Marriage equality in Quba was not always something that seemed possible. However, a group of dedicated folks worked tirelessly until they got their goal and were allowed to marry.
Directed by Kim Anno, this documentary takes the points of view of many, giving time to both sides of the issue before reaching its conclusion. While the issue may be one that affects queer people mainly, the fact that the film gives the opposition, such as priests and religious people’s opinion, shows that the filmmaker was in it to do the work and see both sides truly as they are. The discussions here are not guided towards a specific goal as the film is simply there for the facts, as seen through different lenses. This does lead to a few frustrating moments where folks put beliefs before reality, but that is very much a part of the fight for marriage equality in any location where religion still has a powerful stronghold on the population.
The direction here is one that is more erased than anything else, giving the people talking on screen the reigns of their own interview more than one would expect, letting them speak their minds and hearts, letting them be themselves and shine, whatever the results may be. This leads to the filmmaking being that of a documentary and not a guided take on an issue. Of course, the film has direction, but the way it is done is just right for both the subject and the documentary format.
The film here looks great with cinematography by Roberto Chile showing the beauty and difficulties of life in Quba, giving the film visual balance. The work done here helps the film’s message come through loud and clear. The editing comes in here and allows the cinematography to shine by giving scenes just the right amount of time and moving on at just the right moment.
The film’s “talking heads”, those being interviewed are seen in their own environments, something that helps connect the story to the people, the subject to human beings, and the viewers to the story itself. There is something more personal to a documentary done this way as opposed to people sitting in a perfectly lit room with calculated, planned backgrounds, showing zero of their personalities in their environment. Here, the locations are important and are allowed to shine with the folks being interviewed.
¡Quba! Is a solid piece of documentary filmmaking, showing how a film can show both sides of an issue and its resolution without applying judgment (at least not too harshly) on the parties that opposed the goal of the process. There is a lot in here, but most importantly, the film shows the power of love and humanity in adversity.
