What's On at Queer Screen Film Fest

Young Hearts

14-year-old Elias finds himself falling for his new neighbour, in this joyful coming-of-age tale that will envelop you like a warm hug.

Thu, Feb 13, 7:00pm

In Cinema Selling Fast

High Tide

The debut feature for lauded playwright Marco Calvani is a sexy, poetic film about a young Brazilian man feeling lost at sea in Provincetown.

Fri, Feb 14, 6:30pm

In Cinema Selling Fast

What a Feeling

In this heartfelt romantic comedy, a chance encounter leaves two women from different worlds questioning what they really want from their lives.

Fri, Feb 14, 7:00pm

In Cinema Selling Fast

Ponyboi

An intersex runaway longs to escape his bleak New Jersey life, in this Sundance hit that offers a raw, tender exploration of queer identity.

Fri, Feb 14, 8:30pm

In Cinema

Gay Shorts

Featuring Ben Whishaw, together these short films explore the highs and lows of contemporary gay men’s experiences from around the world.

Fri, Feb 14, 8:50pm

In Cinema Selling Fast

Panel: Queering the Writer’s Room

What’s it like working in a writer’s room as a LGBTIQ+ person? TV writers whose credits include Deadloch, Heartbreak High and more discuss.

Sat, Feb 15, 1:00pm

In Person

Panel: It Should've Been Queer

This light-hearted discussion will dive into some of the films and TV that made us feel seen even when we weren’t represented on screen.

Sat, Feb 15, 2:30pm

In Person

The Last Taboo

A gripping documentary that bravely confronts the long-standing silence around homosexuality (and homophobia) in men’s professional soccer.

Sat, Feb 15, 4:00pm

In Cinema Selling Fast

Sally!

Sally! revives the legacy, spirit and lasting impact of Sally Gearhart, a radical feminist icon whose activism reshaped LGBTIQ+ rights.

Sat, Feb 15, 4:20pm

In Cinema

Lilies Not for Me

A forbidden romance between novelist Owen and doctor Phillip spirals out of control when Phillip is convinced he can “cure” their sexuality.

Sat, Feb 15, 6:30pm

In Cinema Selling Fast

I'm Not a Nobody

Mariasilvia was the first Italian woman to come out publicly, in this stirring story of standing up for what you believe in no matter the cost.

Sat, Feb 15, 7:00pm

In Cinema

Throuple

A lonely musician's romance with a married couple awakens him in unexpected ways, in this playful rom-com that’s anything but traditional.

Sat, Feb 15, 8:45pm

In Cinema

Chuck Chuck Baby

Old schoolmates are reunited and long dormant feelings resurface, in this indie romantic musical – and love letter to working-class women.

Sun, Feb 16, 6:30pm

In Cinema

Duino

This beautifully told drama about a student’s yearning for a classmate examines how the infatuations of youth can linger years later.

Sun, Feb 16, 7:00pm

In Cinema Selling Fast

Three Kilometres to the End of the World

A gripping tale of love, identity and justice following a homophobic attack, this Cannes Queer Palm winner exposes corruption in rural Romania.

Mon, Feb 17, 6:30pm

In Cinema Selling Fast

Trans & Gender Diverse Shorts

Featuring Lío Mehiel (Mutt, MGFF24) and the voice of Ian McKellen, this collection explores the many facets of trans and gender diverse lives.

Mon, Feb 17, 6:30pm

In Cinema

1-800-ON-HER-OWN

A raw and revealing documentary about bisexual ‘90s folk-rock legend Ani Di Franco, as she finds ways to remain relevant in the modern world.

Mon, Feb 17, 7:00pm

In Cinema

Foreign Language

A French teen and her outgoing activist pen pal struggle to understand themselves and each other, in this bittersweet coming-of-age romance.

Mon, Feb 17, 7:00pm

In Cinema

Heart of the Man

A closeted, Aboriginal aspiring boxer attempts to step out from his father’s shadow and forge his own path, in this sentimental family drama.

Mon, Feb 17, 8:30pm

In Cinema Selling Fast

Baldiga: Unlocked Heart

Discover the erotically provocative artistry of Jürgen Baldiga, who captured the beauty of ‘80s queer Berlin through a bold, unfiltered lens.

Tue, Feb 18, 6:20pm

In Cinema

Lesvia

Explore an impassioned queer history in Lesvia, an unforgettable documentary capturing Lesbos' transformation into a lesbian island haven!

Tue, Feb 18, 6:30pm

In Cinema Selling Fast

Inqueersition: Queer Screen Trivia Night 2025

Back for yet another year of queer film trivia, don’t miss this special Mardi Gras Film Festival edition of Inqueersition at The Bearded Tit!

Tue, Feb 18, 7:00pm

In Person Selling Fast

Queens of Drama

An ode to pop divas and the entitlement of their most ardent gay fans, this tongue-in-cheek musical satire is a camp cult classic in the making.

Tue, Feb 18, 7:00pm

In Cinema

We Forgot to Break Up

When a turn of the millennium indie rock band led by a trans man finds success, their already fragile relationships are pushed to the edge.

