Bi+ films you can’t miss at MGFF26

Bisexual, pansexual, queer, fluid – whatever the label they do or don’t use, these are some of the incredible films about people attracted to more than one gender screening at Queer Screen’s 33rd Mardi Gras Film Festival!

The Chronology of Water

Thu 19 Feb, 6:15pm
Event Cinemas, George St

Shot on 16mm, Kristen Stewart makes her directorial debut in this visceral adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch’s best-selling memoir, stitching together breathtaking and haunting images that mirror the ephemeral nature of memory. 

Thesis on a Domestication

Sat 21 Feb, 7:00pm
Dendy Cinemas, Newtown

A famous trans theatre actress known for her wild partying and sexual appetite falls for a bisexual lawyer (Alfonso Herrera, Sense8), who matches her freak. From the outside, they fit the heteronormative ideal, but behind closed doors it’s non-monogamy, sex clubs and bondage. But when they start the process of adopting a child, is it possible to maintain their private sexual freedom without jeopardising their family?

Departures

Mon 23 Feb, 6:00pm
Event Cinemas, George St

After a break-up, Benji has fallen into a self-sabotaging cycle of excess alcohol and empty hook-ups. This darkly funny, emotionally charged film finds humour, love and even hope in life’s darkest moments.

Truth or Dare

Sat 21 Feb, 9:15pm
Dendy Cinemas, Newtown

People of all different sexualities and genders discuss and demonstrate what brings them pleasure. The diverse group offer unfiltered perspectives on everything from group sex, establishing boundaries, sexual health and kink, through to non-monogamy, disclosing HIV status and sex work. At times explicit, sweet and even awkward, everyone is given space to express their opinions and desires without fear or judgement.

Bi+ Shorts

Fri 20 Feb, 8:45pm
Dendy Cinemas, Newtown

Featuring a re-coming out of the closet, dreams as escape from reality and a miniature figure collector who must decide whether or not to risk vulnerability for real human connection. These are just a few highlights from the eight short films in our Bi+ shorts lineup!

Opening Night: Jimpa

Thu 12 Feb, 7:00pm
Event Cinemas, George St
and
Wed 18 Feb, 7:00pm
Dendy Cinemas, Newtown

Starring Olivia Colman and John Lithgow, filmmaker Hannah travels to Amsterdam with her non-binary teen, Frances (Aud Mason-Hyde). Reconnecting with her HIV+ academic gay father, Jim – affectionately known as “Jimpa” – she hopes to discuss plans to tell his story on screen. But when Jimpa’s health begins to decline, Hannah must negotiate what happens next as she confronts her past and the stories she’s told about her family.

High Art

Fri 18 Feb, 6:30pm
The Rocks, Laneway Cinema

Gloriously restored in 4K, Lisa Cholodenko’s (The Kids Are All Right) award-winning debut is a landmark of ‘90s indie cinema and a modern queer classic. When aspiring magazine editor Syd (Radha Mitchell, Love and Other Catastrophes) has a chance encounter with her reclusive neighbour, once-famous photographer Lucy Berliner (Brat Pack icon Ally Sheedy), both women see the opportunity to advance their careers.

Rains Over Babel

Sun 22 Feb, 7:00pm
Dendy Cinemas, Newtown

Death presides over the mythical bar Babel, a nocturnal crossroads where souls gamble their lives in pursuit of escape, redemption or one last chance at love. A camp, queer reframing of Dante’s Inferno as a neon-drenched fantasy.

The Serpent’s Skin

Thu 19 Feb, 6:30pm
Dendy Cinemas, Newtown

After escaping her transphobic hometown, twentysomething Anna arrives in the city determined to start over. She soon falls for Gen, a goth tattoo artist, and the pair discover they share supernatural abilities. When a tattoo session with Anna’s neighbour Danny goes wrong, a demonic force is unleashed. As it begins feeding on those around them, Anna and Gen must harness their powers to protect their found family.

If You Are Afraid You Put Your Heart into Your Mouth and Smile

Sun 22 Feb, 6:30pm
Dendy Cinemas, Newtown

This Teddy Jury Prize winner brilliantly captures those nascent years of questioning identity. 12 year-old Anna and her Deaf mum live in cramped public housing. When she starts secondary school they can’t afford the clothes others wear. But she finds an ally in Mara, whose trans father always has her back. Surrounded by quietly accepted queer characters, there’s no rush for Anna to grow up or make decisions.