Films for lesbians and those who love them

28 Jan Films for lesbians and those who love them

Featuring captivating documentaries, riveting shorts, steamy romances and even a look at the Sapphic history of the island of Lesbos, here are just some of the many electrifying films featuring lesbians at Queer Screen’s 32nd Mardi Gras Film Festival.

A woman in a baseball cap dances amongst a group of people

Closing Night: Somewhere in Love

Thu 27 Feb, 7:00pm
Event Cinemas, George St

In a tiny Parisian council flat, single mum Nicole and her teenage son’s relationship fractures. While the distance grows between them, her horizons are broadened in the form of the beguiling Nora, in this charming comedic drama about opening yourself to the world and showing up for the ones you love.

Two women hold onto each other as they dance and sing on a stage

What a Feeling

Fri 14 Feb, 7:00pm
Event Cinemas, George St
and
Sat 22 Feb, 3:45pm
Dendy Cinemas, Newtown

In What a Feeling, middle-aged Marie Theres and Fa come together after a chance encounter that leaves them questioning what they really want from their lives. This warm and funny romantic comedy tells the story of two very different women finding love and community while learning to take charge of their lives.

Two women bathed in pink light embrace, looking intently in each other's eyes

Lakeview

Sat 22 Feb, 6:20pm
Event Cinemas, George St
and
Fri 28 Feb – Thu 13 Mar
On Demand, Australia-wide

In Lakeview – a witty, evocative dramedy about the complexity of queer friendships in all their messy glory – the close-knit bond between a group of queer women is put to the test when bad breakups, harboured feelings and emotional revelations begin to unravel their lakeside vacation.

Two. young women walk down a footpath together, carrying groceries

Concerning My Daughter

Wed 19 Feb, 7:00pm
Event Cinemas, George St

Based on Kim Hye-jin’s award-winning bestseller, a widowed caregiver’s regimented life is upended when her daughter Green moves home with her girlfriend, Rain. Caught in the middle, Rain becomes an unexpected bridge between mother and daughter, in this beautifully affecting intergenerational drama.

Underwater, two women swim together naked

Lesvia

Tue 18 Feb, 6:30pm
Dendy Cinemas, Newtown
and
Fri 28 Feb – Thu 13 Mar
On Demand, Australia-wide

Lesvia brilliantly captures the historical evolution of the Greek island of Lesbos into a vibrant lesbian haven. This essential documentary captures the cultural shifts, racy stories and spirited lives that shaped a one-of-a-kind queer sanctuary. A must-see celebration of Sapphic liberation!

In the background factory workers celebrate, while two smiling women stand in front of them holding each other

Chuck Chuck Baby

Sun 16 Feb, 7:00pm
Event Cinemas, George St
and
Fri 21 Feb, 6:30pm
Event Cinemas, George St

In a small Welsh town, Helen spends her days working at the local chicken factory and caring for her ex-husband’s mother. When old classmate Joanne returns after two decades away, long dormant feelings resurface, in this toe-tapping musical love letter to working-class women.

A collage of images: two people hold each other's hands smiling; a woman walks in the snow; a woman poses wearing a carabiner; two women smile at each other; a woman looks on while her mother paints; and a woman sits at a kitchen table

Sapphic Shorts

Fri 21 Feb, 8:30pm
Ritz Cinemas, Randwick
and
Fri 28 Feb – Thu 13 Mar
On Demand, Australia-wide

This selection of Sapphic shorts is all about lesbians and queer women, punctuated by tales of yearning, flirtation and love. There’s an unexpected spark between a woman and her housemate’s sister in a blackout. A couple attempt to complete a particularly weird bucket list. Plus, an ode to the carabiner!

In the foreground, a young woman lit by a spotlight holds a microphone, while in the background another woman is bathed in shadows

Queens of Drama

Tue 18 Feb, 7:00pm
Dendy Cinemas, Newtown

Sparks fly when straitlaced ingénue Mimi Madamour competes with out punk rocker Billie Kohler on an early 2000s reality TV singing competition. When Mimi achieves mainstream success but Billie doesn’t, it ignites a decades-spanning romance turned rivalry – as told by a nostalgic gay vlogger in 2055 – in this genuinely unique, satirical queer fantasia with its tongue firmly in cheek.

Two women look into each other's eyes as they hold onto each other, one grasping the other's face in her hands while the other grips her arms

The Shameless

Thu 20 Feb, 7:00pm
Event Cinemas, George St

Winner of the Cannes Un Certain Regard Award for Best Performer, Anasuya Sengupta is phenomenal as butch sex worker Renuka, whose instant chemistry with wannabe rapper Devika quickly gives way to romance. When Devika reveals her mother has promised her virginity and servitude to the highest bidder, Renuka works overtime to raise the funds to run away together, in this extraordinary, haunting drama.

