'PRIDE'
Portsmouth Film Society Presents the 10th Pride LGBTQ+ Festival at Southsea Cinema & Arts Centre
Southsea, UK — Portsmouth Film Society is thrilled to announce the 10th Pride LGBTQ+ Film Festival, taking place at the Southsea Cinema & Arts Centre, 1-3 Palmerston Road, Southsea PO5 3QQ. This celebration of LGBTQ+ cinema coincides with LGBTQ+ History Month, showcasing a diverse array of films that explore the spectrum of queer experiences.
The festival kicks off on Thursday, 1st February, at 7pm with a screening of “Pride” (2014). The film, featuring Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, and George MacKay, portrays the alliance between lesbian and gay rights activists and striking Welsh miners. Festival opening talk by Yvonne Howard, Director of Race and Equality), University of Portsmouth.
Aysegul Epengin, the Chair of the Portsmouth Film Society, proudly declares the festival’s commitment to its community and the art of cinema. The 10th Pride LGBTQ+ Festival, taking its name from the impactful film “Pride,” aims to go beyond mainstream narratives by bringing specialised, original, and niche films to the forefront.
Epengin states, “Our festival, inspired by the film ‘Pride,’ is a testament to our dedication to diversity and inclusivity. As an organisation, we take pride in curating a selection of specialised films that go beyond the ordinary, offering our community a unique cinematic experience. We are very grateful to University of Portsmouth support for our festival.”
Portsmouth Film Society’s mission is deeply rooted in fostering a cultural appreciation for film, breaking down social barriers, and celebrating diversity. Epengin emphasises the importance of sharing films that often exist outside the mainstream, enriching the cultural landscape of the community.
Throughout the festival, attendees can enjoy films such as “Weekend” (2011), a tender boy-meets-boy love story available for online streaming, and “Pornomelancholia” (2023), which explores a porn star’s struggles with loneliness, screening on Thursday, 8th February at 7pm and Sunday, 25th February at 6pm.
A highlight of the festival is the surprise LGBTQI+ film screening on Wednesday, 7th February at 7pm. An undisclosed film from 2019/Spain promises an evening of discovery.
“Medusa” (2019) follows on Saturday, 3rd February, and Saturday, 17th February, at 7pm. Described by Mark Kermode as a “heady satire on Brazil’s police state,” the film delves into the world of “role-playing girl-gang violence.”
Saturday, 10th February, at 6pm, offers a special tribute night for George Michael, featuring “George Michael: Portrait of an Artist” (2023). The documentary, accompanied by a celebration of Michael’s songs, provides an intimate look at the legendary singer-songwriter’s life. After the screening, live Zoom Q+A with the director of the film.
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (2019) screens on Sunday, 11th February at 6pm and Friday, 23rd February at 7pm. Set in 18th-century France, the film beautifully portrays a love affair between two women.
Closing the festival, “Punch” (2022) on Thursday, 29th February at 7pm, tells a poignant queer coming-of-age story about a teenage boxer discovering his sexuality in a small town.
Join us for an unforgettable journey into the world of LGBTQ+ cinema at Southsea Cinema & Arts Centre. Tickets:
https://southseacinema.savoysystems.co.uk/SouthseaCinema.dll/
