Odd People Out (Seres Extravagantes)

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Odd People Out (Seres Extravagantes) is a 2004 film by Manuel Zayas about the process of marginalization, repression and denial of the gay community during the first two decades of the Cuban Revolution.

Film still from Odd People Out (Seres Extravagantes)
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Production Information

  • Title: Odd People Out (Seres Extravagantes)
  • Director: Manuel Zayas
  • Year: 2004
  • Country: Spain
  • Length: 54 min.
  • Language: Spanish w/English subtitles


Synopsis

Odd People Out is a documentary about the process of marginalization, repression and denial of the gay community during the first two decades of the Cuban Revolution, through the eyes and voice of Cuban writer Reinaldo Arenas. A counterpoint to the fictional Before Night Falls, Odd People Out constructs a kaleidoscopic depiction of Reinaldo’s life and of the Cuban gay community before and after the revolution. A unique testimony of a unique time and a unique artist, it combines rare archival material with contemporary footage clandestinely shot in Cuba.


Awards

City of Madrid Award, Best Spanish Short Documentary, Documenta Madrid, Spain

Honorable Mention, LaCinemaFe, New York

Union Latina-Festival de Biarritz Award, Best Documentary, Festival de Biarritz, France

Best Spanish Documentary, Madrid Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Lesgaicinemad, Spain

Best Spanish Filmmaker, Madrid Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Lesgaicinemad, Spain

Best Documentary, Torino Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Italy

Best LGBT Film, San Francisco Bay Area Latino Film Festival


Reviews

"A deeply moving, orgiastic examination of the contours of memory and a country held under the spell of an Orwellian form of mind control." - Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine

"Clandestinely shot in Cuba, Odd People Out scores stunning interviews with colleagues, friends, and relatives of dissident writer Reinaldo Arenas, author of Before Night Falls." - The Village Voice

"With masterful restraint, the live-action footage of Arenas is saved for the final minutes, and after hearing his voice throughout the film it comes as a shock to see him in a silent, melancholy reverie." - Gay City News

"Interviewees describe Arenas' vision, hope, and refusal to change his ideas or sexual orientation." - PopMatters


Distribution Information

Distributed by Frameline[1]


External Links

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