Symposium

About This Movie

Symposium, shot in 1975, presents this contemplative take on sexuality, merging philosophical discourse with personal exploration. The atmosphere is quite introspective, almost meditative, as the director engages with the complexity of love and desire through a distinctly queer lens. You get this slow pacing, deliberate pauses that allow the weight of the dialogue to sink in. Performances are raw, revealing, and sometimes unpolished, which somehow adds to its charm. It’s interesting how it attempts to trace back the origins of homosexuality to ancient Greek philosophy, making it both an artistic and intellectual endeavor. There’s a certain bravery in how it navigates taboo subjects, and it feels like a time capsule of its era's cultural dialogue around gay identity.

Symposium has seen limited distribution over the years, making it somewhat elusive for collectors. Early VHS and rare DVD editions are sought after but not always easy to find. There's a niche audience that appreciates its blend of philosophical inquiry and intimate storytelling, which contributes to its growing interest among collectors who appreciate the complexities of LGBTQ+ cinema from this period.