Watch P.S., Burn This Letter Please

P.S., Burn This Letter Please is an American documentary film that is available to stream exclusively on the discovery+ platform. This feature-length documentary is directed by Michael Seligman and Jennifer Tiexiera, and features many letters and artifacts that were discovered in New York City's Chinatown in 2014. The letters were written in the 1950s and 1960s, and provide a rare glimpse into the lives of members of the LGBTQ+ community during a time when their existence was not tolerated.

The documentary follows a group of young people, who stumble upon hundreds of letters hidden in a closet in Chinatown. The discovery of these letters is a mystery that leads the group on a journey of discovery. They begin to unravel the stories of these individuals, who often remained closeted for fear of persecution. The letters offer a first-hand account of the struggles that these individuals went through, socially and emotionally, during a time when being LGBTQ+ was illegal.

The documentary is full of heartwarming and heartbreaking accounts of love, discrimination and survival. Jennifer Tiexiera and Michael Seligman have done a brilliant job of weaving these stories together to create an emotional and thought-provoking experience. The way they frame each story allows for an immersive experience and a deeper understanding of the times. The stories showcase the bravery of these individuals who, despite the odds, found a way to express themselves and connect with others who were going through the same experiences.

The letters that were discovered were written to a woman known only as "Auntie," who was a primary source of support for the LGBTQ+ individuals who wrote to her. The film uses a combination of interviews with some of the letter writers (who are now elders), their family members, and historians to give a full picture of what life was like during the time the letters were written.

One of the most compelling aspects of this documentary is how the producers use the letters to create personal narratives for the viewers. The letters give a glimpse into the world of these individuals that they would have otherwise been lost in history. The words they use, the emotions they express, and the experiences they share all help to create a vivid picture of LGBTQ+ life in the 1950s and 1960s.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of the documentary is the sense of community that is formed through the letters. These individuals were all struggling with the same things, and often had no one else to turn to. The letters to Auntie provided a sense of connection and support that allowed LGBTQ+ people to survive during a time when their existence was nothing short of illegal.

Overall, P.S. Burn This Letter Please is a must-watch for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ history, and for those who want to gain a better understanding of the struggles that the community has had to endure. The film does an excellent job of marrying storytelling with history to create an engaging experience that will leave viewers wanting more. This documentary is well worth a watch and is a fitting tribute to the individuals who wrote the letters and those who were courageous enough to come forward to tell their stories.