TONGUES UNTIED Cinema's Legacy

Revolutionary in its artistic approach and deeply moving in the intimacy of its storytelling, Marlon Riggs’ TONGUES UNTIED is as dazzling and impactful today as it was 30 years ago when it premiered on public television. A prototypical personal documentary, years ahead of its time, TONGUES UNTIED, broke new ground by mixing poetry, music, performance and Riggs’ autobiographical revelations.

Giving voice to communities of black gay men as they confront racism, homophobia, and marginalization, the film was embraced by black gay audiences for its authentic representation of style and culture, as well its fierce response to oppression. Fueled by Riggs’ powerful imagination, TONGUES UNTIED opened up opportunities for dialogue among and across communities.