Queer Pioneers offers a stage to filmmakers who have pushed boundaries in the field of gender, orientation and sexuality. Boys Don't Cry (1999) is on January 7, a film about a transgender boy who has to find his way in love and life in Nebraska.
Curator Bas Hendrikx (Queer Series) is present prior to the film, for a discussion about sexuality and gender within film and video art.
Boys Don't Cry
Brandon Teena is the popular new kid in a tiny Nebraskan town. He is well liked by everyone, hanging out with the guys doing guy stuff and charming the local girls, who've rarely met a more considerate and sensitive young man. It's no surprise that he soon starts dating Lana, the prettiest girl in town. However, he is hiding a huge secret: Brandon Teena was born a woman named Teena Brandon. When this comes out, his life turns upside-down.
This feature debut by director Kimberly Peirce, who also wrote the script, is based on actual events. It was a dream debut, garnering major awards including an Oscar for Best Actress for Hillary Swank as Brandon. Chloë Sevigny plays the role of Lana.
