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Mardi Gras Film Festival
Thursday, 13 February 2025 until Thursday, 27 February 2025 Friday, 28 February 2025 until Monday, 10 March 2025
There have been lesbian and gay film festivals in Sydney since 1978. Initially these were run by the Australian Film Institute. In 1986, the AFI partnered with what was then theSydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, to present an annual ‘Sydney Gay Film Week’during the Mardi Gras festival. The film festival was taken over by commercial concerns in 1991, but still screened as a highlight of the Mardi Gras season.
In 1993, a group of queer Sydney filmmakers, students and others approached Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras with a view to establishing an independent organisation whose primary focus was queer film and screen culture. This organisation, Queer Screen, had the central aim of reclaiming Sydney’s GLBTIQ film festival as owned and operated by the community. From that time, Mardi Gras was the principal funding body of Queer Screen, initially with a five-year funding agreement, followed by a three-year agreement in 1998. This agreement came to an end with the 2001 Mardi Gras Film Festival.
The Mardi Gras Film Festival has grown considerably since 1993. It is now one of Australia’s largest film festivals of any kind, and one of the top five queer film festivals in the world. It is highly regarded by filmmakers all over the world, and is the most important avenue for promoting gay and lesbian titles to distributors and exhibitors in this territory.
2025 films...
A raw and revealing documentary about bisexual ‘90s folk-rock legend Ani Di Franco, as she finds ways to remain relevant in the modern world.
Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story
After a four decade hiatus, trailblazing 1960s Black trans singer Jackie Shane re-emerges to tell her story as it’s never been told before.
Highlighting stories from across the Asia-Pacific region, these films share a focus on defiance against societal pressure to conform.
If
An arranged marriage tears a lesbian couple apart – but with a mother’s love, perhaps another future is possible. Australian Premiere
Remembering the Glade
Legendary 80 year-old showgirl Brandy Lee recalls how Honolulu nightclub The Glade became a place of community refuge and joy for māhū – individuals of dual male and female spirit. Australian Premiere
302
A young Singaporean officer cadet opens a can of worms when he attempts to get discharged from the army by declaring himself “302” – a medical code used to classify personnel as homosexual. Australian Premiere
Qeluar (Out)
Expelled from Malaysia due to his sexuality, Warren recounts a journey marked by ousting, disownment and the quest for acceptance, as the first person to successfully claim asylum in the UK on the grounds of LGBTIQ+ identity. Australian Premiere
Nobody Knows
An older South Korean lesbian couple live a peaceful and ordinary life, though simply holding hands on the street demands bravery. When one of them falls ill, the lack of legal recognition of their relationship raises some issues. Australian Premiere
Wouldn’t Make It Any Other Way
Having built a colourful queer life in an American prairie town, an aspiring costume designer visits their island homeland of Guam to make costumes for a children’s theatre show while reconnecting with their distant parents. Australian Premiere
Discover the erotically provocative artistry of Jürgen Baldiga, who captured the beauty of ‘80s queer Berlin through a bold, unfiltered lens.
Bi, pan, fluid, queer – those attracted to more than one gender take centre stage in this inclusive package about finding acceptance at any age.
MAN>CODE
Computer techie Lucas invites Theo around for what he thought would be no strings attached fun, in this exploration of hook-up culture between Black British men. Australian Premiere
Keep It Open
A woman’s relationship with her polyamorous bisexual partner is tested when they run into the boyfriend who’s visiting from out of town, when she’s used to him being out of sight and out of mind. Australian Premiere
Solid
After a night out at a friend’s bachelorette party, Coles spends the day avoiding being alone in her new apartment which reminds her of her recent breakup. Australian Premiere
Love Taps
A young boy trying to cope with his parent’s separation gains a new perspective of his father when he accidentally discovers his affair with another man. Australian Premiere
Baby Gay
Desperate to prove her bisexuality, Stevie bluffs her way into her first threesome with two women thinking she’ll figure it out when she gets there. She does not figure it out when she gets there. Australian Premiere
Rejoyce!
After the death of her husband, an elderly vicar’s wife, her daughter and granddaughter stumble upon a book of autobiographical erotic fiction she wrote in her youth.
