YOUR GUIDE TO PRIDE AT PÁLÁS
Pálás Cinema is presenting an eclectic mix of fun, moving, and informative queer films and documentaries to celebrate this year’s Galway Community Pride (August 7th – 13th).
Playing from August 4th, Kokomo City (Sundance, Berlin, SXSW, BFI: Flare) is a raw depiction of the lives of four black trans sex workers: Daniella Carter, Dominque Silver, Koko Da Doll, and Liyah Mitchell, as they confront the dichotomy between the black community and themselves in New York and Georgia.
On August 10th, our monthly Queer Cinema Club presents an outrageously interactive screening of cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Our fabulous host Blondie will be on-hand to guide all the Virgins (and veterans!) through all the do’s-and-don’ts of this interactive show. Costumes and audience participation are highly encouraged (in other words: Prizes!) and the ticket price includes a fun prop bag. Let’s Do the Time Warp…Again!
Playing from August 11th, L’Immensita (Sundance, Venice) is an autobiographical story told with evocative detail by filmmaker Emanuele Crialese, featuring a remarkably textured performance from young Luana Giuliani, who holds her own against the irresistible magic of Penelope Cruz. Giuliani plays teen Adri in 1970s Italy, who wants people to call her by a more masculine name, and finds herself drawn to other girls. Her father Felice hates how mum Clara (Cruz) rocks the boat with her life-loving childishness. But then Clara becomes worried when Adri begins to fall for Sara, a girl in the nearby Roma encampment. And Adri can't stop imagining how nice it would feel to be the leading man in her own life story.
Then on Saturday August 12th, we’re showing the modern classic Pride, sponsored by Galway Council of Trade Unions. Its the summer of 1984. Margaret Thatcher is in power and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is on strike. A group of gay and lesbian activists decides to raise money to support the families of the striking miners, but the Union seems embarrassed to receive their support. Undeterred, the activists set off in a mini bus to make their donation in person, to a mining village in deepest Wales. And so begins the extraordinary story of two seemingly alien communities who form a surprising and ultimately triumphant partnership. With an all-star UK & Irish cast including Imelda Staunton, Bill Nighy, George MacKay, Dominic West, Paddy Considine and Andrew Scott.