Trans and gender diverse works shine in the 33rd Mardi Gras Film Festival program, bringing LGBTQIA+ cinema to Sydney’s Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Running from February 12 to 26, this year’s program features 139 outstanding films from 38 countries.
BDSM queer romance Pillion starring Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling has been selling fast, as has Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut, The Chronology of Water.
But one of the things Queer Screen CEO Benson Wu is most proud of is the sales for the trans and gender diverse films being screened.
“We have had such a positive response to the trans program, and not just by the trans community themselves,” Wu said.
“See the community lean in to this creativity, not only to support these works, but to maybe learn something more as well.”
Images: SuppliedTrans and gender diverse program shines
The Mardi Gras Film Festival closing film, She’s the He, sees Alex convince his best friend Ethan to say they are trans so people stop assuming the pair are gay.
When Ethan steps out as a woman for the first time and experiences warmth and acceptance, she realises she actually is trans.
It’s a bold reinvention of the high school teen comedy through s a much-needed queer and trans lens.
Filmed over a decade, A Deeper Love: The Story of Miss Peppermint is an intimate documentary charting the rise of a trailblazing performer and trans icon.
The documentary traces Peppermint’s journey as a black trans woman in the public eye who is barely scraping by to becoming an international superstar.
Castration Movie Anthology ii. The Best of Both Worlds is a labyrinthine post-modern trans epic that amassed a cult following.
Set against the hellish backdrop of Trump’s America, the work is shot on a camcorder with a five-hour runtime.
This is a rare chance to see it on the big screen and be immersed in its raw, partially-improvised horror.
And of course, there is the Trans and Gender Diverse Shorts.
Source: queerscreen.org.auMore than movies, it’s a space for community connection
Seeing the support from audiences for LGBTQIA+ cinema as a part of this year’s program has been heartwarming for Benson.
“I think it is about more than just the films,” he said.
“People want to come to the cinema and come together with their community.”
“Sometimes it’s just as simple as that.”
When asked what he is most excited to experience, as much as he wants to give a different answer, it’s the Queer Asia strand.
“It’s the kind of representation we don’t get to see a lot in Sydney,” Benson said,
“And that kind of representation is important.”
“Personally, I’m a big fan of documentaries, and the documentary I was born this way, about the song that inspired Lady Gaga to write her hit song, will be great.”
“The Story of Miss Pepperment is pretty powerful as well.” Benson said.
With so many films to see, we put together some more highlights you films won’t want to miss.
So many great LGBTQIA+ films to see
Skiff sees a fifteen-year-old gifted rower develop feelings for her boyfriend’s girlfriend.
The film resists easy labels, honouring uncertainty as a vital part of growing up.
Love Me Tender sees Clémence and Laurent’s amicable separation turn sour.
Clémence starts dating women and her whole life is turned upside down.
Laurent wants sole custody of their child, claiming her lifestyle makes her a danger to their son.
Second Nature is narrated and executive-produced by Elliot Page.
This documentary explores the diversity of gender and sexuality in the natural world, a side that’s not taught in schools.
Nova & Alice is a heartfelt romantic drama celebrating the joy of unexpected love and new beginnings.
During a music festival tour, an on-stage rivalry develops into an unexpected artistic partnership with undeniable chemistry.
A 35-year-old queer Moroccan filmmaker in New York is struggling to decide on her next project.
She also happens to be an animated coyote in a world populated by anthropomorphic animals.
With a shared background in documentary and animation, the directors have created a film that defies categorisation with Bouchra.
Summers Camera explores self-discovery through the intersections of the past and present.
After the death of her photographer father, Summer’s world falls into silence.
A crush compels her to pick up her father’s camera and finally finish off his roll of film.
But when she gets the photos developed, she discovers photos of a man she’s never met before.
The 33rd Mardi Gras Film Festival runs from the 12th to the 26th of February.
Check out session times and grab your tickets here.
Image SuppliedFor the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, and community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
