On this page: ARE YOU PROUD? | CASSANDRO THE EXOTICO! | MARIANNE & LEONARD: WORDS OF LOVE

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The film covers key moments in history with rare honesty. Even after UK decriminalisation in 1967, the situation has been toxic, exacerbated by Thatcher's hideous Section 28 in 1988, which made a generation of young people feel rejected until it was rescinded in 2003. That said, there has been a growing unity in the queer community, from the mutual 1980s campaigns to support gay rights and miners' jobs to the moments of solidarity for the Orlando murders in 2016.

People from a wide variety of groups speak to-camera, sharing personal stories as well as their hard-fought opinions. They draw on the support of likeminded people while recognising divisions in the ranks: some people want a party while others want a protest. Yes, society's issues are reflected in the LGBTQ community, including sexism, racism and religious bigotry. The film explores spin-off groups in Britain such as the Queer Picnic, Black Pride and Trans Pride. It also looks at the global situation, including nations where being gay is still a crime, often due to Britain's colonial laws.

The ultimate point is that perhaps Pride needs to rediscover its political roots, taking a defiant stand with fallen brothers and sisters around the world. The West has freedom to celebrate, but also needs to live without fear. Even with huge strides toward equality in some countries, there's still a long way to go until everyone feels safe to be who they are. And even at home, it's far too easy for our rights to be taken from us, and for society to slide into ignorance and bigotry.

themes, language

19.Jun.19

Abused as a very young child, Cassandro is unapologetically gay. He had to overcome homophobia in the ring when he started wrestling, which he says has made him a better fighter. His goal is to prove that gay men aren't merely clowns, but are worthy of respect as real contenders. He celebrates the full range of diversity within Lucha Libre, with its welcome mix of gender, race and physicality. And he also has a deeply spiritual connection to his heritage.

Losier follows him both into his home and on a tour to Europe, where he is continually asked if he's planning to retire. "I don't want to end up in a wheelchair," he laughs before literally diving back into the mayhem. Cassandro is clearly loved by both young and old colleagues, and he puts all of his energy into keeping fit so he is able to compete. It's great fun to watch him teach his signature moves to students. But there's an eerie sense that he doesn't have much life outside of his sport, and his smiling outlook makes him a remarkably sympathetic figure.

themes, language, violence

20.Mar.19

Compiled from extensive archival material, the film explores how years of touring left Leonard and Marianne with only a few days a year together, as Leonard had a string of other women. Burnt out, he entered a Buddhist monastery for six years. And when he re-emerged, broke due to an embezzling manager, he hit the road again. He also reconnected with Marianne, who was by now living a normal life with her husband back home in Oslo. The fact that they were in contact in their final moments is genuinely touching. They died three months apart in 2016.

Bloomfield of course also places himself into the story, as he met Marianne in 1960s Hydra and kept in touch with her over the years. He continually returns to his contact with her over the course of the film. This is a little distracting from the more emotional artist-muse bond between Marianne and Leonard. He also abandons this central thesis for chunks of time, just as Leonard did, to follow Leonard's career over the intervening years.

All of this adds together to construct a bigger narrative, boosted by a series of terrific first-hand interviews with friends and colleagues. And there are clips of interviews with both Marianne and Leonard woven in along with vintage snapshots and eye-catching film and video footage. The songs are cut a little short, just snippets really. But since they all emerged from Leonard's soul, often through the prism of his connection with Marianne, they have their own deeper meaning to add to the film.

themes, language, nudity

26.Jun.19