Last week I had the very special pleasure of seeing gay film company Number 8 Films’ latest effort, The Colonel’s Outing. And what a pleasure it was!

Number 8 Films have a real passion for showing gay-themed stories that you don’t normally get to see on the big screen, and this was no exception. Where 2009′s Teddy focussed on the relationships of younger gay men and and 2010′s Communication gave a nod to intergenerational gay relationships, The Colonel’s Outing is a take on a relationship we almost never see – that of elderly gay men who have lived through times where gay life was not understood, let alone accepted.

But this is no morose tale of love and loss at the end of life – far from it! The Colonel’s Outing is a vibrant depiction of the relationship between eighty-something war author Tristan Arthur Jones and his new rest home room mate, Colonel Robert Leadley. The pair become very close despite being under the watchful, concerned eye of the rest home Matron who won’t give the pair a lick of peace. So, armed with a picnic lunch, the Colonel takes Tristan on a glorious day out in his vintage Chrysler. Much like the real life war veterans many New Zealanders have in their families, the Colonel has many stories to tell open-eared Tristan and many secrets to reveal – but will these revelations prove too much for the fair-but-firm Colonel?

Number 8 Films’ Chris Banks and Andy Jalfon have really found their feet with this film. Their passion for their work and consistent drive to tell stories untold makes for fun and entertaining watching – you can just feel how much fun this shoot would have been and can’t help but get wrapped up in the glee Tristan and the Colonel share throughout their time together.

Rich in colour and stunningly shot, The Colonel’s Outing is an absolute treat to watch and is highly recommended.

Keep your ear to the ground at The Colonel’s Outing Facebook page for more information on screenings.

www.thecolonelsouting.com

| Hannah JV

Watch the trailer here: