Top 5 LGBTQ+ Films to Watch This Pride Month

June is globally recognised as Pride Month (1st June to 30th June). As we observe this month, let’s deepen our understanding of the LGBTQ+ experiences with these diverse award-winning films.

Five Must-Watch Critically Acclaimed LGBTQ+ Films:

Moonlight (2016): Written & directed by Barry Jenkins, this poignant LGBTQ themed film tells a story of a young black boy named “Chiron” who struggles with his identity and sexuality in the neighborhood of Miami. “Moonlight” has been cited as one of the best films of the 21st century, and received wide acclaim for its exploration on themes of LGBTQ+ experiences, sexuality, love, masculinity, etc. It has won three Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay (Barry Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney), and Best Supporting Actor (Mahershala Ali), and also a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture.

Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/9NJj12tJzqc?si=3YUjWpekyno4KxGG

Call me by your name (2017) : Directed by Luca Guadagnino, it’s a coming-of-age film based on a novel of the same title by André Aciman. Set in Northern Italy, it stars Timothee Chalamet as Elio Perlman & Armie Hammer as Oliver in the main lead. The film explores a relationship between the two main characters. The film was lauded for its nuanced approach of exploring LGBTQ+ themes. It has won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, and BAFTA in the same category and has also received several other nominations. “Mystery of Love” by Sufjan Stevens is one of the most beloved songs from this film.

Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/Z9AYPxH5NTM?si=3ul0wDqjwNA0azTS

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) : French director Cëline Sciamma brings us an emotional story of 18th century France, the film revolves around a passionate love affair between two young woman Héloïse, played by Adèle Haenel and Marianne, played by Noémie Merlant. It’s a visually stunning tale of forbidden love that brings themes of art, intimacy, and empowerment together. The film won Queer Palm at the Cannes Film Festival, and Best Screenplay Award (Cëline Sciamma). It’s definitely a must watch!

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/R-fQPTwma9o?si=OmGIKnx6lkQFH37m

Joyland (2022) : Directed by Saim Sadiq, “Joyland” is a Pakistani Queer drama film that deals with issues of identity, sexuality, and gender norms. Set in Lahore, the movie revolves around an affair between Haider and Biba. Its sensitive storytelling, and vibrant cinematography received much acclaim. It has won the Queer Palm Award at the Cannes Film Festival. The film received much criticism and controversy in its home country Pakistan, and was banned too.

Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/gy9bNgbZMJI?si=mJy5R3RfDoU60q01

Happy Together (1997) : Set in Hong-Kong, it is a romantic drama film directed by “Wong Kar-Wai.” A love story that revolves between a gay couple Ho Po-Wing (Leslie Cheung) and Lai Yiu-Fayi (Tony Leung Chiu-Wai). “Happy Together” is regarded as one of the best LGBTQ+ films. The director of this film “Wong Kar Wai” won the Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1997. In addition to that, the cinematography by Christopher Doyle has also received wide acclaim.