Featuring epic romances, steamy dalliances, touching dramas and tales of self discovery, these are just some of the many engrossing, unmissable films about gay men at Queer Screen’s 31st Mardi Gras Film Festival.
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Femme
Thu 15 Feb, 7:00pm
Event Cinemas, George St
and
Sun 25 Feb, 8:00pm
Dendy Cinemas, Newtown
Following a violent hom*ophobic attack, how far is Jules willing to go to ingratiate himself into his attacker’s world to get revenge? Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (Benjamin, QSFF19; Misfits) and George MacKay (Pride, QSFF14; 1917) are phenomenal in this acclaimed neo-noir thriller about internalised hom*ophobia and queer resilience.
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The Summer with Carmen
Sat 24 Feb, 9:00pm
Event Cinemas, George Street
and
Tue 27 Feb, 8:30pm
Event Cinemas, George Street
Any film that begins with two mates catching up at a gay cruising beach has our attention – and Zacharias Mavroeidis’ sexy comedy-drama delivers. It’s a funny, poignant look at queer relationships, friendships, intimacy, and pet ownership! All taking place during a sizzling Greek summer.
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The Lost Boys
Tue 20 Feb, 6:20pm
Event Cinemas, George St
and
Thu 22 Feb, 6:45pm
Ritz Cinemas, Randwick
A passionate romance blossoms between two teenage boys behind the walls of a juvenile detention facility, where physical contact is forbidden. Khalil Gharbia and Julien de Saint Jean (Lie with Me, QSFF23) are electric as two boys finding each other in this emotionally-charged tale of freedom and desire.
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Our Son
Fri 23 Feb, 7:00pm
Event Cinemas, George St
and
Mon 26 Feb, 6:30pm
Event Cinemas, George St
Boasting the power couple pairing of Billy Porter (Pose) and Luke Evans (Beauty and the Beast), Our Son is a sensitive, nuanced take on the breakdown of a long-term marriage. As they slowly disentangle their lives from each other, they find their own ways of healing and navigating their identities as newly single men and fathers.
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Norwegian Dream
Sat 17 Feb, 8:45pm
Event Cinemas, George St
and
Wed 28 Feb, 1:30pm
Event Cinemas, George St
This affecting coming-of-age drama is the story of Robert, a young Polish immigrant searching for a better life in Norway. Along the way, he must make tough decisions about love, loyalty, and his sexuality. A captivating love story of inner conflict, longing, and the strength of human connection.
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Down Low
Thu 22 Feb, 9:00pm
Event Cinemas, George St
Repressed Gary (Zachary Quinto) hires sex worker Cameron (Lukas Gage) for a simple rub-and-tug that sets in motion a chaotic night that’s less Weekend, more Weekend at Bernie’s. Quinto, Gage and a game supporting cast are hysterical in this raunchy, pitch-black farce about finally embracing who you are.
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Solo
Mon 19 Feb, 8:30pm
Event Cinemas, George St
Simon, a fierce drag performer taking Montreal by storm, starts a relationship with the electric but possibly manipulative Olivier (Felix Maritaud; Sauvage, MGFF19). While also attempting to reconnect with his absent mother, will he find the love and validation he has been yearning for?
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Hot Boys Shorts
Wed 28 Feb, 8:40pm
Event Cinemas, George St
and
On Demand Australia-wide
Fri 1 Mar–Mon 11 Mar
Filled with sexually frank stories, steamy reveries and titillating tales, don’t miss out on seeing what these Hot Boys Shorts are packing. Dwelling on the steamier side of gay life, these shorts explore how sex can offer insights into who someone really is beneath the surface.
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The Missing
Wed 21 Feb, 8:30pm
Event Cinemas, George St
Eric has a good life: he’s close to his mum, lives alone and even has a crush on his coworker Carlos. The only problem – he doesn’t have a mouth. The Philippines’ entry for Best International Feature at the Oscars, this is a stunning sci-fi allegory for trauma that reveals the power in confronting the past.
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Blue Lights
Tue 27 Feb, 6:30pm
Event Cinemas, George St
and
Wed 28 Feb, 4:00pm
Event Cinemas, George St
Don’t miss the World Premiere of Blue Lights! This sophisticated ensemble dramedy unveils an unforgettable night of secrets, relationship tensions and newly formed friendships, as seven friends and family members gather to celebrate Alejandro’s 70th birthday party. With stellar performances and a poignantly insightful narrative, the film offers a nuanced reflection on life’s complexities and the ties that bind us.
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Another Country
Sat 24 Feb, 4:30pm
Event Cinemas, George St
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, this gay classic features star-making (and swoon-worthy) performances from Rupert Everett, Cary Elwes and Colin Firth. Set in a 1930s boarding school, student Guy Bennett navigates the delicate politics of hom*osexuality in a society that only tolerates it when you’re discreet.
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Fireworks
Sun 25 Feb, 7:00pm
Event Cinemas, George St
Inspired by the true story of a romance that blossomed over the course of one fateful summer, this moving tale of self-discovery and young love reveals Gianni and Nino’s fight to be together, set against the vivid backdrop of conservative 1980s Sicily.
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Shape
Sun 25 Feb, 3:30pm
Event Cinemas, George St
Shape is an important Australian documentary exploring how social media, advertising, hook-up apps and the clubbing scene can foster an unhealthy pressure to have a “hot” body in the gay community, featuring interviews with a diverse range of subjects and experts.
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Gay Shorts
Fri 23 Feb, 9:00pm
Event Cinemas, George St
and
On Demand Australia-wide
Fri 1 Mar–Mon 11 Mar
Tales of romance, self-discovery, break-ups and acceptance punctuate this wide-ranging shorts package that explores the varied lives of gay men that encompasses everything from the genuinely heartfelt, to thought-provoking, to surprisingly relatable and just plain good fun.
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Egoist
Tue 20 Feb, 8:30pm
Event Cinemas, George St
Based on Makoto Takayama’s autobiographical novel, Egoist is a moving character drama following the love story between fashion editor Kosuke and personal trainer Ryuta. With utterly captivating performances, director Daishi Matsunaga tenderly weaves a tale of love, family and resilience.
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Sunflower
Sat 24 Feb, 7:00pm
Event Cinemas, George St
Australian director Gabriel Carrubba’ s impressive first feature follows 17-year-old Leo. Growing up in working-class Melbourne, Leo plays sport, goofs off with his best mate, and finds himself the object of affection of his female classmates. However, he is also questioning his sexuality.
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