Jimmy Somerville: Queer Rebel of British Pop (2025)
With his soaring falsetto and magnetic yet understated stage presence, Jimmy Somerville burst onto the 1980s new wave scene, making the world dance to songs rooted in struggle and resilience. From the harsh realities of Glasgow’s working-class neighborhoods to the challenges of growing up gay in a hostile world, and the devastating impact of the AIDS crisis, Somerville transformed pain into anthems of freedom. First with Bronski Beat, then The Communards, and later as a solo artist, he became both rebel and diva—the unmistakable voice of a generation fighting for equality. Through intimate stories from those who have stood by him for four decades, this portrait reveals a rare artist who has never wavered in his convictions.
Director: Olivier Simonnet
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Jimmy Somerville as Self (Archive footage) |
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Sarah-Jane Morris as Self : Friend & Singer |
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June Miles-Kingston as Self : Friend & Singer |
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Richard Coles as Self : Friend, Musician & Anglican priest |
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Didier Lestrade as Self : Friend & Activist-Journalist |
| Directing | Olivier Simonnet | Director |
| Writing | Olivier Simonnet | Author |
| Camera | Antoine Planchot | Camera Operator |
| Sound | Brice Picard | Sound |
| Editing | Denis Batardière | Editor |
| Production | Sylvie Gautier | Producer |
