News & Reviews

From the Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan MP

Australia’s longest-running celebration of LGBTIQA+ cinema launches today with an exciting lineup that highlights diverse and powerful stories from around the world, boosted by support from the Allan Labor Government.

Minister for Equality Harriet Shing today announced the lineup for the 34th Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF) opening with the premiere of Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story (2024), a film that explores the life of Jackie Shane, the groundbreaking black trans performer renowned for her talent and magnetic stage presence.

Running from Thursday, 14 November to Sunday, 24 November, this year’s festival features an impressive lineup of 42 feature films and 19 documentaries, along with a range of events and programs designed to celebrate the diversity of LGBTIQA+ communities.

The Australian premiere of Duino (2024), a story of a filmmaker’s unrequited love set against the picturesque backdrop of Italy’s Adriatic Coast, will close out the festival.

The festival coincides with Trans Awareness Week, from November 13 to 19, and helps to celebrate and raise awareness of trans and gender diverse communities.

The Labor Government is proud to continue its support of MQFF, including through the LGBTIQA+ Sector Strengthening grants program.

VicScreen, Victoria’s creative and economic screen development agency, has also supported the Melbourne Queer Film Festival since 2016 through their Audience Engagement Program.

The Labor Government leads the nation in its strategy to foster inclusive communities where everyone can live safely and authentically, appointing Australia’s first Minister for Equality in 2014, and first Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities in 2015.

The Victorian Budget 2023/24 invests $22 million over four years to deliver key priorities including boosting the number of Rainbow Tick accredited community and mental health providers, funding to support LGBTIQA+ groups, events and organisations and delivering Pride in Ageing to address the needs of ageing LGBTIQA+ Victorians.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Equality Harriet Shing

“The festival plays a vital role by providing a forum for celebration, advocacy and visibility in queer communities.”

“Visibility and pride go hand in hand and we are proud to support events like the MQFF that celebrate and share LGBTIQA+ stories from all over the world.”

Quotes attributable to Melbourne Queer Film Festival CEO David Martin Harris

“The 34th Melbourne Queer Film Festival is set to be a very special iteration, bringing the best of Australian and world queer culture to Victoria.”

“Melbourne Queer Film Festival gives an imperative platform for queer stories from around the world to be seen and heard in Melbourne, and we can’t wait to see audiences come together and celebrate these voices within our community.”