• Charles Sturt University advocates for the LGBTIQA+ community as a regional partner of Queer Screen for Queer Screen Film Festival – Best of the Fest
• The Queer Screen Film Festival in Bathurst on Thursday 11 April is the official launch of the Bathurst Mardi Gras 2024

Charles Sturt University in Bathurst is loud and proud in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer community (LGBTIQA+) as a continuing regional partner for the 2024 Queer Screen Film Festival – Best of the Fest.

The University is hosting a screening event at Charles Sturt in Bathurst at the Ponton Theatre on Thursday 11 April from 6pm until 9pm (doors opening at 5.45pm) as part of the official launch of the Bathurst Mardi Gras 2024.

The Queer Screen Film Festival – Best of the Fest features six of the best and brightest queer films from this year’s festival, curated by Festival Director Ms Lisa Rose.

Charles Sturt Director of External Engagement (Bathurst) Ms Julia Andrews said the University is a proud advocate of the Queer Screen Film Festival and encourages film lovers from the community to be part of the event.

“We fully embrace the film festival each year and are excited to bring together the community to share in the incredibly diverse cinematic talent, colour, fun and storytelling as we support the sharing of queer stories and experiences from across the globe,” Ms Andrews said.

“This is the second Queer Screen Best of the Fest event we will host in Bathurst at the Ponton Theatre and it’s fantastic to partner with the teams at headspace Bathurst, Out For Australia and Arts Out West to deliver such an inclusive and important event.”

Ms Andrews said sharing stories starts conversations that can save lives.

“Everyone deserves to know there is a place for them to be included, grow and flourish, and that includes in a regional community and while at university,” she said.

The screening of the Queer Screen Film Festival - Best of the Fest at the Bathurst campus is the official launch of Bathurst Mardi Gras 2024 and kickstarts three days of events across the regional city celebrating diversity, understanding and inclusion.

“We invite the community to the Ponton Theatre to share in a wonderful evening as we roll the tape on six stunning award winning and nominated short films,” Ms Andrews said.

“From heart-warming tales to powerful narratives, this curated selection promises to captivate and inspire.”

Queer Screen Festival Director Ms Lisa Rose said they were thrilled to have Charles Sturt as its regional festival partner once again.

“The University’s commitment to spotlighting diverse LGBTIQ+ narratives in areas craving communal cinematic experiences is truly commendable,” Ms Rose said.

“This year’s selections, spanning five countries, offer a rich tapestry of stories, genres and perspectives, embodying the essence of inclusivity and celebration.”

Ms Andrews said this year the film festival in Bathurst welcomes actor Damian de Montemas as master of ceremonies.

“Damian has appeared in Australian film, television and on radio, and brings 25 years of acting and writing experience to the Queer Screen - Best of the Fest Bathurst event,” she said.

Damian has starred in popular and acclaimed Australian television programs including The Secret Life of Us, Home and Away, Neighbours, Blue Heelers, Water Rats, All Saints, Wolf Creek and Underbelly.

In 2009 Damian won the prestigious Australian Film Industry Award (AFI) for ‘Best Supporting Actor in a Television Drama’ for his role as the character Brian Alexander in Underbelly II.

The film festival screens at 6pm at the Ponton Theatre (building 1434) at Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst. Purchase tickets for the Bathurst event for $10 each. Unclassified 15+. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

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.

The University has already hosted Queer Screen Film Festival – Best of the Fest screenings at Charles Sturt in Port Macquarie and Dubbo.