Over its 40-year history, the Sundance Film Festival has been a platform for numerous groundbreaking and influential queer films. From documentaries to dramas and everything in between, Sundance has showcased a diverse range of LGBTQIA+ stories and filmmakers. Kim Yutani, the director of programming at Sundance, reflects on the festival’s role in shaping queer cinema and highlights some of the most impactful films to debut at Sundance.
One of the earliest films to make a significant impact was “The Times of Harvey Milk” (1985), directed by Rob Epstein. This emotional documentary chronicles the life and career of San Francisco’s first openly gay elected city supervisor, Harvey Milk. Yutani considers it a classic, along with another milestone documentary, “Before Stonewall” (1985), directed by Greta Schiller. The latter film explores the history of the LGBTQ community leading up to the Stonewall Riots in 1969, a pivotal moment in the fight for queer rights.
Yutani also reflects on the importance of narrative films in queer cinema. Bill Sherwood’s “Parting Glances” (1986) stands out as a film that captures the experience of a gay long-distance couple and their friends during the AIDS crisis in Manhattan. Yutani credits this film with introducing her to actor Steve Buscemi’s talent and showing a group of friends in New York in a way she had never seen before. Another notable lesbian classic is Donna Deitch’s “Desert Hearts” (1986), which tells the story of a literary professor and a young artist who fall in love. It has become an iconic film in the LGBTQ community.
“Longtime Companion” (1990), directed by Norman René, holds the distinction of being the first theatrical wide-release film in the US to address the subject of AIDS. Yutani recalls the film as an emotional watch and an important representation of a specific period in queer history. Similarly, “Paris Is Burning” (1991), directed by Jennie Livingston, offers an invaluable glimpse into New York’s ballroom scene and the LGBTQ performers who found acceptance and chosen families within it. Yutani considers it a film that every generation of programmers has embraced for its lasting impact.
Todd Haynes’ “Poison” (1991) combines three distinctive short stories in a science fiction drama loosely inspired by Jean Genet’s writing. It won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance and showcases Haynes’ directorial talent at an early stage in his career. Gregg Araki’s “The Living End” (1992) follows two HIV-positive men on a road trip after killing a homophobic cop. Yutani praises Araki’s radical work and the lasting power of his films, which often center on disenfranchised characters.
“Go Fish” (1994), directed by Rose Troche and written by Troche and Guinevere Turner, gives audiences a charming and scrappy black and white film about lesbians in Chicago. Yutani describes it as a comedy that is romantic, fun, and sexy. Another notable lesbian film, “Bound” (1996), marks the feature film debut of the Wachowskis, who later gained immense success with “The Matrix.” The film tells the story of a woman who embarks on a lesbian affair and conspires to steal money from her mobster boyfriend.
In addition to these narrative films, Sundance has also been a platform for impactful queer documentaries. “The Celluloid Closet” (1996), directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, explores the representation of LGBTQ characters in Hollywood films. It serves as a reminder of the importance of visibility and accurate representation in media.
These films have not only shaped queer cinema but have also contributed to the broader conversation surrounding LGBTQIA+ rights and representation. Sundance’s commitment to showcasing fresh voices and innovative storytelling has provided a space for queer filmmakers to share their stories and shape the cultural landscape. As Sundance celebrates its 40th anniversary, the legacy of these influential queer films continues to resonate and inspire new generations of filmmakers and audiences.