Friend of a Friend
Jules is bi. Bi as in bisexual. Bi, even though he’s only slept with women. Bi and ready to try his first experience with Samuel – a friend of a friend. Australian Premiere
Winner of eight Oscars, this acclaimed musical tale of love and loss in 1931 Berlin amidst the rise of Nazism remains as timely now as ever.
Prolific DIY filmmaker Alice Maio Mackay takes on the festive season in this grisly neon slasher, edited by Vera Drew (The People’s Joker, MGFF24).
Old schoolmates are reunited and long dormant feelings resurface, in this indie romantic musical – and love letter to working-class women.
A mother and daughter search for common ground and acceptance in this beautifully affecting drama, based on the award-winning bestseller.
A retiree searches for her runaway niece amongst the vibrant trans and queer community of Istanbul, from the director of And Then We Danced (MGFF20).
A fiery romance is sparked between a go-go dancer and a nursing student, in this erotic drama from Julián Hernández (I Am Happiness on Earth, MGFF15).
Past and present collide in Desire Lines, a loving archival tribute to the shared experiences of intersecting transmasculine sexualities.
Kartik and Aman’s love is put to the test when a past infidelity is revealed, in this captivating follow up to Evening Shadows (MGFF18).
Alan Cumming stars in this darkly funny film about two estranged brothers (and a taxidermied pug) trapped on a road trip in 1970s Canada.
This beautifully told drama about a student’s yearning for a classmate examines how the infatuations of youth can linger years later.
The gritty reality of life as a drug dealer clashes with the escapist world of video games, in this visually distinct, intense thriller.
Queer Screen presents a preview of Emilia Pérez, starring Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez, winners of the 2024 Cannes Best Actress award.
A French teen and her outgoing activist pen pal struggle to understand themselves and each other, in this bittersweet coming-of-age romance.
Featuring Ben Whishaw, together these short films explore the highs and lows of contemporary gay men’s experiences from around the world.
Blood Like Water
When a Palestinian man is blackmailed with footage of him having sex with another man, he and his family are forced to make a terrible decision: collaborate with the Israeli occupation or be publicly shamed. Based on true stories.
In Heat
A recovering sex addict (Ben Whishaw) sits on the edge of a beach car park, looking to cruise, while talking on an addiction helpline – with a husband patiently waiting at home.
EKG
An overworked Asian-American emergency doctor discovers a brand-new recreational world of substance and sex, as he navigates his fears of his father not accepting him for his sexuality. Australian Premiere
Dandelion
An amateur boxer reflects on how colour and light replaced the chronic grey depression he had been living in when he fell in love with his soulmate during the strangest of times. Australian Premiere
Body of Christ
When Pablo stumbles into church for the very first time, he decides to become an altar boy to spend more time with the beautiful Sebastián. But it’s hard to compete with Jesus for his attention – after all, he's super hot. Sydney Premiere
All the Lights Still Burning
A classical violinist (Antonio Aakeel, Sahela, MGFF24) and a drug dealer, two British-Pakistani men seemingly from different worlds, reconnect on the streets of Bradford. Australian Premiere
The White Crows
A young closeted Russian man returns from Moscow to his small hometown where his brother has prepared a surprise for him: a night with a female sex worker. Sydney Premiere
A closeted, Aboriginal aspiring boxer attempts to step out from his father’s shadow and forge his own path, in this sentimental family drama.
The debut feature for lauded playwright Marco Calvani is a sexy, poetic film about a young Brazilian man feeling lost at sea in Provincetown.
Things get hot and heavy in this collection of short films centring the sex lives of men, from unexpected hook-ups to romantic rendezvous.
