5 Reasons Why Sydney is a Perfect Honeymoon Destination

Sydney is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and when it comes to your perfect honeymoon it’s definitely at the top of the list as well. After all, Sydney has plenty to offer to its visitors and your romantic getaway will undoubtedly be filled with various activities and memorable experiences. If you’re still deciding where to spend this love-celebrating vacation with your spouse, check out what makes Sydney so irresistible to couples all over the world.

Nature and scenery are amazing

Also called the city of thousand beaches, Sydney can turn out to be the perfect backdrop for your romantic photos. After all, the nature and scenery of this city is breathtaking. And that doesn’t only include the marvelous sandy beaches. Sydney also features amazing parks and gardens. Its unique flora will undoubtedly leave you breathless and provide the pleasant greenery everybody needs when they’re relaxing and enjoying themselves. With the Blue Mountains surrounding the city, you won’t be missing on landscape views one bit.

Thrilling city attractions

Sydney offers the best of both worlds to its visitors. Aside from the picturesque natural scenery it also features a gorgeous cityscape with plenty of attractions to keep the couple entertained. For starters, the historical tours in The Rocks suburb are really interesting, showing you the old architecture and even a couple of mysteries of the area. Choose among various museums that will amaze you with its design and exhibitions. Visit the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Tower and Opera House. Go down to the Queen Victoria Building for a unique shopping experience. The options are endless.

Enjoy the diverse food culture

If you and your spouse appreciate the taste of excellent cuisine and wine, Sydney won’t leave you disappointed. After all, you’ll hardly find another place that offers so many diverse food and beverage options. Thanks to the cultural diversity in Sydney, you can literally find dishes from all over the world to satisfy your palate. What’s more, you have an amazing selection of smaller cafes, fancy restaurants and lovely street food stalls for different occasions. And with Australia being so big on wine culture, the options you’ll have, from unique blends to tasty organic red wine, will make every dining experience more special.

Explore the buzzing nightlife

While you may like to relax during the day, the nighttime in Sydney is where the streets and the bars come to life. And as you can imagine, there are plenty of bars that are perfect for romantic couples. If you like the noise and the crowds you’ll find your place among the Sydneysiders rather quickly. In case this is your jam definitely visit Oxford Street. But, the best part of Sydney’s night life is the ability to easily find a bar that will provide you with great cocktails and music, but also a more intimate atmosphere with less noise so that you can comfortably cuddle up and enjoy the course of the evening without having to shout at each other in order to communicate.

5. Get the feel of fun activities

As mentioned, Sydney is a city that provides its citizens and visitors with plenty to do. In that respect, the two of you won’t have time to even think about feeling bored. Cycling is one of the more popular activities for couples as it allows you to check out beaches and other areas in a more interesting manner. A jet boat ride will delight the adventurers. The two of you can also visit the Blue Mountains and explore the scenic rainforest so close to this modern city. You can also swim with the dolphins at Port Stephens. And a trip to Hunter Valley will let you taste some of the finest wines, cheeses and chocolates. There’s something to do for everyone and sharing these experiences with your loved one will only strengthen your bond.

If Sydney turns out to be your choice for the perfect honeymoon don’t hesitate to check out everything the city has to offer before you even book your tickets. After all, this will allow you to create an itinerary and find activities and attractions that you really wouldn’t want to miss, especially when you’re together on a vacation that celebrates your love.

 

5 Exciting LGBT Friendly Destinations

Because of the growing LGBT population, there are so many places that are gay-friendly to visit nowadays. From smaller towns to bigger cities, wherever you go a lot of fun is guaranteed if you know how to enjoy to the fullest. There are some that are more suitable for singles, while others would be better for couples and families. Check out this list of five cool places to visit, because they are quite welcoming.

Margaret River in Western Australia

We know that Australia is quite awesome, and people know this small town best for its boutiques, craft breweries and wineries that surround it. If you like how all this sounds, you should also know there is a must-try craft beer in Margaret River that is worth your while. Beaches and surf breaks are beautiful and there is even a period when whales that are migratory can be seen (from June to October). You can also see two lighthouses, one on the north and another on the south of the town. It is good for peaceful long distance walks and it is both an LGBT and family friendly place that everyone likes.

