MQFF Pride Month Screenings 2024

Witches and Faggots, Dykes and Poofters: 1970s Queer Resistance

The Duke of Burgundy, 2014

This collection features Digby Duncan’s Witches and Faggots, Dykes and Poofters (1980), spotlighting Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 78ers, showcasing grassroots activism and police brutality. Also included are Lilli Vincenz’s Gay and Proud (1970), documenting the Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade, and Gay Power (1971) by Sharon Hayes, Kate Millett, and others, Ronald Chase’s Parade (1972), and Freedom Day Parade (1974) by Wakefield Poole, all capturing pivotal moments in LGBTQIA+ history during the 1970s.

Cult director Peter Strickland’s (In Fabric, 2018) valentine to surreal ‘70s Euro-erotica turns ten this year – this calls for an anniversary viewing of quite possibly the 21st century’s most delicious sapphic screen romance!

Set in a European village, Cynthia (Sidse Babett Knudsen) and Evelyn (Chiara D’Anna) engage in ritualistic dominance-submission routines. Yet, like any relationship, things can run the risk of becoming stale. With a luscious dream-pop score perfectly attuned to Strickland’s trademark synaesthetic approach to cinema, The Duke of Burgundy still stands, ten years on, as peak-sensual cinema!

Heart of the Man, 2024

Queer Australian First Nations filmmaking is still rare in 2024, so this Victorian premiere of the directorial debut of Butchulla man, David Cook, shot in Brisbane and featuring a predominantly LGBTQIA+ and Aboriginal cast, is cause for celebration.

Chris is pushed by his intimidating father, Sammy – played by writer-director David Cook – to train for the national boxing title he didn’t himself attain, a failure connected to tragic events that robbed Chris of his mother and Sammy his wife. Sammy’s obsession with his son following this path encounters resistance, however, when Chris starts to question his sexuality.