Firebird - the highest-rated gay movie of 2021

Firebird is a 2021 romantic war drama film directed, co-written, and co-produced by Peeter Rebane (in his feature directorial debut), based on Sergey Fetisov’s memoir The Story of Roman. Set in the Soviet Air Force during the Cold War, it tells the true story of forbidden love between a private and a fighter pilot. The film stars Tom Prior (who also co-wrote and co-produced), Oleg Zagorodnii, and Diana Pozharskaya.

Firebird had its world premiere at the 35th BFI Flare: London LGBTIQ+ Film Festival on 17 March 2021.[2] The film also screened at the 45th Frameline: San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival on 27 June 2021, where it won an honorable mention for Best First Feature.

Firebird – 2021, ©Courtesy of the BFI

True romance can blossom even in the most oppressive of surroundings.

Synopsis

Based on a true story and taking its title from Igor Stravinsky’s ballet that draws its leads closer together, Firebird Firebird is a touching love story set in the Soviet Air Force during the Cold War. Sergey, a troubled young private, counts the days until his military service ends. His life is turned upside down when a bold fighter pilot, Roman, arrives at the base. Driven by curiosity, Sergey and Roman navigate the dangerous line between love and friendship as a risky love triangle forms between them and Luisa, the secretary to the base Commander. Sergey is forced to face his past as Roman’s career is endangered, and Luisa struggles to keep her family together. Amid the fears of the all-seeing Soviet regime, they risk their freedom and lives in the face of an escalating KGB investigation.
As the Cold War threatens to escalate into a disaster, so does this triangle as Sergey and Roman find themselves pursuing a forbidden but passionate affair.

Sergey and Roman, ©Courtesy of the BFI

Firebird 2021 – Awards and nominations

Austin Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival 2021

Winner
Audience Award

Feature Film
Peeter Rebane

FilmOut San Diego, US 2021

Winner
FilmOut Festival Award

Best Narrative Feature
Peeter Rebane
Tom Prior
Brigita Rozenbrika

Best Director
Peeter Rebane

Best Actor
Tom Prior

Frameline San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival 2021

Winner
Honorable Mention

Nominee
Outstanding First Feature Award

Best First Feature
Peeter Rebane

Best First Feature Film
Peeter Rebane

Firebird 2021 – trailer

Firebird 2021 – Our review

A glossy and refined melodrama that soars with passion elevated by solid production values, sincere performances, and a story arc that journeys to surprising destinations.
Some authenticity is taken away because all of the characters speak in English.
It’s a shame that the film’s second half does not feel as detailed as the first, mainly when some of the characters go through substantial life changes, but the shading for this doesn’t feel remarkably grounded in reality.
Instead, these sequences edge closer to going through some standard dramatic beats, but thankfully the final scenes hit the right spot due to Prior’s spirited performance.
Altogether, the film is not a revolutionary Queer romance by any means, but it is the most delicate love story with conviction and genuine historical tragedy. We would give it a rating 85/100.