Car Wash
Two soccer players hide their secret relationship from their teammates, but a night of passion inside a car wash could trigger a different path in their lives. Australian Premiere
Boyfriends
Billy gives his long-absent boyfriend Kevin a passionate welcome home, but all is not what it seems in this melancholic romantic drama. Australian Premiere
J is for Just an Afternoon Thunderstorm
A Taiwanese couple’s hike is interrupted by the sudden appearance of a naked European stranger, and the rumbling of an approaching storm. Australian Premiere
Park Life
What starts as a transactional hook-up blossoms into something unexpectedly romantic and meaningful as Noah and Medhi wander the quiet streets of London after meeting while cruising. Sydney Premiere
The Job
Dive into the erotic archive of Canadian photographer and entrepreneur John Phillips, whose work in 1990s gay male magazines provides a snapshot of an industry at the edge of transformation during a tumultuous time in history. Australian Premiere
Auganic
Kailan strikes gold when he discovers a special ability during an intimate moment with his husband Nick. Sydney Premiere
Mariasilvia was the first Italian woman to come out publicly, in this stirring story of standing up for what you believe in no matter the cost.
A cathartic ode to trans Paris Is Burning star Venus Xtravaganza, as her two families – biological and ballroom – unite to honour her legacy.
Celebrate 20 years of the beloved, star-studded romantic comedy where Rachel (Piper Perabo) locks eyes with Luce (Lena Headey) and sparks fly!
A recently single twenty-something throws himself into a whirlwind of new sexual experiences on a chaotic quest to find new love – and himself.
Packed with delicious Sapphic drama, Lakeview hilariously explores the unique dynamics of queer female friendships in all of their messy glory.
Bilal Hasna (Extraordinary) plays a non-binary, Arab drag queen who loses themselves in a tumultuous relationship, in this empowering drama.
Explore an impassioned queer history in Lesvia, an unforgettable documentary capturing Lesbos' transformation into a lesbian island haven!
Featuring Megan Statler (Hacks) at her chaotic best, this selection of fun and light-hearted shorts is bound to put a smile on your face.
Really Good Driver
An Asian-American mum (Keiko Agena, Gilmore Girls) teaches her grown-up child (writer-director-producer, Alex Song-Xia) how to drive, forcing both to confront parts of the car – and themselves – they never have before. Australian Premiere
The Space You Need
Sci-fi writer Julian and his fiancé Leo are in a slump. Will Leo’s trip into orbit provide them with the space they need to get back on track, in this queer rom-com set in the world of low-cost alternative space travel. World Premiere
ILY, BYE
When an exciting job interview comes her way, Siobhan (Megan Stalter, Hacks) needs to keep her foot out of her mouth long enough to get her foot in the door.
Carrotica
A teenager secretly writes explicit gay erotica while his scientist mother forms a fixation on a particularly sexy carrot, as they navigate their lust and loneliness in the queerest of ways. Australian Premiere
Divine Intervention
To get the promotion of their dreams, a mischievous Earth-bound angel must get two ex-best friends to admit their love for each other. Australian Premiere
Foraging
A bored gay couple try to refind their spark by going cruising for the first time, but when they get lost in the woods the cracks in their relationship become chasms. Australian Premiere
Gender Reveal
Non-binary people-pleaser Rhys drags their two partners along to a work event, where the trans throuple are confronted with the horrors of a straight couple’s gender reveal party. Australian Premiere
A forbidden romance between novelist Owen and doctor Phillip spirals out of control when Phillip is convinced he can “cure” their sexuality.
LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story
The one-and-only Liza Minnelli takes centre stage in this dazzling profile of an enduring gay icon, multi-hyphenate and Hollywood survivor.
A closeted gay man and an outspoken woman become life-long friends as they navigate the highs and lows of life, and society’s prejudice.
Don’t miss these eight films competing in My Queer Career, Australia’s richest LGBTIQ+ short film prize, with over $16K worth of prizes.
Oi
When a turbulent teenage girl undergoes a traumatic experience, she must face her own violent bravado head-on.
Bathers
Whilst grieving the loss of her father, Tess discovers herself amongst a community of female surfers. Sydney Premiere
Ballad
A lonely woman on the Australian frontier has a chance encounter with an injured bushranger. They find an unlikely connection and kinship, until the law comes knocking. Sydney Premiere
Pleasure
Two teenage boys must split up on a sweaty summer night after they're caught graffitiing a train in Melbourne's inner-west, until a moment of unexpected intimacy brings them closer together.
