Airdate: Hating Peter Tatchell

New locally-produced documentary Hating Peter Tatchell will stream in Australia on Netflix from Wednesday.

Backed by Sir Elton John and David Furnish, the story of  the controversial Australian-born, British gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell was produced by Brisbane production company WildBear Entertainment and is the debut feature of Gold Coast director Christopher Amos.

The documentary features interviews and rare archive footage with Sir Ian McKellen and Stephen Fry, and former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey.

Producer Veronica Fury of WildBear Entertainment said, “We initially released the film on Netflix during Pride month, which was the optimal time to make a splash, especially in the US and UK, ahead of the Melbourne International Film Festival.

“We are deeply humbled by the incredible support we have received, and we’re thrilled that a home audience can finally see the film, and witness the efforts of the many skilled, hardworking and passionate people who made it happen.”

Executive Producers Sir Elton John and David Furnish said, “It was fantastic! It’s so compelling – and such a harsh contrast to the disappointing times we are living in. An important cinematic milestone that properly celebrates a true hero.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said, “Local productions have a direct and ongoing impact on the viability of our state’s screen industry, which creates thousands of jobs and generates millions of dollars for our state economy every year.”

Screen Queensland Chief Creative Officer Jo Dillon added, “Hating Peter Tatchell is powerful viewing, taking us through Peter’s highly publicised activism during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Moscow and exploring deeply the life and makings of this fascinating and passionate human rights warrior.

“Opening doors for local screen practitioners to bring diverse, important stories to the screen and championing under-represented voices very much underpins the work that we do at Screen Queensland, and I congratulate WildBear and the many expert Queensland crew who have created such an impressive and potent film,.”

Screen Australia’s Head of Documentary Alex West said, “This is a remarkable debut feature documentary from director Christopher Amos, who has crafted a bold film about Australian-British activist Tatchell and his achievements which continue to resonate today. We’re delighted to see this story reach global audiences on Netflix.”

The film is produced by Veronica Fury, Christophe Amos and Lee Matthews.

From Executive Producers Elton John and David Furnish, Hating Peter Tatchell is the powerful and inspiring true story of the controversial human rights campaigner whose provocative acts of civil disobedience rocked the British establishment, revolutionise attitudes to homosexuality and exposed world tyrants. As social attitudes change and history vindicates Peter’s stance on gay rights, his David versus Goliath battles gradually win him status as a national treasure. Featuring an amazing array of rare archive and an intimate conversation between celebrated actor Ian McKellen and Peter himself, as well as evocative interviews with the likes of former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey, activist Angela Mason, and actor Stephen Fry, this film explores what motivates Peter Tatchell’s lifelong fight for equality. It follows Peter now as he embarks on his riskiest crusade yet by seeking to disrupt the FIFA World Cup in Moscow to draw attention to the persecution of LGBT+ people in Russia and Chechnya.

Supported by the Queensland Government via Screen Queensland’s Screen Finance Program, the film also received principal production investment from Screen Australia as well as support from the Melbourne International Film Festival Premiere Fund.

Wednesday September 22 on Netflix.

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