Gay Desire in New Ukrainian Cinema

January 22, 2009

On January 22, the Ukrainian Film Club and QUIPASA (the GLBT organization at the School for International and Public Affairs of Columbia University) hosted the event "Gay Desire in New Ukrainian Cinema."  More than fifty people came to watch two Ukrainian films depicting lesbian relationships, the feature-length "Sappho" (2008) directed by Robert Crombey and filmed on location in the Crimea, and the short film by New York University film student and Ukrainian national Bohdana Smyrnova "Ramona's New Dresser" (2008).  Bohdana and Columbia professor of Ukrainian and Film Studies Yuri Shevchuk were also on hand to answer questions during a discussion session after the screenings. 

While much of the audience could identify aspects of the narrative in "Sappho" that have come to be accepted as lesbian stereotypes in Western films, Professor Shevchuk explained that in the context of Ukrainian filmmaking, the film is a huge step forward for the GLBT community.  Homosexuality is still a taboo subject in much of Ukraine, and the fact that "Sappho" was a commercial hit there last year is remarkable.  One member of QUIPASA suggested that it could be Ukraine's "Kissing Jessica Stein."  "We all watch 'KJS' now and see the flaws in the plot, the stereotypes of lesbian dating, and criticize the end where the good girl realizes her error in trying to be gay and goes back to being straight.  Still though, it was considered revolutionary at the time it was released.  People flocked to see it, most lesbians I know still own it, and it definitely proved that lesbian-themed films could be commercially successful."  As one of the only mainstream Ukrainian films ever to put a homosexual relationship at the center of its narrative, "Sappho" has hopefully similarly paved the way for further exploration of homosexual relationships in Ukrainian cinema.

The second film of the evening, "Ramona's New Dresser," was received even better by much of the audience, proving that an 11-minute film can sometimes be more moving than a full-length feature film.  Ms. Smyrnova successfully portrayed the feeling of uncertainty that comes with being in a totally foreign place on two levels-- that of being at the beginning of a new relationship, as well as in an unfamiliar physical environment.  While the relationship here was between two women, as Ms. Smyrnova stated during the discussion, it was easy to imagine anyone-- gay or straight-- in such a situation.  One member of the audience remarked that it's always refreshing to see a film where homosexuality is "embraced, but not harped- on... the characters just happen to be gay, but that is not the whole point of the film."

"Gay Love in Ukrainian Cinema" showed that the future holds much promise for GLBT films in Ukraine.  As homosexuality becomes less stigmatized and we see the work of more brave filmmakers like Mr. Crombey and Ms. Smyrnova, the cinematic themes of homosexual desire are sure to mature.  We can hopefully look forward to seeing this progress at another event with the Ukrainian Film Club in the future.
Emily Nelson, SIPA student, Columbia University.

A viewer’s opinion of the films screened:

“Was pleased to see the size of your audience. Sappho was a film that we might have classified a few decades ago as "soft porn" and a little later as "sexploitation". My experience with former-Soviets is their fascination with new freedom to be interested in and talking about sex. So it makes sense that Sappho would bring in income. Historic setting was in a place many would be interested in, and at a time soon after the Bolshevik revolution. The message is judgmental: if you really do this and mean it, you will die.
Bohdana's film, though crude, was better. The complexity of feelings was believable and not judgmental. I did not miss the nudity. She had it right: there is mystery in clothing. Showing everything gives it away, that beautiful young women, when naked, all look alike whether rich or poor. (Relatively) simple machines for breeding and feeding the young.” 
Signed Anonymous