• Charles Sturt University returns as a regional partner for the 2025 Queer Screen Film Festival in Orange in March and Bathurst in April
• Charles Sturt continues to advocate for the LGBTIQA+ community as a regional partner of Queer Screen

Charles Sturt University continues to be loud and proud in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer community (LGBTIQA+), returning as a regional partner for the Queer Screen Film Festival.

The University will host screening events across three locations in regional Australia in Port Macquarie, Orange and Bathurst during March and April, featuring eight of the best, brave and brightest queer films from this year’s festival, curated by Festival Director Ms Lisa Rose.

Charles Sturt Director of External Engagement in Orange and Bathurst Ms Julia Andrews said Charles Sturt was a proud advocate of the Queer Screen Film Festival.

“This festival is an opportunity for everyone in our Bathurst and Orange communities to come together and celebrate the best queer stories on screen,” Ms Andrews said.

“We have heard feedback in previous years about how important it is for people of all walks of life to see themselves represented in film, so holding this event, now in its third year in Bathurst and first year in Orange, creates connections and sparks important conversations.

“Everyone deserves to know there is a place for them to grow and flourish and that includes in our regional communities and while at university.”

Ms Andrews also acknowledged the role of local organisations and volunteers pivotal in bringing the 2025 festival to life.

“We are proud to work in collaboration with our regional partners, including Orange City Council, Headspace, Arts Out West, Rainbow Festival and Odeon 5 Cinemas. Their support is instrumental in ensuring these important stories reach regional audiences and continue to foster inclusion and belonging in our communities.”

The festival is held Australia-wide, and Charles Sturt will host exclusive screening events in the Central West in:

• Orange on Wednesday 19 March at 7.30pm at Odeon 5 Cinemas, William Street
• Bathurst on Thursday 10 April at 6pm at The Ponton Theatre at Charles Sturt University

Queer Screen Film Festival Director Ms Lisa Rose welcomed the return of Charles Sturt as the regional partner for the 2025 festival.

“I am thrilled that Charles Sturt is our regional partner again because getting queer stories out to regional areas is such an important thing to do,” Ms Rose said.

“The selection of films will cover heart-warming tales to powerful narratives exploring a variety of genres, including drama, comedy, romance and more, all while celebrating the vibrant and diverse LGBTIQA+ community.”

Tickets are available for $10 each. A low ticket price for this inclusive event has been made possible through powerful local partnerships and the support of the Charles Sturt University Ally Network who activate LGBTQIA+ initiatives on campus.

Tickets can be purchased here:

• Orange ─ this is an MA15+ event
• Bathurst ─ this is an MA15+ event

Charles Sturt University is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.

The University was one of the first Australian universities to receive an Athena SWAN Bronze Institutional Award. Charles Sturt is also an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality from the Commonwealth Workplace Gender Equality Agency.