Spectra will start this summer with the groundbreaking documentary: The Aggressives.
Filmed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, it follows a group of trans masculine and lesbian people of colour in the heart of New York City who are often referred to as "Aggressives".
"The Aggressives" delves deeper into their lives through heartfelt conversations. We hear their stories, their dreams, and their unique perspectives on masculinity - a testament to the power of defining yourself on your own terms.
The documentary steps into the vibrant world of the underground ball scene and offers a backstage pass to these events, where the community formed chosen families and celebrated their identities fully.
The Aggressives | dir. Daniel Peddle | 2005 | USA | 75min
In addition to screening the acclaimed documentary The Aggressives, we are delighted to present the short film Behind Every Good Man (1967). Directed by Nikolai Ursin, this film precedes the historic Stonewall uprising of 1969 and offers a rare and insightful glimpse into the life of a black trans woman during the mid-20th century.
Behind Every Good Man stands out for its sensitive and affirming portrayal of its subject, contrasting sharply with the often negative and hostile depictions of transgender individuals prevalent in Hollywood at the time. Ursin’s film provides an intimate and compassionate portrait that serves as a significant cultural artifact of both transgender and black life in the United States.
We are excited to screen Behind Every Good Man in its original 16mm film format, preserving its historical and aesthetic integrity.
Behind Every Good Man | dir. Nikolai Ursin | 1967 | USA | 9min
The screening will be introduced by Tara Brown. Tara Brown (they/them) is a Film Curator and Creative Evaluation Consultant. They describe themselves as a Black fat queer non-binary trans disabled femme. Inspired by the principles of Disability Justice their primary goal is to ensure that cinema is as accessible, diverse and brilliant as possible! Currently they are a Trustee for Reclaim The Frame, an Assistant Programme Advisor for London Film Festival, Short Film Advisor for Sheffield DocFest and Programmer for Fringe! Queer Film + Arts Fest.
From a background working in community events and art education, they have been lucky to work with Bernie Grant Art Centre, Barbican Centre, Lewisham Council, BFI, Wellcome Collection, Fringe Queer Film + Arts Fest, London Indian Film Festival, Home, Whitechapel gallery, the vacuum cleaner and more.
Tara has also been on industry panels for MIX Copenhagen, BFI Flare and SQIFF as well as doing talks and workshops for Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival and Glasgow University.