IX Side by Side LGBT Film Festival, Saint Petersburg, 2016 IX Side by Side LGBT Film Festival, 2016 | Page 18

23 november, we
20:00—22:55
BACK ON BOARD: GREG LOUGANIS
Cheryl Furjanic, USA, 2014, 87 min
2015 — Outfest Los Angeles Film Festival, Audience Award
Greg Louganis is the most extraordinary Olympic diver
of all time, a beloved American hero, and a pioneer in breaking
barriers. When he came out as gay and having AIDS two decades
ago—a time when openly gay athletes were exceedingly rare
and AIDS was still a highly stigmatized and almost uniformly
fatal disease – he changed the course of American history.
Back on Board chronicles Louganis’ thrilling rise from lonely,
abused child to universally acclaimed superstar athlete,
drawing on never-before-seen archival footage that reminds
viewers of what made Greg Louganis a singular and cherished
figure in the history of Olympic sports. With unprecedented
access, Back on Board follows Greg over the past three years,
through financial struggles that threaten to bankrupt him
and cost him his house.
This thoroughly engaging film offers an intimate portrait
of a still vital athlete who is forced to re-evaluate his life, his
choices, his relationships, and his career as he ultimately re-
emerges on the world stage with legendary grace to combat
prejudice, promote respect, and to mentor a new generation
of young athletes.
Greg Louganis
«I am honoured and humbled to be travelling again to Russia to support the LGBTI community.
It is important and meaningful to give voice and support to youth and the community
of acceptance of ourselves as human beings. To be bringing and showing Back on Board
is a real tribute to the dedication of the Side by Side LGBT Film Festival, to show people
we love and care about humanity as a rich diverse culture».
Meet Greg Louganis after the film screening!
The story of Greg’s life, is a story that has inspired millions, and he regularly speaks
to the most significant organizations and companies in the world to share that story.
Today, as an author, actor, activist and humanitarian, clothing and jewelry designer, he
continues his traditional of excellence in every field he touches.
Moderator Evgeny Pisemsky, LGBT / HIV activist, Phoenix Plus leader
«15 Years ago HIV became a part of my life and then Greg’s story emerged, which was a saving
moment for me. When I learned about my status, Greg had been HIV-positive for almost 13
years and this was not a barrier and he in fact impressed upon me as being a successful man.
It meant that I also had a chance to live and to be happy. I would like to thank Greg Louganis,
because his example guided me to become strong and successful».