Mardi Gras Film Festival 2021

Overview

Add the Mardi Gras Film Festival to the list of cinema events that have been making a big leap over the past year — and making cinephiles around the country very happy in the process. In 2021, the Sydney-based fest is forging ahead as a physical event to mark its 28th year. But, whether you're a Sydneysider who is unable to head along to everything you'd like to see or you're a fan of LGBTIQ+ movies located elsewhere in Australia, you'll also be able to enjoy MGFF online as well.

Different flicks will play in cinemas and online, with the festival running between Thursday, February 18–Thursday, March 4. In person, socially distanced screenings are slated for Event Cinemas George Street and Hurstville, Ritz Cinemas in Randwick, the Hayden Orpheum in Cremorne and Moonlight Cinema, and will span more than 60 sessions — with the entire program including 94 features, documentaries, shorts and episodes from 30 different countries.

On the bill: opening night's Dating Amber, which'll see the fest launch at Moonlight Cinema for the first time; closing night's Rūrangi, which was made by members of New Zealand's queer, Māori, and gender-diverse communities; and the Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci-starring Supernova, a moving drama about a couple facing considerable health woes and big decisions.

Other highlights include British feature Make Up, which is set in a Cornwall caravan park; German standout No Hard Feelings; a showcase of films by Israeli director Eytan Fox; the Vanessa Kirby-starring The World to Come; and the latest film from the inimitable Bruce LaBruce, with Saint-Narcisse following a man who discovers that he has a secret twin.