Portsmouth Film Society (PFS) is thrilled to announce the 11th Pride LGBTQ+ Film Festival, taking place at Southsea Cinema & Arts Centre, 1-3 Palmerston Road, Southsea PO5 3QQ. This annual celebration of LGBTQ+ cinema coincides with LGBTQ+ History Month, featuring a diverse lineup of films that explore the breadth of queer experiences and stories.
Festival Highlights
The festival kicks off on Thursday, 1st February at 7 PM with a free double-bill screening of Victim and Different from the Others. Lord Mayor Councillor Jason Fazackarley will deliver the opening address, marking the beginning of this important cultural event.
Statement from Aysegul Epengin, Director of Portsmouth Film Society:
“Our legacy is strengthened community bonds, increased visibility and appreciation of LGBTQ+ stories, and the empowerment of both audiences and organizers to continue fostering inclusive cultural experiences. Our festival is supported by BFI FAN and the National Lottery, and we are grateful for their ongoing support. Portsmouth Film Society is at the heart of the city, aiming to create a lasting impact on community cohesion, cultural enrichment, and the celebration of LGBTQ+ identities.”
Film Schedule:
Thursday, 1st February at 7 PM
Victim (UK, 1961) – 1hr 41min, Cert 15
Directed by Basil Dearden, Victim is a British neo-noir suspense film starring Dirk Bogarde and Sylvia Syms. It was the first British film to explicitly name homosexuality and address it sympathetically.
Different from the Others (Germany, 1919) – 50min
Widely considered the first gay film in cinematic history, Different from the Others tells the tragic love story of a famous concert pianist and his student. This film, made over a century ago, was banned by censors and later pursued by the Nazis, serving as a powerful reminder of the longstanding presence of LGBTQ+ individuals in society.
Wednesday, 5th February at 7 PM
Wildhood (Canada, 2022) – 1hr 48min, Cert 15
Hosted by Queer Secret Film Club, this screening will feature an introduction by Olly Thew, founder of the club. Wildhood is a moving drama in which two brothers reconnect with their Indigenous heritage while searching for their birth mother. A beautifully crafted film that explores themes of discovery, belonging, friendship, kindness, family, and love.
Saturday, 8th February at 6 PM
The Watermelon Woman (USA, 1997) – 1hr 24min, Cert 15
A networking event for LGBTQ+ filmmakers will be held at the cinema before the screening. Directed by Cheryl Dunye, this groundbreaking film follows Cheryl, a Black lesbian filmmaker, as she documents the life of a 1930s Black actress known only as “The Watermelon Woman.” The screening will be followed by a live performance from Vanchango, an eclectic band blending blues, soul, rock, funk, punk, and Latin influences.
Wednesdays: 12th February, 19th February, 5th March at 7 PM
Queer Secret Film Club – Surprise screenings. Join us for an exclusive cinematic experience!
Friday, 14th February at 6 PM
Pretty Red Dress (UK, 2022) – Cert 15
The screening will be followed by the University of Portsmouth Staff Network’s Valentine’s Party. Attendees are encouraged to wear red!
Written and directed by Dionne Edwards, Pretty Red Dress tells the story of a family navigating life after the father’s release from prison. The plot centers around a red dress purchased for a Tina Turner audition, symbolizing transformation and self-expression.
Saturday, 22nd February at 7 PM
The Queen of My Dreams (Pakistan/Canada, 2024) – 1hr 38min, Cert 15
Supported by Peccadillo Pictures, this film follows Azra (Amrit Kaur), who grapples with her conservative Muslim mother’s past and her own journey of self-discovery. After her father’s sudden death, Azra embarks on a Bollywood-inspired exploration of memories and cultural identity.
Wednesday, 26th February at 7 PM
Queer Secret Film Club – Double Feature. Join us for two surprise films!
Saturday, 1st March at 7 PM
The Lost Boys (France, 2023) – 1hr 23min, Cert 15
The festival concludes with this poignant drama. Joe, a young man about to be released from a detention center, finds himself questioning his desire for freedom after meeting a new detainee, William. This thought-provoking film explores themes of identity, love, and self-discovery.
Join Us!
Portsmouth Film Society’s Pride LGBTQ+ Film Festival is a celebration of diversity, resilience, and creativity. We welcome everyone to join us for this inspiring series of films and events. Together, we continue to foster a community where all voices are heard and celebrated.
https://southseacinema.co.uk/11th-pride-lgbtq-film-festival/
Tickets:
https://southseacinema.savoysystems.co.uk/SouthseaCinema.dll/
VENUE:
Portsmouth Film Society
Southsea Community Cinema & Arts Centre
1-3 Palmerston Road
Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3QQ
