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Quest for Love (15*) + introduction

Queer 80s

,Cinema 3
Two women chat on a boat on a glorious, sunny Mediterranean ocean.

Helena Nogueira’s rarely screened lesbian romance set across South Africa and a thinly-disguised Mozambique, was released two years before the end of Apartheid. 

Alexandra (Jana Cilliers), a political journalist, is released from a South African prison after accusing the government of plotting military intervention in the neighbouring country of Mozania (a thinly-disguised Mozambique). As she waits to reunite with her lover, marine biologist Dorothy (Sandra Prinsloo), she reflects on the last few years, including her relationship and her political awakening. 

Banned in its home country for its anti-Apartheid stance and the lesbian romance at its centre, Quest for Love is fiercely critical of South Africa’s intervention in Angola and Mozambique. While elements of its story have dated, its clear rage against racist government policy is remarkable for a film made in the last years of Apartheid.

Tagged with: Cinema Pride 2024 Queer 80s

South Africa 1988 dir Helena Nogueira 94 min 

Please note this film contains scenes of violence some viewers may find distressing. 

We are showing a rare, unrestored digital copy of the film.

Tara Brown is no longer be able to introduce this screening. This screening will now be introduced by Barbican cinema curator Alex Davidson.

‘It is strange that people start praying when I play the role of a lesbian, but no one complains when I play a murderer.‘
Actor Sandra Prinsloo on Quest for Love

Explore the rest of Queer 80s

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

Cinema 3

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.