Screenshot „Last Exit Gran Canaria“ Film by Tim Lienhard ©101movie GmbH

Selfies with Roy – a plea for unadorned self-presentation

With “Last Exit Gran Canaria”, Tim Lienhard delivers a documentary essay that should not only be understood as a film, but also as a courageous confession of life. Programmatically, an alternative title could be: “Selfies with Roy”. The 64-year-old filmmaker focuses on himself as director, author and producer – in a kind of self-portrait that is as intimate as it is provocative.

Self-staging and radical openness

In this work, Lienhard presents himself in a way that is both grotesque and liberating. In dazzling drag, in a mix of exhibitionist pleasure and artistic provocation, he turns his body into a medium of self-expression. In doing so, he breaks with convention: He reveals not only his biography, but also his identity. His courageous approach to his own sexuality – from intimate self-presentations to exuberant party nights with very young, very attractive men – stands in contrast to traditional norms and opens up a space for a different understanding of freedom.

Screenshot „Last Exit Gran Canaria“ Film by Tim Lienhard ©101movie GmbH

Origin, perversion and the search for identity

A central aspect of the film is the examination of his own origins. Lienhard refers to a family history that was characterized by silence and taboo: his grandfather, whose marriage was divorced by his grandmother because of “sexual perversion”, raises questions that still resonate today. In an environment in which sexuality was hardly ever discussed, Lienhard asks himself the question: “What is sexually perverse?” By exploring his family past, he opens up a space for reflection on the norms and judgments that have accompanied us since childhood – and shows how these ideas can be overcome.

Hedonism as an act of self-empowerment

The film is also a plea for hedonism as a form of self-empowerment. Partying, exuberant partying and the conscious display of one’s own sexuality are interpreted here as an expression of freedom. Especially in a time characterized by increasing restrictions and political tensions, Lienhard’s work provides a powerful appeal for openness, honesty and self-assertion – especially for the queer scene, which is under pressure in these times and must resist and fight for self-determination.

Screenshot „Last Exit Gran Canaria“ Film by Tim Lienhard ©101movie GmbH

A queer mosaic and intergenerational dialog

In addition to his own portrayal, Lienhard brings numerous other voices into play. From porn stars and cross-dressers to OnlyFans creator Robert Royal and legendary filmmaker and activist Rosa von Praunheim, the 82-minute film offers a diverse range of perspectives on topics such as ageing, the body, sexuality and self-determination. Through the dialogs and encounters, the director repeatedly asks: “Why do we do what we do?” This question becomes a leitmotif that sheds light not only on his personal fate, but also on the confrontation with ageing and freedom in the later stages of life.

They affectionately call him “Grandpa”

Screenshot „Last Exit Gran Canaria“ Film by Tim Lienhard ©101movie GmbH

What is remarkable about this film is how Lienhard relates to his two young assistants Jonas Lawitzke and Enrico Wohlfahrt. The two are present not only behind but also in front of the camera and bring a fresh, youthful perspective to the film. While Gran Canaria is traditionally seen as an island of older homosexual men, the young Beaus view this place rather critically. At the same time, they see their 64-year-old friend and producer as a kind of role model, affectionately calling him “grandpa” and referring to themselves as his “grandchildren”. This contrast – both in terms of content and visuals – gives the film additional depth and a special charm.

Screenshot „Last Exit Gran Canaria“ Film by Tim Lienhard ©101movie GmbH

More than just a documentary
“Last Exit Gran Canaria” is far more than just a documentary. It is a courageous, shamelessly honest look into the soul of an artist who refuses to conform. With his open approach to sexuality, origin and the need for self-realization, Tim Lienhard makes a strong statement – a plea for self-assertion and the possibilities of freedom in politically and socially challenging times. For all those who long for authentic, provocative art, this film is a great asset.