Tue, Feb 18, 7:00pm

In Cinema

Demons at Dawn

A fiery romance is sparked between a go-go dancer and a nursing student, in this erotic drama from Julián Hernández (I Am Happiness on Earth, MGFF15).

Tue, Feb 18, 8:30pm

In Cinema

Imagine Me & You

Celebrate 20 years of the beloved, star-studded romantic comedy where Rachel (Piper Perabo) locks eyes with Luce (Lena Headey) and sparks fly!

Wed, Feb 19, 6:30pm

Outdoor

LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story

The one-and-only Liza Minnelli takes centre stage in this dazzling profile of an enduring gay icon, multi-hyphenate and Hollywood survivor.

Wed, Feb 19, 6:30pm

In Cinema Selling Fast

Concerning My Daughter

A mother and daughter search for common ground and acceptance in this beautifully affecting drama, based on the award-winning bestseller.

Wed, Feb 19, 7:00pm

In Cinema

Crossing

A retiree searches for her runaway niece amongst the vibrant trans and queer community of Istanbul, from the director of And Then We Danced (MGFF20).

Wed, Feb 19, 7:00pm

In Cinema

High Tide

The debut feature for lauded playwright Marco Calvani is a sexy, poetic film about a young Brazilian man feeling lost at sea in Provincetown.

Wed, Feb 19, 8:30pm

In Cinema Selling Fast

Asia-Pacific Shorts

Highlighting stories from across the Asia-Pacific region, these films share a focus on defiance against societal pressure to conform.

Thu, Feb 20, 6:20pm

In Cinema

Drive Back Home

Alan Cumming stars in this darkly funny film about two estranged brothers (and a taxidermied pug) trapped on a road trip in 1970s Canada.

Thu, Feb 20, 6:30pm

In Cinema Selling Fast

Cabaret

Winner of eight Oscars, this acclaimed musical tale of love and loss in 1931 Berlin amidst the rise of Nazism remains as timely now as ever.

Thu, Feb 20, 6:45pm

In Cinema

Light-Hearted Shorts

Featuring Megan Statler (Hacks) at her chaotic best, this selection of fun and light-hearted shorts is bound to put a smile on your face.

Thu, Feb 20, 7:00pm

In Cinema Sold Out

The Shameless

Butch sex worker Renuka finds romance with wannabe rapper Devika as they rebel against patriarchal expectations, in this haunting drama.

Thu, Feb 20, 7:00pm

In Cinema

Crossing

A retiree searches for her runaway niece amongst the vibrant trans and queer community of Istanbul, from the director of And Then We Danced (MGFF20).

Thu, Feb 20, 8:30pm

In Cinema Selling Fast

In Ashes

A recently single twenty-something throws himself into a whirlwind of new sexual experiences on a chaotic quest to find new love – and himself.

Thu, Feb 20, 9:00pm

In Cinema

I'm Your Venus

A cathartic ode to trans Paris Is Burning star Venus Xtravaganza, as her two families – biological and ballroom – unite to honour her legacy.

Fri, Feb 21, 6:20pm

In Cinema

Riley

Coming out ain't easy for football player Riley, in this contemporary teen drama that delves into the psyche of a young, repressed athlete.

Fri, Feb 21, 6:30pm

In Cinema Selling Fast

Chuck Chuck Baby

Old schoolmates are reunited and long dormant feelings resurface, in this indie romantic musical – and love letter to working-class women.

Fri, Feb 21, 7:00pm

In Cinema

National Anthem

A construction worker explores himself and his identity amongst a group of queer and trans rodeo riders, in this celebration of found family.

Fri, Feb 21, 8:30pm

In Cinema

Sapphic Shorts

This selection of Sapphic shorts is punctuated by tales of yearning, flirtation and love in its many forms – and an ode to the carabiner!

Fri, Feb 21, 8:30pm

In Cinema

Hot Boys Shorts

Things get hot and heavy in this collection of short films centring the sex lives of men, from unexpected hook-ups to romantic rendezvous.

Fri, Feb 21, 9:00pm

In Cinema Selling Fast

What a Feeling

In this heartfelt romantic comedy, a chance encounter leaves two women from different worlds questioning what they really want from their lives.

Sat, Feb 22, 3:45pm

In Cinema

Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story

After a four decade hiatus, trailblazing 1960s Black trans singer Jackie Shane re-emerges to tell her story as it’s never been told before.

Sat, Feb 22, 4:00pm

In Cinema

Dreams Such As Ours

Kartik and Aman’s love is put to the test when a past infidelity is revealed, in this captivating follow up to Evening Shadows (MGFF18).

Sat, Feb 22, 4:30pm

In Cinema

Lakeview

Packed with delicious Sapphic drama, Lakeview hilariously explores the unique dynamics of queer female friendships in all of their messy glory.

Sat, Feb 22, 6:20pm

In Cinema

Eat the Night

The gritty reality of life as a drug dealer clashes with the escapist world of video games, in this visually distinct, intense thriller.

Sat, Feb 22, 6:30pm

In Cinema

Duino

This beautifully told drama about a student’s yearning for a classmate examines how the infatuations of youth can linger years later.

