Jimmy Somerville: Queer Rebel of British Pop
07/05/2025
1h



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.
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
Franck Sainte-Martine
Self
Tawiah
Self
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