Films for LGBT History Month

Shetland Film Club will be screening two films as part of LGBT History Month on 17th and 18th February. LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans-sexual) History Month is an annual celebration of Britain’s LGBT citizens, which aims to break through the silence that still surrounds the lives of many people who do not conform to conventional notions about sexuality and gender and help to end the sense of isolation and bewilderment felt by so many LGBT people, particularly the young. It aims to make bullying unacceptable and to help to dispel the anxiety and confused rage that drive some people to aggressive and hostile behaviour.

Weekend, written and directed by Andrew Haigh, is the story of two men who meet at a night club, and go home to what they believe will be a one-night fling. But as the weekend unfolds, and they begin to explore what it is that they want from life, from sex and from love, they begin to acknowledge a deeper attraction to each other. Garnering universal critical acclaim, Weekend is an original and poignant love story, boasting excellent performances from Tom Cullen and Chris New. It carries an 18 certificate.

We Were Here is a deeply moving documentary about the advent and devastating effect of HIV/AIDS on the San Francisco community in the 1980s, remembered by five individuals who lived through the crisis, but for whom the memory is still achingly raw. As friends grew sick and died in overwhelming numbers, and society at large moved to exclude and scapegoat homosexuals, the gay community drew together to help and defend and look after each other in what became known as the 'San Francisco Model' of true community care. The film is exempt from certification but is recommended for 15s and over.

Both films are being shown as part of Shetland Film Club's outreach programme, and the Club acknowledges grant support from Shetland Arts and the Arts Development Fund.

Weekend will be screened at the Shetland Museum and Archive on Friday 17th February at 7.30pm, whilst We Were Here will be shown on Saturday 18th February at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on the door or from Shetland Box Office on 01595 745555, www.shetlandboxoffice.org

Contact: Kathy Hubbard 01595 743843 [email protected]