Sebastiane (18) Film


Jarman’s Sebastiane (1976) was groundbreaking in its open and unapologetic depiction of homoeroticism, marking one of the first positive cinematic representations of gay sexuality. Told entirely in Latin, the film reinterprets the Christian martyr as a queer icon, exploring themes of desire, devotion, and resistance.
At the Holburne Museum, St Sebastian is already present in the collection, standing as a powerful symbol of suffering, resilience, and queer identity. For centuries, the saint’s pierced and bound form has been reimagined through an LGBTQIA+ lens—his image reclaimed as an emblem of defiance, beauty, and desire.
This screening offers a unique opportunity to experience Sebastiane in dialogue with the museum’s collection, exploring the connections between art, queerness, and historical narratives of martyrdom and desire. The screening will include an introduction looking at Jarman’s legacy, queer visual culture, and St Sebastian’s enduring place in LGBTQIA+ history with Holburne Curator Hannah Mills
The Museum and Cafe will be open from 6pm and the film will start at 7pm