The upcoming Queer Screen Film Fest will bring much needed new, comforting and inspiring content to the small screens from Thursday 16 September to Sunday 26 September 2021.
Bringing the world to Australian audiences who currently cannot travel, the 9th Festival showcases 40 films from 17 countries, in 18 different spoken languages, and hosts no less than 22 Australian Premieres.
“Everyone in our community has been impacted by the pandemic in some way and we are delighted to create an online Festival to help us through these times,” says Festival Director Lisa Rose.
“We are very thankful to the Producers, Sales Agents and Distributors who agreed to let us share their work on smaller screens, and grateful we can bring some fantastic new and also much-loved encores to people all around the country.”
Documentaries:
AIDS Diva: The Legend of Connie Norman tells the story of self-proclaimed AIDS diva and trans trailblazer Connie Norman who lived and died fighting for the right to be seen and heard.
More groundbreakers are explored in Fanny: The Right to Rock, an inspiring documentary that introduces us to the all-female Filipina American rock band Fanny, who were written out of rock history in the 1970s.
A Sexplanation from gay filmmaker Alex Liu is a refreshing and fun documentary that explores why there’s still so much shame when talking about sexuality and what floats our boats.
Narrative Features:
Winner of the Frameline Audience Award, Lola is the story of a trans girl and her estranged father who journey the Belgian coast to fulfil her late mother’s wishes. A beautiful film that will stay with you for a long time.
Beyto is a critically acclaimed drama from Switzerland exploring the clash between queer and traditional immigrant cultures, as well as the heartbreak that happens when people are prevented from making their own life choices.
More culture clashes arise in the lesbian comedy Kiss Me Before It Blows Up, where love is put to the test with prejudices and hidden family secrets trying to derail German botanist Maria and her Israeli girlfriend Shira as they plan their wedding.
François Ozon’s Summer of 85 is a seductive story of first love. Two teenagers fall into a passionate summer fling and their worlds are forever changed. It’s intoxicating and dripping in 80s nostalgia, a coming of age film to love.
Reminiscent of Armistead Maupin, Beautiful Dreamer is a warm-hearted Bay Area comedy-drama about love, friendship and building your ‘logical’ family starring The L Word‘s Erin Daniels.
Dear Tenant is a slow-burn tale of humanity, heartbreak and family, weaving within it the experience of being a gay man in contemporary Taiwan.
Finnish film Tove sketches the life of Moomin creator, Tove Jansson. The film follows Tove’s artistic journey from struggling painter to successful illustrator, and her impassioned relationship with the alluring theatre director, Vivica. (Not available to Victorian viewers)
The program includes three new gay, lesbian and trans and gender diverse shorts programs and because we all need a laugh, one encore program called Best of Comedy Shorts.
Our five encores feature some of our most loved past films. Free Fall (MGFF 14) is a sexy gay glassic from Germany. Mardi Gras Film Festival’s 2015 Opening Night Film returns with the moving docudrama The Circle.
Romantic dramedy Front Cover (MGFF 16) is overflowing with charm and warmth, Signature Move (MGFF 18) is a multicultural lesbian romcom and Wild Nights with Emily (MGFF 19) hilariously tweaks the life story of poet Emily Dickinson.
In addition to the on-demand program, Queer Screen has a number of live free events scheduled including filmmaker Q&As and panels; the Halfway Hangout where people can meet virtually to chat about the films and short film competition, Queer Screen Pitch Off.
The 2021 Queer Screen Film Fest runs 16 – 26 September. Single tickets and pack passes are now available. Become a Queer Screen member for discounted tickets. For more information and full program, visit: www.queerscreen.org.au for details. Checkout the trailer here!
Image: Fanny: The Right to Rock (supplied)