London’s Queer Cinema Revolution: The Arzner and the Future of LGBTQ+ Screenings
The film landscape is changing, and a vibrant new space is rising in the heart of Bermondsey, London: The Arzner, the city’s first dedicated LGBTQ+ cinema. More than just a place to watch movies, it’s a community hub, a celebration of queer storytelling, and a defiant statement in a city that’s increasingly recognizing the need for dedicated spaces. Co-owners Piers Greenlees and Simon Burke are leading the charge, offering a carefully curated program that’s already attracting attention far beyond London’s LGBTQ+ community.
A Niche with a Dedicated Audience
As Piers and Simon put it, “We have a very niche offering, but a very dedicated audience.” The Arzner isn’t aiming for blockbuster appeal; it’s laser-focused on showcasing films by, about, or for the LGBTQ+ community. From classic cult flicks like Jennifer’s Body and Girl, Interrupted to award-winning dramas like Call Me By Your Name and Moonlight, their selection resonates deeply with a demographic that has historically been underserved by mainstream cinemas. They’ve already seen visitors travelling from across Europe, demonstrating a genuine desire for this kind of cinematic offering.
The Legacy of Dorothy Arzner: Inspiration and Identity
The cinema’s name itself is a deliberate nod to Dorothy Arzner, a pioneering female film director who worked in Hollywood from 1927 to 1943. Arzner was a remarkable figure – the only woman to ever direct for MGM, both as a director and a producer. Decades before equal rights movements gained traction, she championed innovative filmmaking techniques, including the invention of the boom microphone – a vital tool still used today – and discovered the talents of future stars like Katharine Hepburn and Lucille Ball. “She was in a public relationship for 40 years with choreographer Marion Morgan and had a significant – yet little known – contribution to Hollywood history, having invented the boom mic, discovered actresses Katherine Hepburn and Lucille Ball and taught Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola,” explains Mr. Greenlees. The Arzner aims to place Arzner “front and centre,” recognizing her underappreciated legacy and using her story to champion the importance of queer representation in film history.
Beyond the Screen: A Queer-Focused Hub
The Arzner is more than just a film venue. The cafe-bar, named after iconic Hollywood stars like Rock Hudson and Marline Dietrich, adds to the atmosphere. But it’s the commitment to creating a safe and welcoming space that truly sets it apart. “You can come as you are, it’s a judgement-free zone,” says Mr. Burke, reflecting the owners’ core philosophy. They’ve built a space where people feel comfortable expressing themselves and connecting with others. Many of Arzner’s films had a theme of unconventional romance, attracting an audience that felt seen and represented on screen.
Filling a Critical Void in London’s Film Scene
London-based film critic Jasmine Valentine highlights a crucial gap in the city’s cinematic landscape. “As a queer woman myself, it’s that you don’t have a permanent space in the city, it’s either a fleeting event that’s on for a week, or it’s somewhere that gets shut down or the funding stops.” Existing LGBTQ+ film festivals like BFI Flare offer excellent programming, but they are often temporary. The Arzner’s permanent presence – and the support it offers – is a game-changer. Provably, London’s cinema scene is undergoing a period either a decline in box office revenue or the threat of permanent venue closures.
Reader Question: Why is this important?
Q: Why is a dedicated LGBTQ+ cinema so important?
A: Dedicated LGBTQ+ cinemas provide crucial visibility and representation for queer stories, which are often marginalized in mainstream cinema. They foster a sense of community, create safe spaces for queer audiences, and support queer filmmakers. Without these spaces, queer stories risk being overlooked or misrepresented. The Arzner serves as an important step towards strengthening the cultural landscape.
Pro Tip: Explore the Queer Film Canon
Want to delve deeper into LGBTQ+ cinema? Here are a few films to start with:
- Paris is Burning (1990): A seminal documentary about ballroom culture in New York City.
- Brokeback Mountain (2005): A groundbreaking romance exploring the complexities of same-sex relationships.
- Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019): A visually stunning and emotionally resonant period romance.
Did You Know?
Dorothy Arzner wasn’t just a film director; she was an incredibly innovative and technically savvy filmmaker. She is credited with inventing the boom microphone!
The Future of Queer Cinema
The Arzner’s success is rooted in responding to a demonstrated demand for queer space, as highlighted by the response to screenings and concerns about the lack of permanent venues for the community. The Arzner are optimistic about the future and are planning on expanding and creating partnerships to further community engagement. They are aiming to create a permanent and commercially viable space, while reflecting the history and needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
Call to Action: What are some of your favorite LGBTQ+ films? Share your recommendations in the comments below! Interested in exploring more queer cinema? Check out our related article on seminal LGBTQ+ documentaries. [Link to Related Article]