A special presentation in collaboration with The Other Film Festival. We are bringing you If You Are Afraid You Put Your Heart Into Your Mouth and Smile. Winner of the Teddy Jury Award at the 2025 Berlinale. Intertwining Deaf and trans identities in a coming-of-age story that explores class and the parent-child bond. This film is anchored in authenticity. Written and directed by Marie Luise Lehner. This poignant debut feature centers on Anna (newcomer Siena Popović). A 12-year-old living in Vienna with her deaf, single mother, Isolde (Mariya Menner). As Anna’s relationships deepen and her struggles grow more complex, she begins to find—and use—her own voice. The film offers a refreshing, contemporary lens through which queer experiences are normalized. Blending solidarity, feminism, and infectious melodies—flipping shame into pride. This feature will screen with the charming Australian short With Love, Lottie (DIR: Lily Drummond).   *Due to technical issues we are unable to offer audio description for this session. An audio described version of these films will be available on MQFF+. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Presented in Partnership with United Airlines. In the thesaurus next to the word ‘resilience’, we would do well to find a portrait of Angela, who found her utopia drifting alone in the middle of the ocean. Row of Life documents the journey of ocean rower Angela Madsen, a Marine Corps veteran, three-time Paralympian, and 14-time Guinness World Record holder. In 2020, she undertook a solo row across the Pacific Ocean, from Los Angeles to Hawaii. A powerful portrait of determination and courage in the face of the unknown — and of the love and unyielding support of her wife Deb, who, separated by an ocean, champions Angela’s dream at every turn. This feature will be preceded by the tender Australian Short, Bathers (DIR: Theresa Roberts)

Niñxs is a heartfelt documentary for young people—and anyone who values youth with agency. It reimagines the coming-of-age and transition story through queer teen Karla Bañuelos. Directed by Kani Lapuerta, the film unfolds as a cinematic diary, co-created with Karla, whose playful presence challenges traditional documentary form. Developed over eight years, their collaboration defies the typical subject-filmmaker dynamic. In a conservative small town, Karla begins her legal transition, supported by friends and punk-spirited parents. Asked what she wants audiences to feel, Karla says: laughter. Niñxs delivers. Preceded by the Australian short Fourteen and Nine Months (DIR: Yvette Turnbull). *For content warnings, please see content advice.

“A thriller of byzantine complexity headlined by a queer police detective” —Cineuropa Set in the restive Nepali border town of Rajagunj, this 2024 Venice Film Festival highlight follows Detective Inspector Pooja—an unconventional Kathmandu-based officer investigating the abduction of two boys amid protests by the long-marginalised Madhesi community. Played by co-writer Asha Magrati, Pooja, a lesbian who prefers “Sir,” defies societal norms and institutional expectations to navigate a community torn by injustice and patriarchal authority. Director Deepak Rauniyar and Magrati craft a tense, socially realistic character portrait that has drawn global festival attention. *For content warnings, please see content advice.

At the heart of queer cinema is the documentation of human rights – not as abstract ideals, but as lived, felt, breathed truths. From acclaimed director Sam Feder and the team behind Disclosure comes a compelling examination of the current fight for transgender rights and justice in the United States. Featuring ACLU attorney Chase Strangio, this vital documentary follows his efforts to navigate not only the Supreme Court but also the court of public opinion, as media narratives continue to influence the national discourse on one of today’s most urgent civil rights issues. “We will build beautiful spaces; we will claim collective love; we will unrelentingly stand up for each other. Take away our rights but you won’t take away my fight.” – Chase Strangio This feature will be preceded by the powerful short Sistahood: A Story of Strength (DIR: Jessica R. Chaney) *For content warnings, please see content advice.

A special presentation in collaboration with The Other Film Festival. We are bringing you If You Are Afraid You Put Your Heart Into Your Mouth and Smile. Winner of the Teddy Jury Award at the 2025 Berlinale. Intertwining Deaf and trans identities in a coming-of-age story that explores class and the parent-child bond. This film is anchored in authenticity. Written and directed by Marie Luise Lehner. This poignant debut feature centers on Anna (newcomer Siena Popović). A 12-year-old living in Vienna with her deaf, single mother, Isolde (Mariya Menner). As Anna’s relationships deepen and her struggles grow more complex, she begins to find—and use—her own voice. The film offers a refreshing, contemporary lens through which queer experiences are normalized. Blending solidarity, feminism, and infectious melodies—flipping shame into pride. This feature will screen with the charming Australian short With Love, Lottie (DIR: Lily Drummond).   *Due to technical issues we are unable to offer audio description for this session. An audio described version of these films will be available on MQFF+. Apologies for any inconvenience.

In this playful romantic comedy from Argentina, CrossFit-jock Jero (Cristian Mariani) comes home on their one-year anniversary to discover their performance-artist boyfriend, Tom (Gastón Frías), has ghosted. Left with a break-up and 299 more letters, Jero is blindsided, with only Tom’s brutally honest reflections to navigate the breakup. Jero is left questioning the reality of their relationship: Was it love, sexually clouded judgment, or perhaps a twisted mind-game for Tom’s ethically questionable performance art? Directed by Lucas Santa Ana (Memories of a Teenager), this is an alluring tale of modern dating and relationships in Buenos Aires, supported by a charismatic and talented cast. “300 Letters is one of the more significant queer-themed films on the recent festival circuit and should be required viewing for anyone so immersed in their bubble world they find themselves feeling superior to others.” – The Contending. *For content warnings, please see content advice.