25 Albert Drive
Sun 20 Sept
A double bill introduced by Dan Glass from ACT UP Beautiful Trouble (2023) - “Art activism is in many ways the defining form of protest of the modern era. Stepping into the void left by the terminal decline of the trade union movement, and the continuous erosion of the right to assemble mass protests, figures like Dan Glass – the subject of Christopher T. McGill’s short documentary, Beautiful Trouble – have weaponised viral irony to strike a blow against the creeping totalitarianism of late capitalism.” IndyFilm Library. Director: Christopher T McGill. Producer: Siobhan Fahey United in Anger: A History of ACT Up (2012) - this feature-length documentary combines startling archival footage with insightful interviews from the ACT UP Oral History Project, exploring ACT UP (the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) from a grassroots perspective: how a small group of people came together to change the world and save each other's lives. It reveals the group's complex culture, where meetings, affinity groups and civil disobedience mingle with grief, sexiness and incredible energy. Directed by Jim Hubbard and produced by Hubbard and Sarah Schulman. In celebration of and dedication to Christopher McGill — fabulous friend, comrade and producer of the 'Beautiful Trouble' and 'Don't Be Alarmed' documentaries. Recommended for ages 16+ Audience notes Audiences may find the content deeply moving, emotional, or distressing, as it deals with themes of illness, bereavement, social stigma, and historical marginalisation. Beautiful Trouble contains strong language throughout, includes frank descriptions of sex and sexual health; and accounts of a physical confrontation, depictions of direct action and civil disobedience. United in Anger contains archival footage of AIDS related illness, death, and grief; scenes of civil disobedience and direct action including confrontations with religious and government institutions; and strong language.
Not the same tradition as the lineage above — a genuinely different thread to pull, if you want one.