The Andrews Labor Government is supporting Australia’s most time-honoured LGBTI film event, the Melbourne Queer Film Festival.
Now in its 26th year, the Festival will screen more than 120 films, shorts and documentaries from right around the globe that showcase the best in queer cinema. The Festival will include an industry day, allowing local filmmakers a chance to connect and build their skills.
The 2016 Melbourne Queer Film Festival kicks off in Melbourne tonight, and more than 20,000 people are expected to attend events across the 12-day program.
Screenings will be held at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, while highlights will also be shown at the Bendigo Queer Film Festival, which runs April from 8-24.
For the first time, the Melbourne Queer Film Festival is receiving Victorian Government support. The Labor Government is contributing a $20,000 Connecting to the World Through Film program grant, which supports organisations that use screen content to promote equality and diversity to Victorian audiences.
This year, the Festival will extend an invitation to its opening night to LGBTI people in Russia through the social media platform, Periscope, as part of a campaign highlighting the country’s outdated laws that make promoting events like queer film festivals illegal.
The Melbourne Queer Film Festival runs until April 11. For full program details, visit
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
“The Melbourne Queer Film Festival is a chance to enjoy a diversity of LGBTI voices, stories and faces on the big screen. It helps contribute to a thriving screen culture and progressive society.”
“We are lucky to live in a community where we can celebrate our diversity. This is a great opportunity for film lovers in Melbourne and Bendigo to experience for themselves the best of everything this great event offers.”
Quotes attributable to Film Victoria chief executive Jenni Tosi
“We’re delighted to be supporting the Melbourne Queer Film Festival in 2016 and I encourage Victorian audiences to attend the terrific program of film and events.”
Quotes attributable to Melbourne Queer Film Festival Executive Director Dillan Golightly
“The Melbourne Queer Film Festival plays a vital role in ensuring access to LGBTIQ-themed screen content for Melbourne audiences.”
“MQFF has long championed local queer filmmakers, and this year we are delighted to partner with Film Victoria to present a strengthened industry program.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020