We present the winners of the Melbourne Queer Film Festival that took place from March 31st – April 11th, in Melbourne, Australia.
Best Film Award
Closet Monster by Stephen Dunn – Canada | 2015 – 90 min.
Direct from the Toronto International Film Festival, this stylish debut features undercurrents of black humour with a smattering of Cronenbergian body horror. Traumatized by witnessing a violent gay bashing as a child, Oscar has grown up to be an unusual young man with ambivalent feeling towards his sexuality. When he meet the charismatic Wilder, Oscar’s unchecked desires are thrown into disarray. It’s a good thing his talking pet hamster (voiced by the always game Isabella Rossellini) is on hand to offer sage advice.
Best Documentary Award
Remembering The Man by Nikolas Bird & Eleanor Sharpe – Australia | 2015 – 83 min.
Based on Timothy Conigrave’s much loved memoir, Remembering The Man is a moving documentary that chronicles the relationship between Conigrave and his long term partner John Caleo. Featuring little seen archival footage of the two men, the film is a tender tribute to their relationship whilst documenting the devastating effect of the AIDS virus in Australia. We are pleased to screen this as the Centrepiece presentation.
Short Film Awards
Best Australian Short Film
Nineteen by Madeline Kelly – Australia | 2015 – 11 min.
A short film written and directed by Madeline Kelly. An exploration of life, sexuality and death.
Best Australian Director
Dannika Horvat for The Summer of ABC Burns – Australia | 2015 – 13 min.
In the summer of ABC Burns, Gem realizes there is a lot she doesn’t know about her cruel ‘best friend’, Drew, and learns what must be sacrificed in order to survive in the visceral high school world.
Best Emerging Australian Filmmaker
Joshua Longhurst for Oasis – Australia | 2016 – 8 min.
When an introverted teenager photographs an charming backpacker naked in a caravan shower block he must choose between keeping his precious secret or saving his friendship.
Audience Choice Awards
Best Australian Short Film
The Summer of ABC Burns by Dannika Horvat – Australia | 2015 – 13 min.
Best Documentary
Remembering The Man by Nikolas Bird & Eleanor Sharpe – Australia | 2015 – 83 min.
Best Feature
Grandma by Paul Weitz – USA | 2016 – 79 min.
In her Golden Globe nominated performances, Lily Tomlin stars as a tough talking lesbian who hits the road with her troubled granddaughter who needs to get an abortion. Part road movie, part breezy comedy, this heartfelt film makes some honest and painful observations about mother and daughter.
To know more about this festival please visit the FESTIVAL PROFILE or go to the official webpage HERE.
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