During our festival, we will screen the queer films you need to see. But are you curious about what you can watch yourself? In our What to watch in … section, we give you the best film and series tips every month to transform your home into a home cinema. Of course, QFFU is getting closer and closer (have you already marked it in your agenda? From August 19-28, we will turn Utrecht into one big cinema again!), but until then, we want to give you film lovers the best tips. Read on for our must-see list for June!
Movies
Feast
The Netherlands was in an uproar in 2007 when three men were accused of drugging other men and injecting a needle with HIV-contaminated blood. Horrifying stories of drugging (which unfortunately are now doing the rounds again), HIV-monsters and sex parties even made the national news. Tim Leyendekker reconstructed the case and in this documentary-turned-film gives a philosophical look at the issues and makes you think about everything that is going on. Sex, power and … nuts?
The film is now available to rent on Picl or in the cinema. Watch the trailer here.
Futur Drei (No Hard Feelings)
This German film revolves around Parvis, a homosexual boy of Iranian origin. Parvis prefers to have nothing to do with his youth in Iran, but finds it hard to escape these stories when he ends up in an asylum seekers’ centre doing community service. He gets in contact with the Iranian refugees Amon and Banafshe. The three build a friendship, which threatens to collapse due to the blossoming feelings between Parvis and Amon. Beautiful acting with visually stunning scenes ensure that you cannot take your eyes off this film, and the story touches your heart.
Watch the film from 16 June on Cineville. Watch the trailer here.
Series
Genera+ion
What do giving birth in the mall, breaking the dress code and discovering your sexuality have to do with each other? Nothing, and yet everything. This series brings all these elements together and gives you a look into the lives of a number of young people in Orange County, California. Life with social media, sexuality and conflicting world views make this series a light-hearted yet interesting mix. Combined with the beautiful camera work, this is a series that can be enjoyed on the couch without needing to pay too much attention, perfect for a Sunday afternoon of relaxation.
Watch the series on HBO Max. You can watch the trailer here.
Tales of the City
This miniseries is the sequel to the well-known miniseries Tales of the City (1993), More Tales of the City (1998) and Further Tales of the City (2001). After 23 years, Mary Ann returns to 28 Barbary Lane. She falls into the middle of the chaos of life for the current residents. For some of the residents her arrival is more than welcome, for others not at all. Even for her daughter Shawna (played by Elliot Page), her arrival is not quite as planned. Besides all the drama that Mary Ann brings with her, we watch along as all the other residents go on a quest to find themselves. And when Anna Madrigal suddenly decides to sell the house, there seems to be more adventure in Mary Ann’s journey than planned. The series is easy to watch on its own – and with all the queer storylines, you certainly won’t want to miss it either – but combined with the previous miniseries, it’s certainly a wonderful finale (for now)…
Watch the series now on Netflix. Watch the trailer here.
Documentaries
Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen
Transgender representation is always a sensitive issue, and certainly in the past it has been done wrong all too often. Research by GLAAD shows that 80% of the people in their immediate environment do not know anyone who is transgender. This means that your image of transgender people is formed by the media. In this documentary, well-known transgender people analyse the influence that the media and film industry have on the trans community. They discuss all the films and series that have had a major impact on society’s current view of trans people. From Boys Don’t Cry to To Kill a Mockingbird and from The Danish Girl to POSE: all essential films and series are covered. A bit fast-paced at times, but certainly a documentary you need to see. The ending leaves you full of frustration, but mostly full of hope for the future. The film premiered at Sundance Festival in 2020, and has since been praised by critics.
Disclosure is available on Netflix. Watch the trailer here.
Already watched it? Take a look at our tips from recent months for even more recommendations!
Author: Pepijne van Rooijen