Charles Sturt University is proud to support the LGBTQIA+ community and it's allies by returning as a regional partner for the Queer Screen Film Festival Australia. 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!

Get ready for a night of celebration, connection, and creativity! This year’s Queer Screen Festival is turning up the energy with 8 incredible short films that honour and celebrate the diverse voices of the LGBTQIA+ 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 queer community.

But that’s not all!

Groove to live beats from the fabulous DJ Mel, explore our exciting new Art Showcase celebrating queer creativity, and be captivated by stunning live performances throughout the night. For the first time ever, connect with our Human Library and hear powerful stories from members of our community.

Our theme is "Ecstatica" so glam it up and strut the catwalk for your chance to win a prize! Our categories are:

Sparkle Eleganza
Step into the spotlight with a look that dazzles and shines! Sparkle Eleganza is all about glitz and glamour – the more sparkle, the better. Whether it’s sequins, rhinestones, or metallics, this dress-up lets you shine from head to toe in pure fabulousness. (No glitter allowed out of respect for the Venue's regulations)
Drag Excellence
Bring your fiercest, most fabulous self to life with Drag Excellence! This dress-up celebrates bold, over-the-top glam with a touch of performance magic. Think extravagant wigs, killer heels, and fierce makeup – it’s time to serve that face and leave everyone in awe!
Rainbow She Betta Do
Show off your true colors with Rainbow She Betta Do! This look is all about celebrating LGBTQIA+ pride in vibrant, eye-catching hues. From rainbow-inspired fashion to accessories that pop, this dress-up is a fierce way to show the world you’re unapologetically yourself and proud.

The night doesn't stop there — stick around after the screening for more live music and performances as the party rolls on at the same venue.

This is Ecstatica!

Get your tickets now and let your true colours shine!

🎟️ Tickets include:

8 Short Films
Live DJ Music and performances
Strut your stuff on the Catwalk - best dressed will earn a prize!
Local Art Showcase
Human Library
Inspiring keynote from Queer Screen Australia CEO, Benson Wu

Festival tickets are $25 each. This is an 18+ event

With thanks to our supporting community partners:

Headspace - Port Macquarie

Out Loud & Proud - Port Macquarie

Cheers Queers - Port Macquarie

Player's Theatre - Port Macquarie

ACON Northern Rivers

Showcased Films include:

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.
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.
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.
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?
A Friend of Dorothy (Academy Award Nominee)	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.
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.
The Second Time Around	On a rainy night, while closing a cafe, a waitress is confronted by a mysterious older woman.
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.

Contact the host of Port Macquarie Queer Screen Film Festival 2026 - Ecstatica!