LGBTQ+ film festival GAZE comes to Dublin this September. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the revered festival, renowned for bringing the most influential figures of the queer cinema scene together to reveal their talent to the public. GAZE serves as a safe space for all members of the LGBTQ+ community, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity and openness.
This year’s festival boasts an intriguing programme of features and short films, with an online programme of screenings for those who cannot attend the events in person.
The lineup includes “Pink Flamingos”, a fascinating 1972 film starring a drag queen protagonist as she embarks on her quest to become ‘the filthiest person alive’. “Pink Flamingos”, infamous for its grotesque and disturbing scenes, has been banned on multiple occasions but simultaneously lauded by the LGBTQ+ community.
Next up is “The Living End” which follows two gay men living with AIDS as they set off on a chaotic road trip whilst struggling to come to terms with the very real possibility that they could both be facing death. When the film was released, in 1992, public knowledge of the virus was low, with the AZT treatment (as seen in “Dallas Buyers Club”) years off being released. “The Living End” is a gripping queer love story that seldom has a dull moment.
The key themes of the festival include art, sex, activism and everyday life. The festival’s shorts programme explores The Art of Cruising, the Art of Dress, The Art of Experience and The Art of Imagination.
GAZE runs from 28th September – 2nd October with screenings in The Complex, the Irish Film Institute and the Light House Cinema, as well as online options.
If you are a fan of queer cinema or film in general, GAZE is a festival that is absolutely not to be missed.
Tickets can be purchased on www.GAZE.ie with concession tickets for students costing €11.00. Tickets for the opening and closing galas are available separately for €20.