Joan the Kid
When her detention project comes to life, Jo is taken on a whirlwind trip through history by the not-so-saintly Saint, Joan of Arc. Sydney Premiere
Hold Still
A tradie and a dancer meet during a lilting summer in a rural town, two young people on the edge of something big. Sydney Premiere
With Love, Lottie
When a disabled teenager fears she will never find love, she enlists her friends as mentors in the unpredictable world of dating – and discovers that love can come in many unexpected ways and forms.
Die Bully Die
17 years since high school, Max catches up with his former bully in a fancy restaurant where Max’s grudge against Adam begins to manifest in horrific ways.
A construction worker explores himself and his identity amongst a group of queer and trans rodeo riders, in this celebration of found family.
An intersex runaway longs to escape his bleak New Jersey life, in this Sundance hit that offers a raw, tender exploration of queer identity.
An ode to pop divas and the entitlement of their most ardent gay fans, this tongue-in-cheek musical satire is a camp cult classic in the making.
Adapted from William S. Burroughs' novel, Queer stars Daniel Craig as William Lee, a lonely drifter drawn to a handsome young student, Eugene.
From activists to artists and beyond, these short documentaries put a very real human face to an array of remarkable true stories.
The Callers
Anonymous documentary testimony and dramatic reenactments combine to tell the story of the oldest queer support line in the UK, the LGBT Switchboard established in 1974. Australian Premiere
Orgy Every Other Day
Ready, sex, go: go beyond the well-documented world of gay male sex parties, in this dive into NYC‘s diverse queer underground sex party scene. Sydney Premiere
Amma’s Pride
A supportive mother hopes for a miracle as she watches her trans daughter Srija fall in love, and fight for state and societal recognition of her marriage in a traditional small town in South India. Australian Premiere
Empress
An intimate exploration of a Sydney-based artist Dyan Tai’s quest to create and celebrate queer Asian spaces through the transformative power of their art. World Premiere
Poisoned Well
Slovakian LGBTIQ+ participants in a self-defense course reflect on the fear that motivated them to join, after a terrorist attack on a Bratislavan gay bar on 12 October, 2022. Sydney Premiere
Jamie
Pioneering alpinist Jamie Logan has climbed some of the most dangerous climbs in the world, but nothing felt as frightening as admitting that she wanted to live openly as a woman at age 69. Sydney Premiere
From the weird and wonderful, to the surreal and strange, through to the genuinely frightening, this queer genre collection is a real scream.
RAT!
When a disgruntled music journalist accuses a global pop star of queerbaiting, the singer’s devoted fans seek retribution. Australian Premiere
Bloodsport
After a protest gets out of control, activists Nell and Esme take refuge in a seemingly empty mansion. But danger descends when an interloper arrives with an unexpected connection to Esme. International Premiere
Beach Logs Kill
The star quarterback promises to pass down her lucky number to the most deserving girl on the team, but when the game goes horribly awry, an awkward admirer attempts to prove herself worthy of the captain’s love, legacy and soul. Sydney Premiere
Spookable
Starring Alexandra Grey (Gossamer Folds, QSFF20), two trans best friends venture into the woods on a cabin getaway vacation only to end up as part of a campy, horny supernatural world. Australian Premiere
Bath Bomb
A possessive doctor prepares a romantic bath for his boyfriend, but after an accusation of infidelity things take a deeply disturbing turn.
Lady Parts
When Iris thinks of Ellie, she gets wet. Very wet. She’s heard it’s normal, but something about her reaction feels different. And when you’re in high school, being different is dangerous.
The Kindness of Strangers
Girlfriends Stacy and Anna pick up a traumatised woman near the scene of an accident. But something doesn’t seem right about their passenger, in this nightmare ride they’ll never forget. Australian Premiere
Coming out ain't easy for football player Riley, in this contemporary teen drama that delves into the psyche of a young, repressed athlete.
Sally! revives the legacy, spirit and lasting impact of Sally Gearhart, a radical feminist icon whose activism reshaped LGBTIQ+ rights.
Unmask hidden truths in Ruth Caudeli’s latest powerful drama about a theatre troupe navigating abuses that come to light during rehearsals.
