‘Unsent Letter’ is based on the letter from soldier called Brian Keith to his lover Dave whom he met in Algeria
In 1961 pro-gay publication ONE Magazine received a letter with no explanation. All that was evident was that it had been written by ex-World War II serviceman, Brian Keith to his wartime lover, Dave.
And that it had never been sent.
Directors notes:
I first came across the original letter a few years ago and was greatly moved by how raw it still felt some 50 years later. It was a somewhat painful experience reading the letter, not just because of its candid expression of a stifled romance, victim to historical circumstances, but because it reveals the sheer difficulty for LGBTQI+ people to simply love one another.
I decided to make Unsent Letter partly as an emotional release, but primarily because I wanted to bring to life such a beautiful story and I wanted to tell that story from the perspective of an older LGBTQI+ man. I think we too often forget to imagine the lives of our older generations which is why LGBTQI+ History month is such a crucial part of our queer identity. Not only does it remind us of where we have come from, but it shows us the progression we have made as a community – although there are many battles still to be won.
I want this film to be viewed as a homage to the people from our community whose lives weren’t as easy as ours are today, but to also remind people of the love letters that they never sent.
Director: Christian Gordine
Actors: Hugh Ross & Damien Hughes
DOP: Joseph Dunn
Editor: Ashley Joiner
Composition: Ruth Bulman and Dan McBride
VFX: Ralph Briscoe
Sound Design: Saiorse Christoperson, Timor Oren and Rory De Carteret
Colourist: Vlad Barin / Cheat
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