The VITO Project: Tongues Untied

The VITO Project is delighted to present Tongues Untied, an American 1989 documentary film directed by Marlon Riggs. Tongues untied will be preceded by a screening of The Homecoming: A short film about Ajamu by Topher Campbell. Marlon Riggs' film Tongues Untied gives voice to communities of black gay men, presenting their cultures and perspectives on the world as they confront racism, homophobia and marginalisation. It broke new artistic ground by mixing poetry, music, performance and Riggs' autobiographical revelations. The film was embraced by black gay audiences for its authentic representation of style, and culture, as well its fierce response to oppression. It opened up opportunities for dialogue among and across communities. Tongues Untied has been lauded by critics for its vision and its bold aesthetic advances, and vilified by anti-gay forces who used it to condemn government funding of the arts. It was even denounced from the floor of Congress. "Black men loving Black men is the revolutionary act" is the rallying cry at the film's end and after more than twenty years, Tongues Untied remains a celebrated vehicle for eloquent self-expression and liberation. The screening will be followed by an open discussion with Topher Campbell, filmmaker and writer and Jacob V Joyce, non binary interdisciplinary artist. This is a free event but we need your donations on the night to ensure the continuation of the VITO project. All donations go towards covering the costs associated with running the event (film licences, heating and lighting, rental of the premises, printing, promotion etc). Donations are VITO's only source of funding and we need to raise an average of £5 per person just to cover our costs. So PLEASE DIG DEEP and give us a paper donation if you are able to. Doors to the cafe/bar will open at 6pm for a 7pm screening. Come early to secure a seat as it can get very busy and we do not take bookings. The doors to the Cinema will be shut once capacity is reached. Venue accessibility: Level access on the ground floor. Level access on the first floor except for a slight slope at the doors into the main hall where people exit the lift. There is a lift used by disabled /non-disabled visitors and volunteers. There is an accessible toilet with step free access on the ground floor. It is large enough for a motorised wheelchair. It has an easy lock and handrails. The project is endorsed by BFI Flare: London LGBT film festival, 56 Dean St, QX Magazine, Gay’s the Word, ACT UP London, Gay Mates, a Change of Scene, the Cara Trust, I-Base, UK-CAB, Positively UK, Gaydio, NAZ Project, Frank Byrne & his walkers and Broad Appeal Podcast. For more information, or to join our mailing list, contact Sylvie Beaumont, ReShape Coordinator. All future showings in the series will be the last Wednesday of the month