Jimmy Somerville: Queer Rebel of British Pop (2025)

Jimmy Somerville: Queer Rebel of British Pop (2025) poster

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.

Director: Olivier Simonnet
Genre: Documentary, Music
Runtime: 52 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Editing: Denis Batardière
Production: 13prods, ARTE, Histoire TV, Pop'Films, Sacem, PROCIREP, ANGOA, RTS, Ale Kino+, Planète+ Poland, Channel 8 Hot
Country: France
Language: English, Français, Deutsch
Original Language: fr

Keywords

aids, rebel, artist, diva, icon, engagement, portrait, united kingdom, lgbt, new wave, 1980s, 1990s, queer, 2000s, 2010s

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jimmy Somerville: Queer Rebel of British Pop about?
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.
Who directed Jimmy Somerville: Queer Rebel of British Pop?
Jimmy Somerville: Queer Rebel of British Pop was directed by Olivier Simonnet.
Who stars in Jimmy Somerville: Queer Rebel of British Pop?
Jimmy Somerville: Queer Rebel of British Pop stars Jimmy Somerville, Sarah-Jane Morris, June Miles-Kingston, Richard Coles, Didier Lestrade.
How long is Jimmy Somerville: Queer Rebel of British Pop?
Jimmy Somerville: Queer Rebel of British Pop has a runtime of 52m (52 minutes).
What genre is Jimmy Somerville: Queer Rebel of British Pop?
Jimmy Somerville: Queer Rebel of British Pop is a Documentary, Music film.
Where was Jimmy Somerville: Queer Rebel of British Pop produced?
Jimmy Somerville: Queer Rebel of British Pop was produced in France.