National Anthem2023

When Dylan ends up on a ranch in the American Southwest, his path crosses that of the intriguing Sky. This chance encounter gradually draws him into life on the ranch and the unique world that unfolds there. Dylan finds himself tumbling from his simple summer job ever deeper into a world where cowboy hats, rodeos and queer love coexist effortlessly.

With National Anthem, photographer and director Luke Gilford has created a tender ode to the queer rodeo community, inspired by his eponymous photo book. The ranch becomes a place where outsiders have formed their own family and everyone is welcome. Gilford captures this world in warm colours, sweeping landscapes and intimate close-ups, whilst real rodeo riders lend the film a documentary-like energy.

Before the screening (at 18:30), we’ll be holding a queer line-dancing workshop in the foyer.