LGBTIQ+ communities and allies across the country can access over 35 feature films, documentaries and shorts as the 8th Queer Screen Film Fest goes online and on demand. Sydneysiders will also be treated to a drag double feature at the Skyline Drive-In (STAGE MOTHER and THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT) and two social but safe screenings of the powerful documentary, WELCOME TO CHECHNYA. The full program is announced Thursday 3 September.
The program will be available for 11 days from Thursday 17 September to Sunday 27
September and Festival Director, Lisa Rose says it is exciting to reach new audiences and go
virtual. “Queer Screen has adapted to the ‘new normal’ by offering the program Australia-wide
for the first time and making sure its loyal Sydney-based audience is also treated to a festival
first.”
Skyline Drive-In at Blacktown will go fully camp on Saturday 26 September, as it hosts the
Sydney premiere of STAGE MOTHER, starring Aussie legend Jacki Weaver, as a conservative
Southern choir leader who inherits a drag club from her late son. With a stellar cast that also
includes Lucy Liu, Adrian Grenier and Mya Taylor, it is a sassy and inspiring comedy that’s not
to be missed.
No drag double feature would be complete without a retrospective screening of the gay classic
Australia gave to the world – THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT.
Sit back in the comfort of your car and quote the script, sing along to the soundtrack, enjoy the
spectacular Oscar-winning outfits and cheer every moment of this down-under delight!
“In this time of social distancing the drive-in is having quite the resurgence and we are so
excited to be bringing two really fun films to the really big screen. There isn’t a better way to
spend a Saturday night.” Rose said.
The festival will also feature one other social but safe screening in partnership with Antenna
Documentary Film Festival of Award winning filmmaker David France’s WELCOME TO
CHECHNYA. An unflinching documentary that gives survivors and activists a voice in an urgent
exposé of the ongoing attack on Chechen LGBTIQ+ people. Screening Saturday 19 September
and Sunday 20 September at Palace’s Chauvel Cinema.
The full festival program runs from Thursday 17 September to Sunday 27 September, with the
program of online screenings announced on Thursday 3 September to include three packages
of short films available for free.
“2020 has proven to be a year of challenges and changes and for us it has presented a unique
opportunity to bring an incredible program of new LGBTIQ+ films directly into people’s homes
and devices, across the whole of Australia. We can’t wait to announce the full program and let
our diverse community immerse themselves in stories from around the globe.” said Festival
Director, Lisa Rose.
Online Passes and tickets for Welcome to Chechnya and the Drive-In Double Feature are on sale now. Please visit queerscreen.org.au or download the Queer Screen app, or call (02) 9280 1533 to book. Become a Queer Screen member for discounted tickets and priority entry.
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