Hot Docs 2008

Gustav and Luca are journalists, filmmakers and long-term boyfriends living a comfortable life in Rome. When right-winger Silvio Berlusconi's government is replaced by a centre-left coalition, Italians are promised a new law that would increase rights for unmarried and gay couples. Unfortunately for Gustav, Luca and millions of disenfranchised Italians, the Vatican, conservative politicians and family-values advocates don't share their more liberal views. With anti-gay sentiment running high, rallies are held, politicians are lobbied and wagons are circled. With a very light touch and a good measure of patience and humour, Gustav and Luca attempt to navigate the roadblocks, landmines and mindboggling bureaucracy standing between themselves and their equal rights. The intrepid and at times reluctant filmmakers maintain a steady pace in this study of an ancient culture in flux and a modern couple in love.
-Chris McDonald