The range of films cover important issues like safe schools, marriage equality, economic migration, political asylum, and the struggles of ageing, alongside a lot of fun films celebrating the sequined, sexy, and sultry side of queer life.
Check out the top 5 lesbian films :
1. A Million Happy Nows
Lainey Allen (Crystal Chappell) is a veteran soap opera star who suddenly retires, claiming exhaustion and frustration at being overlooked for her younger co-stars as the reason, but there might be more to the story.
As Lainey moves to the coast with her long-term partner Eva Morales (Jessica Leccia), memory lapses and mood swings point to something serious. A bittersweet drama, filled with humour and romance, the film is powered by the undeniable chemistry of its leads, who gained legions of lesbian fans as the couple dubbed “Otalia” on US soap Guiding Light.
2. AWOL
A tender, poignant film about a headstrong first love. Joey is ready to enlist in the army to escape her suffocating, small-town life when she encounters Rayna, who is wild and vivacious, but carries a hell of a lot of baggage. With everyone around her warning Joey that Rayna is a bad influence, the future of their passionate relationship seems under serious threat. A frank and touching story, buoyed by brilliant lead performances from Lola Kirke and Breeda Wood, under Deb Shoval’s savvy direction.
What is AWOL? Sundance lesbian award winning short-turned-feature (3-min) from deb shoval on Vimeo.
3. Bruising for Besos
Written, produced, directed and starring Adelina Anthony, Bruising for Besos is a remarkably well-executed film about the cycle of domestic abuse. Yoli (Anthony), the Xicana (Mexican-American) protagonist, is a bit of a player. She struggles to make ends meet, while loving life among her chosen community of LA queers.
When she meets Daña, a passionate Puerto Rican, sparks fly as the relationship oscillates between sexy, sweet, loving moments and their demons, unleashed. While the story only sometimes gets intense, it’s always intelligent and, most of all real. An incredible film.
4. Women and the Word: The Revival
A group of five queer women of colour poets and musicians make a documentary about their Kickstarter-funded tour of bars and living rooms in the US and Canada. We travel with them in their tour bus visiting friends and family, meeting supporters, and performing live.
Most importantly, we hear them. They have a lot to say and it is well worth a listen. The film features the incredible talents of Jade Foster, Be Steadwell, Jonquille Rice, T’ai Freedom Ford, and Eli Turner, plus interviews with leading black lesbian feminist authors. Don’t miss it.
5. A Date for Mad Mary
Fresh out of prison, Mary is a bundle of pent-up rage. And being the maid-of-honour for her best friend Charlene’s wedding isn’t helping. However, it does mean she gets to meet spunky photographer Jess, who will be videotaping the big day. While Mary isn’t the easiest to befriend, the pair click instantly, and their strong connection catches them both off guard. An award-winning Irish drama, with moments of wry laugh-out-loud comedy, and a stunning performance by Seána Kerslake who ensures this is the perfect film to open the festival.
