This year’s programme brings with it 145 features, documentaries and shorts, telling stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer communities. Those in regional Victoria and throughout Australia keen to join the fun will also be able to tune in online, with more than 40 titles available to watch virtually.
The festival will kick off with opening night film ‘Flee’ – a documentary following Tamin Nawabi and his story of fleeing Afghanistan as a child refugee, which is told here for the first time. This opening night will also feature the premiere screening of the MQFF Pitch Pleez! Competition-funded short ‘We’re Doing Well’.
“During lockdown a lot of us have consumed a lot of content online but nothing beats the feeling of the energy when you are in a cinema with friends and others from the community who understand the nuances of queer life,” MQFF Program Director Spiro Economopoulos says.
At the heart of the festival is ‘Summertime’. Part contemporary musical, part sociological art, it’s a celebration exploring themes of identity, community, and intersectionality with a diverse ensemble of cast members.
'Summertime'
The festival will then close with musical hit ‘Fanny: The Right To Rock’, a breakthrough documentary chronicling the story of pioneering female rock band, Fanny, navigating the challenges of race, sexuality, gender and ageism.
“We are so excited we can create this opportunity for Victoria’s LGBTQIA+ communities to reunite with each other and the cinema, to see and celebrate our lives on film,” Co-President Molly Whelan says. “This will be an opportunity for the queer community to show that we can come together safely.”
“But we do need everyone’s support to make this festival a success. Book early, tell your friends but most importantly follow the government and our staff’s guidelines, including staying home if you are unwell.
