The Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF) has been a fixture of Australia’s cultural calendar for more than three decades. Founded in 1991 by a handful of passionate cinephiles who were hungry for queer stories on screen, it has grown into the largest and longest‑running celebration of lgbtq+QIA+ cinema in the country. Every year thousands of people descend on Melbourne to sample a rich program of features, documentaries, shorts and experimental works from around the world. It isn’t just a festival for film buffs – it’s a meeting place, a celebration and a chance to see stories and characters that too often remain invisible. The organisers are clear about their mission: to give queer voices a platform and to build a community around shared stories. That commitment is alive and well as the festival prepares for its 35th edition, scheduled for 13–23 November 2025. According to Australia’s Midsumma festival calendar, MQFF stages two events each year – a smaller autumn program and the flagship spring festival – and the November instalment is known for drawing the largest crowds and screening a broad cross‑section of queer cinema.
For first‑time visitors it can be surprising just how expansive MQFF has become. Festagent’s festival directory notes that the event now screens more than 150 films across multiple venues and offers a program that stretches from youth showcases and international shorts to documentaries, experimental works, forums and lectures. In recent years the program has used iconic Melbourne cinemas such as the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) at Federation Square, The Capitol on Swanston Street, Palace Cinema Como and the much‑loved Cinema Nova in Carlton. Throughout its history MQFF has developed a reputation for curatorial excellence and for nurturing local talent. Awards like the City of Melbourne Award for the best Australian short film and the David McCarthy Award for best documentary help emerging filmmakers gain exposure and much‑needed prize money. Beyond the screen, the festival runs workshops, industry panels and Q&A sessions that encourage interaction between filmmakers and audiences. These are the conversations that often plant the seeds for future projects and collaborations.
Looking back at the 2024 festival gives a sense of the atmosphere attendees can expect. The 34th edition ran from 14–24 November and, according to a Victorian Government release, featured forty‑two feature films and nineteen documentaries. The program opened with “Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story,” a documentary about the groundbreaking Black trans performer Jackie Shane, and closed with the Italian‑set drama “Duino.” In between, audiences were treated to red‑carpet screenings, parties and community events that coincided with Trans Awareness Week. Government officials applauded MQFF’s role in promoting visibility and advocacy, describing it as a forum where queer communities can celebrate and share stories. That sense of purpose infused the entire program. Filmgoers lined up for Australian premieres, debated their favourites over drinks in the cinema foyer and discovered obscure gems in late‑night sessions. Volunteers in rainbow‑coloured shirts dashed between venues, making sure each screening ran smoothly and that newcomers felt welcome. It was this mixture of celebration and activism that left many attendees already talking about plans for the next year.
So what can visitors expect from MQFF in 2025? While the full line‑up is yet to be announced, the organisers have begun calling for submissions and have confirmed that the festival will run from 13–23 November 2025. Based on recent editions, audiences can expect a broad selection of feature films, documentaries, shorts packages and special events. The festival has been experimenting with themes – in 2024 the program explored the intersection of queer music culture through its “Formative Sound and Vision” provocation – so it’s likely the 2025 edition will revolve around a new lens for curating stories. There will almost certainly be an opening night gala at a landmark venue such as The Capitol or ACMI, complete with red carpet and introductions from filmmakers. Past guests have included international directors, local actors and community leaders, and the festival often pairs screenings with in‑person Q&As and panel discussions. Expect a diverse mix of narratives: coming‑of‑age dramas, romantic comedies, historical documentaries, genre films and boundary‑pushing experimental pieces. Short‑film packages often group films by theme or country, allowing audiences to sample work from emerging filmmakers in a single sitting. For those who like to extend their experience, MQFF Plus – an online streaming component introduced in recent years – usually makes selected titles available on demand for a limited time, perfect for those who can’t make it to Melbourne or who want to catch up on films they missed during the festival.
Attending MQFF is about more than just watching films; it’s also an opportunity to explore Melbourne. The main venues are located in lively neighbourhoods that are well connected by public transport. Federation Square, home to ACMI, sits right across from Flinders Street Station and is within walking distance of the bars and restaurants of Hosier Lane and Degraves Street. The Capitol, an art‑deco cinema owned by RMIT University, is a short tram ride away on Swanston Street. Cinema Nova is in Carlton, a district known for its Italian eateries and leafy parks, while Palace Cinema Como sits near the shopping precinct of South Yarra. Many festivalgoers make a weekend of it, building in time to wander through the galleries of the National Gallery of Victoria, picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens or sample the cafés and street art of Fitzroy. If you’re visiting from out of town, consider staying near the city centre or in St Kilda, where the beach offers a respite between screenings.
Practicalities for 2025 will be familiar to anyone who has attended in previous years. Tickets can usually be purchased as single session tickets, multi‑passes or all‑access festival passes. MQFF members typically receive discounts and early‑bird access. The festival is volunteer‑run and not‑for‑profit, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved behind the scenes. Accessibility is a priority, with most screenings offering wheelchair access and a number of sessions including open captions or audio description. Because the festival takes place in November, which is late spring in Melbourne, expect mild to warm weather – perfect for outdoor events and post‑screening drinks on a terrace. It’s wise to book accommodation early, especially if you plan to stay through the closing weekend when the city fills up with visitors for other events. Keep an eye on the official website and social media channels for program announcements, ticket on‑sale dates and any special events or parties.
One reason MQFF endures is that it is deeply rooted in community. After more than three decades, it has become both a platform for filmmakers and a homecoming for audiences who return year after year. The festival’s longevity speaks to the hunger for representation and the joy of seeing queer lives reflected on screen. As the 35th edition approaches, the organisers are promising another vibrant celebration of diversity, creativity and resilience. Whether you’re a filmmaker looking to premiere your work, a local resident curious about queer cinema or a traveller seeking a culturally rich holiday, MQFF 2025 promises to be a memorable experience. Keep your eyes on the program announcements, start planning your trip and prepare to dive into eleven days of storytelling, discussion and community.
