#queer screen

Folks, that Q&A at Queer Screen was embarrassing. I felt so bad for Natasha, who was probably looking forward to that event for weeks, only to come on stage and immediately be attacked by people aggressively trying to correct her on facts about her own life. Then yelling about waning to see her in more leather. Then in a leopard print bikini. Then making that “Daddy” comment which clearly made her uncomfortable.

That audience in Sydney today didn’t come to talk with a human being, they came to publicly enthuse about a beautiful object who happened to be able to talk back.

I get it. It’s easy to get carried away when you’re excited by something and you’re in a group of friends. But Natasha is a young woman, just like you, with thoughts and feelings, who had just admitted this was her first trip outside North America. She might be a professional performer, but that doesn’t stop her from being nervous.

As an audience, if you want to encourage your favourite content creators to keep making things you love, then make them feel welcome. Be kind, be warm, make them feel comfortable on stage in front of what is supposed to be their community. Don’t put them on the defensive straight up.

And this is something that took me a little while to learn: just because they share a lot of themselves online and you feel like you know them, doesn’t mean they know you and doesn’t mean they’re comfortable with you acting like you know them. The inside jokes that are barely OK between you and your friends are not even remotely OK to the person you just met.

Calm down. Breathe.

Because today I was embarrassed of and for that audience. I was embarrassed to be a part of it and unable to help. That was how you guarantee someone will never come back.

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/lesbian-film-love-letters-sweeps-queer-screen-awards/

Lesbian film 'Love Letters' sweeps Queer Screen Awards

Along with Best Emerging Narrative Feature and its Audience Award, Queer Screen have announced the 2025 Pitch Off Winners.

The 12th Queer Screen Film Fest took place this weekend at Event Cinemas George Street in Sydney.

Over five days, LGBTQIA+ audiences gathered to watch world-class works in packed cinemas.

Queer Screen has announced the winners of the inaugural Emerging Narrative Feature Competition.

And the Audience Award and Pitch Off winners, showcasing local LGBTQIA+ filmmaking talent. 

The inaugural Emerging Narrative Feature Competition showcased six outstanding works.

Plainclothes by Carmen Emmi, Love Letters by Alice Douard, Cactus Pears by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, Lucky Apartment by Kangyu Ga-ram, Outerlands by Elena Oxman and Sauna by Mathias Broe.

On Closing Night, the $2,500 Emerging Narrative Feature Competition prize was awarded to Love Letters.

Love Letters is directed, written and produced by Alice Douard, alongside producers Marine Arrighi de Casanova and Marie Boitard.

Out of 11 feature films in competition for the Audience Award, Love Letters also claimed the Audience Award this year. 

Inspired by Douard’s own experience with France’s adoption bureaucracy, Love Letters expands on her César Award-winning short film Expecting from Queer Screen Film Fest 2024.

And highlights the constant blurring of the personal and political in LGBTIQ+ life.

Pitch Off Finalists

Since 2018, Queer Screen Pitch Off has been a pivotal platform for emerging filmmakers, supporting their creative endeavours and fostering diversity in LGBTQIA+ storytelling.

This year’s Pitch Off saw six Australian LGBTIQ+ filmmakers pitch their film projects for a chance to win a combined prize pool of $20,000 in production funding.

Pitch Off is in partnership with Screen Australia’s Gender Matters Taskforce. 

The finalists were:

Bottomless Brunch: Director/Writer: Lily Drummond | Producers: Lily Drummond, Virginia Blackwell

Cam?: Director/Writer: Michail Mathioudakis | Producer: Juliette Beck

Kiligs: Director/Writer: Alyssa Dimarucut | Producers: Joelle Snono, Suzanna Steele

Out of Bounds: Director/Writer/Producer: Anna Brownfield

Promise Me You’ll Tell Her: Director/Writer: Celeste Diep | Producers: Celeste Diep, Bryan Huang

Under One Condition: Director/Writer: Lilah Benetti, Maxine Ellah | Producer: Mimo Mukii

Image : @The Aperture Club & Queer Screen

Congratulations to…

The Queer Screen Pitch Off prize of $10,000 in production funding was awarded to cam?, from writer-director Michail Mathioudakis and producer Juliette Beck.