Berlin, Germany

If you want to have the time of your life or a honeymoon that came right out of a dream, maybe start thinking about Europe. Berlin is a great city to visit if you are looking for open-minded people. European gay scene is definitely amazing and something everyone should experience. There are many popular gay clubs that are perfect for singles or people in a partying mood. For older gays and transgender people, or just the ones who are more interested in exploring the place’s history and classical culture, you can have tours where you can learn more about German history. It is actually pretty interesting. When it comes to hotels, Mercure Hotel Berlin City comes highly recommended, but there are also many other exquisite options.   

Koh Samui, Thailand

This is definitely for someone who prefers exotic and distant places. A magical island Koh Samui in Thailand is maybe the one that’s most worth mentioning. You can find accomodation over Ebab that is gonna fulfill all of your demands.  Look for accommodations that have a terrace that overlooks the beach and has a splendid view where you can look at the ocean. If you like swimming, you can check out the places with a great swimming pool, or the neighboring beach in order to enjoy an exotic swim in the ocean. You also have a considerable number of spas, gyms and restaurants. There is no way you get bored here!

Toronto in Ontario, Canada

Canada is known to be a very friendly country, so it is not a surprise that you can visit its cities, like Toronto in Ontario, for it has a very gay-friendly reputation. They say you can expect extremely welcoming people here and the LGBT community is pretty strong. If you like drag shows and karaoke, Crews and Tangos is a bar where you can go to have some fun. For the more sedate atmosphere, you have the Beaver for patio and bingo parties. The Pride Month in Toronto is definitely something you don’t want to miss but even if you visit it later in the years, Halloween on Church – the city’s festive Halloween celebration – has got you covered.

Guadalajara, Mexico

This is the second largest city in Mexico and you can expect a lot of gay cuties here, just like the rest of the LGBT population. It is a remarkable cultural destination that brings you mariachi and tequila, and we love both of those. For those of you on the prowl for good-looking singles, just hit some of the city’s many bars and nightclubs where you can let loose. They hold the popular Pride celebration in June.

 

No matter what your cup of tea is, there are always great LGBT friendly places to visit. Luckily, you can find both family or singles friendly ones, too. Hopefully, this list was helpful. Have a nice time wherever you choose to go!

5 Summer Vacation Packing Tips for Gay Men

Summer is right around the corner and it’s time to start planning your next summer adventure. Whether you’re traveling to the farthest corner of the globe or flying across the country, you always need to pack accordingly.

Now, every trip comes with a fair share of pros and cons, so you need to think through before you start packing. Think about where you’re going, your daily activities, after-hours nightlife, the weather… all the little things you might need when you get to your destination.

Plan ahead

There are certain things you must not forget before you go on your vacation. They might be a bit tedious to go over, but there wouldn’t be a vacation without them. The most important thing is to make sure your documents are valid – if you need a visa, get one on time.

Book your accommodation on Ebab, get travelers insurance and do a bit of research on the local laws. Some exotic destinations tend to have rules and regulations that impose certain restrictions, which can get in the way of your summer vacation and that’s definitely something you do not want to happen.

Always look incredible

You don’t need to pack a gigantic suitcase to look amazing. You need to pack enough clothes to last you through the vacation, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pack lightly. Your daily attire should include a couple of jeans, a few tees and shirts and a long-sleeve shirt in case of bad weather.

As for the nightlife, bring a few outfits that emphasize your body and make you feel comfortable. If you plan to spend the nights at the beach, include some party clothes as well. Also, leave a fairly large compartment for all the extracurricular activities you might end up doing. After all, you are on vacation.

Bring the essentials

Summer vacation means that, in comparison to the rest of the year, you’ll be exposed to sunlight more than you usually would. This takes a huge toll on your skin, so if you want to stay on top of skincare routine and keep that glow year round, you need to bring all the essentials with you.

After you get the sunscreen lotion (SPF of your choice), take out all the products you use and pack only the essentials – our suggestion includes a moisturizer, a cleanser and an exfoliator. If you have problems with acne, get some acne products because the situation will probably get worse during summer.

Pack your gadgets

Nowadays, phones have amazing cameras and that’s pretty much the only camera you need to carry with you. However, the battery on your phone definitely won’t make it through a day of intense use, so consider bringing a power bank or a battery case.

