Coming Out w/SLIP

The multi-award winning Heiner Carow filmComing Out(1989) brings the sexual awakening of a school teacher to the fore a young man in the throes of an identity crisis which gradually leads into a slow burn acceptance. Passionate and dedicated teacher Philipp Klarmann (Matthias Freihof) is at the beginning of his career at a new school, and when he literally crashes into fellow teacher Tanja (Dagmar Manzel) the two develop a relationship, landing them in a commitment to marry. However, this union doesnt seem to fit Philipp who wrestles with his same sex attraction and keen interest in cruising gay bars where he meets the seductive Matthias (Dirk Kummer), who Philipp instantly falls in love with right after their first sexual encounter. What follows is Philipps journey into self-discovery and truth telling, where everyone who peppers his life from Tanja to Matthias through to his co-workers and mother (Walfriede Schmitt) all face the consequences of his coming out. With its tender performances that bring the sharp writing to life and poignant set pieces, Coming Outis a queer masterwork at the cusp of the transition of the late eighties and into a new decade of East Germany. Featuring transgender activist Charlotte von Mahlsdorf and real-life Nazi resistance fighter Werner Dissel in cameo roles, director Heiner Carows film is a seminal classic of European gay themed cinema during the period where Americas New Queer Cinema movement was emerging.

directed by:Heiner Carow
starring:Matthias Freihof, Dagmar Manzel, Dirk Kummer, Michael Gwisdek, Walfriede Schmitt
1989 / 113 min / 1.66:1 / GermanDTS-HD MA 1.0

Additional info:

• Region Free Blu-ray
• We Would All Be Honored by Such an Inscription: Coming Out in the GDR – A Video Essay by Tom Boye
• Other Trailers
• English & Spanish subtitles