Drama
Italy,United Kingdom
Sebastiane is a 1976 film directed by Derek Jarman and Paul Humfress. It is notable for being the first feature-length film entirely in Latin, and for its graphic portrayal of homoeroticism.
The film follows the story of Sebastian, a Christian martyr who is persecuted for his faith by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. After being demoted to the rank of common soldier, Sebastian is sent to a remote coastal outpost where he is surrounded by soldiers who engage in homosexual activities to satisfy their desires.
Sebastian becomes the target of lust for the officer Severus, who repeatedly tries to seduce him. Despite the constant advances, Sebastian remains faithful to his faith and rejects Severus every time.
As punishment for his Christian beliefs, Sebastian is brutally tortured, humiliated and eventually killed. The film explores themes of faith, love, and homosexuality in a visually stunning and provocative way.
Sebastiane is widely regarded as a groundbreaking film for its portrayal of same-sex desire in a historical context, and has been celebrated for its bold aesthetic choices and its willingness to challenge conventional ideas of sexuality and religion.
