Queer Screen: Mardi Gras Film Festival 2025

Mardi Gras is almost upon us, and so is the 32nd Mardi Gras Film Festival (MGFF25)! Gay and lesbian film festivals have been around in Sydney since 1978, and officially a highlight of Mardi Gras since 1986.

This year, MGFF25 will run from the 13-27 February in cinema and until the 10 March on demand. It will take over iconics venues such as Event Cinemas on. George Street, the Dendy Newtown, the Ritz Cinemas Randwick and special screenings at the Rocks Laneway Cinema and the Bank Hotel.

This year’s theme is a heartfelt invitation: bring your loved ones, friends, or come solo—“Come for the love of cinema, the love of queer films, and the love of community,” says Festival Director Lisa Rose.

A Fond Farewell to Lisa Rose

As Lisa Rose takes her final bow as Festival Director after an extraordinary eight-year tenure, MGFF25 promises to be a celebration to remember. Lisa has transformed the festival into an internationally acclaimed event, championing queer cinema through industry initiatives like Pitch Off and the Completion Fund.

“The sense of belonging that comes when a room full of queer people experience a story together is unifying,” Lisa reflects. Her contributions have made Queer Screen a cornerstone of Australia’s LGBTQIA+ cultural landscape.

World-Class Premieres and Hidden Gems

MGFF25 boasts a dazzling lineup of almost 150 films from around the globe. Highlights include the world premiere of In Ashes, a raw Danish debut exploring heartbreak and hookups, and the Australian premiere of Drive Back Home, a darkly comedic road trip featuring Alan Cumming. Fans of prestige cinema can enjoy Three Kilometres to the End of the World, hailed as a masterpiece, and Lilies Not for Me, a poignant period romance.

For lovers of nostalgia, the festival offers a special treat: a retrospective screening of The Birdcage at The Rocks Laneway Cinema and Cabaret, presented alongside Bruce David Klein’s new documentary Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story.

Community-Centric Events

Beyond the silver screen, MGFF25 brings people together through interactive experiences. Highlights include the My Queer Career competition, showcasing emerging filmmakers vying for over $16,000 in prizes, and the riotous Inqueersition trivia night at the Bearded Tit. Panel discussions like “It Should’ve Been Queer” and masterclasses for budding filmmakers further cement the festival’s role as a hub for queer creatives.

Affordable Access for All

Thanks to partners like Allianz, the festival offers discounted $12 tickets for community screenings, ensuring everyone can experience the magic of queer storytelling. Government support from Screen NSW and the City of Sydney also plays a vital role in making this inclusive event possible.

Don’t Miss Out

Whether you’re a cinephile or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, MGFF25 is not to be missed. Secure your tickets now at queerscreen.org.au or via the Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival app. Join us in celebrating the power of storytelling and the vibrant diversity of the queer community.

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To check out the full program from Queer Screen, check out their website