Genesis will be screening Taiwanese film ‘Blue Gate Crossing’ on Thursday 22 October as part of the ‘Queer East Film Festival’. The festival is a season-long celebration across the UK showcasing rarely seen LGBTQ+ cinema from East and Southeast Asia.
A favourite with audiences and a milestone in Taiwanese LGBTQ+ cinema, this coming-of-age drama explores the odd-couple relationship that develops between high school students Meng (Lun-Mei Gwei) and Zhang (Bo-Lin Chen). The carefree Zhang is preoccupied with winning a swimming championship when Meng strikes up a friendship with him. Her goal is to set him up with her best friend, but heartache ensues when Zhang falls for Meng instead. As the pair’s relationship deepens, it becomes clear that Meng has been concealing a secret, and both teens must face up to the realisation that their lives will head in different directions. Chih-Yen Yee’s lightly comic film is a bittersweet meditation on growing up, and marks the talented Gwei’s cinematic debut.