You certainly don’t want to forget to bring your selfie stick – how else are you going to make those groups shot memories? However, if you’re not a fan of selfie sticks you can get an Insta360 or a Moment lens. Whichever you choose, make sure it works with your phone.

Protect yourself

Once again, depending on your destination and the activities, you will need to pack accordingly. If you’re traveling alone, you will definitely end up meeting amazing people.

Now, people tend to be a bit more relaxed during vacation than usual, so if you plan to stay out, party hard, and have sex, make sure to bring enough protection. Your health should be of utmost importance.

That being said, wherever you decide to go, take some time to relax and enjoy the moment. Try to grab a sunset or two, put your phone down, forget about your insta feed and just be there. Such moments have a habit of passing by in an instance so try not to miss them.

A Gay Man’s Guide to Spring Break Packing

Ah, it’s that time again. No, we’re talking about the Game of Thrones time of the year, but spring, and the time to make all the necessary plans for our spring break gaycation! Now, this year you may have chosen a killer destination such as the Bahamas, or perhaps a more authentic one like Italy, but be that as it may, you really need to pay attention to what you’re bringing with you. Spring breaks might seem as holidays which you don’t really have to think a lot about, but the truth is different. You will most likely forget something important, so in order not to experience that feeling, take a look at some of the essentials, write them down and may it serve as a checklist!

Handsome during the day

In order to be look your best in the daylight, you need to pack all the best outfits that you will rock in the streets of your destination. These don’t have to be sexy (but if they are, so what), but don’t bring any old-fashioned clothes either. So, think casual. Bring some shorts, a pair of jeans, tees and shirts. You should also make sure to bring something long-sleeved as nights can be a bit chilly out there, but of course everything depends on the destination that you opt for. Think of all the outfits in advance, imagine them and pack accordingly. You will definitely need some extra space in your suitcase.

Sexy during the night

You can play this in two ways. As far as partying is concerned, you might choose to wear your daywear options and still look super cute, but you can also go a bit bolder. Opting for body harnesses is, for example, a very interesting move, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. Bottom line – you’re visiting a new place, so wear whatever makes you feel sexy and desirable. This is why you should always be ready to dress to impress, so pack your favorite party clothes and dancing shoes.

Be prepared for anything

What is your main goal this spring break? To Grindr your days out, or to try something new? The latter one is always a great option, because after all, it would be an excellent idea to try a new activity and experience something for the first time. If you’re visiting a coastal town, check if there’s any scuba diving equipment that you need to prepare in advance, as going scuba diving is always a wonderful experience. On the other hand, if you’re going to a place where safari’s very popular, also try to see if there’s anything that you could take from home as some things might be cheaper at your current location.  

Skin is glowing

This might not be your priority for the spring break, but packing all of your skincare routine essentials is very much advisable. First of all, you’re changing locations, which means that the weather is definitely going to be different, and it can take its toll on your skin. Bring your moisturizer and your cleanser, as you should still use them on a daily basis. Next, pack the masks or other products that you use in order to make your face so damn pretty!

The funsies

Once you pack your suitcase with the cosmetics, shoes and clothes, it’s time to think about the fun things that you might need there. First of all, bring books or Bluetooth speakers – anything that will make your trip and stay there more comfortable. Next, think about your lube and condoms. Even though you might be able to buy these wherever you’re going, it’s always better to bring them from home just to be sure you have them.

And the checklist is done! As you can see, it’s not difficult to pack your essentials, but you really need to make a list beforehand just so as not to forget anything. Also, bear in mind that the first things you need to pack are your passport, plane tickets and booking confirmation. Have everything you need? Have a great trip!

How to Stay Fit on Your Gaycation

Going on a vacation is a joyous occasion that will help you relax and take your mind off everyday stress. However, if you’re an active person who loves nothing more than staying in shape, you can’t spend your time doing nothing but eating all day long. You need to keep your body fit, lose some weight, and boost your strength, even though you’re supposed to be taking it easy. So, if you too are part of the gay community and wish to stay fit on your vacation, here’s what you need to do.

