Brisbane’s LGBTIQ community will gather at Brisbane Powerhouse to enjoy an evening of 'Roman Holiday' style and live entertainment to launch the 2014 Brisbane Queer Film Festival Program.
According to producer Troy Armstrong the event will outline the films for 2014, a series of new events and the festival campaign featuring well-known local identities from Brisbane’s LGBTIQ community. “The theme is 1950s Italian romance so pop on your best summer party frock and embrace ‘La Dolce Vita’ for a night of cocktails, river views and smooth sounds on our deck.”
How did you decide on the films that were included?
A combination of searching, submissions and screenings at other international festivals.
Any regrets on any that missed the final cut?
Always as much of it is down to timing and the distributors priorities, where their film is preferred to be screened (although Brisbane Queer Film Festival has a five-star reputation internationally amongst distributors), we lose some films to art-house releases and we‘re always competing with downloads available online.
What are your personal highlights to look out for?
New cinema from Argentina has really captured my attention. I have developed a huge crush on director Marcelo Briem Stamm, his film 'Solo' is on loop in my hard drive. It’s a sophisticated romp on hooking up and the thrill of imminent danger and death and his lustful encounters of girls in 'Sexual Tension: Violetas' makes me want to explore heterosexuality.
How important is it to tell queer stories via film?
It’s vitally important as no one teaches us how to have a queer relationship so we need to see examples and experiences of others from around the world. I always feel I improve on my personal relationships and learn something new from attending a screening at Brisbane Queer Film Festival.
How supportive are the public in regards to queer films?
The public are very vocal on what they like and don’t like, it’s our mantra to capture a younger crowd. We want more heterosexuals to attend and the family members of our queer audience to come along to support their sons, daughters and siblings.
Anything else the readers should know?
This year more Q&A’s of filmmakers, actors and well-known Australian queer icons. We are partying on opening night, on closing night, with external events in bars and nightclubs scattered across the city and we are sleeping over for a marathon 12 hours of international queer films. Basically a glorified slumber party with games, dancing and performances. BQFF now is more than just a film festival.
Describe the 2014 BQFF program in 5 words?
Cinematic celebration of queer diversity.
