$11,000 prize and 140 films at MQFF

MEDIA RELEASE COURTESY OF: MELBOURNE QUEER FILM FESTIVAL

The Melbourne Queer Film Festival this year celebrates it’s 20th birthday. Screening from 18-29 March, MQFF will screen over 140 films over twelve days and includes a $11,000 cash prize pool.

The festival will open with South Korean film, Antique, a delightful film about four men, a cake shop, and the secrets that begin to unravel. The film will open the festival at 7:30pm on Wednesday 17th March at the Astor Theatre, St Kilda.

Other MQFF events include:

Saturday 20 March – Panel discussion: Diagnosing Difference
Immediately following the screening of Annalise Ophelian’s film Diagnosing Difference a gender panel featuring those who have personal and professional experience with gender issues will discuss the concerns raised by the film.
2pm ACMI Studio, plaza level

Sunday 21 March – Panel discussion: The Butch Factor
Immediately following the screening of Christopher Hines’ film The Butch Factor, panellists active within the gay community will discuss the complex relationship between masculinity and sexual orientation.
2:15pm ACMI cinemas

Tuesday 23 March and Wednesday 24 March – Celluloid Casserole
MQFF and LOOP present an eclectic menu of new Australian shorts. For just a gold coin donation you can see a collection of exciting new local titles. Now screening on two nights by popular demand.
7:30pm LOOP

Thursday 25 March – World Premiere: From Beginning to End
Director Aluizio Albranches will be in attendance at the festival.
6:15pm ACMI cinemas

Saturday 27 March – Panel discussion: Holding Hands
Immediately following the screening of Tonnette Stanford and Katherine Wilkinson’s film Holding Hands, an anti-violence panel featuring the Executive Director of Anti-Violence Project of Victoria Inc, a Sergeant with Victoria police, and a lecturer on sexuality and gender, will discuss the still prevalent issue of anti-gay violence.
1:30pm ACMI Studio, plaza level

Sunday 28 March – Panel discussion: Training Rules
Immediately following the screening of Dee Mosbacher and Fawn Yacker’s film Training Rules, a panel of athletes and academics will discuss homophobia in sport
2pm ACMI Studio, plaza level

Sunday 28 March – MQFF Closing Night & World Premiere: Elvis and Madonna
Director Marcelo Laffite’s film tells a truly modern queer love story between a lesbian photographer and a transwoman stage performer.
8:30pm ACMI cinemas