Ready or not America, here comes a film
that dares to simultaneously question virtually every prejudice –
nothing is left out in The World Unseen.
Here's the skinny: In writer/director
Shamin Sarif's The World Unseen two women cope with
multi-faceted discrimination as they fall in love in 1950s South
Africa.
That's lesbian love, in racist and
sexist 1950s South Africa. We did say every prejudice.
Clearly, the gay film is a heavy drama,
but its rewards for the viewer are abundant.
Amina (Sheetal Sheth, American Chai)
is breaking all the rules of South Africa and her Indian heritage by
managing a café
with a “colored” business partner when she meets traditional
mother and housewife Miriam (Lisa Ray, Water). The pair's
relationship quickly escalates to a fever pitch as the couple sorts
out their new found feelings and are forced to cope with the intense
hate that surrounds them.
The World Unseen is a period
piece that has been masterfully photographed and wonderfully acted.
AfterEllen.com called the film, “[O]ne
of the best-conceived queer films of the past year – a sincere,
beautifully realized vision of love and resistance in an intolerant
world.”
The World Unseen opens in New
York City and Beverly Hills on November 7th, and in San
Francisco on November 14th.
Gay Entertainment Report is a feature
of On Top Magazine and can be reached at ontopmag@ontopmag.com.