Queer Japan

Film

Feature Film
Documentary

Trailblazing artists, activists, and everyday people shine in this kaleidoscopic view of LGBTQ+ culture in contemporary Japan.

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Programme History

Part of Queer East Festival 2021

Director: Graham Kolbeins
Runtime: 100 Mins
Year: 2019
Country: JapanUSA

Trailblazing artists, activists, and everyday people from across the spectrum of gender and sexuality defy social norms and dare to shine in this kaleidoscopic view of LGBTQ+ culture in contemporary Japan. Dazzling, iconoclastic drag queen Vivienne Sato peels back the layers of language and identity. Maverick manga artist Gengoroh Tagame tours the world with his unapologetically erotic gay comics. Councilwoman Aya Kamikawa recounts her rocky path to becoming the first transgender elected official in Japan. At legendary kink-positive hentai party Department H, non-binary performance artist Saeborg uses rubber to create a second skin. Featuring material from over 100 interviews conducted over three years, Queer Japan showcases a vibrant and inspiring group of people, sharing their experiences of queer expression in their own words.

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Director Profile

Graham Kolbeins

Graham Kolbeins is a Canadian queer filmmaker, writer, and designer. He received a fellowship from the Japan-U.S. Friendship Council in 2016, and subsequently spent five months directing Queer Japan.

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Queer Japan

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