The Human Toll Of Anti-Gay Hate

How does a family react to a son’s life taken because he is gay? The toll taken on those left behind is explored in PBS’ documentary Beyond Hatred premiering tonight.

On the night of September 13, 2002, in Leo Legrange Park in Rheims, France, Francois Chenu was brutally murdered by three neo-Nazi skinheads. When the trio came upon Francois they asked him if he was gay and he answered yes.

The twenty-nine-year-old fought back as the men beat him, then, when it was over, he called them cowards, prompting the men to kill their victim.

Acclaimed Director Olivier Meyrou dispenses with the dramatic reenactments. In fact, the film mostly ignores Francois’ death by drowning, opting instead to concentrate on the lives of the family left behind. It’s powerful filmmaking, to say the least.

Meyrou catches up with Francois’ parents and three sibling two years after his death, as the killers’ trial is about to open.

The documentary focuses on the mundane lives of the Chenu family, allowing us to sense the strength necessary to continue after such a brutal crime.

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Muslim gay filmmaker’s work to be shown at the arts school

UT at the Movies/Winston-Salem presents the documentary, A Jihad for Love, 7 p.m. Saturday at the ACE Theatre Complex on the UNC School of the Arts campus.

Muslim gay filmmaker, Parvez Sharma, brings to light the hidden lives of gay and lesbian Muslims from such countries as Iran, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, France, India and South Africa.

Admission is $5, and all proceeds will benefit the Adam Foundation and UNCSA’s School of Filmmaking.

For more information, call 336-918-0902, or e-mail OUTattheMovies@triad.rr.com.

See Muslim gay filmmaker’s work to be shown at the arts school
Winston-Salem Journal, NC