Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival Takes Its Ketchup Out the Closet

A viral movie, created in Australia, has captured the hearts and minds of the LGBTQIA+ community and wider with an important message about ‘equal love’ and marriage equality, brilliantly portrayed in an ‘everyday’ setting, amplifying the important message in a simple way. 

Thirteen & Company director Armand de Saint-Salvy’s latest film explores the theme of ‘free choice’ using a simple, very Australian metaphor – BBQ or Tomato Sauce? In a country where marriage equality is STILL not legal, the idea of capturing such an important message in a very familiar setting has triggered an incredible reaction and outpouring with more than 3 million people watching the video in 5 days.

Written, directed and edited by Armand de Saint-Salvy, this emotive film has already been adopted by the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. The film was released on their Facebook page and has quickly gathered momentum, with people appreciating and relating to the message.

Says Saint-Salvy, “In the lead up to Mardi Gras, we thought there was a great opportunity to contribute to the chorus of voices calling for equality. We wanted to make a film that speaks to everyday Australians. A spot that would entertain them, but is laced with a clear social conscious subtext.”

Thirteen and Co Executive Producer Roy De Giorgio added, “We wanted the film to feel real to contrast the absurdism of the idea. Armand crafted natural performances and shot voyeuristically to enhance this sense of peering into reality.” 

A spokesman for the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras says, “Mardi Gras this year is about creating life quality and happiness, not just sexual or marriage equality, but for everyone, regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual identity. Armand’s film really embodies that spirit, and we felt compelled to support it."