Australia’s Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival is set to showcase five diverse and compelling projects at the Marché du Movie’s Goes to Cannes event. The festival director, Lisa Rose, has curated a lineup that includes narratives spanning the spectrum of LGBTQI+ experiences, with a focus on Australian talent.
One of the standout projects is “Hands of a Man,” a semi-autobiographical film by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade that explores queer identity in rural India. Another highlight is “From All Sides,” a multiracial bisexual family drama set in Sydney, Australia, directed by Bina Bhattacharya.
“Heart of the Man,” a debut film by David Cook, follows a young boxing prodigy coming to terms with his sexuality, while “Strange Creatures” by Henry Boffin delves into toxic masculinity through the story of two estranged brothers.
From the U.S., “Underneath the Influencer” offers a tech-driven thriller drama that explores the complexities of art, ownership, and identity in modern culture. The film, directed by Bryn Woznicki and Lauren Neal, promises to challenge audiences with its unique perspective.
The Goes to Cannes event aims to provide these projects with opportunities for global sales, distribution, financing, and festival selection. With a focus on supporting and promoting queer talent, the festival hopes to continue its track record of success in launching diverse and impactful films onto the world stage.