Concussion dir. Stacie Passon (US)

Classification: 15
Director: Stacie Passon
Starring: Robin Weigert, Maggie Siff, Daniel London
USA 2013. 96 mins

Synopsis:
This modern-day twist on BELLE DE JOUR is a sexy, provocative story about a woman who turns her fantasy life into reality – and then faces the consequences. When wealthy 40-something Abby (Weigert, Deadwood) is hit in the head by her son’s baseball, she begins to yearn for something more than her banal suburban life. She buys a pied-à-terre in Manhattan, and her pent-up libido draws her into a double life as a high-class hooker for female clients. But as Abby’s decisions become increasingly reckless, we realise that she won’t be able to keep her secret for long. Writer-director Passon’s accomplished debut features breakout performances by Weigert and Siff (Mad Men), and its mix of sensuality and poignancy will ignite a conversation about sexual discovery as a means of finding your true self.

Concussion was one of the films that featured in the BFI Flare (formerly LLGFF) in 2014. It is now preparing for its cinematic release. If you didn't catch it and are wondering what it is all about; take a look at our review below.

You can see Concussion on 16 May when it gets its cinematic release via Picturehouse cinemas; however in the meantime watch the trailer here:

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Concussion is a more mature lesbian film; that would attract audiences who enjoyed The Kids Are Alright. 

We meet long-term lesbian couple Abby and Kate who have two children; Mayer and Jake. Suffering from the difficulties of raising children and finding time for themselves, we meet Abby in what you may see as her mid life crisis moment. 

No longer fulfilled with raising their children, she returns to her passion of doing up apartments in the City with her friend Justin. Abby soon realises that the space in the City allows her the freedom to release her sexual desire; and intending to be one-time thing hires a prostitute but it is far from fulfilling. Justin introduces her to a more experienced and suitable woman and once becomes twice. 

Justin takes on the role of manager and talks Abby into being a high-class prostitute herself, but with the proviso set by Abby that she meet all women in advance for a coffee - a good indication into the different mindset of a woman and sexual desire.

I liked the personal and intimate surrounding of Abby needing to meet these women in a casual space; to get an insight into their desires and the driver behind their seeking out a woman to sleep with. It shows the many depths and interests of women and certainly highlights the difference between men and women when it comes to sexual desire and fulfilment of needs. I also liked that the sex scenes were shot in such an intimate way; not glorified.

The dynamic comparison between the younger clients and older showed another interesting perspective over the needs of women, challenging the pre-conception that expectations that change over time. I found it interesting that Abby provided more than just a sexual transaction - she helps a young, overweight girl who has never kissed anyone, let alone had sex to find confidence in herself and prepare her to go out into the world and seek out a partner.


The more mature cast combined with a completely realistic and believable storyline makes for an exquisite debut feature from Stacie Passon.

There are a few familiar names to the die hard lesbian film and TV followers; amongst a sea of unknowns. Rose Troche, Producer brings along knowledge including being executive producer/director of 6 seasons of The L Word and directing the ground breaking independent lesbian film, Go Fish in 1994. Maggie Sif plays Sam Bennet, who is best known for her role in Mad Men and Janel Moloney plays Pru, who you will recognise from The West Wing.

The lesbian film industry is definitely evolving and where we previously saw films built around lesbians, we are now seeing films built around stories that happen to feature a lesbian relationship or storyline. This makes them far more acceptable to a mainstream audience, and much more likely to make a cinematic release. They go a long way to showing that lesbians are just like heterosexual women, we experience similar issues and stresses in our life; as a mother and a wife; whilst also showing the deeper more sensual side and the depth of emotional needs that comes with two women together. The mainstream nature of having a couple who have straight friends; who go to gym classes and who pick up their kids from school shows that it isn't that different from heterosexual life.

Well shot; a great storyline and deliciously intimate scenes that will leave you wanting more.

Highly recommended as one not to miss.

