The upcoming BFI Flare film festival is poised to mark its 40th anniversary with a noteworthy premiere: Jennifer Kroot’s documentary, Hunky Jesus. This feature-length film delves into a cherished San Francisco Easter tradition, highlighting a celebration that embodies community spirit and resilience.
Organized by the acclaimed drag activist group, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Hunky Jesus event has evolved into a powerful symbol of resistance against societal prejudice. Over four decades, the Sisters have honored numerous influential figures within the LGBTQIA+ community, including icons like Harvey Milk and George Takei, transforming the event into a vibrant platform for activism and celebration.
The significance of Hunky Jesus
For Kroot, sharing this story holds deep personal significance. A resident of San Francisco since 1989, she reflects on her admiration for the Sisters, particularly during the challenging years of the AIDS crisis. Their bold, punk-inspired activism offered a vital counterpoint to the rising religious conservatism of the 1980s. Kroot’s journey as a filmmaker is shaped by her commitment to capturing the essence of the queer experience, a mission inspired by her mentor, underground filmmaker George Kuchar.
Inspiration amid uncertainty
The idea for Hunky Jesus emerged during the pandemic when the traditional live event transitioned to a virtual format. This shift raised concerns about the event’s future, prompting Kroot to commit to her documentary project should Hunky Jesus return to its in-person roots. The film thus began as a response to the uncertainty surrounding cultural gatherings during a global crisis.
Exploring queerness and spirituality
Kroot, identifying as straight, embraces a broad understanding of queerness and feels a strong connection to the LGBTQIA+ community. She emphasizes the Sisters’ role as civil rights activists, believing their story deserves widespread recognition and celebration. Through the creation of Hunky Jesus, Kroot also reevaluated her perceptions of organized religion. Initially skeptical, she anticipated portraying the Sisters as atheists or followers of alternative spiritual paths. However, she discovered that many Sisters embrace a Christian identity and possess profound spiritual convictions, leading to a nuanced exploration of faith within the LGBTQIA+ context.
The message of joy and resistance
As audiences gather for BFI Flare, Kroot hopes they depart with a renewed sense of joy and empowerment. The Sisters’ guiding principle, to “expiate stigmatic guilt and to promulgate joy,” resonates deeply within the film. In a world often overshadowed by negativity, Kroot believes reclaiming joy is essential. This notion of radical joy serves as a form of resistance and a pathway to authenticity, enabling individuals to find their voices and advocate for their rights.
Reflections on LGBTQIA+ cinema
When asked about the impact of LGBTQIA+ films over the past four decades, Kroot cites Jennie Livingston’s Paris Is Burning as a transformative work. This documentary offers an intimate glimpse into Harlem’s vibrant drag ball scene of the 1980s, showcasing the resilience of individuals who craft their identities through creativity and community. Kroot draws parallels between this film and the Sisters’ narrative, underscoring the significance of chosen families within the LGBTQIA+ experience.
Looking ahead, Kroot highlights the vital need to support platforms like BFI Flare, especially as voices advocating for queer stories face censorship in various regions. The festival, a beacon of LGBTQIA+ representation since its inception, plays a critical role in ensuring that these narratives continue to thrive.
Anticipating the future
Kroot aspires for audiences from 1986 to find inspiration in her documentary, particularly in light of the Sisters’ efforts during the AIDS crisis. Their perseverance and activism serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights. As we move into 2026, the importance of queer storytelling remains paramount, especially in combating forces that seek to silence these voices. Kroot’s Hunky Jesus stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity within the community, inviting all to celebrate and share in this vibrant narrative.