Queer Screen announces the full program for the 33rd Mardi Gras Film Festival, delivering two weeks of LGBTQIA+ cinema at the heart of Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras celebrations.
Running from the 12th to the 26th of February, the 2026 program of the Mardi Gras Film Festival presents 139 outstanding films from 38 countries.
Queer Screen announced the full program on Thursday night and are excited to bring LGBTQIA+ cinema across Sydney.
“At a time when our community is facing increased persecution both here and abroad – particularly our trans siblings – seeing authentic LGBTIQ+ stories on our screens is more important than ever.” said Queer Screen Programming and Industry Manager Andrew Wilkie.
“Our continued visibility in the face of bigotry sends a clear message: we refuse to hide or be silenced.”
“And that’s the theme that permeates this entire program, films all about being unapologetically queer and finding community.”
With six World Premieres, five International Premieres, and 64 Australian Premieres, you will see bold new works, celebrated international titles and standout queer storytelling across features, documentaries, and shorts.
Images: SuppliedTwo weeks of standout queer storytelling
Highlights include BDSM queer romance Pillion starring Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling, Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut, The Chronology of Water and a look at the rise to fame of trans icon and RuPaul’s Drag Race runner-up Peppermint.
Program highlights include Opening Night film Jimpa from Australian director Sophie Hyde, starring Olivia Colman, John Lithgow and Aud Mason-Hyde.
Inspired by Hyde’s relationship with her own late gay father and non-binary child, the film grew from the conversations she imagined they would have had about queer identity.
Jimpa is a celebration of LGBTIQ+ culture and queer family, offering a nuanced reflection on how social expectations and our understanding of family have evolved across generations.
On 14 February, Hyde will sit down with writer Benjamin Law for a wide-ranging discussion about her storied career and the ways queerness has permeated her work, from her early short film My Last Ten Hours with You to Jimpa.
The Closing Night film She’s the He stars Misha Osherovich, Malia Pyles (Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin) and Nico Carney.
Tired of everyone assuming they’re gay, Alex convinces best friend, Ethan, that they should come out as trans women.
Alex sees it as an excuse to get close to his crush, Sasha.
But when Ethan steps out as a woman for the first time and experiences warmth and acceptance, she realises she actually is trans.
After their scheme is inevitably exposed, Ethan must work to rebuild everyone’s trust as she prepares to come out for real.
Queer Screen continues to amplify diverse voices
The Mardi Gras Film Festival curated strands continue Queer Screen’s commitment to amplifying diverse voices and celebrating the breadth of queer storytelling on screen.
This year’s strands include Queer Asia, Panorama, Out in Europe, African Diaspora, QueerScream and more.
QueerDoc strand highlights include I Was Born This Way, celebrating the revolutionary life and music of Archbishop Carl Bean, who sang the first gay anthem, “I Was Born This Way”
Lady Gaga, Billy Porter and Dionne Warwick all feature in the touching ode to the beauty of non-traditional families, doubling as a rallying cry for justice and healing.
Night in West Texas picks up forty years after James Harry Reyos, a gay Apache man, was framed for the murder of a Catholic priest.
The documentary explores how long-buried evidence uncovered could finally prove his innocence.
Dreamers is inspired by Gharoro-Akpojotor’s own experience.
It shows Isio fleeing homophobia in Nigeria, detained and placed in an asylum removal centre after living in the UK undocumented for two years.
Images: SuppliedTickets now on sale
Other highlights include a 30th anniversary screening of the recently remastered Australian classic Love and Other Catastrophes, the 50th anniversary of The Naked Civil Servant, starring John Hurt as Quentin Crisp and more.
“This festival would not be possible without our generous partners, donors, members, community supporters, as well as the festival team and volunteers who have put in countless hours to make it happen.”
“It’s an honour to be able to lead the team and carry forward Queer Screen’s legacy after 32 years,” said Queer Screen CEO Benson Wu.
“I warmly welcome you back to the cinema to experience the magic with us.”
The 33rd Mardi Gras Film Festival runs from the 12th to the 26th of February, and tickets are now onsale.
Check out session times and grab your tickets here.
Images: 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.