Eat healthy food

No matter what kind of vacation you’re going on – a cruise, a road trip, a visit to a foreign country, or something else – eating healthy food is essential. You can prepare your food yourself or rely on local restaurants, but insisting on eating three healthy meals a day is what’s ultimately going to make you fitter than ever.

This might not be easy, especially if you’re surrounded by tasty street food options people generally love when they’re far away from home, but it’s still doable. You just have to get organized, know when your meals are and what you’re going to eat – keep in mind that eating healthy food means you can try out new recipes and ingredients you don’t usually use, and as long as you stick to healthy food, you can eat as much as you want.

Hit the gym

Yes, being on vacation means you’re supposed to relax and do something you don’t usually do at home, but that doesn’t prevent you from hitting the gym every once in a while. Most modern hotels are equipped with a gym, and you usually don’t have to pay for it if you’re staying in there, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t do that.

Taking an hour or two out of your busy vacation schedule might mean more than you can imagine, and this is an idea that really goes a long way, especially if you already have an established gym routine and know what you’re doing. Just a few exercises and thirty minutes on the treadmill will be enough, and then you can go back to enjoying your time away from home.

Try out new exercises

Working out in a new gym and a new environment means you can try out new exercises and routines you don’t have time for back home. Even if you’re the biggest fan of working out in the world, there must be a few things you haven’t tried yet, and hitting the gym on your vacation might be the perfect opportunity to do that. Whether it’s lifting weights, trying out new cardio equipment, or pushing your boundaries further than before, just stop thinking about it and start actually doing it!

Of course, you’re going to need some help, so talk to personal trainers in your hotel gym and ask them to give you a hand, show you around, and help you reach your full potential. If you’re planning on lifting weights, for instance, you might want to consider packing some comfortable bodybuilding clothing that will help you look good and give you that extra push you’re looking for. You need to do this beforehand, though, so start packing as soon as possible.

Go for a run

Running is probably the healthiest and easiest way to stay in shape, not just at home, but on your vacation as well. Therefore, you need to find time for a quick run in the morning or evening, and you won’t believe how much this will help you stay in shape.

Running in an unknown town could seem strange at first, but it’s one of the best ways to check out the place you’re visiting and get familiar with its parks, beaches, forests, and other outdoor locations suitable for running. In the end, this will get you energized and pumped up, and you’re going to enjoy your vacation more than ever before.

Staying fit on your gaycation isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible either. All you need to do is get organized, stay active and find ways to eat healthy food – these are the things that won’t just prevent you from gaining weight, but will actually help you lose some in the process as well.

5 Sex Tips for Young Gay Couples

Yes, when you first started dating, everything was sexy, just looking at your boyfriend made you want to rip his clothes off and have him right there and then. Perhaps there were even times when you couldn’t even control yourself and you would just do it in a bathroom at a friend’s party. However, this ‘hot and heavy’ stage always fizzles out. No one knows exactly why – perhaps you become too comfortable with each other, you become too secure in your relationship and the knowledge that you can have sex whenever you want actually leads to a lack of sex, or at least adventurous sex, which is actually kind of paradoxical if you think about it. Well, whichever the reason, the lesson we must all remember at all times is that, in a relationship, you have to work at keeping the fires of passion and adventure alive. Great sex doesn’t just happen, and sometimes you have to work at it either to rekindle the fires or keep the flame alive even before it dies. So, what can you do to improve your sex life? Stay tuned and find out. Spoiler alert: it’s not difficult.

Sleep naked

According to a survey published in the Huffington Post sleeping naked with your partner doesn’t only make you sleep better but can actually improve your sex life. The reason is simple: just being in close proximity to your partner and not be ‘separated’ by layers of clothing will entice and excite you. This in turn could actually lead to a lack of sleep (if you know what we mean), because once you caress your boyfriend’s skin, you won’t be able to help yourself and you’ll want them immediately. We have oxytocin, the ‘love hormone’ to thank for this. When you sleep naked together higher levels of this hormone are released and you’ll feel not only aroused but also more connected to your partner.

