"I Can't Think Straight" at the Tokyo International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival

＜English＞

Translated by K.T.

Hello everyone, contributing TW writer Kondo here.

I'll be writing with news on some of the films appearing at this year's Tokyo International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.

First we'll be looking at the film "I Can't Think Straight", which will be shown at the festival's finale. While the Japanese title "Straight ja Irarenai" (lit. "I can’t stay straight") gives a neat sense of drama, the original English has a humorous edge. As many of you may know, "I can't think straight" is a common expression used in English by people when they can't think clearly or get their thoughts in order. Naturally, this expression has taken on a double meaning in the queer community and is used in this title too as a well-intended pun.

The story itself develops around two young women. Tala, a London-based Jordanian of Palestinian origin, and Leyla, an ethnically Indian British Muslim. Although they're each from different cultural backgrounds, the two are attracted to each other instantly upon meeting. Together, as they tread the new ground that lies in-between their cultures and traditions, they explore the intimate meaning of cultural norms, love, and responsibility to family. This film is an exuberant romantic comedy filled with laughter, humor and, of course, the charm of two beautiful women.

The magic of this film is its ability to keep, at its core, questions that resonate as true to all of us living in this terrifically diverse world, no matter what sexuality we are or where we're from. "I Can't Think Straight" has already been shown at more than 40 film festivals around the world, including the Tel Aviv International LGBT Film Festival. The London Palestine Film Festival is also currently considering screening the film. This unconventional movie tells a powerful story in a voice capable of crossing cultures and national boundaries. Don’t miss its one-time-only screening on July 20th at Aoyama's Spiral Hall!

Title: I Can't Think Straight
Director: Shamim Sarif
2007; England; 80 minutes

Showing on Monday, July 20 at 19:30 at Spiral Hall

★For more information, check out the official website for the Tokyo International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival at: tokyo-lgff.org/

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