Even though we’re having a strange and unique Pride celebration this year, that doesn’t mean we’re any less proud or supportive of our amazing LGBTQ+ colleagues all across DNEG.
To help restore a little of the spirit for September – and since we’re all about great shows and films here – we decided we’d share a few influential favourites that have spoken to us over the years:
Queer As Folk (US), created by Ron Cowen
“It truly was a groundbreaking show when it first aired at the beginning of the 2000’s. It doesn’t hold back and gets quite raw. As a gay man going through high school in a small rural town at the time, it really spoke to me deeply and helped me feel that I wasn’t alone in my personal struggles. It gave me courage and hope for what would come next in my life. For all those reasons it was and still is quite relevant despite the years that have passed – a true classic of LGBTQ+ representation on the small screen.”
– Alexandre Dumais, HR Business Partner
Elisa & Marcella, directed by Isabel Coixet
“I thought this film was so beautiful: it’s set at the turn of the 20th Century in Spain, where two women meet and fall in love. It’s such a gentle yet raw film and filmed in black and white. The performances are so intimate and I thought it was such a lovely way to show a lesbian relationship on screen during a time where LGBTQ+ love was far less accepted, and shows just how far this couple had to go in order to be together. Heart breaking, heart warming, and all round just a fantastic film.”
– Rebecca Emerton, VFX Production Coordinator
And Then We Danced, directed by Levan Akin
“And Then We Danced feels close to my heritage and parents’ past: my mother’s descent is Kazakh/Georgian, with my grandmother being a strong spirited Georgian, raised by the shore of the Black Sea. Georgian traditional dancing is a source of pride and strength in its people, and seeing a gay character play a role of traditional trained dancer in what is considered a very macho masculine activity was really refreshing. Not surprisingly to many, in countries around Eastern Europe and ex-USSR countries, LGBT rights and attitudes are stagnating, so this clash of two very prominent subjects most definitely made for a powerful film. Unfortunately, the premiere of the film in the capital Tbilisi went down with protests against it, which shows how vital it is for filmmakers to keep breaking new ground in LGBT stories – especially in communities where there is still plenty of work to do to improve attitudes towards queer folk.”
– Bobby Georgiev, Lighting TD
This Is Us, created by Dan Fogelman
“This Is Us has a representation of everything – racism, body issues and most importantly, that love comes in all forms!”
– Kimya Gujar, Production Coordinator
God’s Own Country, directed by Francis Lee
“Growing up in Yorkshire bereft of recognisable representations of the LGBTQ+ community, I hadn’t realised how long I’d been waiting for God’s Own Country. Although it brings a sadness and harshness, and it’s perhaps not one to watch with your parents (I speak from experience!), the depiction of my home county and the relationship between Johnny and Gheorghe brings a warmth that speaks to the power of representation. We all share a common struggle being LGBTQ+, but our experiences finding and accepting ourselves are shaped by the communities we grow up in and the social expectations that brings… which God’s Own Country perfectly encapsulates.”
– Oliver Hulme, Pipeline TD
L Word: Generation Q, created by Michele Abbott
“L Word: Generation Q is a thoughtful TV series that gives viewers a look at the lives of the LGBTQ+ community. The stories and conversations are bold and inspiring, and cover all types of everyday challenges.”
– Lorie Corcuera, Head of HR, Vancouver and LA
Lingua Franca, directed by Isabel Sandoval
“This 2019 film from trans female auteur director Isabel Sandoval is a beautiful love story that touches on the stigma faced by immigrants as well as trans people. The title refers to the emotional backgrounds of the protagonists as well as language. It is currently available on Netflix.”
– Rickie Leach, Senior Compositor
Adolescence of Utena, directed by Kunihiko Ikuhara
“The movie deals with breaking the cycle of trauma and finding out your own gender expression – and looks cool doing it! The main characters are one of the most iconic lesbian couples I’ve ever seen in a movie. Also it’s like Twin Peaks Fire Walk with Me… but anime!”
– Allie Ross, Tech Support