21 May Emerging Feature Competition At This Year’s Queer Screen Film Fest
The 12th Queer Screen Film Fest (QSFF) will return from 27–31 August 2025 at Event Cinemas George Street. For the first time, the festival will introduce an Emerging Feature Competition section to spotlight and support emerging filmmakers. Open to directors presenting their first or second feature film with LGBTIQA+ theme and characters, the competition winner will receive a cash prize of AUD $2,500. Submissions are now open and will close on 11 June 2025.
The 2025 festival will also feature expanded side events and industry programming—designed to foster deeper connections between audiences, filmmakers, and industry professionals. Further announcements will be made in July.
Queer Screen is also excited to announce the appointment of long-time team member Andrew Wilkie as the organisation’s new Programming & Industry Manager.
Wilkie has been part of the Queer Screen community since 2018, first joining as a volunteer and steadily working across numerous roles including ticketing, front of house, production, programming, and industry initiatives. His promotion reflects his outstanding contributions to Queer Screen’s festivals and programs, as well as the organisation’s commitment to developing industry talent.
In this new role, Wilkie will lead the development and delivery of Queer Screen’s curatorial vision across its signature events, the Mardi Gras Film Festival and Queer Screen Film Festival, as well as year-round pop-up screenings, regional tours, and special partner events. He will also be responsible for coordinating Queer Screen’s flagship industry programs, including My Queer Career, Queer Screen Pitch Off, the Completion Fund and the Pride in Film series.
Benson Wu, CEO of Queer Screen, praised Andrew’s deep connection to the organisation and his extensive experience in film programming, calling him the perfect fit to lead Queer Screen’s curatorial and industry programs.
“Andrew has been part of Queer Screen for a long time—starting as a volunteer and later joining the staff, contributing across multiple festivals and teams over the years. I’m excited to have him step into this leadership role and bring his creative vision and expertise to the table. I look forward to seeing the impact he’ll make in further expanding Queer Screen’s vision,” said Benson.
Co-Chairs of Queer Screen, Abs Osseiran and Angela Ruchin, expressed their enthusiasm for Andrew’s appointment, highlighting his long standing contributions and creative leadership within the organisation.
“We are incredibly proud to support and promote the talent that exists within Queer Screen. Andrew has been curating amazing programs for years, and we’re excited to see him step into this new leadership role. His creative vision and passion for queer storytelling are a perfect fit for this next chapter in Queer Screen’s journey,” said Osseiran and Ruchin.
Wilkie brings a diverse background in film programming and industry engagement, having worked with major festivals such as Sydney Film Festival, SXSW Sydney, and Antenna Documentary Film Festival. Now stepping into the role of Programming & Industry Manager at Queer Screen, they reflect on the journey from first attending the festival in 2014 to taking on various roles as a volunteer and staff member.
“I’m both honoured and thrilled to step into this role, continuing my long association with the organisation,” Wilkie said.
“I’m excited to work alongside our new CEO, Benson Wu, as we continue to uplift and celebrate LGBTIQ+ films from around the world. At a time when our community is facing increased persecution and attempts to silence us, it’s more important than ever to bring authentic LGBTIQ+ voices to our screens.”
Wilkie’s promotion comes at a time of growth and renewed ambition for Queer Screen, as the organisation continues to champion diverse stories and meaningful industry engagement across Australia and beyond.
