Brisbane queer films gone with the wind

 THE Brisbane Queer Film Festival launched with a cocktail party as the sun set on the Brisbane River, a stunning backdrop with a Gone with the Wind-inspired theme – with a queer twist. Iconic images from the classic film were unveiled of local gay, lesbian and a trans*, as ambassadors to coincide with the program first going public. Artistic director for the Brisbane Powerhouse Kris Stewart told a packed room that his arts venue takes inspiration from queer culture. In a follow up interview he added: “the LGBTI community contribute so much to the arts and from a selfish point of view, make it interesting. Brisbane Powerhouse is a place where this thrives.” A smiling festival producer Troy Armstrong told the Star Observer that “all of our films have already passed classification – we are ready to go.” The classification process has previously caused scheduling problems with queer film festivals throughout the country.

A 20th anniversary screening for The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert 20th,  special appearances by former Olympian Matthew Mitcham and Jake Harrison (My Kitchen Rules) and LGBTI films will all feature at this year’s Brisbane Queer Film Festival 2014. BQFF 2014 is on at Brisbane Powerhouse 28 March – 5 April 2014.

BQFF 2014 features new events such as Camp Out (a new 12-hour marathon screening where participants sleep in the Powerhouse Theatre hosted by Leigh Buchanan), a closing night party, special Q and As after films and the annual Aussie Shorts program where audiences can vote for their favourite film.

INFO: Brisbanepowerhouse.org RELATED – Opinion: Troy Armstrong writes for the Star Observer here