The documentary covered the history of Belfast Pride, and I was particularly impressed with some of the old footage from years gone by. With contributions from many members of the Pride committee past and present, as well as high-profile political leadership views from former Mayor and current MP for East Belfast Naomi Long, as well as current Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, the documentary covered all aspects of Pride, from the reasons, to the organisation, to the protestors, to the fun and events… it really is not to be missed!

It is getting a second showing on Tuesday at the Northstar Science Fiction Night Pride Event, which is at The Roost bar on Tuesday 27th, at 8pm, where you will also get to watch a science-fiction triple feature of Doctor Who, Star Trek: Voyager and Family Guy Star Wars!

Pride 2010 has begun!

As those who attended monday’s workshop, previously, you will remember that, we where treated to a stonewall production , named FIT. For those who did not attend, I hope you will forgive me for giving a rather brief description.

The film dealt mainly with how students at school,percieve and stereotype,  what “being gay” actually is, and therefore deals with the negative attiutdes, that still exsist in many schools across the United Kingdom today, despite the many changes which have taken place for LGBT rights.

Central characters included,

KARMEL- A young teenager that is confused about her sexuality, and is forced into into dating men, despite having feelings for women, all because of the negative perception of her parents, a problem which unfortunately all to real. For her it really is a jounrey of self discovery, which leads her in a difficult posistion, fortunately as she is “human” she throws caution to the winds, ignores her parents, and prooves, that “Love” knows no  boundaries.

LEE- Lee is another young woman, yes I know what your thinking, shes defitently a lesbian with a name like that, but whilst watching the programme, it was rather hard to tell, she was in love with her best friend Karmel,  but didnt seem to have any other tendancies towards other women, however towards the end of the production, she finally realises that she needs to be proud of who she is, and stands up and finally admits that she is “Gay”

RYAN- Out of all the characters I think Ryans character, will defitently hit hard and inform students, teachers that are watching this film, with the major reality, of what LGBT students are currently facing at school. He displays,  how young men at school, you know the ones that “play footy”, going around school, saying “shes fit” and “firing food at you in the canteen”  and the ones that don’t pick you first at gym class” don’t mean to stereotype by the way, just trying to get across the point, Ryan displayed the situation in which young men/boys at school are being put in, and that to remain friends, they will do anything to deny themselves of who they really are, so that they can remain “normal” even if that includes them bullying others, and labelling them as “gay”

In all, it really was a heart-warming production, it dealt with each characters scenarion thoroughly, and sensitivly, so as so anyone can follow and realte to the story, however if there where any criticisms to be made, it’s that the film was supposed to inform and raise awareness, as well as the reality of homophobic bullying at school, for my liking everything ended up “happily every after” which I am sorry to say, is not the case for every student, if we are to get across the point, to those with negative perceptions,  then we must show them the reality, that sometimes means when students “come out” they loose friends or family, I know some of you in GLYNI have already disagreed with what I have just wrote,  and said the film shouldn’t be miserable, but again, its the TRUTH.

For this production, I will give it 8 rainbows out of 10, informative, heart-warming, easy to follow, and there was some good comedy moments, within the film, points got taken, by the way, please note,I am taking point based on what memebers of GLNYI have said, and they include, repetitive singing, the P.E teacher and his “hot” partner,  and no kissing.

So please free to leave any comments on the film, and give us your views.

For those who did not attend here is the official trailer below:

Hope you enjoyed the review!

Signing Out!

Post by Declan

So you read on? Good!
The film is called ‘I Love You Phillip Morris’ and it is due out next week. It stars Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor, and is the ‘real’ life story story of a conman in the USA (It might actually be true but who knows…). Turns out he is very good at lying, to everyone, including his wife – and when he is involved in an accident decides to be out and proud.Unfortunately he finds the gay lifestyle ‘reallly expensive’ and resorts to fraud, and guys, fraud is never ok :P and inevitably, the cops catch up to him and throw his ass in jail! That’s when it gets interesting – seems he sucks a lot of dick… but more inportantly, he meets Phillip Morris :P.
The story is a tale of romance in the oddest of circumstances between the two, told through humour in many places but also carrying a few important messages too.

Well the film is good, not fantastic or amazing, but good. Its a romantic comedy (a genre I usually hate :P) with a twist in that they are both gay – and whilst Jim Carrey sometimes doesn’t show it, Ewan pulls off gay VERY well, almost too well <_<. There are plenty of laughs so make sure you go with a few friends for a good giggle, a bit of tongue-in-cheek mockery of religion (Phillip’s wife is a typical southern american :P) but there are also a few pauses to think through some of the ‘moral messages’  in the film.

To sum up, the film is a good night out for you and your mates, be they gay or straight. Jim Carrey films usually are good for a laugh and sometimes it gets old, but he doesn’t overdo it this time like he has a tendency to do. Ewan acts well as already said ;) and the blonde-haired, blue-eyed queer serves as a good, more serious foil for Jim’s jokey attitude. Go see the film, its worth a look, and will entertain you on a night out.

And guys – don’t lie ;)

Peace out! – Matt

This is a new (2008) film by director Bruce La Bruce, and it was recently premièred at the Sundance Film Festival. It is a political, gay, zombie film, and as I thought myself, it’s quite good.

I don’t want to spoil it for you if you ever get to see it, but I recommend that you give it a go. It contains a lot of sub-texts, metaphors and satire on things.

Basically, Otto is a zombie. What’s more? He’s a gay zombie. Yep. Zombies get busy too ;)
The film centres around Otto understanding what he is, and his experiences along the way, but don’t be mistaken, it’s not one of those feel-good sob story type films. It’s gritty in places, quite dark at times, and thought-provoking. It is an excellent film.

One final word of warning? There are two scenes which are of an… explicit nature. Though it doesn’t have an official rating, just be aware it would probably get the ’18′ tag if it was classified.

Anyway, go find it and watch it!

Peace, out!