Festival Director Lisa Rose’s Hidden Gems at MGFF23

There are a lot of films to catch at Mardi Gras Film Festival – 166 to be exact! If you’re not sure where to start, or want some recommendations from an expert in queer film, you’ve come to the right place.

Take a few pointers from our wonderful Festival Director, Lisa Rose. She’s been in the Queer Screen family for 11 years, becoming our Festival Director in 2017. She’s a total queer film buff.

She has shared her ‘hidden gem’ picks of this year’s Festival. Take her word for it – these are the films that you really can’t miss.

Book quick before tickets sell out and don’t forget you can see more for less with a Flexi Pass!

Five Devils

Wed, Feb 22, 6:30pm
Hayden Orpheum Cremorne
and
Fri, Feb 24, 8:30pm
Wed, Mar 1, 1:30pm
Event Cinemas, George St

Love, mystery and time travel collide in this compelling drama about a lonely girl with a special gift, starring a mesmerising Adèle Exarchopoulos (Blue is the Warmest Colour).

About Us But Not About Us

Fri, Feb 24, 7:00pm
Mon, Feb 27, 4:00pm
Event Cinemas, George St

Intrigue is on the menu in this masterfully constructed Filipino mystery from the director of Die Beautiful (MGFF17). Guaranteed to keep audiences guessing until the credits roll.

The Origin of Evil

Mon, Feb 27, 6:40pm
Ritz Cinemas, Randwick

With echoes of Knives Out, shady relatives plot and scheme for family fortunes, through a succession of ingenious twists in the wickedly funny and brilliant French thriller.

A Place of Our Own

Mon, Feb 27, 6:20pm
Ritz Cinemas, Randwick
+ On Demand

Two trans friends work together to overcome the prejudice that overshadows every facet of their daily lives, in this surprisingly empowering and hopeful Indian drama.

Wet Sand

Fri, Feb 17, 6:40pm
Ritz Cinemas, Randwick
+ On Demand

A young lesbian forms an unexpected bond with her late-grandfather’s secret gay lover, in this mysterious, beautifully affecting Georgian drama.

El Houb – The Love

Thu, Feb 16, 7:00pm
Event Cinemas, Hurstville
and
Thu, Feb 23, 6:20pm
Ritz Cinemas, Randwick

A quiet, ambitious and commanding exploration of a Moroccan-Dutch man’s life at a crossroads when his conservative Muslim family discovers he’s gay.

Youtopia

Tue, Feb 21, 6:30pm
Dendy Cinemas Newtown
+ On Demand

Comedian Scout Durwood directs and stars in this camp-tastic escapade – a hilariously savvy musical for the TikTok generation!

Casa Susana

Wed, Mar 1, 6:50pm
Ritz Cinemas, Randwick

An essential chapter in emerging trans identity, Casa Susanna was a place where transgender women and cross-dressing men found refuge together in the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Finding Her Beat

Tue, Feb 21, 7:00pm
Event Cinemas, George St
+ On Demand

A group of women and non-binary drummers gather to create a historic and ground-breaking Taiko performance, an art-form usually dominated by men.

Bi+ Shorts

Fri, Feb 17, 8:45pm
Ritz Cinemas, Randwick 

Queer, bisexual, pansexual, fluid and other non-monosexual people take centre stage in this hilarious, touching and sexy shorts package.