There is nothing that can change public opinions faster than a movie. The shared experience of watching a movie that elicits emotio0n creates phenomenal impact. Many films have powerfully explored LGBTQ+ issues, contributing significantly to the representation and discussion of LGBTQ+ rights, identities, and experiences. Here is a list of ten highly regarded films that address various aspects of the LGBTQ+ community and its struggles:
• “Brokeback Mountain” (2005)
• “Moonlight” (2016)
• “Call Me by Your Name” (2017)
• “Paris is Burning” (1990)
• “Milk” (2008)
• “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” (1994)
• “Carol” (2015)
• “The Normal Heart” (2014)
• “Tangerine” (2015)
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (2019)
– A French historical drama film directed by Céline Sciamma, telling the story of a forbidden affair between an aristocrat and a painter in late 18th century France.
These films not only highlight LGBTQ+ issues but also explore themes of identity, acceptance, love, and conflict, offering nuanced perspectives on the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Raindance Film Festival has championed LGBTQ+ films since 1993 when we screened Greg Araki’s Totally F**ked Up. HAve a browse of this year’s upcoming events nd screenings to see which tweaks your attention.
Did You Know?
- Raindance Film Festival is considered one of the top fifteen film festivals in the world
- The Higher Education programme at Raindance Film School offers HND, BA and MA in Filmmaking and Screenwriting
- Raindance members support indie film, and enjoy a range of member benefits
- You can call us on +44 (0) 930 3412
Photo Credit: Bertie Watson
I founded Raindance Film Festival in 1993 because the British film industry was closed, polite, and congratulating itself while shutting new filmmakers out.
I co-founded the British Independent Film Awards in 1998 because British indie film deserved more than a shrug, a pat on the head, and a Tuesday night screening.
Raindance didn’t start as a brand. It started as a rebellion: film training without gatekeepers, a festival without permission, and a community built by filmmakers who weren’t waiting to be invited in.
Later, we took it global: Toronto, Vancouver, New York, LA, Berlin, and Brussels, because independent film doesn’t belong to one city, one class, or one accent.
I’ve produced 700+ short films and seven features, including Deadly Virtues (2014) and ALICE, which won the SXSW Grand Jury Prize (2019) not because someone “discovered” us, but because the work earned its place.
I’ve written three books used by filmmakers worldwide because too many courses taught compliance instead of survival.
In 2009, I was awarded a PhD for services to film education, ironic, given that most of my career has been about tearing down the rules that education insisted you follow.
I don’t believe in waiting for permission.I believe in making work, building systems, and forcing the industry to catch up.
Specialties: Independent Film (the real kind) · Producing · Writing · Film Education · Festivals · Breaking Broken Systems
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