This year, the festival presents a hybrid of digital and in-person screenings to cater for the ever-changing COVID-19 landscape. There are 119 films on show, from 37 countries. More than 60 per cent of the 2022 programme is available to stream on-demand nationwide.
With a diverse array of stories, people and identities on offer across this programme of films, documentaries, shorts, features and episodics, it’s understandable if you’re not sure where to start!
That’s where Festival Director Lisa Rose comes in. If you’re looking for something a little more on the spicy side, look no further. Here, Lisa has hand-picked the top five sexiest films at this year’s Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival, all of which are available as part of the on-demand programme. Behave yourself. . . Or don't!
One
‘Boy Culture’. This very sexy episodic is a continuation of Q Allen Brocka’s 2006 film of the same name, about a guy called X. having split up with his boyfriend, X returns to hustling to find it has all changed. Luckily he’s got young friend Chayce to school him in social media. Fun, raunchy and frank, 'Boy Culture' is a real turn on. Like X’s clients, you won’t be left disappointed!
'Boy Culture'
Two
‘Ma Belle, My Beauty’. When married couple Bertie and Fred receive a surprise visit from Lane, their former lover, their idyllic life starts to unravel. Desires and disappointments are rekindled as the threesome grapple with the past, present and future of the relationship. Set against the backdrop of the scenic French countryside, with its cobbled streets, and quaint markets, 'Ma Belle, My Beauty' is a subtle and nuanced portrayal of a polyamorous relationship.
'Ma Belle, My Beauty'
Three
‘Mascarpone’. Antonio’s ‘happily ever after’ life is thrown in his face when his husband proclaims their marriage over. However, in a journey to establish a life of his own, he discovers some new friends, and some new friends with benefits! He also finds that his passion for baking could actually give him a fresh purpose. With a rather delicious cast, this gentle Italian drama brings sexy to self-discovery. It’s a satisfying story about perfecting the recipe for your own personal happiness.
'Mascarpone'
Four
‘Firebird’. An epic and compelling true love story, 'Firebird' is set on a Soviet Air Force base during the Cold War. A troubled young private, Sergey, has his life turned upside down when Roman, a handsome, daring fighter pilot, arrives at the base. Sergey and Roman embark on a dangerous and forbidden romance which becomes the subject of an escalating KGB investigation. Meanwhile an intense love triangle is forming between them and the Base Commander’s secretary Luisa, who also happens to be Sergey’s best friend.
'Firebird'
Five
‘Benedetta’. A violent, sexual tale of a 17th century nun whose visions of Jesus propel her to seek pleasures of the flesh and vengeance on her enemies. Whether Benedetta is a saint in the making or a liar covering her tracks doesn’t matter in this titillating, shocking and fascinating portrait of a woman on the brink of madness, torn between lust, desire and sanctity. Directed by Paul Verhoeven ('Basic Instinct', 'Showgirls', 'Elle'), 'Benedetta' must be seen to be believed!
'Benedetta'
Queer Screen’s 29th Mardi Gras Film Festival runs from 17 February-3 March.
