This excellent documentary is a universal story; it depicts a situation which happens everywhere. However, the local flavor of the situation lived by these 4 or 5 gay men in southwestern Germany, and the reaction of their fellow villagers are unique, allowing us a rare peek of real life in (arguably) the richest, most picturesque, and most stereotypical area of "romantic" small villages in rural Germany.
As hard as this documentary tries to show prejudice and intolerance towards gays in this area of Germany, the attitude of these provincial "hillbillies" still rank favorably with liberal attitudes in world capitals outside Western Europe. The film is not only worthwhile for depicting social morals in Schwabia, but for foreign audiences, it is a lesson on how amazingly tolerant, and sophisticated the "backwaters" of Germany are.
Among other features, these "peasants" vacation together in Bangkok and Thai beaches, appearing totally at ease with the sex tourism surrounding them; and the most "macho and intolerant" older family men and cute grandmas discuss gay sex openly, though some of them are not in favor. These conversations, among retired Christian conservatives, are unthinkable in most of the world's major metropolis, speaking volumes for tolerance in rural Germany.
The film recently premiered in Rio's annual international film festival to packed houses, which interestingly also included apparently curious "cute grandmas" and mainstream senior citizens. It's a film which provokes rethinking of old ideas, and will do tons for human rights.
That is, if people see it. From the voting on this page, it looks like I'm still among a lucky few. The documentary looks like a special German TV program projected on screen only for a few markets. But, hopefully, the film and its message will find a very big audience in its TV transmissions in Germany and throughout Europe.
As hard as this documentary tries to show prejudice and intolerance towards gays in this area of Germany, the attitude of these provincial "hillbillies" still rank favorably with liberal attitudes in world capitals outside Western Europe. The film is not only worthwhile for depicting social morals in Schwabia, but for foreign audiences, it is a lesson on how amazingly tolerant, and sophisticated the "backwaters" of Germany are.
Among other features, these "peasants" vacation together in Bangkok and Thai beaches, appearing totally at ease with the sex tourism surrounding them; and the most "macho and intolerant" older family men and cute grandmas discuss gay sex openly, though some of them are not in favor. These conversations, among retired Christian conservatives, are unthinkable in most of the world's major metropolis, speaking volumes for tolerance in rural Germany.
The film recently premiered in Rio's annual international film festival to packed houses, which interestingly also included apparently curious "cute grandmas" and mainstream senior citizens. It's a film which provokes rethinking of old ideas, and will do tons for human rights.
That is, if people see it. From the voting on this page, it looks like I'm still among a lucky few. The documentary looks like a special German TV program projected on screen only for a few markets. But, hopefully, the film and its message will find a very big audience in its TV transmissions in Germany and throughout Europe.
