‘Two prides, two worlds… one Europe?’, the latest documentary by Roland Javornik, has been selected for Ad Hoc: Inconvenient Films, the national film festival of Lithuania that takes place in Vilnius from the 21st until the 30th of October. Afterwards, the movie will also be shown in other cities across the country. The documentary focuses on the intolerance towards the gay community in the Baltic member states of the European Union. The Belgian premiere will take place on Saturday, November 20th at the Gay Film Festival of Flemmish Brabant in the city of Leuven.
Even though the European Union encourages its member states to counter homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, great differences between national legislations exist, even still. In the Baltic states, members of the Union since 2004, the gay community is offered little or no protection in comparison to their Western-European counterparts, the documentary reveals. Because of this, the film is bound to give impetus to public debate, Roland Javornik explains: “The Lithuanian media rarely mention the gay community and when they do, it’s rarely in a positive context.”
On top of that, the so called ‘Law for the protection of minors against the harmful effects of public information’ that went into effect on the 1st of March, 2010 prohibits anyone from discussing all ‘non-traditional’ relationships in the company of minors. “In reality, this comes down to a ban on discussing homosexuality”, Javornik continues. “The legislation has become somewhat less firm because of the pressure put on the country by the European Union. Nevertheless, this unwritten rule still exists. Therefore, most Lithuanian gays prefer to stay in the closet, out of fear for social repercussions.”
Gay rights activists are overjoyed with the documentary being selected for the film festival in Vilnius, that focuses on human rights. Earlier this year, in the month of May, the Lithuanian capital formed the battleground for those who are pro, as well as those who are against gay rights in the country. Javornik tells us a bit more about the documentary: “The film tells the story of four Estonians in their preparation of the Baltic Pride of next year, which will be taking place in Estonia. Because of the homophobic controversy in neighbouring Lithuania, they are in doubt as to which approach would be most suited. That’s why they decide to do some research in Belgium as well as in Lithuania, before making their final decision.”
The length of the documentary is 38 minutes. It was largely made with the help of volunteers, as well as with the support of Belgian organisations and companies that provided their assistance free of charge. Amongst these is Cinéarte, a company that lent equipment without asking for monetary compensation. Furthermore, the company took care of postproduction. The project was also granted financial support by the Belgian non-profit organization Wel Jong Niet Hetero (‘Young But Not Straight’) and JINT, the European Union ‘s ‘Youth in Action’-project.
