A month from today we are co-presenting a very special Saturday afternoon screening with the folks at Toronto Silent Film Festival: Salomé, an exceptionally queer film that is over 100 years old!

Part of TSFF’s series The Flesh and the Devil: The Notorious, Scandalous and Erotic Films of the 1920s, Salomé is an adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s 1891 play of the same name. It was the brainchild of Alia Nazimova, a fascinating queer figure from the history of cinema. In addition to starring in the film, Nazimova also wrote (under a pen name), produced and co-directed (with her beard husband Charles Bryant, though Nazimova herself long went uncredited).

There is a longstanding rumour asserted by the late, great Kenneth Anger that in homage to Wilde, the film’s cast was composed entirely of gay or bisexual actors. This was reportedly demanded by Nazimova, who was clearly a Hollywood power lesbian of her time. She was known to openly have relationships with women while being married to men, and is even credited with originating the phrase “sewing circle” as a discreet code for lesbian or bisexual actresses!

More over, Nazimova deserves so much credit for this film, which over a century after its 1922 release has been hailed as the first queer cult film and a masterpiece of Art Nouveau and early Art Deco design. Come join us to see why — complete with live accompaniment from Tania Gull — on January 18 at 2pm at Paradise on Bloor. Get your tickets!