Derek Jarman (1942–1994) is considered one of the most radical visionaries of British cinema and the founding father of New Queer Cinema. In his experimental works such as "Sebastiane" and "Edward II", he interwove bold aesthetics with uncompromising political activism for gay rights. Jarman was particularly influential as the discoverer and long-time mentor of Tilda Swinton. She made her debut in his 1986 film "Caravaggio", after having previously been on the verge of giving up acting altogether.