Review: Call Me Kuchu
Call Me Kuchu
Directors: Katherine Fairfax Wright & Malika Zouhali-Worrall
12A, 87mins
“They kept on saying we are not here. But of late… we are here”
In Uganda, being actively homosexual is illegal.
Existing laws, left over from British colonialism, criminalise ‘homosexual behaviour’ with prison sentences lasting up to 14 years and accompany a culture entrenched in homophobia. Backed by a powerful fundamentalist church and a vicious right-wing media, the government’s proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill takes this one step further; being LGBT could be punishable by life imprisonment or execution.
Brought to Chapter Arts Centre by National Museum Wales and Lavender Screen, this remarkable documentary follows the life of Uganda’s first openly gay man David Kato and his fellow activists as they fight against the legislation and attempt to live as open life as possible in a climate of hostility.
It is, however, with much hope and laughter that David, as an intelligent, courageous and wickedly funny protagonist, allows the camera into his life. As Long Jones, another prominent figure in the group, explains in the opening scene, “The reason we are here is to jubilate,” and the low key celebration of two men’s anniversary serves as the first glimpse of the individual characters within the ever growing ‘Kuchu’ community.
The presentation of moving personal stories and restrained yet sparkling social events are set against the backdrop of a legal struggle against one particularly extreme paper, Rolling Stone. Its editor is given enough interview time for him to talk himself from cool-headed to bitterly intolerant. Without the need for any direct finger pointing on the part of the filmmakers he highlights the confidence of so many that, “Gay rights aren’t human rights,” and causes a collective head shake from the Cardiff audience.
Homophobia is deep-rooted within a large number of African societies, and despite condemnation of the Ugandan Government from Western leaders, the film makes it clear that the problem, in all its extremes, is universal. We encounter the wrath of fundamentalist American bishops as they rally crowds in prayer against the “sin”, and many of the fearful ‘coming out’ tales can be likened to those found globally.
Continually risking abuse and attack, David is returned to as the heartbeat of the film. Meeting with lawyers, UN representative and courageously appearing on national TV to promote his plight he lives by his favourite slogan, “A Luta Continua”, “The Struggle Continues”. And the struggle does get some results; a remarkably progressive Ugandan pastor offers a chink in the church armoury with his modern reading of the gospels and the court room is shocked when the verdict turns against Rolling Stone, who are ordered to pay compensation to those it outed as gay. Cue activist shindig.
It does then come as a shock to all when we discover that David has been attacked with a hammer and killed. The film cuts to his funeral as local priests pronounce, just yards away from his weeping friends and family that David will, “Go to hell.” Directed tenderly by Katherine Fairfax Wright and Malika Zouhali-Worrall, this scene stood out as truly horrifying. Cue activist uproar and audience sobs.
A fitting end to our LGBT History Month, the piece reminded all in attendance of its importance; as a time to raise awareness, highlight injustice, celebrate diversity and reignite the fight against prejudice. Call Me Kuchu’s balance between joy and despair, portrayed in a dizzyingly intimate and remarkably subjective manner, make this film an inspiration for activists everywhere.
The Ugandan government are yet to pass the Anti-Homosexuality Bill yet it remains a definite possibility of becoming legislation. Meanwhile, just days ago, a screening of this very film in Bucharest was viciously targeted by hate groups. David’s voice echoes from the grave, “A Luta Continua”.
The showing of Call Me Kuchu was followed by a discussion with National Museum Wales about their role in LGBT History Month. To order the film on DVD, visit callmekuchu.com
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1 Comment – Postiwch sylw
mardigrasyouthofficer
Rhoddwyd sylw 39 mis yn ôl - 28th February 2013 - 12:59pm
Fab article,
I will have to get this film.