the few outlets for contemporary Queer film and a vital part of the run up to the first Poole Pride celebration at Lighthouse on Saturday 8 June.
All tickets are just £5.50.
“We wanted to concentrate on more recent films as well as films from outside the UK and US,” says Lighthouse Programming Executive Ashton Corbin.
“There’s a really strong mix of titles and genres with a couple of regional premieres, and we’re really proud to be able to present work by new and emerging local Queer film makers who answered our Open Call to submit work for the screen.”
Director Rob Falconer will be discussing his two films – surreal HIV love letter Sleeping Dragon and Legendary Children (All of Them Queer), a riotous, award-winning documentary with music, starring the pioneers of Pride in the UK – in a special post-screening Q&A; while AUB’s Queer Film Society will host post-show discussions after several titles
“It’s a real privilege to be bringing the Queer Cinema Society to Lighthouse,” says its President J Taylor-Jones, “especially being able to open conversations on the striking relevance of older films, such as The Garden, and shine a light on newer films and their respective discussions, like Tops and Orlando: My Political Biography.
“It’s so exciting to be putting the subjects of these films centre-stage, really showing our pride – as Queer people and as film fans!”
What’s On
Silver Screen: All of Us Strangers (15)
Tuesday 4 June, 11am Cinema
A screenwriter drawn back to his childhood home enters into a fledgling relationship with a mysterious neighbour. Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal star. Proudly in partnership with Arts University Bournemouth.
Bottoms (15)
Tuesday 4 June, 4.30pm Cinema
Coming of age story about best friends PJ and Josie who end up in a juvenile correction facility over summer. Proudly in partnership with Arts University Bournemouth.
Orlando, My Political Biography (12A)
Tuesday 4 June, 7.30pm Cinema
Paul B Preciado’s Berlin Film Festival award-winning doc tells his and others’ stories of transition through unique re-enactments and visual interpretations of Virginia Woolf’s Orlando: A Biography. Followed by a post-screening discussion with AUB Queer Cinema Society. Proudly in partnership with Arts University Bournemouth.
Challengers (15)
Wednesday 5 June, 1.30pm Cinema
A former tennis prodigy turned coach pits her husband against his former best friend and her ex-boyfriend. Proudly in partnership with Arts University Bournemouth.
The Garden (15)
Wednesday 5 June, 4.30pm Cinema
Half waking dream and half fiery polemic, The Garden (newly restored) was born of director Derek Jarman’s rage over continued anti-gay discrimination and the sluggardly response to the AIDS crisis. Tilda Swinton stars. Post-screening discussion with AUB Queer Cinema Society. Proudly in partnership with Arts University Bournemouth.
Love Lies Bleeding (15)
Wednesday 5 June, 7.30pm Cinema
An electric new love story directed by Rose Glass following the romance between reclusive gym manager Lou and ambitious bodybuilder Jackie. Proudly in partnership with Arts University Bournemouth.
Sweetheart (15)
Thursday 6 June, 4.30pm Cinema
An awkward, environmentally conscious teenager is dragged to a holiday park by her family, where she becomes unexpectedly captivated by a sun-loving lifeguard. Post-screening discussion with AUB Queer Cinema Society. Proudly in partnership with Arts University Bournemouth.
Solo (cert TBC)
Thursday 6 June, 7.45pm Cinema
Simon must deal with the disappointment of two impossible loves – a passionate but destructive crush on Oliver and a distant and cold relationship with his mother Claire, who has just moved back in after a 15-year absence. Proudly in partnership with Arts University Bournemouth.
The Lost Boys (12A)
Friday 7 June, 1.30pm Cinema
As 17-year-old Joe prepares to leave the detention centre, the arrival of new inmate William will reshape his concept of what freedom truly means. Proudly in partnership with Arts University Bournemouth.
Tops (cert TBC)
Friday 7 June, 4.30pm Cinema
Fun, satirical and a pastiche of the chaotic, brash, self-deprecating and clueless 1990s/2000s British reality TV sees a TV presenter delve into the lives of four individuals who’ve had TOP surgery in a desperate attempt to make their first-ever trans friend. Proudly in partnership with Arts University Bournemouth.
Legendary Children (All of Them Queer) (15)
Friday 7 June, 7.30pm Cinema
A double-bill from local Queer film-maker Rob Falconer, supported by entries to the Lighthouse Short Film Open Call. Q&A with Rob Falconer after the screenings. Proudly in partnership with Arts University Bournemouth.
For more information, including trailers, and to book tickets please visit https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/festival/lighthouse-queer-film-festival/
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