Desert Hearts

Posted:February 3, 2023

Helen Shaver as Vivian Bell & Patricia Charbonneau as Cay Rivvers--Courtesy of Janus Films

Donna Deitch’s swooning and sensual first film, Desert Hearts, was groundbreaking upon its 1986 release: a love story about two women, produced and directed by a woman. In the 1959-set film, an adaptation of a beloved novel by Jane Rule, straitlaced East Coast professor Vivian Bell (Helen Shaver) arrives in Reno to file for divorce, but winds up catching the eye of someone new, the younger free spirit Cay (Patricia Charbonneau), touching off a slow seduction that unfolds against the breathtaking desert landscape. With smoldering chemistry between its two leads, an evocative jukebox soundtrack, and vivid cinematography by Robert Elswit, Desert Hearts beautifully exudes a sense of tender yearning and emotional candor. (Janus Films)

You can watch the trailer here.

Desert Hearts is our February film screening of our A-List Film Series. This film was selected by Distinguished Friend of the Festival Award Recipient Eunice Fisher. The film will be screened at Green Light Cinema (221 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701) on Sunday, February 19th at 3:00pm (for IN-PERSON TICKETS please click here). This film is only available from TIGLFF as an in-person screening.

“My memory of “Desert Hearts” isn’t so much about plot as about feelings. I believe it’s the first movie I saw which convincingly portrayed lesbians in love. That movie — the feelings it evoked — stayed with me long after I forgot details of plot and character. I don’t know if I would have the same response if I saw it again today (more than 35 years after its release), but I’d like to find out!” — Eunice Fisher

Desert Hearts

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