WIENXTRA Sunset Cinema: BUT I´M A CHEERLEADER (16-26J.)

*But I’m a Cheerleader* is a satirical comedy that critically examines gender stereotypes, heteronormativity, and attitudes toward homosexuality. Megan, a typical cheerleader, is sent by her family to a conversion camp because those around her label her as a lesbian. There, gay boys and girls are supposed to be turned into heterosexuals: boys must demonstrate strength, while girls must cook, clean, and wear makeup. The film deliberately parodies these clichés through exaggeration and colorful staging. There, Megan comes to terms with her own homosexuality and falls in love with Graham. 

Despite its humorous tone, the film uses strong exaggeration to criticize real-life conversion camps, which continue to cause severe psychological damage to this day.

But I'm a Cheerleader | Jamie Babbit | USA 1999 | 85 min. | German dubbed version | Ages 12 and up | Starring: Natasha Lyonne, Clea DuVall, RuPaul, Melanie Lynskey, and others