Better Than Chocolate: Lost 90s Lesbian Canadian Cinema
# *Better than Chocolate*: A Sweet Slice of 90s Queer Canadian Cinema and Activism
The 1999 film *Better Than Chocolate* wasn’t just a romantic comedy; it was a cultural moment. This Canadian production, directed by Anne Wheeler, offered a rare and vibrant portrayal of lesbian life, and it did so with a playful spirit that resonated with audiences then – and continues to charm viewers today. But beyond the laughs and heartwarming romance, *Better Than Chocolate* holds a interesting history intertwined with queer activism and community collaboration. Let’s dive into the story behind the film and explore why it remains a meaningful piece of LGBTQ+ cinema.
## A Fight for Visibility: *Better Than Chocolate* and Censorship
Before the film even hit screens, it became a focal point in a battle against censorship. Vancouver’s Little Sister’s, a queer bookstore, had been targeted for years by the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency), which would delay shipments while confiscating and sometimes damaging materials that it considered obscene. This wasn’t about explicit content; it was about the very *existence* of queer literature and art.*Better Than Chocolate* became a symbol of this struggle. The film publicly highlighted the CBSA’s homophobia, famously featuring Frances, one of the main characters, comedically questioning why books like *Little Red Riding Hood* were being seized.This wasn’t just a plot point; it was a direct reflection of the real-life harassment Little Sister’s faced.
Recent archival research reveals a deeper connection: Janine Fuller, the manager of Little Sister’s, actually provided feedback on an early draft of the screenplay! This demonstrates a genuine commitment from the filmmakers to authentically represent the community’s experiences. Furthermore, a flyer from the film’s production company was strategically used to raise awareness about the ongoing court case challenging the CBSA’s practices. This wasn’t just a movie promoting a book store; it was a film actively participating in a fight for freedom of expression.
## Local Community Ties: Collaboration and Representation
The film’s commitment to authenticity didn’t stop at censorship. *Better Than Chocolate* was deeply rooted in the Vancouver queer community, and the filmmakers actively sought input and participation from those whose stories they were telling.
Canadian trans activist and performance artist Star Maris served as inspiration for the character of Judy. Her powerful song, “I’m Not a Fucking Drag Queen,” was even solicited for inclusion in the film, adding another layer of authentic representation.
The filmmakers also invited Vancouver’s lesbian community to participate as extras in a lively bar scene. An advertisement promised a fun possibility to “meet new friends, party with old ones, and have much fun being in a movie.” This wasn’t just about filling a scene; it was about creating a space where community members could *be* seen and represented on screen.
Anne Wheeler herself emphasized this collaborative approach in a 1999 interview with *Eye weekly*: “Right from the progress phase on, we had a group of 12 young lesbian women whom we consulted with and they told us very specifically what they did and didn’t want to see. … So we set out very intentionally to break the mould and dispose of the old perceptions about gay women.” This dedication to genuine representation is a key reason why *Better Than Chocolate* continues to resonate with audiences today.
In revisiting *Better Than Chocolate* and other films from this era, queer audiences can find entertaining gems, but also be reminded of the resilience and power of queer communities. It’s a reminder of the battles fought, the progress made, and the ongoing need for visibility and representation.
*Better Than Chocolate* is currently available to stream on CTV. But don’t stop there! Explore these other Canadian lesbian-centred films from the 90s: