We never need much of an excuse at this time of the year to jump on a Quantas jet and head back Down Under for Queer Screen Film Fest, which is back for its 12th edition, bringing fresh and diverse LGBTIQ+ cinema from around the world to Sydney from 27-31 August, 2025!
Cactus Pears : The story is steeped in the traditions and culture of rural India, and the caste system. It’s about Anand (Bhushaan Manoj) a single 30-something-year-old man who lives in Mumbai and whose father has just died. His grief is exasperated as he has to go back to his family home in a remote village and participate in the 10 days of mourning after the funeral. It means that he will face the inevitable question of why he is still unmarried.Whilst back in his village he reunites with his childhood friend Balya (Suraaj Suman) who has also avoided the pressure to select a wife. We gradually learn that they had a physical connection in the past, but now as they are both entrenched in their different lives, they (and we) are unsure if there is still an attraction, and where it could lead too
This excellent unpredictable slow-burning love story is the debut feature from writer and director Rohan Parashuram Kanawade and gives us a beautiful insight into the struggles of being one’s true self in a community that doesn’t recognize individuality or any deviance from the norm. The fact that it’s based on a semi-autographical story gives it such authenticity which combined with such nuanced performances from the two main actors make it a glorious addition to the canon of Indian queer cinema. It deservedly won Sundance’s 2025 Winner
Holding The Man : is set in the early days of the AIDS pandemic and doesnt shirk from the fact it was untimely robbing these two men of their lives. The screenplay was written by Tommy Murphy who had also adapted a memoir into the stage play, and it was directed by Neil Armfield. It has the advantage of some really superb performances particularly from the two young leads Ryan Corr and Craig Stott, and also from the very impressive list of adult actors that included such luminaries as Anthony LaPaglia, Kerry Fox, Guy Pearce, and Geoffrey Rush
Even now its hard to view, but it covers a crucial part of queer history, so worth getting upset simoly to remember all we lost and should still be here as part of our lives.
MANOK played by (Yang Mal-bok) is a lesbian bar owner and has run the lively, colorful Lainbow Bar in Seoul, South Korea for twenty years. She’s strong, feisty, and not afraid to voice her opinions, which leads the middle-aged Manok to clash with some of her younger customers, who don’t spend as much money as she’d like, and who in turn think her bar is a little outdated. She feels the younger generation don’t appreciate the past struggles she’s had as a lesbian. Tensions gradually rise between her and her staff and customers, leading to a physical stand-off. This coincides with the death of her mother and the inheritance of her mother’s house in the countryside. Manok decides to close the bar, skip town, leave her long-term partner and start afresh in the small town she grew up in.
Niñxs is the extraordinary record of the 8 year transitioning journey of a Mexican adolescent : Filmmaker and activist Kani Lapuerta filmed this in the small town of Tepoztlán, in the mountains of central Mexico. Her subject was Karla (15 years old at the end of the film), a very imaginative trans girl who had the unqualified support of her unconventional hippy parents, but still had to deal with abuse from other children and adults in this remote conservative town. In this remarkable piece of guerrilla filming, Lapuerta returned to continue the project over the years, and the two of them formed a tight, extraordinary bond in which we could see Karla mature so much earlier than others of her age. In this, her directing debut, Lapuerta very astutely allows Karla the space to tell her story on her own terms, so we are able to watch her use her vivid imagination to power her through the tougher parts of her transitioning and also to further her very natural sense of humor.
Outerlands. Elena Oxman’s compelling film is the the story of two hurt people who don’t believe they deserve any act of kindness that’s given to them. Through their unlikely relationship, they learn that everyone deserves to feel loved. Cass (Asia Kate Dillon) and their younger scene partner, Ari (Ridley Asha Bateman) give such gentle, grounded performances. Outerlands is a truly special piece of filmmaking that you really should not miss.
PLAINCLOTHES Top of our list this year of highly anticipated movies was this feature film debut of writer/director Carmen Emmi. His PLAINCLOTHES is a love story that turns into a thriller set in 1997 that reminds us of how our community was harassed and persecuted as some authorities still bore anger that homosexuality had been legalized. Starring Brit heartthrob Russell Tovey, the ‘love story’ part of Plain Clothes is both sad and sexy but it is impossible not to be totally captivated. The sad part is that although this is set in the dark part of queer history, in this present uncertain political, it could very easily rear its ugly head again . You may like t9 chcek out this interview Queerguru filmed with writer/director CARMEN EMMI
Twinless The film follows Roman (a stunning performence by Dylan O’Brien) as he grapples with the tragic loss of his twin brother, Rocky. So he joins a support group for twins who have lost their siblings, where they share their stories and provide comfort to one another. It’s here he meets Dennis, played by James Sweeney. The two quickly form a strong bond, becoming close friends and each other’s support system.
What begins as a buddy-comedy from writer/director/actor James Sweeney turns into something you couldn’t possibly predict.
| Queer Screen Film Fest is back for its 12th edition, bringing fresh and diverse LGBTIQ+ cinema from around the world to Sydney from 27-31 August, 2025! |
 for full reviews on over 2000 queer films check out www.queerguru.com and whilst you are there be sure to subscribe to get all the latest raves and rants on queer cinema …best of all its FREE |
