1970s Britain saw the rise and fall of fictional glam rock superstar Brian Slade (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), a trailblazing idol who brought flamboyance and androgynous imagery to the forefront of pop music. A decade after the star’s abrupt disappearance, reporter Arthur (Christian Bale) is tasked with uncovering the truth behind his ‘death.’ Once an avid fan himself, Arthur traces Slade’s tumultuous career and romantic entanglement with the audacious American rocker Curt Wild (Ewan McGregor), in parallel with his own journey of self-reckoning as a closeted young man at the time.

A fusion of investigative journalism and avant-garde musical, the Palme d’Or-nominated Velvet Goldmine is loosely based on real music icons of the 1970s who empowered generations of queer youth. With ethereal art direction and an extraordinary soundtrack crafted by key members of generation-defining bands like Radiohead, Suede, Sonic Youth, and Placebo, Velvet Goldmine is an achingly beautiful elegy to an era awash in glitter.

Todd Haynes (b. 1961, USA) is a film director, screenwriter, and producer who garnered fame for his provocative filmography centred around queerness, sexuality, marginalisation, and pop culture. His works are favoured by both major and independent festivals, including the Oscar-nominated Far From Heaven (2002), I’m Not There (2007), and Carol (2015).