The Real Anne Lister

DOCUMENTARY

Traveller, socialite, mountaineer, geologist, landowner and lesbian - Anne Lister may have lived in the buttoned-up Victorian era but she was one thoroughly modern lady.

The recent discovery and decoding of a remarkable four million word diary by an upper-class Englishwoman by the name of Anne Lister has turned the presumptions of a genteel world of fan-wielding women on its head.

Anne wrote in detail about her love affairs with other women. Her descriptions of society life, detailing the shortcomings of the local dignitaries, the loaded conversations of tea parties and the remarkable fact that aspirational parents would throw their daughters Anne’s way so they could climb the social ladder.

Television presenter and comedian Sue Perkins is fascinated by Anne's story. With a passion for history, and as a lesbian herself, she understands the significance of these journals and is uniquely placed to empathise with Anne.

This documentary sees Sue take a very personal journey to bring Anne Lister's diary to life.

A BBC Film.

Official Selection Frameline San Francisco LGBT Film Festival 2010
Official Selection Seattle Lesbian and Gay Festival 2010

Director         Matthew Hill
Country          UK
Year                2010
Duration         60mins