Time to play

Even straight couples have discovered the benefits of bringing sex toys into the boudoir, and we all know that when it comes to sex, gays are always ahead of the straights. So, even if the levels of pleasure are at a satisfactory level, introducing some pleasure enhancers is never a bad idea. There is a huge number of toys you can play with that will make sex an unforgettable experience, such as a prostate massager, a butt plug and a cock ring (these are plain amazing). Once you’ve included toys into your sex life, there will never be a dull moment in bed ever again, and your toy collection will just become bigger until you have to replace the ‘goodie drawer’ with a ‘goodie closet’.

When out of ideas

If you think you’ve tried it all and you’re fresh out of ideas as to what new thing to do – watching pornography is a great way to get some inspiration. Perhaps you’ll discover some new positions to try, but above all else, watching to guys (or more if that’s your kind of thing) being all hot and heavy will instantly arouse you to the point of eruption and you won’t be able to contain yourself. Just like when you were hot and heavy at the very beginning and couldn’t get to the end of a ‘regular’ movie, you won’t be able to finish this one either.

Talk about it

Once you’re in the ‘relationship’ stage as opposed to just casually dating and you are comfortable enough with your boyfriend to tell him all about your childhood memories and perhaps even share some emotional scars, you can be comfortable enough to talk about your fantasies. Fantasies are a healthy for a relationship, and in addition to that, if you go along with one or all of them, you might find unknown levels of pleasure. You may actually discover that you enjoy being tied up or are aroused by a certain fetish or role play that never crossed your mind before.

Never skip on foreplay

Sometimes the sheer anticipation of a touch is enough to get you going. Never forget to take your time, kiss like there’s no tomorrow, touch, play and tease one another to the point where you just can’t stand it anymore, and then tease each other some more. Sometimes there is nothing better than delayed gratification.

A prodigy: Xavier Dolan

I just read that “The Death and Life of John F. Donovan” is a new movie by Xavier Dolan (born on March 20, 1989 in Montreal) to be released this year. For a Dolan fan like me this is long-awaited news as the release of his last film “Simply the end of the world” in Cannes was in 2016 already. How could I cope during the past two years without a new production of Xavier? Only by watching all of his films so far on DVD over and over again.

For those of you who haven’t heard of Xavier Dolan yet as well as for everyone else I’m presenting you with a selection of my favorite films of him in today’s blog. Each one of them has received numerous international awards and nominations. Naturally.

I Killed My Mother | 2009

In his directing debut Xavier Dolan portraits of the life of the 16-year-old protagonist Hubert, who has recently started dating his classmate Antonin. Hubert’s anger and rebellion against his mother increases steadily so that he only sees one way out: to move out of his mother’s apartment as quickly as possible.

In this semi-autobiographical film Dolan also addresses his own issues in relation to and his relationship with his mother.

Heartbeats | 2010

Dolan’s film number 2 is all about a threesome relationship with four elements. Marie and Francis who are friends for a long time meet cuty Nicolas at a party. The drama seems unavoidable: friendship becomes competition and envy. Is Nicolas’ love really worth the effort? Is it worth it that Marie and Francis jeopardise their friendship because of him?

Laurence Anyways | 2012

This extraordinary film focuses on an apparently impossible love between a woman named Fred (Frédérique) and a transgender woman named Laurence (living as a man at the beginning). Laurence reveals her deepest desire to become her true self: a woman. The story which takes place in the late 1980s and early 1990s covers a decade and records the fatal love of Fred and Laurence and the trials and difficulties they face.

The Death and Life of John F. Donovan | release scheduled for autumn 2018

Dolan’s current cinematic trick was originally scheduled for release during the Cannes Film Festival in May 2018. But unfortunately we still have to be patient until the premiere. Dolan himself is said to have postponed its release until autumn so that he can continue working on post-production.

You can find an interview here with him from the set:

Penis Positivity: ER gehört dir.

Der englische Begriff “Body Positivity” beschreibt eine ziemlich aktuelle Bewegung. Sie scheint in Zeiten von sog. Influencern auf YouTube, Instagram, Tumblr und Co. immer mehr an Bedeutung zu gewinnen. Im Mittelpunkt dieser Bewegung steht die Akzeptanz des eigenen Körpers – sowohl bei einem Blick zurück in die Vergangenheit, einem Blick in den Spiegel als auch beim Blick in Richtung Zukunft. Es geht darum, dem Beauty Gedöns, Body Forming und Body Building die bewusste Annahme der eigenen Physis entgegen zu stellen. Also ein “JA” zum Ich und damit ein “JA” zur eigenen äußeren Erscheinung zu entwickeln, spüren und erleben.

Was hat das mit Gay und Schwanz – ähm, Penis 😉 – zu tun?

Die Antwort fällt nicht sonderlich schwer, ist doch das (Selfie) Posing und das Forming des Körpers ein fester Bestandteil des schwulen Alltags. Nicht nur im Club, beim Cruisen oder im Darkroom. Das Bild eines vermeintlich perfekten Körpers hat sich so verfestigt, dass es sich in zahlreichen Situationen, auch außerhalb der Szene, widerspiegelt. Neben einem Hipster-mäßigen Outfit zählen vor allem die “wahren Werte” eines schwulen Mannes  –  Länge und Umfang seines Schwanzes.

Als ob die fast schon ständige Konzentration auf das Äußere nicht anstrengend genug ist, nimmt bei der Bestimmung des Selbstwertes der Schwanz ein besondere Rolle ein. Zum Beispiel bei der allgemein üblichen gegenseitigen Begutachtung während des Duschens im Schwimmbad: “F*ck, wieder einer, mit ‘nem Längeren als ich!”

Typisches Selfie Posing: ‘perfekter’ Body und Schwanz

Um auf die Body Postitvity zurück zu kommen. Wie wäre es in dieser Situation mit dem Gedanken “Boar, hat der Typ gegenüber ein riesen Teil. Kein Wunder, der Kerl ist auch locker 20 cm größer als ich”? Was würde dieser Gedanke mit dem eigenen Selbstwert machen? Wäre die Chance, den Typen von gegenüber vielleicht sogar mit in eine Umkleidekabine zu bekommen, nicht größer? Wie wichtig ist überhaupt die Länge im Vergleich zur Potenz?

Penis Positivity

Sicher, einen Übergang vom Selfie Posing, inklusive Schwanzbildern, hin zur Penis Positivity stelle ich mir weder leicht noch besonders kurzfristig vor. Für mich wäre zu klären, welche Zwecke das Selfie Posing erfüllt und wie es dazu gekommen ist. Ich denke, mir selbst würde etwas Humor bei dieser Sache helfen, um den Druck, der mit dem Beauty und Posing Gedöns verbunden ist, ein wenig zu minimieren.

Neulich sah ich am Rückspiegel eines parkenden Autos einen Anhänger mit dem Text “I love my Penis” baumeln. Sofort im Web gesucht, fand ich unzählige Artikel mit diesem geilen Spruch. Zum Beispiel der Kaffepott, der mich seit Kurzem nach dem Aufstehen sofort an meinen Prachtkerl in der Hose erinnert.

Oder die Sticker, die ich überall in der Wohnung verteilen könnte. Der beste Artikel ist für mich jedoch das T-Shirt, mit dem ich im Club allen ganz easy, ohne ein Wort darüber verlieren zu müssen, sagen kann: Leute, ‘I love my Penis’. Echt ein Hammerteil, … (nicht nur) das T-Shirt. 😉

My 7 Wonders of the World, Part II

After reporting about the Stonewall Inn and others in my last blog in part I, I will present the final four of my 7 personal wonders in part II:

Maldives

I have travelled to the archipelago several years ago. I was overwhelmed by the turquoise water. To experience such “tropically dyed” water in reality, was extremely inspiring. Not to mention snorkelling: I got close to a baby shark. *Wow* Last but not least, the Maldives are among my wonders of the world, because their existence is threatened by the rise in sea level.

Underground

Most of my destinations have been big cities so far. I have always loved to travel by public transport there. That’s the only way I can truly immerse myself in daily life experienced the locals. I prefer to use an underground if there is one. An underground network is not a classical place or building. but I am always intrigued how it operates. And without the engineers who created it this experience would not be possible. This is why I consider an underground network as one my seven wonders of the world. A cool audio sample of the underground in my city Berlin: Oliver Koletzki – Underground.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

As well as I haven’t been to NYC at the Stonewall Inn so far, so I haven’t visited the real MoMA yet. However, like other art lovers, I had the great fortune to see the MoMA exhibition in Berlin in the Neue Nationalgalerie in 2004. I accepted a waiting time of just under four hours gladly. When I finally got my ticket I spent several hours in the unique exhibition. I was able to see live my favorite work of art – Persistance de la Mémoire by Salvador Dalí (1931), the original. An absolute highlight for me which is why the MoMA has a secure place on the list of my seven wonders of the world.

