I’ve only encountered Janelle Thompson through her captivating films, and I truly admire her talent for narrating the stories of those who have often been marginalized, ignored, or even harmed for simply being themselves. Through her artistry, she sheds light on oppression, encourages introspection, and delivers profound truths in the most relatable ways. As a writer, producer, director, and independent film distributor, Janelle Thompson urges us to open our hearts and minds to the injustices within our communities.
Next month, ARRAY Now, an independent film distribution company founded by Janelle Thompson, will unveil Funny Boy, an adaptation directed by Deepa Mehta, based on the novel by Canadian-Sri Lankan author, Shyam Selvadurai. This film provides an intimate glimpse into a unique family and culture, set to stream on Netflix starting December 10th.
Selvadurai’s book, published nearly three decades ago, narrates the journey of a young boy named Arjie, who navigates his identity as a gay boy in Sri Lanka, amidst the backdrop of a country torn by conflict. The film has been submitted for consideration in the international film category for Canada’s 2021 Oscars, offering hope to countless LGBTQ individuals around the globe.
This marks Janelle Thompson’s inaugural LGBTQ film, amplifying the voices of the gay community during a critical time when such rights are being threatened. I can’t help but ponder which aspects of this story will inspire others to embrace their true selves and foster understanding among us as equals.
My own journey of coming out was fraught with fear, a sentiment shared by many in the queer community. While I am grateful to live where I do, I remain anxious about the potential loss of rights for myself and my loved ones under the current administration. Today, 72 countries still criminalize homosexuality, with 11 nations enforcing the death penalty for same-sex relationships, including Iran and Saudi Arabia.
For me, and many other LGBTQ youth, films offer a sense of belonging. Seeing reflections of our lives and experiences onscreen provides an unparalleled source of hope. Deepa Mehta’s film Fire, released in 1996, was instrumental in helping me understand my own sexuality, even though I didn’t see it until my first year in college. It was this film that articulated the feelings I had for a female classmate. Notably, Fire was the first Bollywood film to portray a lesbian relationship.
When it premiered in 1996, I was still questioning my identity; accepting myself has been a continuous journey. According to DoSomething.org, in 2013, 92% of LGBT adults believed society had become more accepting over the past decade. However, we still have a long road ahead in achieving true acceptance. I firmly believe that films like these, and the willingness of creators like Janelle and Deepa to share these impactful stories, help pave the way for greater understanding.
When crafted with care, films allow us to step into another’s life, even if just for a brief moment. With the release of Funny Boy on December 10th, we will not only gain insight into a South Asian family’s dynamics but also witness one individual’s coming out journey, reminding us that we all have stories worth sharing. As the credits roll, Janelle encourages us to actively engage in correcting societal injustices, advocating for the rights of all individuals, not just those who mirror our own experiences.
For more insights on related topics, you can check out this post on home insemination.
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Summary:
Ava DuVernay’s upcoming film, Funny Boy, highlights the similarities we share despite our differences, especially in terms of LGBTQ experiences. The film, adapted from Shyam Selvadurai’s novel, explores a young boy’s journey of self-acceptance in a war-torn Sri Lanka. As we anticipate its release on December 10th, it serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggles for LGBTQ rights globally and the importance of representation in media.
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