8. Queer China, ‘Comrade’ China (2002) Cui Zi’en
In this documentary, Cui Zi’En, one of China’s most important and prolific homosexual directors, offers an interesting account of the evolution of the Chinese LGBTQ community over the past three decades. The film consists of eleven chapters that discuss various themes, such as queer theory, decriminalization of homosexuality, and the presence of queer people on television. It features interviews with experts, activists, and directors.
9. Madame (2010) Qiu Jiongjiong
In this touching black-and-white documentary, the director observes the life of the transgender cabaret singer Madame Bi Langda. Intimate interviews with Madame Bi alternate with her performances on stage amidst tears and smeared makeup. A poignant and philosophical work on the queer experience, but above all on the art of living life.
10. Be A Woman (2011) Popo Fan
For three long years, director Fan Popo documented the joy and sadness of drag queens working at the “Only-Love” bar in the city of Nanning. The documentary aims to provide an authentic and personal portrayal of those performers beyond their exuberant appearance.
11. Your Name Engraved Herein (2020) Kuang-Hui Liu
Set in Taiwan in 1987, amidst the lifting of martial law, Birdy and Jia-Han embark on a love story that will span many years, grappling with homophobia, prejudices, and familial pressures. The film presents a poignant love story, but one that is particularly compelling in the context of Taiwan’s political and social turmoil.
12. A Song Sung Blue (2023) Geng Zihan
In this recent coming-of-age film, the protagonist Liu Xian reminisces about the loneliest and most melancholic summer of her life at age 15, when her mother went to Africa for medical work, leaving her in the care of her struggling father. Xian finds solace when Jin Mingmei enters her life, leading her into new experiences. Zihan Geng paints a tender love story between two women with a dreamy atmosphere and bluish hues.
