From captivating documentaries and steamy romances, a host of lesbian works screen at this year’s Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival for the gals and those who love them.
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, and an exciting array of works exploring women who love women.
Here are some of the program highlights we think you should check out.
Live Commentary: Lesbian Space Princess
Sun 22 Feb, 1:30 pm at The Red Rattler Theatre
Join writer-directors Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese as they discuss the making of the award-winning Australian animated sci-fi comedy, Lesbian Space Princess.
The panel will be moderated by Nina Oyama.
Daughter to the flamboyant lesbian Queens of Planet Clitopolis, introverted Princess Saira is devastated when her bounty-hunter girlfriend, Kiki, breaks up with her for being too needy.
But when Kiki’s kidnapped by the forgotten incels of the future, the Straight White Maliens, Saira must leave the comforts of gay space to save her.
Dreamers
Tue 17 Feb, 7:00 pm, Event Cinemas, George St
Isio, who fled homophobia in Nigeria, is detained and placed in an asylum removal centre after living in the UK undocumented for two years.
Inside, she meets Farah, a pragmatic and charismatic roommate who understands the system’s cruelty all too well.
As feelings develop and appeals are repeatedly rejected, the pair must decide whether survival means obedience or rewriting the rules.
Bearcave
Tue 24 Feb, 6:00 pm Event Cinemas, George St
Fresh off its premiere at Venice, this poetic, genre-blending romantic odyssey is set against the stunning mountains of rural Greece.
Best friends Argyro, a down-to-earth farmer, and Anneta, a local manicurist, live in the remote village of Tirna.
When Anneta reveals she’s pregnant and expected to leave town to live with her dull cop fiancé, Argyro challenges Anneta to embark on one final adventure to find the mystical Bearcave.
Women Loving Women Shorts
Tue 24 Feb, 8:30 pm, Event Cinemas, George St
Scoring a hot new babe to shove it in an ex’s face, a mysterious confrontation with an older woman while closing after a shift and a playful romance between sharehouse roommates set in 90s Melbourne.
This is just a glimpse into the six short films in the Women Loving Women lineup.
A former barrel racing champion, haunted by a tragic fall, must find the courage to ride again after forming an unexpected bond with a young woman in Calamity Jane.
Alejandra lives on a campsite close to the big hotel, having casual flings with the tourists, until things get more serious when she meets Amara in Close to September.
A playful romance that tests the boundaries of love, identity and self-discovery in KA POW.
While clubbing with her best friend, Fiona, Viv spots her ex, Remy in Ladies Night.
In The Second Time Around, a waitress is confronted by a mysterious older woman who seems to know more than she’s letting on.
As grass roots women’s soccer team, Solers United, faces eviction, emotions bubble between teammates, Nelly and Bills in Solars United.
Source: queerscreen.org.auRow of Life
Sat 21 Feb, 2:30 pm, Dendy Cinemas, Newtown
Row of Life tells the remarkable story of Paralympian Angela Madsen’s most ambitious journey yet: a solo, unassisted row across the Pacific Ocean.
In 2020, Angela attempted to row over 3,500 kilometres solo and unassisted across the Pacific Ocean, from LA to Hawaii.
Throughout it all is the unyielding support of Angela’s wife, Deb, who, even separated by a vast ocean, champions Angela’s dream at all costs.
Love and Other Catastrophes
Wed 18 Feb, 6:30 pm, The Rocks, Laneway Cinema
Join this 30th anniversary screening of the recently remastered Australian classic starring Frances O’Connor and Radha Mitchell.
An ambitious film studies student is entangled in a web of lies as she tries to avoid her girlfriend Danni moving in.
The Serpent’s Skin
Thu 19 Feb, 6:30 pm, Dendy Cinemas, Newtown
After escaping her transphobic hometown, twentysomething Anna arrives in the city determined to start over.
She soon falls for Gen, a goth tattoo artist, and the pair discover they share supernatural abilities.
When a tattoo session with Anna’s neighbour, Danny, goes wrong, a demonic force is unleashed.
As it begins feeding on those around them, Anna and Gen must harness their powers to protect their found family.
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.
