Derek Jarman (1942–1994), considered a patron saint of the British avant-garde as well as homosexual activism, was one of the most influential British filmmakers of the last few decades. Having publicly fought for gay rights as well as raising awareness for those afflicted with AIDS, he was diagnosed as HIV-positive in 1986, but the illness did not stop him from tirelessly making films, with many of his most acclaimed works coming from this period of his life.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Jarman’s death, the British Film Institute’s National Film Archive has newly remastered a selection of his works, brought to Hong Kong this November and December by the Hong Kong International Film Festival in collaboration with the British Council, as a tribute to the master director. Films include: Sebastiane, The Tempest, Caravaggio, War Requiem, Edward II and Wittgenstein.