Maurice's Bar

In a poignant exploration of a dark chapter in recent queer history, Tzor Edery and Tom Prezman's short film "Maurice's Bar" resurrects a gay bar that met a tragic end during the Nazi occupation of France. The film, presented on Mubi, is a visual feast reminiscent of classic French animation, yet it employs a cinematic language that feels much older, evoking a forgotten era of artistic and emotional storytelling. It's a tale of exuberant defiance against intolerance and oppression.

The film delves into the lives of Jewish and queer individuals during the Nazi era, a time when they were doubly marginalized, outcasts even among outcasts. Edery's original score and impeccable song selections further enhance the storytelling, making "Maurice's Bar" a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

The film's animation style is particularly noteworthy. It's a beautiful blend of traditional hand-drawn animation and modern digital techniques, resulting in a visually stunning and emotionally resonant piece of art. The characters are vividly realized, their struggles and joys palpable. The film's setting, the eponymous Maurice's Bar, is a haven of warmth and acceptance in a world filled with hate and prejudice. It's a place where people can be themselves, free from the fear of persecution.

"Maurice's Bar" is a powerful reminder of the importance of love, acceptance, and resilience in the face of adversity. It's a film that celebrates the human spirit and its capacity for joy, even in the darkest of times. It's a must-see for anyone interested in queer history, animation, or simply a good story well told.

Vivid, dynamically transforming animations tell the story of Moise "Maurice" Zekri who started the second queer bar in Paris back in 1909.

Even though this film is animation, it still will arrest your attention, keeping you on the edge of your seat - the evil eyes of the Nazi soldiers on constant vigil of the goings on in Maurice's Bar, waiting for the right moment to pounce. While Maurice was killed by the Nazis in 1942, his story lives on in the form of this beautifully animated short.

While your eyes feast on the images that meld from one into the next like fluid poetry, your ears will delight as the sound design, voice performances, and brilliant singing.

I'd highly recommend watching this film, whether you're from the queer community or not.