This year's QSFF25 program is packed with stories from across the globe spanning genres and tones, but these are some of the films that are going to leave you filled with joy. From laugh-out-loud comedies to fun and light-hearted tales, if you're looking for something to put a smile on your face you'll find it at the Queer Screen Film Fest 2025 with films like Twinless, Manok, From All Sides, Niñxs, Really Happy Someday and Mixed Shorts.
TWINLESS
Winner of the Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic and the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, this stirring, wholly original dark comedy stars Dylan O'Brien (Teen Wolf) and writer-director James Sweeney (Straight Up, MGFF20).
After meeting in a twin bereavement support group, Roman and Dennis develop an unlikely bromance as they both search for solace and an identity without their better halves. This hilariously twisted look at identity, intimacy and the emotional chaos of modern relationships co-stars Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls), Aisling Franciosi (The Nightingale), Chris Perfetti (Abbott Elementary), François Arnaud (The Borgias) and Susan Park (Fresh Off the Boat).
8:45PM THU 28 AUGUST
EVENT GEORGE STREET CINEMA
MANOK
Selected for the 2025 BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, this bold and brash comedy about intergenerational queer friendship and joy is like a colourful Korean cousin of Pride (QSFF14).
When middle-aged lesbian bar owner Manok (Yang Mal-bok, Squid Game) learns the Seoul pride after party she’s hosted for decades is moving to a rival bar (and her girlfriend knew!), she packs up and moves to her hometown. Away from her support network in a prejudiced small village, she clashes with the mayor – her obnoxious ex-husband. When Manok meets his closeted trans teenage son Jae-yeon, she becomes a beacon of hope, and vows to turn the town into the safe haven they both deserve.
4:00PM SAT 30 AUGUST
EVENT GEORGE STREET CINEMA
FROM ALL SIDES
Featuring both traditional Bharatanatyam dance sequences and bisexual orgies, Bina Bhattacharya's (Here Out West) feature debut wears its cultural specificity and queerness on its sleeve in equal measure.
Western Sydney married multiracial bisexual couple Anoushka (Monique Kalmar, Shantaram) and Pascal (Max Brown, The Gloaming) maintain a discreet open relationship, all while juggling their jobs and raising two teenage children. The entire family are catapulted on parallel journeys of cultural and sexual awakenings amidst a minefield of race and class tensions.
6:15PM FRI 29 AUGUST
EVENT GEORGE STREET CINEMA
NINXS
Official Selection at Sheffield International Documentary Festival and Visions du Réel, Niñxs is full of heart and laughter, highlighting the power of being raised with love and understanding.
What began as trans director Kani Lapuerta's portrait of a curious 7 year-old evolved into an 8 year creative collaboration. Centring Karla's imagination, humour and point of view, it captures her unique perspective on her journey of self-discovery towards decicing to legally change her name and gender at fifteen. Tender, joyful and quietly revolutionary, this coming-of-age documentary celebrates freedom of expression through the eyes of a trans child.
Special Wear It Purple Day screening – FREE for those 25 and under.
2:00PM SAT 30 AUGUST
EVENT GEORGE STREET CINEMA
REALLY HAPPY SOMEDAY
Winner of Best Canadian Feature at Inside Out Toronto 2025, this intimate and empowering film paints a deeply personal journey of self-discovery that's relatable to LGBTIQ+ people of all stripes.
Before transitioning, Z was a rising musical theatre star. After a year on testosterone he’s finally starting to feel at home in his body, but he’s also losing control of his voice. With the support of his queer friends and a no-nonsense vocal coach, can Z learn how to use his new voice? Featuring music from Les Misérables and Ordinary Days, this film is an ode to musical theatre and the power of music.
7:00PM SUN 31 AUGUST
EVENT GEORGE STREET CINEMA
MIXED SHORTS
Featuring Vic Michaelis (Very Important People), this package of short films shows people coming together to support each other from across the LGBTIQ+ spectrum.
From a social worker’s race against time to find a rebellious queer teen a foster home (Dandelion), to resurfaced unspoken feelings between lifelong gay friends when one of them becomes ill (Where We Stay), through to an Aardman-esque stop-motion film about an unexpected self-discovery in the wake of an impromptu pigeon funeral (A Bird Hit My Window and Now I'm a Lesbian), these films and more find heart and humour in even the most unlikely of places.
4:15PM SUN 31 AUGUST
EVENT GEORGE STREET CINEMA
Pick Up a Print Festival Guide
Prefer to browse a physical copy of the program? The festival print guide is out on the street! Grab yourself a copy at cafes, shops and venues across Sydney, in particular around Oxford St in Darlinghurst, King St in Newtown and George St near Event Cinemas. Keep an eye on our socials to find out specific locations.
