Orange Queer Screen Film Festival 2026

Charles Sturt University is proud to support the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer community and its allies (LGBTIQA+) by returning as a regional partner for the Queer Screen Film Festival – ECSTATICA. ​Don't miss your chance to experience this eclectic collection of some of the best short films from this year's Mardi Gras Film Festival!

Pre-film entertainment by AnitaBenz, lucky door prize, best dressed prize - come dressed in your most fabulous, outrageous, or iconic outfit - after all, who said less is more?

Get ready for a night of celebration, connection, and creativity! This year’s Queer Screen Festival features eight incredible short films that honour and celebrate the diverse voices of the LGBTQI+ community. From heart-warming tales to powerful narratives, our curated selection of short films promises to captivate and inspire. Explore a variety of genres, including drama, comedy, romance, and more, all while celebrating the vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ community.

Tickets are $15 each. This is a MA15+ event.

With thanks to our supporting community partners:

Orange City Council

Orange Rainbow Festival

Odeon 5 Cinemas Orange

Headspace Orange

Showcased Films include:

1. Egg - In a job interview, a young trans woman becomes convinced that the elderly man interviewing her is a closeted trans woman himself - and that she's the only one who can help him. Transgender Women, Comedy 7mins

2. I'm the Most Racist Person I Know - When a public romantic gesture backfires, Lali unexpectedly finds herself offered a pity date by Ana. What starts as an awkward encounter turns into a genuine connection. But when the conversation takes an unexpected turn, Lali must confront her internalised prejudices. Lesbian, Comedy 13mins

3. Two Black Boys in Paradise - A movingly tender animation, based on Dean Atta’s eponymous poem, sees two boys – Edan, 19, and Dula, 18 – on a journey of self-acceptance and love, for each other and themselves. Gay Men, Animation, Romance 9mins

4. Wait, Wait, Now! - When best friends are left at home for the night, they do what all teenage boys do: raid mum's wardrobe, play dress ups, and create a fantasy world where they feel safe and accepted. But when mum and dad arrive home unexpectedly, is their safe bubble about to burst? Gay Men, Queer, Genderqueer, Two-Spirit, Drama Comedy, Coming of Age 12mins

5. A Friend of Dorothy - A lonely widow's (Miriam Margolyes) quiet life is upended when a teenage boy accidentally kicks his football into her garden, and an unlikely friendship blossoms. Also featuring Stephen Fry. Gay Men, Queer, Dramedy (Drama/Comedy) 22mins

6. Dance like Everyone's watching - Step into the world of Hayden, a trans Irish pole dancer, who finds freedom and self-expression through the discipline of Irish dance and the liberation of pole. Uplifting and intimate, the film celebrates resilience, identity, and the joy of moving on your own terms. Transgender Men, Documentary Profile 13mins

7. The Second Time Around - On a rainy night, while closing a cafe, a waitress is confronted by a mysterious older woman. Lesbian, Queer, Drama Sci-Fi, Fantasy 12mins

8. She Raised Me - Louie plans to break up with his boyfriend (Zane Phillips, Fire Island) until he discovers his mother is Marilyn Muff (Rosie O’Donnell), a gay icon he’s idolised since childhood. Gay, Comedy 14mins