Army of Lovers (An)
Original Title
En armé av älskande- Director: Ingrid Ryberg
CGiii Comment
An Army of Lovers reveals the previously untold story of the first LGBT movement in Sweden. In the 1970s the welfare state was bringing progress but homosexuality was seen as a mental illness. The first Pride march was organised, thousands came out to stand against oppression and marginalisation - although many walked anonymously with paper bags over their heads to avoid being fired and attacked. They were seen as a threat to health, social stability and morality. And yet three films emerged - made by brave queer filmmakers attempting for the first time to represent themselves - a documentary Bogjavlar [Damned Queers]; a fictional lesbian love story, Eva & Maria; and a lesbian campaigning film entitled The Woman in Your Life is You.
Through these films and other video material seen here for the first time, as well as the entertaining comments of the filmmakers themselves, the documentary depicts a fascinating historical episode. Some of those most closely involved lived together in radical communes where schedules were posted on the fridge to show who was sleeping with who every night. Still alive and kicking, with humour and affection they take delight in remembering those times in the not-so-distant past.
Trailer...
An Army of Lovers Theatrical Trailer (English Subtitles) from Ruth Reid on Vimeo.