By Naomi

 

#BFI Flare - Concussion from Writer and Director Stacie Passon

I was intrigued to see this film by the presentation that it was about a lesbian Belle de jour and an exploration of female sexuality. The story centres around Abby who lives in suburban New Jersey with her wife and two kids. The film begins with an honest and telling description of the drudgery, tediousness and great joy that goes with the domestic routine that kids require. Abby's frustration is palpable, particularly in her fury at her son when he accidentally hits her in the head with a baseball. The resulting concussion awakens further realisation within Abby that there has to be more to life and as she channels her energy into renovating a loft she gets the idea from her male employee to have sex with women for money. 

Her approach to sex work is unusual, she insists on meeting the 'janes' for tea first and through that she begins to be aware that there is more involved than sex, some of her younger clients need their self esteem boosting which leads to some amusing scenes. 

The film is multi layered in the way the story unfolds on its journey and as its repercussions are explored. You begin feeling sorry for the unknowing wife at home who has no idea that her partner is sleeping with other women. Then in an incredibly moving scene your sympathy switches as the film explores what it is like to be with someone who doesn't want you sexually - the fact that she doesn't want anyone else sexually is not much consolation. 

I really enjoyed the emotional twists and turns of the film, the humorous way way that it explored sexuality and the way that it hints at the more grim reality of sex work. The film is glossy and 'hollywood' in feel and for me its the film we were promised with 'The kids are alright', when so many were desperately disappointed by the inclusion of the Marc Ruffalo character. Showing in the same month as equal marriage this film is a timely exploration of lesbian domesticity and how it is the same as heterosexual married life but also how it is different. 

Review by Claire

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Stacie Passon (Writer/Director)
Stacie Passon is the writer/director of her first feature “Concussion” starring Robin Weigert and
Maggie Siff. “Concussion” was honored to be chosen for IFP’s Narrative Lab in 2012. Stacie has
produced and directed for dozens of clients including Atlantic Records, Donna Karan, Ralph
Lauren and Sony Music. Most recently, she produced “Elliot King is Third” for director and
production partner, Rose Troche. She is now developing her second feature and a television
pilot for a new series, “Animals.”

Rose Troche (Producer)
Director of Go Fish, Safety of Objects and Bedrooms and Hallways. She began her career by
making short films and video. Her directorial debut was the groundbreaking film Go Fish (1994),
a lesbian love story. Made on a shoestring budget, it was one of the truly "independent" films of
the mid 90s, and certainly one of the first in the lesbian genre. It premiered at the Sundance
Film Festival in 1994.

Rose’s career as a director has spanned 20 years helming for dozens of TV shows in the US
including executive producer and director of The L Word for six seasons.

#BFIFlare: 'Who's Afraid of Vagina Wolf?' dir Anna Margarita Albelo

The day after her 40th birthday, a filmmaker who sacrificed her love life for her film career realises she has neither, and decides to get them both by adapting an all-female version of, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"
Rating :

With an award-winning performance from  Guinevere Turner (The L Word, Go Fish, outstanding as Penelope and playing everything from supportive best friend to a drunk lesbian version of Elizabeth Taylor) and and award-wining script, great supporting cast turns from Janina Gavanka and Agnes Olech, as well as significant amount of the film in a handmade vagina costume, Albelo has created more than a universe for her character, it's really a multi-verse. 

Mixing genre (from fantasy to comedy) and even style such as film noir juxtaposed against documentary, Albelo offers us a sometimes surreal, sometimes meta, often funny, sometimes very dark (imagine peeling off Guinevere Turner's face and sticking it over your own...) vision for a character who goes on a mid-life journey of self discovery after reaching rock bottom. With an honest look at herself, and help from the friends and family that surround her, she realises she can achieve her dream.  This is Albelo's first feature and she plays with as many of the possibilities that are open to her as can fit in one 80 minute film. And it works.

Writer, Director and lead Anna Margarita Albelo says

'"Who's Afraid of Vagina Wolf?" based on my original, semi-autobiographical story is a film about honesty and unites many of the themes that concern me and my work for the past 20 years: the anti-hero's quest, unrequited love, unconditional love, facing demons, and creating change through our own hands.  By using my life and becoming the protagonist, I am giving a voice to a person who is a woman, a Latina, a lesbian, out there in the world trying to give meaning and importance to her life and desires. Universal themes explored, with humor, by one person's personal experiences, this is the base of my work both in documentary and fiction.

