Queer picks of the fest

Among the films showing at this year’s St Kilda Film Festival are some particularly strong queer-themed contenders, running the gamut from romantic melodramas to enlightening documentary shorts.

Rope Burn, which details a lesbian love triangle played out backstage at a circus performance, is a sexy yet tense short directed by Melvin J Montelban.

Neon Skin, a sweet story set on the streets of Melbourne, gives us a glimpse into the relationship between a young blind guy and his -˜straight’ friend. There’s a lot packed into its five minutes -” the sexual tension between the two is palpable.

Best of all is the aptly-named Bombshell, a powerful story about two Greek brothers who discover the truth about their beloved father after he’s bashed. Forced to confront their own prejudices, they come to understand their father’s secret life.

Undressing Vanessa is a brilliant documentary about Tobin Saunders, the man behind Sydney drag identity Vanessa Wagner. Ultimately, Saunders’ story is one of triumph and redemption -” as an HIV survivor, a political activist, and as an Australian gay icon.

info: Films are showing from May 26-31. Details: stkildafilmfestival.com.au