Queer, Engaged, and Unusual Cinema in Vienna and Innsbruck

Vienna and Innsbruck are showcasing queer, engaged, and unusual cinema, with a special focus on Black female directors.

The Metro Kinokulturhaus is presenting a film series titled "Filmgeschichte ist weiblich" (Film History is Female) until June 26. This program highlights the work of Black female directors, including Sheryl Dunye's "The Watermelon Woman," which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The film will also be shown at Queer Frames and Stadtkino.

Curator Lien May Lucas has expanded the program to include other classics of "Black Female Cinema." These feature diverse political dramas and portraits, such as Julie Dash's "Daughters of the Dust" (June 14). Released in 1991, it was the first feature film by an African American woman to be released in U.S. cinemas. The selection also includes Ava DuVernay's "Selma" (2014), Ngozi Onwurah's "Welcome II the Terrordrome" (1994), Sarah Maldoror's "Sambizanga" (1972), and Melina Matsoukas and Lena Waithe's "Queen & Slim" (2019). The latter is described as a well-written road movie that reimagines "Bonnie and Clyde" in the context of the Black Lives Matter protests.