If I Die, It’ll Be of Joy

Alexis Taillant

Dutch premiere

In a world that often overlooks the power of the elderly, Micheline, Francis, and Yves lead a group of activists on a bold and tender journey to redefine the often-complicated relationship between aging and sexuality. Together, they prove that desire, defiance, and the need for intimacy are not strictly reserved for the youth.

Michelin, 81, speaks openly about her longing for passion and refuses to let age diminish her desires. Francis, 70, channels his energy into activism, working with the activist group Grey Pride to improve the lives of queer elderly individuals in France. Meanwhile, Yves, 68, struggles with loneliness and yearns for connection in a world that often renders him as invisible. As they each embark on creative projects, they challenge society’s deep-seated prejudices about aging bodies and sexual expression.  

Director Alexis Taillant offers a refreshing and universal meditation on the invisibility that comes with growing older. By interrogating ageist cultural perceptions of LGBTQ+ elders, Taillant shows that old age can be a time filled with immense joy, love, and pleasure.  

Credits

Director
Alexis Taillant
Producer
Nadège Labé
Year
2024
Country of production
France
Type
Documentary
Duration
80 minutes
Spoken language
French
Subtitles
EN
Production company
Wendigo Films
World Sales
Outplay Films