The project follows closeted teenager Chris, who grapples with his emerging sexual identity by retreating into internet chat rooms and cam-sex.

When he meets fellow teenager Gabe, Chris’ online exploration develops into a powerful real-world connection. 

The $5,000 Gender Matters Taskforce Professional Development Prize was awarded to Celeste Diep.

Judges praised her proposal as “comprehensive” and recognised its strong potential to support her practice and career. 

Image : @The Aperture Club & Queer Screen

The $5,000 Gender Matters Taskforce Best Screenplay Prize went to Under One Condition, written by Lilah Benetti and Maxine Ellah.

This moving drama tells the story of a woman who unexpectedly becomes the guardian of her girlfriend’s baby when her partner realises she no longer wants to be a mother.

Despite the legal and emotional challenges of having no rights to the child. 

The judges also gave a Highly Commended mention to Bottomless Brunch, written by Lily Drummond.

It is a witty comedy of manners about the fallout from a lesbian couple’s break-up. 

With four sold-out sessions and strong audience engagement, the festival has once again proved itself as a vital platform for connection and celebration.

Bringing the gap between filmmakers and audiences and making space for LGBTQIA+ films and stories from around the world to be seen.

Image : @The Aperture Club & Queer Screen

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/all-the-films-in-this-years-sydney-queer-screen-film-fest/

All the films in this year's Sydney Queer Screen Film Fest

The full program of films for the 12th Queer Screen Film Fest has been announced, ahead of the event taking place in Sydney in the final week of August.

Queer Screen Film Fest will take over Event Cinemas George Street from August 27-31, in what organisers are billing as a “bold and dynamic program that highlights emerging voices, international excellence and community celebration.”

The festival opens with Plainclothes, a romantic thriller about a closeted undercover cop torn between duty and living his truth, starring audience favourites Russell Tovey and Tom Blyth.

Closing the festival is Really Happy Someday, an intimate drama about a transmasculine musical theatre performer who loses vocal control after starting testosterone, which won Best Canadian Feature at the 2025 Inside Out Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival.

Marking the 40th anniversary of ACON and 30th anniversary of Timothy Conigrave’s cult-classic Australian memoir, Queer Screen will also be holding a special 10th anniversary screening of Holding the Man at the Sydney Opera House Playhouse on Saturday, September 6.

Opportunities for filmmakers

This year’s festival also sees the introduction of an inaugural Emerging Narrative Feature Competition, a juried competition awarding a $2,500 cash prize to one of six filmmakers presenting their first or second narrative feature.

The festival will also continue its support for emerging talent through the popular Queer Screen Pitch Off short film pitching competition, with a combined prize pool of $20,000 (AUD), in partnership with Screen Australia’s Gender Matters Taskforce.

Over the festival’s five days, Queer Screen will present a selection of new queer cinema, including 14 Australian Premieres and the return of the popular Mixed Shorts.

Images: Supplied

This year’s Mixed Shorts films

This short film screening collects six films about people across the LGBT+ spectrum.

In Anyway, I Piss Sitting Down, Sasha dreams of swimming shirtless post-top surgery in his Quebec hometown on a road trip with friends.

In A Bird Hit My Window and Now I’m a Lesbian, an impromptu pigeon funeral prompts unexpected self-discovery.

Dandelion follows a social worker’s race against time to find a rebellious teen a foster home.

One Story at a Time: Celeste Lecesne reflects on his journey from Oscar winner to co-founding The Trevor Project.

In Where We Stay, unspoken feelings between lifelong friends resurface under the weight of illness.

Finally, in Zari, an Indian-American teen forms an unexpected bond with a sari shop clerk who’s secretly a drag queen.

Image: Supplied

Queer Screen welcomes you

“It is an exciting new chapter for Queer Screen,” Queer Screen CEO Benson Wu said of this year’s festival.

“This new team has worked tirelessly to bring this festival to life in a short timeframe, and we are proud of the strength, diversity and heart that this year’s program delivers.”

“We look forward to welcoming audiences back into cinemas to share in the joy of queer storytelling.

“At a time when people around the world aim to silence and divide the LGBTIQ+ community, Queer Screen continues to offer a vital opportunity to come together and support each other,” Andrew Wilkie, Programming & Industry Manager, said.

“All the films in this program share that ethos.”

“Stories of people who feel isolated or unseen finding community, friendship and love.

“Of perseverance and joy.

“Every film is a chance to not only see ourselves onscreen, but step into someone else’s shoes and gain new perspectives.”

Among this year’s festival highlights are award-winners from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, including Twinless, a whip-smart, wholly original dark comedy starring Dylan O’Brien and writer-director James Sweeney.

And Cactus Pears, a tender, slow-burning romance from India that took home the World Cinema Dramatic Jury Prize.

Image: Supplied

Festival highlights

Other standouts include Love Letters, a touching French drama highlighting the blurring of the personal and political in LGBTQIA+ life as a lesbian couple prepares for the birth of their first child.

And Niñxs, a joyful and quietly revolutionary coming-of-age documentary told through the eyes of a Mexican trans child, premiered at Visions du Réel.

South Korea is strongly represented this year with Lucky, Apartment from award-winning documentary filmmaker Kangyu Ga-ram.

And the bold, brash comedy Manok about finding intergenerational queer friendship and joy in a rural small town.

Other anticipated titles include Outerlands, a poignant and introspective drama starring Asia Kate Dillon and Lea DeLaria, following a cash-strapped non-binary nanny navigating complex emotional terrain.

Sauna, a steamy Danish romantic drama about two men from different worlds: one whose life revolves around the hypermasculine gay sauna where he works, the other who’s navigating the early stages of his transition.

Closer to home, local filmmaker Bina Bhattacharya (Here Out West) makes her feature directorial debut with From All Sides.

A subversive and sexually frank portrayal of a seemingly typical middle-class family in Western Sydney unravelling at the seams.

Tickets for all films are on sale now, including Flexi 3 and Flexi 6 Festival Passes. Visit queerscreen.org.au, download the app or call (02) 9280 1533 to book.

You can also become a Queer Screen member for discounted tickets and priority entry to sessions.

Image: Supplied

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/queer-screen-host-lesbian-space-princess-special-screening/

Queer Screen host Lesbian Space Princess special screening

Don’t miss out on the chance to see Lesbian Space Princess as Queer Screen hosts a special screening of the recipient of their Completion Fund.

On the 29th July, you can join Queer Screen for a hilarious journey through the far reaches of queer outer space.

As they host a special screening of the award-winning “queer as f*ck” indie sci-fi comedy, Lesbian Space Princess.

The film was the recipient of Queer Screen’s Completion Fund earlier this year.

As well as the winner of the prestigious Best LGBTQ+ Feature Film Teddy Award at Berlinale.

The locally made animated sci-fi comedy embraces LGBTQIA+ and culturally diverse voices on and off-screen.

The animation’s voice cast includes Shabana Azeez, Bernie Van Tiel, Aunty Donna, Richard Roxburgh and Gemma Chua Tran.

As well as Jordan Raskopoulos, Madeleine Sami, Kween Kong, Reuben Kaye, Demi Lardner and more.

Lesbian Space Princess’ directors, Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese, are a couple from South Australia.

Leela told an audience at Berlinale that the film’s story of a lonely young woman draws on their experiences before they got together.

An inter-gay-lactic riot.

Lesbian Space Princess is about the daughter of 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.

Kiki’s kidnapped by the forgotten incels of the future, the Straight White Maliens.

And Saira sets out on an inter-gay-lactic journey of self-discovery.

This includes encounters with a problematic spaceship and a newfound friendship with gay-pop runaway Willow.

In January, Lesbian Space Princess received Queer Screen’s Completion Fund.

Co-writer, co-director, and co-producer Varghese said the financial support would “make a big difference to our film.”

“Thank you so, so much, Queer Screen, for helping us get our project out into the world,” she said.

“Queer Screen is so important to the LGBTQIA+ screen community,

“And we’re truly ‘over the moon’ to have their support for Lesbian Space Princess.

“The belief in our project means so much to us,

“And we are so grateful to have an organisation that helps amplify queer voices.”

Join Queer Screen on Tuesday 28th July, at Event Cinema in George St.

Dive into this locally made animated sci-fi comedy.

Filled with riotous, candy-coloured joy that embraces LGBTQIA+ and culturally diverse voices on and off-screen.