'Inspired by the mid-life crisis films of two of my cinematographic heroes: Fellini's "8 1/2" and Woody Allen's "Stardust Memories", I unite the different story-telling techniques I've perfected over the years combining fantasy, documentary, comedy, and drama. "Who's Afraid of Vagina Wolf?" is a movie about a filmmaker telling you her story, illustrating her trials and tribulations and somehow understanding what it all means at the end. It's also about how humor, friendship, family and creativity can illuminate even the most dire of situations. How does one have love in their lives? They start with themselves!" 

Our interview with Albelo and Turner will be published in the summer.

By Katie

#BFI Flare - Kate Bornstein is a Queer and Pleasant Danger

 

Rating:

"Kate" Bornstein (born March 15, 1948) is an American author, playwright, performance artist, and gender theorist. Having been assigned male at birth and then receiving sex reassignment surgery in 1986, Bornstein says, "I don't call myself a woman, and I know I'm not a man".

Kate Bornstein is a Queer and Pleasant Danger is her memoir. It is a personal insight into Kate's life. She shares some truly personal and heart wrenching moments on camera.

In the opening scenes she openly admits to wanting to be famous; however not just for the fame but also because she believes that if she is famous she can reach more people. This film is absolutely proof of that.

Kate started off in theatre but when most of the funding behind her performances was cut she moved into writing. Kate has written 'Gender Outlaw' which has sold over 53,000 copies worldwide and is published in 5 languages. She wrote 'My Gender Workbook' which is taught in over 200 universities. She wrote 'Hello Cruel World. 101 Alternatives to Suicide for Teens, Freaks and other Outlaws' which Kate discusses in the film as being written too late for her friend's son and to which she dedicated her book.

Kate is controversial; even some members of the trans community don't like what she has to say. Kate refers to herself as being in a space between male and female; she describes being queer and also how she is a jew; a trans dyke and a reluctant polyamorist.

For anyone who isn't really 100% sure about the trans world, this documentary is a useful insight and well worth the viewing.

There are some moments in this documentary where Kate really lays bare her life. She talks about experiences with friends who questioned her when she first transitioned; saying she could not be a woman because she had not been socialised from birth to be so; which is why Kate refers to herself as a gender outlaw as she certainly is not a man. She talks about her time in scientology and the heartache of leaving her daughter behind (she is still in the community). She talks of her grandchildren who she also doesn't see.  

We follow Kate through some very key parts of her life; some ups and downs and it is very clear that Kate has been doing some soul searching in the making of her memoirs. She admits that in her next life she wants to be a golden retriever owned by a butch lesbian.

You do whatever you can to make your life more worth living. 1 rule, don't be mean.

If you go to see this film, one piece of advice; take a packet of tissues as this will move you.


Review by Naomi

#BFIFlare Review: Dual (Hearts) by Nejc Gazvoda

Rating:

 
Cast:
Nina Rakovec - Tina
Mia Jexen - Iben
Jure Henigman - Matic
Matjaž Tribušon - Tina's father
Nataša Barbara Gračner - Tina's mother   



If you haven't read the write up on this film before watching, the opening scene could make you think that you are about to watch a version of Camp, Glee or High School Musical (which is exactly what happened to me!).

Fear not, this is not the case.

We open in an airport lounge, various people are waiting and as we pan across each character they are miming along to the background track. The song, Cold Heart by Monkey Cup Dress, is soulful and beautiful.
Iben is a passenger awaiting her flight, she seems vacant, almost haunted by something. Tina drives the transit bus for the hotel where the passengers are based when their flight gets cancelled.

This film follows Iben and Tina during 24 hours in Slovenia. Iben is Dutch and Tina Slovenian, their common ground is English.

There are moments of comedy, moments of sadness, and this film is executed well in bringing to life the emotion of a random meeting with someone like yourself, a soulmate who understands you like no one else can. It shows how even from very different backgrounds, with different interests and lives; you can be drawn to someone. It shows how sometimes things that take place in our life can lead us to take a chance, to try something new, and how we cope with challenges in life.

