Unspoken 2020
Distributed by Third World Newsreel, 545 Eighth Avenue, Suite 550, New York, NY 10018; 212-947-9277
Produced by Patrick G. Lee
Directed by Patrick G. Lee
Streaming, 17 mins
Middle School - General Adult
Gender Identity; Homosexuality
Date Entered: 02/24/2022
Reviewed by Barb Kundanis, Longmont Public Library, Longmont, CODifferent people come "out of the closet" on camera by reading letters that are meant for their parents regarding their sexuality and gender identity. The interviewees have various backgrounds with roots in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China and Korea. This documentary short captures the intimacy in trying to explain gayness to their parents. This involves fear and pain. Acceptance and community are addressed, and the meaning of family is covered. "Intergenerational trauma" is cited as views of sexuality are passed down through the family. A good film that briefly captures the conflicts of being gay and being understood by the family.
Awards:Grand Jury Prize, Best Documentary Short, Austin Asian American Film Festival; Winner, LGBTQ Short Film, Oxford Film Festival; Courage Award, DisOrient Asian American Film Festival of Oregon; Audience Fall Choice Award, NewFilmmakers NY
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