33rd MQFF Returns with an Epic Lineup of Queer Cinema

The festival runs 9 -19 November and includes 50 feature films, 17 documentaries, 11 short film packages, three world premieres, 26 Australian and 19 Victorian premieres.

The opening night feature is the Australian premiere of the Filipino film I Love You, Beksman. The festival closes on 19 November at The Astor in St Kilda, with the Australian premiere of Solo, a Canadian film set in Montreal’s drag scene.

This is the first festival under new program director Cerise Howard. “It’s an honour and privilege to assume the mantle,” said Cerise. “I’m beside myself with glee anticipating that anyone taking even the most cursory scan of the program will find not one, not two, but umpteen films from every which where and when that they simply have to attend.”

In a recently-announced change of venue, films scheduled to show at ACMI have been moved to either the Astor in St Kilda, or The Capitol and Palace Cinemas in the CBD. Screenings are expected to resume at ACMI in 2024 once it has secured a liquor licence and onsite hospitality operator.

This year, films will be shown at The Astor Theatre, The Capitol, Palace Cinemas – The Kino, Village Cinemas Jam Factory, Cinema Nova, and the Victorian Pride Centre Rooftop, where MQFF will be holding an outdoor cinema.

Opening and closing night tickets have been dropped to a standard ticket price to make the festival more accessible during the current cost-of-living crisis.