Queer film takes Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival

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Venezuelan film ‘Desde Alla’ has taken the top prize at the prestigious Venice Film Festival this weekend.

The film follows the story of an affluent 50-year-old man and his turbulent sexual affair with a teenage gang leader from the streets of Caracas.

Director Lorenzo Vigas has made waves in the film industry, having taken the top prize at the esteemed festival with the first ever entry from Venezuela. ‘Desde Alla’ is Vigas’ second film, and his first full length feature.

“I want to dedicate this prize to my amazing country, Venezuela,” Vigas told the crowds. “I know we have a few problems, but if we talk about them we will overcome them.”

Another queer representative, ‘The Danish Girl’, was nominated for a number of awards – with director Tom Hooper taking home the Queer Lion Award for his ‘straightforward and honest portrayal of gender issues within a marriage’.

‘The Danish Girl’ follows the story of trans icon Lili Elbe (Eddie Redmayne), one of the first known recipients of sexual reassignment surgery, and her wife Gerda Wegener.

See the trailer for Golden Lion winner ‘Desde Alla’ below