Film tells story of solidarity between gay activists, striking miners

PRIDE, a film inspired by an extraordinary true story, is being screened in the Twin Cities at the Edina Cinema.

It’s the summer of 1984, Margaret Thatcher is in power in Great Britain and the National Union of Mineworkers is on strike. A London-based group of gay and lesbian activists sees similarities between how the strikers are being treated and the bullying they must endure – and decides to raise money to support the strikers’ families.

Initially rebuffed by the union, the group identifies a tiny mining village in Wales and sets off to make their donation in person. The resulting encounters are both emotional and humorous.

As the strike drags on, the two groups discover the power of solidarity.

The San Francisco Chronicle calls it “one of the best movies of the year so far,” while Rolling Stone critic Peter Travers writes, “Pride naively thinks it can change the world with a single movie. Talk about fighting spirit. I couldn’t have liked it more.”

Directed by Matthew Warchus, the film stars Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Dominic West, Paddy Considine and Andrew Scott. Produced by CBS Films, it runs 117 minutes.

The Edina Cinema is located at 3911 W. 50th St. Check the theater for showtimes.