There is much to discover and much to think about when watching British creative Theo Rollason s Queer Edward II.

Their directorial feature debut provides an intimate look behind the scenes of a film set of legendary British director and gay rights activist Derek Jarman, including such famous names as Tilda Swinton and costume designer Sandy Powell. What is more, you can expect a pack of beagles let loose, drag nuns taking a smoke break and an incident involving queer rights activists and British pop star Cliff Richard, who was rehearsing for a tour on the same studio lot where the film was shot, among other things. Of course, you also get an insider's look at how Jarman's 1991 film Edward II, his gay love story with a bloody ending, came to life.

But Queer Edward II also puts a spotlight on the harsh political climate that queer people in Britain were facing back then - at a time when the climate has turned harsher again.  With anti-trans rhetoric and attacks on queer rights again intensifying, I hope the film can function not simply as a snapshot of a historical moment, but as a reminder of what collective resistance can look like - and what role art has to play,  Rollason explains.

The film weaves together archival footage. Irish cinematographer Seamus McGarvey, who later became known for the likes of Atonement, The Hours, Nocturnal Animals and The Greatest Showman, was actually invited by Jarman to shoot behind the scenes. The resulting 30 hours of footage remained unseen for decades - until Rollason was asked to look through them.



Queer Edward II, a Lightborn Films production in association with March 13th and John Gore Studios, world-premiered at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival and is now screening at the 70th edition of the BFI London Film Festival (LFF), starting on Oct. 11. After Hours and Cinephil are handling sales on the doc.

Rollason talked to THR about how they got involved in the film - and ended up directing it, surprising scenes and the current political climate, particularly regarding gay rights.

Parts of the film feel really timely again. How early d
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