The Abominable Crime – when your love is against the law

The Abominable Crime is a documentary that follows the lives of two LGBT people from Jamaica, highlighting the homophobia in the country and the anti-gay violence which has been on the increase by around 400% since 2011. It that gives voice to gay Jamaicans who, in the face of endemic anti-gay violence, are forced to flee their homeland. 

Rating:

 
 

When you think of Jamaica, most people think of an exotic holiday destination; few probably know of the dangers that LGBT people and those associated with them face.

This documentary follows Simone over a period of 4 years, from her being shot when it was discovered that she was a lesbian. She lived to tell the tale, and spent 4 years trying to flee Jamaica then working to be reunited with her daughter who she had to leave behind.

We also meet Maurice, who is one of Jamaica’s leading gay rights activists, married to a Canadian, but working hard to make life better for his LGBT compatriots, often putting his life at serious risk.

There are some shocking facts in this documentary; and it is not for bedtime viewing. However the documentary is well shot and whilst it is informative and heart wrenching, it is not graphic and does not contain footage of violence. It is very well produced and acts as a reminder that whilst we may be safe in our own country many places like Jamaica still have a long way to go.

As one of the 78 countries where homosexuality is a criminal offence, and whereby murders are on the rise; this documentary does well to raise the issues whilst giving a message of hope.

For this documentary does have a happy ending for those we meet. It is a stark reminder of the problems in this and many of the other countries facing similar problems; however it also includes a glimmer of hope to it, the perfect balance.

This documentary is timed well, with recent news articles around Russia and Uganda and Arizona and anti-gay law on the rise.

 

http://abominablecrimefilm.com/

The Abominable Crime was produced by Common Good Productions with funding from The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. The Pulitzer Center promotes in-depth engagement with global affairs through its sponsorship of quality international journalism across all media platforms and an innovative program of outreach and education. The Center's reporting on HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean is supported by the MAC AIDS Fund.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Abominable-Crime-Film/549581698395229

Length: 68 minutes

Awards: Winner Best Documentary, 8^th Annual Belize International Film Festival

             

By Naomi