Sapphic Film Series – But I’m Cheerleader (1999)

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The Sapphic Film Series continues at Villa Vida Café with a screening of the queer cult classic But I’m a Cheerleader (1999) on Thursday, 17 September 2026, at 19:00.

Join us for a free evening of sapphic cinema, camp, satire, and community in the heart of Vienna. Whether you already know every pink-and-blue frame or you are discovering the film for the first time, you are welcome.

Date: Thursday, 17 September 2026Time: 19:00Location: Villa Vida Café, Linke Wienzeile 102, 1060 ViennaEntry: FreeFilm: But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)

A Queer Cult Classic

Directed by Jamie Babbit, But I’m a Cheerleader follows Megan, a high-school cheerleader whose family and friends decide that she must be a lesbian. As a result, they send her to a conversion-therapy camp designed to enforce heterosexuality and rigid gender roles.

However, things do not go according to plan.

Through deliberately artificial sets, exaggerated gender stereotypes, bright colours, and sharp satire, the film turns a deeply harmful subject into a critique of heteronormativity and compulsory heterosexuality. At the same time, Megan begins to understand her sexuality on her own terms.

The film stars Natasha Lyonne as Megan and Clea DuVall as Graham, alongside RuPaul Charles, Cathy Moriarty, Melanie Lynskey, and others.

Camp, Sapphic Romance and Queer Resistance

Since its release in 1999, But I’m a Cheerleader has become a beloved part of queer film culture.

Although its initial reception was mixed, the film later developed a strong cult following. In particular, audiences have embraced its unapologetically queer perspective, distinctive visual style, lesbian love story, and playful rejection of traditional gender roles.

Moreover, beneath the comedy is a serious critique of conversion practices and the idea that sexuality or gender expression should ever need to be “corrected.”

Please note that the film therefore includes depictions and discussions of conversion therapy, homophobia, and attempts to suppress LGBTQIA+ identities.

Sapphic Film Series at Villa Vida Café

The Sapphic Film Series at Villa Vida Café celebrates films that centre sapphic stories, characters, histories, and perspectives.

At the same time, the screenings create an opportunity to experience queer cinema together rather than alone at home. Come for the film, stay for a drink, meet people, or simply enjoy being in a queer community space.

You are welcome to attend alone, with friends, with a date, or however feels comfortable for you. There is no expectation to socialise, and you do not need to know anyone beforehand.

Likewise, the event welcomes lesbians, bisexual and pansexual people, queer women, trans and nonbinary people, questioning people, and others who connect with sapphic and queer cinema. Allies who respect the purpose and community focus of the event are also welcome.

Language

But I’m a Cheerleader is an English-language film.

Villa Vida Café itself is a multilingual community space. You do not need to speak German to visit the café or attend the screening.

Accessibility at Villa Vida Café

Villa Vida Café aims to provide an accessible and welcoming environment for queer community events.

The venue is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible toilet. Seating is available throughout the café.

If you have specific accessibility requirements or would like information about seating, mobility access, sensory considerations, or another aspect of the event, please contact Villa Vida Café in advance. We will do our best to provide clear information and accommodate individual needs where possible.

The screening starts at 19:00 on Thursday, 17 September 2026, and entry is free.

More from Villa Vida Café

For upcoming queer events, community gatherings, screenings, workshops, and more:

www.villavida.at/events

www.instagram.com/villavidacafe

www.linktr.ee/villavidacafe

https://share.google/WG4IKAnuIh3W9l14s

Villa Vida

contact@villavida.at

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