Where to Watch Tongues Untied (1989) in the US

What it's about

Marlon Riggs, with assistance from other gay Black men, especially poet Essex Hemphill, celebrates Black men loving Black men as a revolutionary act. The film intercuts footage of Hemphill reciting his poetry, Riggs telling the story of his growing up, scenes of men in social intercourse and dance, and various comic riffs, including a visit to the "Institute of Snap!thology," where men take lessons in how to snap their fingers: the sling snap, the point snap, the diva snap. The film closes with obituaries for victims of AIDS and archival footage of the civil rights movement placed next to footage of Black men marching in a gay pride parade.

Cast and crew

Director

Marlon Riggs

Writer

Joseph Beam, Chris Harris, Essex Hemphill

Starring

Marlon Riggs, Michael Bell, Kerrigan Black

Details

Release date

Jul 1, 1989

Language

English

Country

United States

Awards

5 wins

Where to Watch Tongues Untied (1989) in the US — common questions

Where to watch Tongues Untied in the United States?

Tongues Untied is available with a subscription or free with a participating library card in the United States. Watch the movie with a subscription on OVID. Watch the movie free with a participating library card on Kanopy (HD).

Can I stream Tongues Untied or do I have to rent it in the United States?

Watch the movie with a subscription on OVID.

Can I watch Tongues Untied for free in the United States?

Watch the movie free with a participating library card on Kanopy (HD).