This selection of Sapphic shorts is punctuated by tales of yearning, flirtation and love in its many forms – and an ode to the carabiner!
I Only Kiss in the Dark
When her roommate is outed to his family, a queer woman is forced to spend the evening with his disgruntled sister, discovering just how deep the family’s internalised homophobia runs. International Premiere
Tomorrow Will Be Better
An exploration of the complex relationship between lesbian daughter Jona and her straight mother Mirjam, after Jona moves back home following a break-up. Australian Premiere
The History of the Carabiner
A tongue-in-cheek, historical documentary that takes viewers on a journey through queer history to trace the origins of the carabiner as a lesbian symbol. Sydney Premiere
I Never Promised You a Jasmine Garden
Tara, a queer Palestinian woman in her late twenties, attempts to suppress her internal emotional turbulence during a phone call with her best friend Sarab, with whom she’s secretly in love. Australian Premiere
Best Before
A woman (Tara Lynne O’Neill, Derry Girls) approaching the last leg of her last attempts at IVF treatment can’t help but put herself in competition with her egg-laying chicken. Sydney Premiere
Roses
As her daughter throws an 18th birthday party, single mother Rosa unexpectedly finds herself spending an evening out alone, when she finds herself on an impromptu date. Sydney Premiere
Mistakes You Make Before You Die
At Dora’s urging, Lennon and Dora attempt to complete the weirdest bucket list ever, beginning with item #1: participate in an orgy. Australian Premiere
Scarecrow in a Garden of Cucumbers
Eternal trans icon and Warhol superstar Holly Woodlawn is a total riot in this fabulously camp, newly-rediscovered ‘70s sketch musical comedy.
A writer begins a double life as a sex worker to research his novel, in Mikko Mäkelä’s sexually charged follow-up to A Moment in the Reeds (MGFF18).
Whoopi Goldberg turns a flagging convent choir into a Motown-singing chorus in this musical caper – costumes and singing highly encouraged!
Single mother Nicole navigates falling out with her son and unexpected romance in this touching film about showing up for the ones you love.
In a hidden corner of Rio, a teacher's love affair with a sex worker triggers a dangerous obsession, in this darkly sexy Brazilian drama.
Spotlighting stories that centre relationships between trans people, these shorts explore the power of trans love, solidarity and resilience.
Honeymoon
After a traumatic experience with the police Fay is leaving Greece for good. Her best friend Sandra accompanies her to the bus station, taking this time as a chance to say goodbye. Sydney Premiere
Sperm Donors Wanted!
Due to a lack of resources for trans people wanting to biologically conceive, performance artist Krishna Istha interviews hundreds of potential sperm donors live on stage in a quest to find the “perfect” sperm donor for him and his partner to start their family. Australian Premiere
all the words but the one
Maya (writer-director Nava Mau, Baby Reindeer) prepares for a high stakes work dinner for her partner Jio (Shaan Dasani; These Thems, MGFF20), but her past and present collide when she recognises his boss’s partner as a volatile ex she hasn’t seen in years. Australian Premiere
Lovin’ Her
An older trans woman navigates the complexities of a fading memory, as flashes of her past delve into the intricacies of love and the evolution of her gender identity. Australian Premiere
Boys in the Water
On a weekend retreat to his grandparents’ beachside house with some friends, his first time back in his childhood home since coming out, Oscar’s unexpected attraction when he encounters another trans man on the beach will turn his world on its head. Sydney Premiere
A couple (Robin Williams and Nathan Lane) must convince their son’s ultra-conservative future in-laws they’re not gay, in this camp classic.
A gripping documentary that bravely confronts the long-standing silence around homosexuality (and homophobia) in men’s professional soccer.
After his partner’s sudden death, Thongkam must battle to protect their home and durian orchard, and preserve the legacy of their love.
Something’s off about the meticulously curated lives of lesbian influencer power couple Thistle and Blaire, in this wickedly funny satire.
Butch sex worker Renuka finds romance with wannabe rapper Devika as they rebel against patriarchal expectations, in this haunting drama.
Former lovers reconnect decades since serving in the Soviet army to confront their personal and political past, in this compelling two-hander.