Seven women representing three generations of a family pose for a photo around a table in a restaurant

Unusually Normal

Mon 24 Feb, 6:30pm
Ritz Cinemas, Randwick
and
Fri 28 Feb – Thu 13 Mar
On Demand, Australia-wide

Meet Canada’s Gayest Family, including Sydney expat Janice Moore. Spanning from the 1940s to today, this heartwarming documentary features interviews, archival footage (including the 1960s Australian Gay Olympics) and viral TikToks, celebrating seven gay women across three generations of one family.

On a picnic blanket, two people pose for a selfie

The Rebrand

Sun. 23 Feb, 6:00pm
Dendy Cinemas, Newtown
and
Fri 28 Feb – Thu 13 Mar
On Demand, Australia-wide

All is not what it seems in the meticulously curated lives lesbian influencer power couple Thistle Blaire. Desperate to rebuild their reputation after being cancelled, they commission a documentary about themselves to rebrand their image after being cancelled, in this wickedly funny satire.

Three women hug each other, the one on the right kissing the head of the one in the centre

Same, Again

Tue 25 Feb, 7:00pm
Event Cinemas, George St

Ruth Caudeli’s (Eva and Candela) latest film explores the delicate interplay of intimacy and power within a Colombian theatre troupe. As hidden abuses and power dynamics surface, the group must decide to unite or divide in this suspenseful, deeply human drama where personal scars and collective strength intertwine.

A collage of images: two women. resting their foreheads together, two women standing in a crowd as one rests her hand on the other's chest, a young woman looking at her phone in horror, two women passionately making out, a younger women smiling at an older women, and two women sitting in a hot tub, as they link hands

Women Loving Women Shorts

Sat 22 Feb, 8:40pm
Dendy Cinemas, Newtown
and
Fri 28 Feb – Thu 13 Mar
On Demand, Australia-wide

Featuring films about everything from forbidden romances, one night stands, crushes on best friends and even the awkwardness when a closeted teen stumbles on her supposedly straight mother’s lesbian dating profile, this collection of shorts showcases films all about love between women.

A black-and-white archival photo of a woman from the 1970s speaking into a microphone in front of the words "No on 6"

Sally!

Sat 15 Feb, 4:20pm
Event Cinemas, George St
and
Fri 28 Feb – Thu 13 Mar
On Demand, Australia-wide

A flirt, a revolutionary, a lover and a fighter, Sally Gearhart was a trailblazing force to be reckoned with. Through archival footage and conversations with the radical activist herself, Sally! showcases her pioneering life, which transformed the queer and feminist social justice movements.

Two women in 1970s styling look intently into each other's eyes

I’m Not a Nobody

Sat 15 Feb, 7:00pm
Event Cinemas, George St
and
Fri 28 Feb – Thu 13 Mar
On Demand, Australia-wide

Don’t miss the incredible true story of Mariasilvia Spolato, the first Italian woman to come out publicly in 1972, in this stirring story of standing up for what you believe in no matter the cost. Spanning over thirty years, the film documents the joy and struggle of fighting for your right to exist.

Two teenage girls stand amidst a protest, with people holding placards

Foreign Language

Mon 17 Feb, 7:00pm
Event Cinemas, George St

Withdrawn French teen Fanny goes on foreign exchange to stay with her outspoken German activist pen pal Lena and her single mother (Nina Hoss, Tár). The two must grapple with how to understand themselves and each other, in this bittersweet coming-of-age romance from Camera d’Or winner Claire Burger.

A woman stares straight ahead, defiantly, a tear on her cheek

Under the Influencer

Wed 26 Feb, 7:00pm
Event Cinemas, George St

When digital artist Lex’s mental health starts to spiral, cunning curator Andrea takes advantage of the situation to take ownership of Lex’s work. When Lex learns she’s just the latest victim of Andrea’s schemes, she plots a psychological showdown against her mentor, in this pulpy lesbian thriller.

A woman hugs another woman from behind, as they both smile

Imagine Me & You

Wed 19 Feb, 6:30pm
The Rocks Laneway Cinema

“The lily means, ‘I dare you to love me’.” Celebrate 20 years of Imagine Me & You! When Rachel (Piper Perabo) meets Luce (Lena Headey) at her wedding, everything changes. Relive this witty, romantic classic under the stars – also featuring Sharon Horgan, Celia Imrie and Anthony Head!

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