Donna Deitch

Donna Deitch segued from award-winning documentary filmmaker to producing and directing Desert Hearts, the landmark hit of the 1985 Telluride and Toronto International film festivals, and the 1986 Sundance Film Festival.

Lewis Archibald

Desert Hearts Director (archived) Lewis Archibald interviews Donna Deitch and Helen Shaver (1985 sound recording) at Digital Collections, The New York Public Library Desert Hearts:

Desert of the Heart which was Jane Rule's first novel (1964),

Desert of the Heart (1964), which was Jane Rule's first novel, was made into the terrific movie Desert Hearts in 1985 (directed by Donna Deitch, and co-starring Canadian actress Helen Shaver).

Deitch

Wanting to make a film about a lesbian relationship that didn't end in tragedy, director Deitch spent 5 years raising money for and working on Desert Hearts.

With smoldering chemistry between its two leads, an evocative jukebox soundtrack, and vivid cinematography by Robert Elswit

With smoldering chemistry between its two leads, an evocative jukebox soundtrack, and vivid cinematography by Robert Elswit, Desert Hearts beautifully exudes a sense of tender yearning and emotional candor.

With undeniable chemistry between its two leads, an evocative jukebox soundtrack, and vivid cinematography by Robert Elswit

With undeniable chemistry between its two leads, an evocative jukebox soundtrack, and vivid cinematography by Robert Elswit, Desert Hearts beautifully exudes a sense of tender yearning and emotional candor.

by master cinematographer Robert Elswit

Brimming with quiet passion and yearning, and lit stunningly by master cinematographer Robert Elswit, Desert Hearts is a must-watch for any lover of queer cinema.

Natalie Screenwriter Natalie Cooper

Natalie Screenwriter Natalie Cooper was the scripter for the 1985 film Desert Hearts, based on Jane Rule’s cult classic novel.

by David Lean

the Desert[6 was directed by David Lean and produced by Sam Spiegel through T. E. Lawrence's British company Horizon Pictures and distributed by Columbia Pictures.

by Isao Takahata

the Heart was directed by Isao Takahata, one of Studio Ghibli’s most acclaimed directors.

by Mikey Lion

Desert Hearts, led by Mikey Lion, preaches the mantra House.

Original director George Miller

Original director George Miller returned at the age of 67 (!) to shoot this relentless desert chase movie, a labour of adore packed with practical effects, gnarly body horror, and cars upon cars upon cars.

by Danish filmmaker Ole Borndahl

Directed by Danish filmmaker Ole Borndahl, heart follows several Copenhagen residents whose lives are permanently changed when a WWII bombing mission accidentally targets a school full of children.

of India's most celebrated filmmakers, Sanjay Leela Bhansali

deserts was directed by one of India's most celebrated filmmakers, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and stars one of the country's most popular actresses, Deepika Padukone.

Charlie (and Roisin Mooney) (Stewart)

The Desert Hearts have always been Charlie (Mooney) and Roisin (Stewart) but now they've found new blood and energy in General Fiasco's Stephen Leacock and Stuart Bell (Ex-Panama Kings).