Cologne Cathedral

Although I am an atheist, there are still a few ecclesiastical buildings whose grace I cannot escape: the Cologne Cathedral is one of these buildings. Not only the building itself, but the reverent and sublime atmosphere inside make it so special to me. This mood came to my mind especially during a midnight mass.

Ein Wunderkind: Xavier Dolan

Soeben las ich, dass mit ” The Death and Life of John F. Donovan” in diesem Jahr ein neuer Streifen von Xavier Dolan (geb. am 20. März 1989 in Montreal) in die Kinos kommen soll. Für einen Dolan-Fan wie mich ist das eine lang ersehnte Nachricht, denn die Veröffentlichung seines letzten Films, “Einfach das Ende der Welt”, 2016 in Cannes liegt schon etwas länger zurück. Wie konnte ich nur diese letzten beiden Jahre ohne eine neue Produktion von Xavier überhaupt überstehen? Wahrscheinlich nur dadurch, indem ich mir all seine bisher gedrehten Filme immer und immer wieder in unserem Heimkino “reinzog”.

Für diejenigen unter euch, die von Xavier Dolan noch nichts gehört haben sollten, und für alle anderen, stelle ich heute eine Auswahl meiner Lieblingsstreifen von ihm zusammen. Jeder einzelne von ihnen erhielt zahlreiche internationale Preise und Nominierungen – keine Frage!

I Killed My Mother | 2009

In seinem Regiedebüt erzählt Xavier Dolan aus dem Leben des 16-jährigen Protagonisten Hubert, der seit Kurzem mit Antonin, seinem Klassenkameraden, zusammen ist. Hubters Zorn und Rebellion gegen seine Mutter nehmen stetig an Intensität zu, sodass er nur noch einen Ausweg sieht: so schnell wie möglich aus der Wohnung seiner Mutter ausziehen.

Mit diesem zugleich semiautobiografischen Film thematisiert Dolan auch seine eigenen Erfahrungen aus der Beziehung zu seiner Mutter.

Herzensbrecher | 2010

In Film Nummer 2 von Dolan dreht sich alles um eine Dreiecksbeziehung mit vier Ecken. Marie und Francis, die eine lange Freundschaft verbindet, lernen auf derselben Party den Cuty Nicolas kennen. Damit scheint das Drama bereits vorprogrammiert zu sein: aus Freundschaft wird Konkurrenz und Neid. Ob sich die Mühe um die Liebe von Nicolas tatsächlich lohnt? Ist er es Wert, dass Marie und Francis seinetwegen ihre Freundschaft aufs Spiel setzen?

Laurence Anyways | 2012

In diesem außergewöhnlichen Film steht eine anscheinend unmögliche Liebe zwischen einer Frau namens Fred (Frédérique) und einer transgender Frau namens Laurence (zu Handlungsbeginn als Mann lebend) im Mittelpunkt. Laurence offenbart ihren innigsten Wunsch, ihr wahres Selbst zu werden: eine Frau. Die Geschichte, die in den späten 1980er und frühen 1990er Jahren spielt, umfasst ein Jahrzehnt, in dem die verhängnisvolle Liebe von Fred und Laurence sowie die Prüfungen und Schwierigkeiten, mit denen sie konfrontiert sind, aufgezeichnet werden.

The Death and Life of John F. Donovan | voraussichtlich Herbst 2018

Dolans aktuelles filmisches Kunststück sollte ursprünglich während der Filmfestspiele von Cannes im Mai 2018 veröffentlicht werden. Doch leider müssen wir uns bis zur Premiere des Filmes noch gedulden. Sie soll von Dolan selbst auf Herbst verschoben worden sein, damit er noch weiter an der Post-Produktion arbeiten kann.

Vorab findet ihr hier ein Interview mit ihm vom Set: