Religion

I am Michael  I am Michael  PG
Justin Kelly
US / 2015 / Color / 98mins

In 1998, gay activist Michael Glatze is all about advocating for gay and lesbian youths in the Castro in San Francisco, arguably the gay center of the world at the time. He enjoys a supportive relationship with his boyfriend Bennett, and even invites new friend Tyler into their home for a long-term threesome. Life is gay, in all aspects of the word. To make a greater impact on gay rights in the country, Michael decides to travel across America to document the lives of gay teenagers. Ironically, the mission triggers his doubt in his own sexual orientation as religion redefines his own identify.

Misfits  Misfits  P
Jannik Splidsboel
Denmark / Sweden / US / 2015 / Color / 74mins

Tulsa, Oklahoma is a city in the midst of the US’s Bible Belt with almost 400,000 inhabitants, over 4,000 churches and just one gay and lesbian youth centre. This is the meeting place for Larissa, Ben, D and other youths who, because of their decision to live gay, lesbian and transgender lives, are either not accepted or, on the contrary, have received strong support and unconditional love from their families. They try to find their gender identities, love and be loved in an environment pervaded by religious fundamentalism.

A Sinner in Mecca  A Sinner in Mecca  PG
Parvez Sharma
US / 2015 / Color / 79mins

It is a mandatory journey for all Muslims to travel to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. But for gay filmmaker Parvez Sharma, making such a documentary presents two serious challenges: filming is forbidden in the country and homosexuality is punishable by death. It is literally a life or death situation as he enters with an iPhone and two smuggled, tiny cameras. On this journey, he joins 4 million other Muslims, from peace-loving pilgrims to brutal jihadists, to show the rest of the world this awe-inspiring pilgrimage and city that has been forbidden to non-Muslims for 14 centuries.

Summer  Summer  PG
Colette Bothof
Netherlands / 2014 / Color / 86mins

The summer is sultry in a village where everyday life is dominated by the humming power plant. Sixteen-year-old Anne and her friends pass time, day after day, by biking through roads that lead nowhere. Until a stranger enters town.