Three Kilometres to the End of the World
A gripping tale of love, identity and justice following a homophobic attack, this Cannes Queer Palm winner exposes corruption in rural Romania.
A lonely musician's romance with a married couple awakens him in unexpected ways, in this playful rom-com that’s anything but traditional.
To Live, to Die, to Live Again
An unorthodox love triangle unfolds under the shadow of the AIDS epidemic, in this moving French melodrama about the power of found family.
Featuring Lío Mehiel (Mutt, MGFF24) and the voice of Ian McKellen, this collection explores the many facets of trans and gender diverse lives.
Patricia in the Dark
Born into a world where the word “transgender” didn’t exist, 92 year-old Patricia spent most of her life constraining her true identity to the safety of photography darkrooms, until she opened up to her wife.
Just Kim
An undocumented trans nanny longs to be open about his gender, but fears losing the emotional connection he has to the baby girl he cares for if her mother discovers his secret. International Premiere
Pietra
A disgruntled old woman’s anger at her upstairs neighbour’s loud music is softened when they find a shared connection through fashion. Australian Premiere
Wrong Bathroom
A transgender high school student is pressured into a misogynistic conversation with his peers in order to be considered “one of the guys”. International Premiere
Rage Consumes Me
A poetic and provocative dive into being non-binary in today’s society, exploring anger and despair as your personhood and identity is stripped away. Australian Premiere
Holy Curse
During a visit to India, 11 year-old Radha grapples with their gender identity as their family subjects them to manipulative orthodox rituals, believing these will dispel an alleged ancestral curse affecting Radha’s thoughts.
Shideh
A young barber with a romantic interest in one of their clients decides to reveal their interest and a new side of themselves. Sydney Premiere
Skin
A poetic exploration of identity and self-discovery, using visual symbolism to depict one person’s (Lío Mehiel; Mutt, MGFF24) transformation into a man, their inner manifestation shedding their old skin to embrace their true identity. Australian Premiere
Dragfox
Sam’s search for identity gets interrupted by a mysterious neighbourhood fox, voiced by Ian McKellen. Together they embark on a magical journey to discover the surprising things they might have in common, and how to celebrate their differences.
An artist is caught in the web of a flirtatious curator who exploits the work of underrepresented minorities, in this pulpy lesbian thriller.
Seven women, three generations, one family – and countless secrets and lies. Meet Canada’s Gayest Family, which includes a Sydney expat.
When a turn of the millennium indie rock band led by a trans man finds success, their already fragile relationships are pushed to the edge.
In this heartfelt romantic comedy, a chance encounter leaves two women from different worlds questioning what they really want from their lives.
Featuring everything from one night stands, forbidden romances and best friend crushes, this shorts package showcases love between women.
Sister Wives
Two sister wives married to the same man, in a repressed religious community, start to develop feelings for each other. Australian Premiere
Stella
Locked outside at 3am, this isn't the wild one-night stand Georgie and Alisha had imagined when leaving the club. Bursting with flirting, chaos and MDMA, they desperately chase the night trying not to let their high die. Australian Premiere
Connection
Andy (Aurelia St Clair) and Jen (Lena Moon) have mind-blowing sex, and in good ol’ lesbian fashion, their connection is much deeper than they thought it would be. Pun intended. World Premiere
Kasbi
Away from the responsibilities of familial life, Pakistani-American Maryam hires 20 year-old sex worker Aisha to keep her company for the night. Australian Premiere
My Best Friend
When Clara and Lea escape the daily grind for a short vacation together, the events of one fateful night challenge the meaning of their friendship. Australian Premiere
Match Dot Mom
A closeted teen stumbles on her very-married-mother’s secret TindHER profile late one night. When she accidentally swipes right she not only outs herself, but must grapple with the uncertainty of who her mum really is. International Premiere
¡salsa!
Margarita seeks freedom in a place that doesn’t judge those outside the norm, when her path crosses with a deaf tourist named Liana amidst the vibrations of congas and bongos. Australian Premiere
14-year-old Elias finds himself falling for his new neighbour, in this joyful coming-of-age tale that will envelop you like a warm hug.