Queer African Cinemas

In the face of rising anti-gay violence, censorship, and homophobia, Lindsey B. Green-Simms explores queer African cinemas in the 21st century, highlighting the fear, anxiety, and vulnerability experienced by queer Africans while showcasing their contributions to imagining new hopes and possibilities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 11 March 2022
Publisher: Duke University Press

In the vibrant world of queer African cinemas, Lindsey B. Green-Simms delves into a captivating exploration of films created by and about queer Africans during the early 21st century. Set against a backdrop of escalating antiquated violence, relentless efforts to criminalize homosexuality, and other state-sanctioned homophobia, Green-Simms unveils the profound impact of these cinematic narratives. These films, she argues, not only capture the profound fear, anxiety, and vulnerability experienced by many queer Africans but also spotlight the vital role that queer African cinematic practices play in shaping new horizons of hope and possibility. Green-Simms takes us on a global journey, examining both internationally circulating international art films and popular melodramas crafted specifically for local audiences. Through this comprehensive lens, she emphasizes that queer resistance, contrary to traditional narratives that revolve around overt and heroic struggles, is often enacted from a position of vulnerability. By juxtaposing queer films with discussions about censorship and audience reception, Green-Simms presents queer African cinema as a rich visual archive that vividly documents the complexities of queer existence while also revealing the immense potential for queer life-building and survival.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 150 x 229 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478018018