It features some dramatic scenes that are so emotional and heart wrenching incorporating, with sound and music successfully to addding to the atmosphere.

I really enjoyed this film, and would recommend you watch it. The only thing that could have made it better for me was more certainty in the ending; but that is personal preference. The film allows you to decide how Iben and Tina end up.

View the trailer here:




 By Naomi

#BFI Flare: Tru Love; Co-Directors Kate Johnston & Shauna MacDonald

Written, Directed & Produced by KATE JOHNSTON &
SHAUNA MACDONALD
Starring:  SHAUNA MACDONALD, KATE TROTTER & CHRISTINE HORNE
Further information: http://trulovethefilm.com/

Rating:

 




Tru Love is the latest Canadian export that lesbian, bi & queer film fans are going to just love. It comes to the 2014 BFI Flare.

Beautifully shot over a Toronto Winter, this sweetly told story creates an unusual love story and journey. The eponymous Tru (Shauna Macdonald) is the typical "Shane", loving the ladies superficially, but not the depth of commitment a relationship would require. It transpires that she has good reason to use sex instead of love to be close to people. 

Until she meets Alice. And their deeply touching connection surprises them both, at a time in their lives they least expect it. Of course, it's not as simple as "girl meets girl" and there are many layers of complexity that challenge the development of this friendship. Not in the least, Tru's past messy exploits with Alice's daughter, Suzanne, with whom Alice is staying.

It's complicated, but the connection is clear and strong. Will love win through all the challenges?

Three deeply moving and believable performances come together in this film, bringing a rare combination of three strong female leads with no male interference, alongside the stunning back drop of Toronto in the snow. Will Alice impart her "carpe diem" life motto to Tru and Suzanne before it's too late?

Tru Love is the kismet product of a chance meeting between the directors, who fast became friends and creative partners to make this film happen. 

What the film makers have to say...
We caught up with Kate Johnston and Shauna MacDonald got the lowdown on what the film means to them, and how they managed to pull of such a feat of a feature on a very tight budget...


Listen to the first five minutes of our interview with Kate and Shauna here:


Listen to the full interview here (first 5 minutes above): http://www.podsnack.com/975C586BDC9/avk5b8s8



The synopsis:
Kate Johnston and Shauna MacDonald’s Tru Love is a sparkling and evocative love story about the intersecting lives of three women. Alice has recently lost her husband and, still coming to terms, has on the spur of the moment decided to visit her daughter Suzanne in the big city. When Suzanne – whose relationship with her mother is already conflicted – is too busy to spend time with her, she enlists friend Tru to babysit Alice while she works.

A commitment-phobic lesbian, Tru forms an unlikely but deeply touching bond with Alice, helping her to pick herself up and move on with her life and the possibility of a relationship between the two sparks into life. When Suzanne witnesses a tender moment between mother and friend her subsequent actions stress the relationship of all three women, leading to a heartbreaking climax.

The trailer:

By Katie

#BFI Flare You're the One Aren't You? (Hearts) short film collection

The shorts are all always a favourite at this festival. It's never clear what the audience will get, a bit like an open mic night, but it's the chance for the BFI Flare Festival to go a bit experimental.

This year's Hearts female orientated collection You're the One Aren't You? is one of the best in a few years. 

Starting with: the sexy rom-com with a twist What's Your Sign (Dir. Leanna ‘Alex’ Siow) that has an L-Word feel to it through the fantasy projections and art gallery setting, but ends with a fantasticially modern and humorous twist (and love budding).

Natives (Dir. Jeremy Hersh) explores differences and how they can make it very hard to communicate with other people, even those closest to us... especially when they straddle multiple contexts, and what might be the obvious difference, here closeted sexuality, is not the one that really stilts the relationships. Despite their attempts to deal with the situation, will Rachel and Anita overcome lack of ability to understand each other?

Orbtias (Dir Jaime Maestor) takes us on a mixed-medium animated tour of a post-apocalyptic time, Gravity - with its raw effects, a beautiful connection between two characters isolated in space and a planet that they have to question what it offers them, ending in the ultimate sacrifice.
capturing familiar images such as western portrayals of communist militia states. It's the anti-dote to last year's

Dream Date (Dir Diana Juhr-DeBenedetti, Andromeda Godfrey) takes a witty look at the dating rituals of women, offering one anonymity perspective at first, then quickly flipping reality to a long-term couple and their intimacy needs. 

Social Butterfly (Dir Lauren Wolkstein) explores the impact of a stranger's entrance at an 18th Birthday party. The American beauty is on a mission and instead finds an unexpected moment of chemistry and connection with the birthday girl, before she is washed clean and exposed as a thief. 

Neighbours (Dir Eli Navarro) shows us that the girls can be as open-minded as the boys in this apartment block sexual drama. An unexpected proposal from the next door neighbours lesbian couple spirals into sexy swinging behaviour that shows the girls know how to do it too!


By Katie

#BFIFlare Valencia prod. Michelle Tea (Hearts)

Rating
 
 


Directors Peter Anthony, Sharon Barnes, Aubree Bernier-Clarke, Cary Cronenwett, Bug Davidson, Cheryl Dunye, Lares Feliciano, Dia Felix, Hilary Goldberg, Silas Howard, Alexa Inkeles, Jerry Lee, Olivia Parriott, Jill Soloway, Samuel Topiary, Courtney Trouble, Michelle Lawler, Sara St. Martin Lynne, Chris Vargas, Greg Youmans
Producers Hilary Goldberg, Michelle Tea.
With Michelle Tea, Annie Danger, Lil Miss Hot Mess

This unique take of a portrayal of 'Michelle' as told by Michelle Tea's memoirs, over a year in the life of a 90s dyke explores a 21st Century retrospective of what it meant to be a queer in San Fransisco then, and in doing so, now. 

Twenty different Michelles, from 20 established and emerging filmakers, explore the range of dykeness of the time, and question love, and relationships, butch/femme, male/female/trans through a linear story arc, with humour and pathos. 

The conventional structure creates a sense of ultra modern filmmaking that matches the boundary-breaking journey of queer identification that the Michelles, and all whom they represent, undertook

Set in that time pre dot.com, where the fanzine and the poster were how we got our message out there, when there was a rise of a punk lesbian diaspora and the more generic context of a single, rootless twenty-something searching for sex and love, drugs and adventure.

Based on Michelle Tea’s 2000 cult autobiographical novel, Valencia is a collaboration between a national community of queer filmmakers to adapt the underground classic memoir into a kaleidoscopic vision of San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District in the early 1990s. 

By Katie

#BFIFlare, 'Everybody's got someone...not me' dir. Raul Fuentes (Bodies)

This romantic drama with a film noir styling, takes us on a very artful ride through Alejandra's relationship with the much younger Maria.

Rating:

Shot with an incredible variation of framing, encapsulating the emptiness and absence in Alejandra (Andrea Portal)'s life, and with a clear nod to the golden age of Hollywood, the style of the film gives an extra depth to the story. Alejandra is a Hepburn-esque philosophical literate diva looking for some excitement. Maria (Naian Daeva) is a confident young artist interested in exploring sexuality and relationships and her adulthood.

Their relationship crosses boundaries of old/young, mature/immature and despite Alejandra having a lot to teach Maria about poetry and philosophy and make up application, it is Maria who demonstrates a more mature approach to their relationship and Alejandra who behaves in the childlike manner. 

Synopsis:
Alejandra is a successful executive who is tired of her daily routine and her emotional relationships that haven’t worked out. One fine day, María, a teenager full of energy, crosses her path making her change her expectations. 

Together, they become involved in an affair based on María’s admiration for Alejandra’s intelligence and experience. At first everything goes smoothly. However, Alejandra’s personality and her romantic requirements become increasingly demanding, to the point where it is impossible to be around her.

Director / Director: Raúl Fuentes

Reparto / Cast: Andrea Portal, Naian Daeva