Licking wounds after the recent passages of Propositions 8 and 2 in California and Florida, blinking bewilderedly at the absurdly homophobic landscape in which they live, America’s gays and lesbians stare with envy at Canada, Spain, and numerous other countries who have achieved legal recognition of same-sex unions on a federal level. Yet envy at the seemingly more socially enlightened societies of Europe, in particular, melts away quickly with the arrival of a new documentary from Italy. Luca Ragazzi and Gustav Hofer are two men in their 30s, together 8 years, and are jubliant in early 2006 when Italy’s centerleftist coalition parties are elected to power. Turning on their video camera, Luca and Gustav document L’Unione attempts to make good on a campaign promise to draft legislation that will at long last recognize Italy’s same-sex couples. Joy fades quickly, however, as it’s clear the government’s confidence in its own legislation is shaky at best, and the opposition (led by the Catholic Church) pounce on the proposed new laws with virulent attacks. Luca and Gustav record the steady weakening of the government’s resolve over the course of several months, and take to the streets to put the lens directly in the face of Italy’s ugliest homophobic groups. Beyond documenting a shockingly inept political disintegration, Suddenly, Last Winter has a secondary and even more lingering power - it shows the real impact on the psyche of the everyday gay citizen, and the stresses Luca and Gustav’s relationship goes through when the validity of their existence as a couple undergoes constant public dismissal. Suddenly, Last Winter will almost certainly steel the expectations and resolve of Florida’s gay and lesbian community, while giving us a cautionary tale about the necessity of protecting our own souls and hearts as we continue to fight the good fight. In Italian with English subtitles.

—Jaie Laplante

Gustav Hofer studied Communication Science at the University of Vienna and Cinema at the Middlesex University in London. He works as a freelance journalist and independent filmmaker.

Luca Ragazzi graduated in Literature and Philosophy from the University La Sapienza of Rome. A journalist, film critic and photographer, he makes his directorial debut with Suddenly, Last Winter.