Mardi Gras Fest Unveils Queer Display at Cannes Showcase

Australia’s Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival is set to showcase five diverse projects at the Marché du Movie’s Goes to Cannes event, seeking global sales, distribution, financing, and competition opportunities. The festival director, Lisa Rose, curated a lineup that celebrates a wide range of LGBTQIA+ stories and identities, highlighting Australian talent.

One of the standout projects is “Hands of a Man,” a semi-autobiographical film by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, which follows a city-dweller who forms a bond with a childhood friend in a rural Indian village. The film has already garnered attention at various industry events and is set for release in July.

Another compelling project is “From All Sides” by Bina Bhattacharya, which explores the lives of a multiracial bisexual married couple and their teenage children in Sydney’s suburbs. The film aims to spark conversations and challenge societal norms, marking Bhattacharya’s feature debut.

“Heart of the Man,” directed by David Cook, tells the story of a young boxing prodigy coming to terms with his sexuality while navigating his father’s expectations. The film, which received positive reviews upon its release in Australia, delves into personal experiences and resonates with audiences on a deeper level.

Other projects include “Strange Creatures” by Henry Boffin, which examines toxic masculinity through the story of two estranged brothers, and “Under the Influencer” by Bryn Woznicki and Lauren Neal, a tech-driven thriller drama exploring themes of art, ownership, and identity.

The Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival continues to champion LGBTQIA+ talent and hopes that this year’s showcase at Cannes will lead to further opportunities for the selected filmmaking teams. Last year’s participants experienced tangible benefits from the event, securing deals and festival placements, showcasing the impact of the festival on the industry.