US distributors ‘straightwash’ film

NICK CLARK

NEW YORK: Hailed as one of the feelgood films of last year, Pride was also celebrated for championing gay rights in a way that few movies have done before – but clearly not everyone thought that would make people want to watch it.

The designers of the cover for the US DVD release have been accused of putting the film back in the closet, by removing reference to its homosexual themes.

Based on the story of the activists who marched in solidarity with coal miners during their strike in 1984, the film received critical acclaim when it was released in September.

Yet the artwork on the film’s DVD and Bluray release in the US appears to have a number of changes from the British version – which some critics have dubbed “straightwashing”.

On the back cover of the US edition, the photograph of activists marching past parliament appears to have had a sign reading “Lesbians & gays support the miners” digitally removed from the background.

The synopsis on the US version has been expanded to explain the the strike, but again removes references to homosexuality. What had been a reference to the “London-based group of gay and lesbian activists” in Britain became simply “Londonbased activists”.

The film’s director, Ben Roberts, who is gay, said: “I’m not surprised that the US distributors have taken a decision to sell more copies by watering down the gay content. I’m not defending it – it’s wrong and outmoded – but I’m not surprised.” – The Independent

● Pride is out in South Africa on Friday.