@jeremybaker.nz

Thinking about: La bola negra 🍿

I went to see “La Bola Negra” - the Black Ball - at the New Zealand International Film Festival. It was one of the closing night films - along with Coward - also an amazing film about which I’ll have more to say.

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about “La Bola Negra”. Its epic scope, its amazing cinematography, genuinely moving performances, and a script to die for. But most of all, its relevance to today’s world, where hate and violence towards gay and queer people is once again on the rise. This story out of the Spanish Civil War couldn’t be more relevant, and connects us to the loss and suffering of queer people in that era.

It is so vital that these stories are told and heard. The loss of Lorca and so many other gay and queer people, the literal and figurative burying of their stories, the heartache and violence - all need to be recovered, remembered and drive us to action.

When this movie comes out in cinemas, go and see it. Then think and talk about what it is saying, and act.