Tongues Untied (1990)

In the heart of a revolution, Marlon Riggs orchestrates a harmonic celebration of love between Black men, aided by the profound words of the poet Essex Hemphill. This film intricately weaves together a tapestry of life, love and identity. Riggs' personal journey of self-discovery blossoms amidst Hemphill's poignant poetry, painting a picture of a world where love is a radical act. The film is a symphony of social dialogue and rhythmic dance, punctuated by moments of light-hearted comedy. It guides the audience to the whimsical "Institute of Snap!thology," where men hone the art of the snap, mastering its various forms; the sling, the point, the diva. Each snap, a silent proclamation of their identity. As the film reaches its poignant climax, it honors the memory of those claimed by AIDS, juxtaposing this somber remembrance with archival footage from the civil rights movement. This striking contrast further highlights the struggle for acceptance, culminating in a powerful scene of Black men proudly marching in a gay pride parade. Here, Tongues Untied presents an intimate portrait of a community on the frontline of a dual battle; fighting for the right to love and the right to be.

Tongues Untied is a documentary movie featuring Marlon Riggs.

Tongues Untied is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Criterion Channel and OVID.