Sat, Feb 22, 6:45pm

In Cinema Selling Fast

Carnage for Christmas

Prolific DIY filmmaker Alice Maio Mackay takes on the festive season in this grisly neon slasher, edited by Vera Drew (The People’s Joker, MGFF24).

Sat, Feb 22, 8:30pm

In Cinema

Women Loving Women Shorts

Featuring everything from one night stands, forbidden romances and best friend crushes, this shorts package showcases love between women.

Sat, Feb 22, 8:40pm

In Cinema

Love in the Big City

A closeted gay man and an outspoken woman become life-long friends as they navigate the highs and lows of life, and society’s prejudice.

Sat, Feb 22, 9:00pm

In Cinema

Filmmaker Masterclass: Ask Ana Kokkinos Anything

Acclaimed writer-director Ana Kokkinos (Head On) draws on her extensive experience across both film and TV to answer your filmmaking questions.

Sun, Feb 23, 11:30am

In Person

Filmmaker Masterclass: From Script(ment) to Screen

Filmmaker Mikko Mäkelä and producer James Watson (Sebastian, A Moment in the Reeds) look at the journey from screenplay to finished product.

Sun, Feb 23, 2:00pm

In Person

Young Hearts

14-year-old Elias finds himself falling for his new neighbour, in this joyful coming-of-age tale that will envelop you like a warm hug.

Sun, Feb 23, 3:40pm

In Cinema Selling Fast

Behind the Festival Curtain: A Conversation with Lisa Rose & Frances Wallace

Join outgoing Festival Director Lisa Rose and CEO of Sydney FIlm Festival Frances Wallace in conversation about all things film festival.

Sun, Feb 23, 4:00pm

In Person

Desire Lines

Past and present collide in Desire Lines, a loving archival tribute to the shared experiences of intersecting transmasculine sexualities.

Sun, Feb 23, 4:00pm

In Cinema

The Rebrand

Something’s off about the meticulously curated lives of lesbian influencer power couple Thistle and Blaire, in this wickedly funny satire.

Sun, Feb 23, 6:00pm

In Cinema

To Live, to Die, to Live Again

An unorthodox love triangle unfolds under the shadow of the AIDS epidemic, in this moving French melodrama about the power of found family.

Sun, Feb 23, 6:00pm

In Cinema

QueerScream Shorts

From the weird and wonderful, to the surreal and strange, through to the genuinely frightening, this queer genre collection is a real scream.

Sun, Feb 23, 8:00pm

In Cinema

Streets of Glória

In a hidden corner of Rio, a teacher's love affair with a sex worker triggers a dangerous obsession, in this darkly sexy Brazilian drama.

Sun, Feb 23, 8:15pm

In Cinema Selling Fast

The Paradise of Thorns

After his partner’s sudden death, Thongkam must battle to protect their home and durian orchard, and preserve the legacy of their love.

Mon, Feb 24, 6:30pm

In Cinema

Unusually Normal

Seven women, three generations, one family – and countless secrets and lies. Meet Canada’s Gayest Family, which includes a Sydney expat.

Mon, Feb 24, 6:30pm

In Cinema

My Queer Career

Don’t miss these eight films competing in My Queer Career, Australia’s richest LGBTIQ+ short film prize, with over $16K worth of prizes.

Mon, Feb 24, 7:00pm

In Cinema

T4T Shorts

Spotlighting stories that centre relationships between trans people, these shorts explore the power of trans love, solidarity and resilience.

Mon, Feb 24, 7:00pm

In Cinema

The Writer

Former lovers reconnect decades since serving in the Soviet army to confront their personal and political past, in this compelling two-hander.

Mon, Feb 24, 8:30pm

In Cinema

Panel: Intersectional Genre Filmmaking on a Microbudget

A look at the layered and expansive storytelling that’s possible using genre mechanics, and the art of getting things made on a microbudget.

Tue, Feb 25, 6:00pm

In Person

Layla

Bilal Hasna (Extraordinary) plays a non-binary, Arab drag queen who loses themselves in a tumultuous relationship, in this empowering drama.

Tue, Feb 25, 6:20pm

In Cinema

QueerDOC Shorts

From activists to artists and beyond, these short documentaries put a very real human face to an array of remarkable true stories.

Tue, Feb 25, 6:20pm

In Cinema

Industry Networking

Queer Screen’s industry networking is a chance to connect with other LGBTIQ+ industry members and find collaborators for your next project!

Tue, Feb 25, 7:00pm

In Person

Same, Again

Unmask hidden truths in Ruth Caudeli’s latest powerful drama about a theatre troupe navigating abuses that come to light during rehearsals.

Tue, Feb 25, 7:00pm

In Cinema

Sister Act

Whoopi Goldberg turns a flagging convent choir into a Motown-singing chorus in this musical caper – costumes and singing highly encouraged!

Tue, Feb 25, 7:00pm

In Cinema

Sebastian

A writer begins a double life as a sex worker to research his novel, in Mikko Mäkelä’s sexually charged follow-up to A Moment in the Reeds (MGFF18).

Tue, Feb 25, 8:30pm

In Cinema Selling Fast