8 | 11 | 2022
Melbourne Queer Film Festival returns to Stonnington with boundary-pushing films from across the globe
Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF) launches Thursday 10 November for a twelve-day jam packed program stronger than ever. This year, MQFF returns to Village Jam Factory South Yarra, to host several premiere screenings. Supported by Major Partner Chapel Street Precinct Association, along with The City of Stonnington, audiences can expect a prime selection of local and international drama, comedy, documentary, and everything in between; from boundary-pushing filmmakers across the globe.
“We are delighted that through our arts and cultural grants program, we are once again able to support MQFF to bring to our Stonnington community a unique curated series that celebrates LGBTIQ+.” Cr Jami Klisaris, Mayor, City of Stonnington.
Running 10 – 21 November, the 32nd MQFF features a Spotlight on Brazil, 49 feature films and documentaries, 12 short film packages, 35 Australian premieres and four Melbourne premieres. Some program highlights taking place at the Village Jam Factory are:
The Australian premiere of Horseplay (2022), directed by Marco Berger, follows a group of young men partying in an Argentine summer. But when subtle acts of violence permeate the group, an illicit love triangle blooms between a homophobe, a gay man and a closeted bisexual.
The Festival’s Australian Feature of the Year is a Melbourne Premiere – The Longest Weekend (2022) (pictured above right), directed by Molly Haddon (Australia). Set in Sydney’s Inner West, this soon-to-be indie classic depicts how the lives of three disconnected siblings are turned upside-down when they find themselves forced to live under the same roof. The screening is followed by MQFF’s Artist Party at the Emerson Rooftop.
The Factory will also screen Lonesome (2022) an erotic drama of sex, solitude and human connection directed by Craig Boreham.
My Emptiness and I (2022) directed by Adrián Silvestre (Spain), is also an Australian premiere and follows Raphi’s journey with gender transition and her changing place in the world. Set in Barcelona and made with sensitivity and compassion, the film is a beautiful narrative selected for the Big Screen Competition 2022 at the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
Queer Brazil (Shorts Package) showcases the vibrant, urgent and original cinema currently coming out of Brazil’s queer scene. Features include: A Wild Patience Has Taken Me Here (Érica Saremt), The Gift (Daniel Weirman), Dead Model, Life Model (Luri Bermudes, Leona Jhovs) and Victor’s Body (Victor Di Marco, Márcio Picoli).
The final screening at the Jam Factory is Chrissy Judy (2022) (pictured above left) directed by Todd Flaherty (USA). This devilishly dark comedy follows a New York drag queen on a quest to reinvent himself.
“Incredibly proud that the Chapel Street Precinct will be again part of MQFF’s 2022 calendar. This festival is the perfect fit for our precinct. We look forward to engaging our members to leverage this unique and extraordinary opportunity,” said Chrissie Maus (Chapel Street Precinct General Manager).
The full MQFF program is available now at mqff.com.au
The Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF) is the biggest and longest-running queer film festival in Australia, screening the best Australian/International queer films. MQFF aims to engage the community with the best LGBTIQ+ content in order to educate, entertain and celebrate diversity. MQFF is proudly supported by government partners: The City of Melbourne, The City of Stonnington and VicScreen; as well as major partners: ME Bank and Chapel Street Precinct Association.
