In 2024, the festival is encouraging audiences to indulge in post-screening discussions and debates through their programme.
“The theme focuses on films that start conversations. People will be keen to discuss and dissect them as soon as the credits start to roll,” Festival Director Lisa Rose says. “There's so much to sink your teeth into, including several that will inspire lively debate.”
The festival programme features an epic 161 films and events at Event Cinemas (George Street and Hurstville), Ritz Cinemas Randwick, Wendy Cinemas Newtown, The Bearded Tit, and Hayden Orpheum Cremorne. Plus, there’s some new ones including a special double bill of music and film at Sydney Opera House and some panel discussions at the State Library. The festival also welcomes the return of the Westpac OpenAir Cinema.
Audiences are also invited to ponder the age-old question: how do you solve a problem like Maria? At a special sing-along screening of ‘The Sound Of Music’, presented with The Sisters and Brothers of The Order of Perpetual Indulgence Sydney and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir.
'Housekeeping For Beginners'
Opening proceedings in 2024 will be the Sydney premiere of British neo-noir thriller ‘FEMME’ starring Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and George MacKay. It’s about a drag star given the opportunity for revenge following a homophobic attack.
Then, after all is said and done, the festival will come to a close with ‘Housekeeping For Beginners’ from Goran Stolevski – a sensitive, conversation-rich exploration of found family.
Two out of three world premieres at this year’s festival are Australian: ‘A Portrait Of Love’ from Molly Reynolds, and ‘In The Room Where He Waits’ from Timothy Desphina Marshall. The third is from Argentinian Director Lucas Santa Ana, who will personally introduce his film ‘Blue Lights’.
The festival’s Australian showcase includes the impressive first feature from director Gabriel Carruba, ‘Sunflower’, which follows a 17-year-old who is questioning his sexuality.
'The Missing'
There’s also ‘Sahela’, where a second-generation Indian-Australian, who is close to fulfilling his parents’ dreams, can no longer ignore his own desires.
There are retrospectives and special events aplenty throughout Mardi Gras Film Festival, as well as centrepieces like ‘The Missing’ and ‘Queendom’.
Plus, if you can’t make it in person (or you can and you just want an extra fix of film), Queer Screen presents an on-demand encore season, with a diverse selection of films available for streaming nationally. There’s something for everyone including ‘F.L.Y’, ‘Girls Don’t Cry’, ‘I Am What I Am’, ‘The Mattachine Family’, ‘Old Narcissus’, ‘Mutt’ and more.
Check out the full programme.
Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival 2024 is on from 15-29 February in cinemas (Sydney) and 1-11 March on-demand.
