The ninth iteration of the event aims to bring much needed new, comforting and inspiring content to small screens, in the form of more than 40 films screening nationally on-demand. There are films from 17 countries, in 18 different languages, and 22 Australian premieres.
“Everyone in our community has been impacted by the pandemic in some way and we are delighted to create an online festival to help us through these times,” Festival Director Lisa Rose says. “We are very thankful to the producers, sales agents and distributors who agreed to let us share their work on smaller screens, and grateful we can bring some fantastic new and also much-loved encores to people all around the country.”
In the documentary department, ‘AIDS Diva: The Legend Of Connie Norman’ tells the story of self-proclaimed AIDS diva and trans trailblazer Connie Norman, who fought for the right to be seen and heard. ‘Fanny: The Right To Rock’ introduces audiences to Filipina American rock band Fanny, written out of rock history in the ‘70s.
Filmmaker Alex Liu’s ‘A Sexplanation’ explores the reasons for shame surrounding sexuality, and what floats our boats.
Meanwhile, some narrative feature highlights include ‘Lola’, the story of a trans girl and her estranged father; ‘Beyto’, exploring the clash between queer and traditional immigrant cultures; ‘Summer Of 85’, a seductive story of first love dripping in nostalgia; ‘Dear Tenant’, a slow-burn tale of humanity, heartbreak and family; and ‘Tove’, a journey from struggling painter to successful illustrator.
This year’s QSFF includes three new gay, lesbian, trans and gender diverse shorts programmes, and an encore programme called Best Of Comedy Shorts.
In addition to all of the above and more, Queer Screen has a number of live free events planned, like filmmaker Q&As, panels, a ‘Halfway Hangout’ where people can meet virtually to chat all things film, and the short film competition Queer Screen Pitch Off.
