Australia’s leading LGBTQIA+ film festival returns this September with an exciting line-up of international premieres, acclaimed Australian productions and emerging filmmaking talent.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Queer Screen has officially unveiled the full program for the 13th Queer Screen Film Fest (QSFF26), promising an unforgettable celebration of diverse storytelling, creativity and queer voices from 2–8 September 2026, before expanding nationwide with an on-demand season from 9–16 September.
The week-long festival will showcase 28 outstanding films, including 12 feature films and 16 short films, alongside the return of the popular Queer Screen Pitch Off Competition and Emerging Narrative Feature Competition. New for 2026 is Queer Screen Studio, an industry-focused day of masterclasses, networking and professional development designed to support the next generation of LGBTQIA+ filmmakers.
Opening Night Brings Cannes Favourite Jim Queen
Opening the festival on Wednesday, 2 September, is the Australian premiere of Jim Queen, the acclaimed animated feature from directors Marco Nguyen and Nicolas Athané. Fresh from screenings at the Cannes and Sydney Film Festivals, this visually striking French-Belgian production delivers an outrageous, disco-fuelled adventure where a mysterious virus threatens to turn queer people straight.
Australian Drama Sweet Milk Lake Closes the Festival
Closing Night on Tuesday, 8 September, features the NSW Premiere of the powerful Australian drama Sweet Milk Lake, written, directed by and starring Harvey Zielinski (Deadloch). The moving story explores brotherhood, identity and belonging within a rural Australian community while examining trans identity in a deeply personal way.
The film also stars Hunter Page-Lochard, Kieran Darcy-Smith and Nic Cassim, with Harvey Zielinski attending a special Closing Night Q&A.
A Strong Year for LGBTQIA+ Storytelling
Queer Screen CEO Benson Wu says this year’s festival reflects the remarkable strength of queer cinema around the world.
“From major festival hits straight out of Cannes and Sydney Film Festival to groundbreaking Australian debuts, Queer Screen is showcasing a wealth of new, creative LGBTQIA+ cinematic styles and storytelling. We want audiences to walk away inspired and genuinely excited about what comes next.”
Competition Highlights
The Emerging Narrative Feature Competition showcases six outstanding new films from Australia and overseas, including:
Big Girls Don’t Cry (New Zealand)
The Education of Jane Cumming (UK/Germany/Switzerland)
Montreal, My Beautiful (Canada)
Test (USA)
Jim Queen (France/Belgium)
Sweet Milk Lake (Australia)
International Highlights
Festival audiences can also enjoy an impressive selection of acclaimed international productions, including:
La Bola Negra, starring Penélope Cruz and Glenn Close
Coward, the latest film from acclaimed director Lukas Dhont
Australian thriller Body Blow
Documentary Hunky Jesus
A special 30th Anniversary screening of Bound
Australian sci-fi horror Our Effed Up World
Celebrating Emerging Voices
QSFF26’s extensive shorts program continues the festival’s tradition of championing new filmmakers, with stories spanning comedy, romance, drama, documentary, horror and experimental cinema from Australia and around the globe.
Audiences can also experience a series of specially curated short films screening before selected feature presentations throughout the festival.
Beyond the Screen
The festival extends beyond film screenings with two major industry events:
Queer Screen Pitch Off Competition, where finalists compete live for a $10,000 production grant.
Queer Screen Studio, presented with Screen NSW and AFTRS, offering masterclasses, industry panels and networking opportunities for emerging filmmakers.
Festival Details
In Cinemas: 2–8 September 2026
Venue: Event Cinemas George Street, Sydney
On Demand Australia-Wide: 9–16 September 2026
Tickets are now on sale, with a range of single tickets, Opening Night packages and Flexi Passes available.
For the full program and bookings, visit queerscreen.org.au.
With award-winning international films, compelling Australian stories and invaluable industry opportunities, the 13th Queer Screen Film Fest promises another vibrant celebration of LGBTQIA+ cinema and the power of authentic storytelling.
