Romania: Religious Zealots Storm Screening

A screening of the ACT UP drama 120 Beats Per Minute in Bucharest was interrupted by religious protestors, claiming the film violated Romanian values.

The film, from out French director Robin Campillo, recounts the early days of ACT UP Paris, and activists attempts to force pharmaceutical companies to fast-track lifesaving medications. It also presents the growing relationship between two members, newcomer Nathan (Arnaud Valois) and HIV-positive activist Sean (Nahuel Pérez Biscayart). It was being screened as part of LGBT History Month, which is celebrated in February in the U.K. and parts of Europe.

A handful of demonstrators calling themselves Christian Orthodox burst into a theater at the Romanian Peasant Museum on Sunday evening, where the film was being shown. Participants sang religious hymns and the Romanian national anthem, with some holding religious icons and banners saying: “Romania isn’t Sodom” and “Hey Soros, leave them kids alone,” a reference to Hungarian-American philanthropist billionaire George Soros. Read more via NewNowNext

Robin Campillo's 120 Beats Per Minute (120 battements par minute) - Trailer official (English) from Cannes (new)