announcement
With the support of the British Council, SUNNY BUNNY will screen the most renowned British films from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. This is a unique opportunity to watch the United Kingdom’s most iconic queer-themed films on the big screen.
The program includes six films that represent the diversity of British queer cinema, offering an exploration of its history — from stereotypical and formulaic portrayals of LGBTQ+ people over the decades to the progress made in their portrayal in more recent years. These films reflect the growing access queer filmmakers have had to opportunities for creating such works, as well as the impact these films have had on cinema as a whole. The lineup features the cult classic "The Hunger" starring Catherine Deneuve and David Bowie; the story of the brilliant painter Caravaggio by legendary filmmaker Derek Jarman; the iconic film "Velvet Goldmine" by director Todd Haynes, who recently served as head of the Berlinale jury; "Maurice" by the living legend James Ivory ("Call Me by Your Name"), based on the novel by E. M. Forster and starring Hugh Grant; "Weekend" by director Andrew Haigh; and the documentary exploratory film "A Bit of Scarlet", which sheds light on the representation of gay and lesbian characters in British cinema and television.
Films of the program:
• Weekend / Вікенд , Ендрю Гейґ / Andrew Haigh, Сполучене Королівство / UK, 2011, 96’
• Caravaggio / Караваджо, Дерек Джармен / Derek Jarman, Сполучене Королівство / UK, 1986, 93’
• Maurice / Моріс, Джеймс Айворі / James Ivory, Сполучене Королівство / UK, 1987, 140’
• The Hunger/ Голод, Тоні Скотт / Tony Scott, США / USA, 1983, 97’
• Velvet Goldmine / Оксамитова золота жила, Тодд Гейнс / Todd Haynes, США та Сполучене Королівство / USA and UK, 1998, 124’
• A Bit of Scarlet / Трохи багряного, Андреа Вайсc / Andrea Weiss, Сполучене Королівство / UK, 1997, 70’
"The British Council is proud to support the retrospective of British queer cinema at the SUNNY BUNNY festival. We recognise film as a vital platform for diverse narratives and are committed to amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and defending the right to love as a universal human right. In today’s complex political climate, where the free world faces the threat of losing its diversity, it is especially important to protect space for all voices and stories. This selection of iconic British films from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s showcases the evolution of queer representation in cinema and reflects the social changes that took place over these decades. Cinematograph has always been a powerful force in shaping perceptions and driving societies forward. As long as there are stories yet to be told and voices yet to be heard, queer cinema will continue to play an educational, mobilising, and transformative role in society," — emphasized Lusia Zoria, Head of Arts at the British Council in Ukraine.
Details:
"The Hunger"
Miriam, a 5,000-year-old vampire, promises her lovers the gift of eternal life. But then John, her companion for centuries and a cellist, notices that he begins to age rapidly. He seeks help from the doctor Sarah Roberts, a scientist researching the mechanisms of aging. Starring singer, actor and queer icon David Bowie, alongside Catherine Deneuve and Susan Sarandon.
"Weekend"
After a loud house party with his heterosexual friends, Russell heads to a gay club. Just minutes before closing, he picks up Glen—but what begins as a one-night stand turns into something deeper, something special. The film premiered at SXSW festival and won the Audience Award. Andrew Haigh’s most recent work, "All of Us Strangers" (2023), was screened at last year’s SUNNY BUNNY and went on to receive six BAFTA nominations and a Golden Globe nomination.
"Caravaggio"
The film is a retelling of the life of the renowned 17th-century Baroque painter Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, seen through the lens of his brilliant, almost blasphemous artworks and his flirtation with the beyond. Starring Nigel Terry, Tilda Swinton, and Sean Bean.
"Maurice"
This film is an adaptation of E. M. Forster’s novel. Two Cambridge students evolve from close friends into lovers. In an attempt to reclaim his social standing, Clive breaks off the relationship and marries. While visiting Clive and his wife, Maurice begins a romantic affair with a gamekeeper named Alec. The film stars James Wilby, Hugh Grant, and Rupert Graves. Directed by James Ivory, who is best known to modern audiences as the screenwriter of the 2017 drama "Call Me by Your Name". For that work, Ivory won both an Oscar and a BAFTA, becoming the oldest winner in the history of either award in any category.
"Velvet Goldmine"
A cult classic of the 1990s. Nearly a decade has passed since glam rock enigma Brian Slade vanished from the public eye—until journalist Arthur Stuart is assigned to investigate and uncover the truth about his former idol. The film stars Ewan McGregor, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and Christian Bale. Its title is taken from the 1971 David Bowie song of the same name. The film was directed by Todd Haynes, who chaired the jury of this year’s Berlin International Film Festival.
"A Bit of Scarlet"
This documentary by world-renowned director Andrea Weiss has been described as "a kind of postmodern queer soap opera for Britain." The film explores how gay men and lesbians have been portrayed in British cinema and television. The voiceover is narrated by legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen.
The British retrospective at the SUNNY BUNNY Queer Film Festival is supported by the British Council’s programme "Support for Cultural Activities in Ukraine Involving the UK".
