MARDI GRAS FILM FESTIVAL 2023

The Mardi Gras Film Festival is back! 2023 marks the 30th edition of the event, while also running while World Pride descends on Sydney.

With this year's festival offering the largest program in over a decade with 167 films across 100+ sessions in cinema, outdoors and on-demand at home, there's sure to be something for everyone.

SWITCH has checked out this year's line-up and gathered our reviews below, so take a look through - and check back as the festival continues and we add to the collection!

PRIDE

In the name of love

This isn't a film about same-sex rights, it's about the power of friendship. The truth of 'Pride' sends a vital message, and for that reason alone it deserves to be heard.

RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON

A solid return to form for Walt Disney Animation Studios

The legacy of Disney animation has been to speak to the deep emotional truths of the human experience in a way that is accessible to anyone, and this is a worthy part of that legacy.

LONESOME

Small-town boy in a big arcade

A beautiful film where a gay love story unfolds and doesn’t hide those moments that might make it seem too much. It's subtle, heartbreaking and raw and, for fans of queer Australian cinema, is not to be missed.

TÁR

An infernal, magnificent marvel on the corrupting power of genius

Todd Field has finally returned to us with a startlingly immediate, wickedly funny, deeply unsettling and ultimately awe-inspiring primal roar, with a performance from Cate Blanchett that feels pulled from the depths of the earth itself, bloody and spitting and monumental.

THE BLUE CAFTAN

A finely crafted and tender film about love

A truly magnificent film that doesn't aim too high, but passes with flying colours to ensure the delivery of a poignant and tender film that will leave audiences feeling the beauties of love in all its forms.

OF AN AGE

A new gay voice for Australian cinema

It's a romantic rollercoaster: the discovery of who you are, mixed in with meeting your first love. For anyone - but especially young Australian queer people - go out and support this great LGBTQIA+ Aussie film.

THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL

'Drag Race Down Under' star brings camp back to Aussie films

It's been a long time since we've seen an Aussie drag queen on the big screen. It's a fun campy time even if it doesn't reach the cult classic status it hopes for.

IN FROM THE SIDE

British Gay rugby teams bring the heat

It not only succeeds as a romantic queer story but also as a sports film. It's a great new addition to the love section of the ever-growing LGBIQIA+ library.