Saved events

Beyond Gravity and other Gay Shorts from New Zealand (15*) + introduction by Daniel Theophanous

Queer 80s

,Cinema 2
Two young men embrace each other in a dark city skyline.

Just a couple of years after New Zealand’s decriminalisation of same-sex activity came this charming romance between a neurotic gay man and a cocky Italian, showing alongside two key gay Kiwi shorts.

Richard (Robert Pollock) lives in Auckland with his sister and drives her and his mates up the wall with his obsession with the cosmos and the possible explosion of the sun. His life is upended when he meets Johnny (Iain Rea), an adventurous guy who encourages Richard to loosen up. Can their romance last or is the notion of opposites attracting just a myth?

Both leads share a cute chemistry and the sexual frankness of their relationship is surprising for a featurette made just two years after the decriminalisation of homosexuality in New Zealand, which paved the way to the country becoming one of the most queer-friendly in the world.

Tagged with: Cinema Pride 2024 Queer 80s

New Zealand 1988 dir Garth Maxwell 48 min

Daniel Theophanous

Daniel Theophanous is a London-based film critic who has contributed to publications such as Little White Lies, BFI, The Quietus, Hyperallergic and many others. His writing is primarily focused on LGBTQ+ cinema and he hosts queer film podcast Longtime Companion.

Showing With

Singing Seas

This impressionistic short imagines gay tribal life on a fantasy South Pacific Island.

New Zealand 1988 dir Mark Summerville 9 min

My First Suit

14-year-old Steve has enough on his plate – spots, nagging parents – and his realisation that he likes boys doesn’t make life any easier in this funny, horribly relatable coming-of-age comedy.

New Zealand 1985 dir Stewart Main 28 min

Explore the rest of Queer 80s

There are plenty of great films screening as part of Queer 80s throughout June.

Cinema 2

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.