SN Takes Pride: Celebrating & taking pride in trailblazers who fearlessly embrace their true selves.
Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, their stories, struggles, and triumphs. Cinema has played a pivotal role in bringing these narratives to the forefront, offering powerful, moving, and sometimes heart-wrenching insights into the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. Here are five Indian and five international films that are perfect for Pride Month viewing.
International Films
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Director: Ang Lee
This iconic film tells the story of Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal), two cowboys who develop a deep emotional and physical relationship while working together in the Wyoming mountains. Their love faces numerous challenges, including societal expectations and personal dilemmas. “Brokeback Mountain” is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the societal constraints that prevent people from living their truths.
Paris is Burning (1990)
Director: Jennie Livingston
This groundbreaking documentary offers an intimate look into the lives of the African American, Latino, gay, and transgender communities involved in the drag ball culture of New York City in the late 1980s. “Paris is Burning” provides a vivid portrayal of the voguing dance style and the concept of “houses” as surrogate families. It addresses issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality, making it a seminal work in LGBTQ+ cinema.
Carol (2015)
Director: Todd Haynes
Set in the 1950s, “Carol” follows the blossoming romance between Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara), an aspiring photographer, and Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett), an older woman going through a difficult divorce. The film beautifully captures the nuances of their relationship and the societal pressures they face. With its stunning cinematography and powerful performances, “Carol” is a must-watch for its depiction of love against all odds.
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Love, Simon (2018)
Director: Greg Berlanti
“Love, Simon” is a heartwarming coming-of-age story about Simon Spier (Nick Robinson), a high school student who is coming to terms with his sexuality. The film follows Simon’s journey as he navigates the challenges of coming out to his family and friends while also dealing with the pressures of teenage life. It is a groundbreaking film for its mainstream portrayal of a gay teen romance, filled with humor, warmth, and empathy.
Pose (2018-2021)
Creators: Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Steven Canals
While not a film, “Pose” is a critically acclaimed television series that deserves mention for its portrayal of New York City’s African American and Latino LGBTQ+ drag ball culture during the 1980s and early 1990s. The series features the largest cast of transgender actors in regular roles and delves deeply into issues such as the HIV/AIDS crisis, transgender rights, and family dynamics within the LGBTQ+ community. Each episode is a powerful testament to resilience and identity.
Indian Films
My Brother…Nikhil (2005)
Director: Onir
This landmark film is one of the first mainstream Indian movies to address homosexuality and HIV/AIDS. It tells the story of Nikhil (Sanjay Suri), a swimming champion who is diagnosed with HIV. His world collapses as he faces discrimination from society and is shunned by his parents. However, his sister Anamika (Juhi Chawla) and boyfriend Nigel (Purab Kohli) stand by him, highlighting themes of acceptance, love, and the fight against prejudice.
Badhaai Do (2022)
Director: Harshavardhan Kulkarni
In “Badhaai Do,” a lavender marriage is at the heart of the story, with Shardul (Rajkummar Rao) and Suman (Bhumi Pednekar) entering into a marriage of convenience to appease their families. Both characters are gay and use their marriage as a cover while they pursue relationships of their own. The film sensitively tackles LGBTQ+ issues in India, blending humor with poignant social commentary.
Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020)
Director: Hitesh Kewalya
This groundbreaking romantic comedy follows the love story of Kartik (Ayushmann Khurrana) and Aman (Jitendra Kumar), two men who face resistance from Aman’s conservative family. The film addresses the challenges of acceptance in Indian society while providing humor and warmth. It’s a significant step towards mainstream representation of gay relationships in Indian cinema.
Margarita with a Straw (2014)
Director: Shonali Bose
“Margarita with a Straw” follows the journey of Laila (Kalki Koechlin), a young woman with cerebral palsy who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. While studying in New York, she falls in love with Khanum (Sayani Gupta), a blind Pakistani-Bangladeshi woman. The film sensitively explores Laila’s sexuality, independence, and her quest for acceptance.
Aligarh (2015)
Director: Hansal Mehta
Synopsis: “Aligarh” is based on the true story of Dr. Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras (Manoj Bajpayee), a Marathi professor at Aligarh Muslim University who was suspended for his sexual orientation. The film portrays his struggle for justice and dignity, highlighting the deep-rooted homophobia in Indian society. It is a powerful commentary on the rights of individuals to live and love freely.
These ten films offer a rich insight into the LGBTQIA+ experiences, from the struggles of coming out and societal rejection to the joy of self-discovery and love. Watching these films this Pride Month is a way to celebrate the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community, fostering empathy and understanding across all audiences.
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