Melbourne, Australia – The Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF), Australia’s premier celebration of LGBTQIA+ cinema, recently wrapped up its 34th annual event with the awards ceremony acknowledging groundbreaking filmmakers from both Australia and around the globe. This year’s festival not only showcased a wide array of queer narratives but also highlighted the increasing diversity and creativity within the LGBTQIA+ film community.
At this year’s festival, the City of Melbourne Award for Best Australian Short Film, along with a $5,000 prize, was bestowed upon Emily Dynes for her compelling film “Hold Still.” The film delves into the realms of memory and intimacy, earning Dynes not just the prize but also qualification for the prestigious Iris Prize.
Le Luo captured the VicScreen Award for Best Director of an Australian Short Film and a $2,500 prize for “Outpicker.” The film presents a poignant exploration of a queer Chinese immigrant’s journey, reflecting themes of communal ties and self-discovery shaped through the humble act of litter-picking.
“Dance with Pride – A Journey of Identity Through Movement,” directed by Javier Cataño-Gonzalez, took home the Shaun Miller Award for Best Australian Documentary Short. The documentary powerfully portrays LGBTQIA+ dancers who articulate their identities and aspirations through dance, offering viewers a visceral experience of their struggles and triumphs.
The MQFF Audience Choice Award and the Judges’ Special Mention for Best Short Film, along with a $1,000 prize, were awarded to “Die Bully Die” by Nathan Lacey and Nick Lacey. This comedy explores the cathartic scenario of confronting a high school bully in adulthood, delivered with a sharp and humorous twist.
The festival also highlighted outstanding first feature films. “This is Ballroom,” by the queer Brazilian filmmaker duo Juru and Vitã, won the MQFF Award for Best First Feature Documentary. Their $2,500 award-winning work offers an inside look at the vibrant voguing culture in Rio de Janeiro. Meanwhile, the MQFF Award for Best First Feature Narrative and another $2,500 went to “National Anthem,” depicting a transformative journey in rural New Mexico, as a 21-year-old named Dylan ventures into a queer ranch that shifts his perspective on life.
Internationally, “A Bird Called Memory” by Leonardo Martinelli was recognized with the MQFF Award for Best International Short, claiming their own $1,000 prize. The film stood out for its unique narrative and artistic depth.
David Martin Harris, CEO of MQFF, emphasized the importance of the awards in championing Australian LGBTQIA+ filmmaking talent and their global resonance. City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece lauded the festival’s impact not only on the arts but also on the city’s reputation as an inclusive and vibrant cultural hub.
Caroline Pitcher, CEO of VicScreen, highlighted the festival’s role in nurturing emerging LGBTQIA+ directors and affirmed VicScreen’s commitment to fostering new talent in the film industry.
The Melbourne Queer Film Festival remains a cornerstone of Melbourne’s cultural landscape, actively promoting diversity in cinema and providing a vital platform for unique and underrepresented stories within the LGBTQIA+ community. As a significant event, MQFF continues to support local and international filmmakers, offering them an opportunity to amplify their voices and narratives on a global stage.
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