Plus, you’ll be the first to get your hands on the festival guide for Queer Screen Film Fest in August.

Find out more and grab your tickets here.

Leela Varghese with Queer Screen Festival Director Lisa Rose

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/submissions-now-open-for-queer-screen-pitch-off/

Submissions Now Open for Queer Screen Pitch Off

Submissions are now open for Queer Screen Pitch Off 2025, with prizes including best pitch, screenwriting and professional development

Queer Screen is inviting aspiring Australian LGBTIQ+ filmmakers to participate in the annual Queer Screen Pitch OffA prestigious opportunity to pitch short film projects for a chance to win $10,000 in production funding.

Since 2018, Queer Screen Pitch Off has been a pivotal platform for emerging filmmakers.

Supporting their creative endeavours and fostering diversity in storytelling within the LGBTIQ+ community.

Since its inception, Queer Screen Pitch Off has supported six emerging Australian LGBTIQ+ filmmakers.

Awarding $10,000 in funding annually and providing invaluable pitching experience to 42 filmmakers.

Queer Screen is a non-profit organisation dedicated to showcasing Australian and international LGBTIQ+ cinema.

Through film festivals, screenings, and educational programs, Queer Screen promotes diversity and inclusion in storytelling.

Supporting filmmakers and engaging audiences with thought-provoking and entertaining content.

“Pitch Off remains an important fixture in the Queer Screen calendar,” said Benson Wu, Queer Screen CEO.

“Providing not only funding opportunities for LGBTIQ+ short films,”

“But also a training ground for emerging creatives to hone their pitching skills and network with industry figures.”

Benson Wu. Photo: supplied.

So how does it work?

Filmmakers will have the opportunity to showcase their passion and conviction as they present their film proposals to a panel of expert assessors.

Six finalists will be selected following an initial assessment of eligible submissions, with each finalist allotted up to five minutes to pitch their project at the Pitch Off event.

Queer Screen is proud to continue the partnership with Screen Australia’s Gender Matters Taskforce, offering further opportunities for eligible female and gender-diverse practitioners.

“We’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with Screen Australia’s Gender Matters Taskforce,” said Wu.

“To provide female and gender-diverse filmmakers vital opportunities to showcase their work and develop their skills.”

The returning initiatives are the Gender Matters Taskforce Screenwriting Prize.

A $5,000 cash award for the best screenplay and the Gender Matters Taskforce Professional Development Prize.

Offering $5,000 towards self-directed professional development.

“The Gender Matters Taskforce is thrilled to supplement Queer Screen’s valuable Pitch Off prize,” says Screen Australia COO Grainne Brunsdon.

“With an additional two prizes for female and gender-diverse filmmakers from the community.”

“After a fabulously successful and high-calibre first year,

“We can’t wait to read the entries from the talented filmmakers in this second iteration of the partnership.”

The Gender Matters Taskforce is a volunteer-based advisory body for Screen Australia.

Comprised of women and gender-diverse people working professionally across the Australian screen sector.

Amongst other things things the Taskforce develops pathways and opportunities for people historically excluded from the screen industry, implementing gender parity solutions.

Queer Screen Pitch Off deadline approaching.

The winner of Queer Screen Pitch Off will receive $10,000 in production funding to bring their short film vision to life.

In addition to the main prize and the Gender Matters Taskforce initiatives, all finalists will have the chance for a complimentary Zoom script consultation.

The consultation will be with Matthew Dabner, a renowned script editor, writer, and producer, along with two Flexi 6 passes to Queer Screen Film Fest 2025.

The application deadline for non-members is Monday, 28th July, and for Queer Screen Members is Monday, 4th August.

Successful candidates will be notified by Monday, 18th August.

And are strongly encouraged to present their pitches in person at the Pitch Off event on Sunday, 31st August.

The Queer Screen Pitch Off will take place at Event Cinemas George Street in Sydney, as part of the 12th Queer Screen Film Fest.

Remote pitching options will be available to those unable to travel.

The full program for the 12th Queer Screen Film Fest will be revealed on 30th July.

The festival will take place at Event Cinemas George Street from the 27th to the 31st of August.

Click here for detailed information, including eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, and submission guidelines.

Image: Supplied