Jimmy Somerville: Queer Rebel of British Pop
2025•52m•5.3•Released
DocumentaryMusic
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
Languages
French, English, German
Studio
13prods
Cast
Jimmy Somerville
Self (archive footage)
Félix Maritaud
Narrator (voice over)
Sarah-Jane Morris
Self : Friend & Singer
June Miles-Kingston
Self : Friend & Singer
Richard Coles
Self : Friend, Musician & Anglican priest
Didier Lestrade
Self : Friend & Activist-Journalist
Mark Ashton
Self (archive footage)
Bibhu Bhattacharya
Self
Colin Stewart Bell
Self
Otis Coulter
Self
Hugues Ozouf
Self
Tom Rasmussen
Self
Laurie Belgrave
Self
Heïko Bollmann
Self
Dan Glass
Self
Production
Company
13prods
Company
ARTE
Company
Histoire TV
Company
Pop'Films
Company
Sacem
Company
PROCIREP
Company
ANGOA
Company
RTS
Company
Ale Kino+
Company
Planete+ Poland
Company
Channel 8 Hot
Producer
Sylvie Gautier
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