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Winter Kept Us Warm + Introduction (15*)

Queer 60s

,Cinema 1
A man watch other man sleeping

Celebrated as Canada’s first queer feature film, this intimate drama explores connection and desire between two male students at the University of Toronto.

Taking its name from the TS Eliot poem 'The Wasteland', Winter Kept Us Warm was the first English-language Canadian film to play at Cannes. Directed by 22-year-old David Secter, the film is a touching, low-budget drama about the close friendship between Peter, an effete young freshman (Henry Tarvainen) and Doug, a laddish senior (John Labow).

When Doug humiliates Peter at a formal dinner, it looks like they will become enemies – but Doug grows increasingly fond of Peter. Queer subtext simmers below the surface, culminating in a violent confrontation between the two men. 

David Cronenberg, whose friends appeared in the film, saw it as a young man and later stated it inspired him to make movies.

Tagged with: Cinema Queer 60s
Film information
  • Release year   1965
  • Country of origin   Canada
  • Director   David Secter
  • Runtime   1hr 21mins

Queer 60s

Cinema 1

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk 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.