Hurry Up and Wait

In June 2021, the Hungarian ruling party Fidesz passed a law banning the portrayal of homosexuality to minors. At the same time, the German ARD miniseries Eldorado KaDeWe – Jetzt ist unsere Zeit was being shot in Budapest, depicting the queer life of the Berlin subculture around 1920. The two leading actresses, Lia von Blarer and Valerie Stoll, set out to counter the political state of affairs with an artistic and activist voice. They juxtapose queer fiction with queer reality through photographs and texts, providing insights into the lives of the Hungarian queer community and their attempts to regain freedoms and agency taken away by the current government.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 19 September 2023
Publisher: DruckVerlag Kettler

In June 2021, the Hungarian ruling party Fidesz, led by Viktor Orbán, passed a law prohibiting the portrayal of homosexuality to minors. This legislation aims to erase the visibility of queerness in Hungarian public life. Simultaneously, the German ARD miniseries Eldorado KaDeWe – Jetzt ist unsere Zeit was being filmed in Budapest. The series explores the queer life of the Berlin subculture around 1920, featuring various aspects of LGBTQ+ culture and experiences.

While the film industry was thriving in Budapest, the two leading actresses, Lia von Blarer and Valerie Stoll, found themselves in a unique position. They recognized the potential for artistic expression and activism to challenge the political climate. In their book "Hurry Up And Wait," the actresses juxtaposed queer fiction with queer reality through photographs and texts. The analog photographs taken during the filming of the series offer a glimpse into the vibrant and dynamic world of filmmaking. At the same time, individuals from the Hungarian queer community contributed their voices through poems, short stories, and political speeches. They shared their stories of resilience and their ongoing efforts to reclaim freedoms and agency that had been taken away by the current government.

The book "Hurry Up And Wait" serves as a powerful testament to the intersection of art, activism, and social change. It highlights the importance of using creative platforms to raise awareness and challenge oppressive systems. Lia von Blarer and Valerie Stoll's collaboration with the Hungarian queer community adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, providing a glimpse into the experiences and struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals in a society that seeks to marginalize them. Through their work, they inspire others to stand up against discrimination and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable world.

Weight: 775g
Dimension: 250 x 200 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783987410024