Queer cinema doesn’t have to mean trauma and heartache: this year we’re celebrating Pride with an eclectic lineup that’s heavy on the humour and bursting with stories to bring a happy tear to your eye. From tales of 1970s Haight-Ashbury to intergalactic lesbian rescue missions, there’s a little bright spark for everyone at Vue this June. Here’s what’s playing - how will you ever pick what to see first?!
Fairyland
Sophia Coppola produced this film and it has that grainy nostalgic beauty (if the trailer is anything to go by). Based on a real memoir, it tells the story of Alysia and her dad Steve, who move to San Francisco after her mother dies in a car crash. As Steve explores his freedom and Alysia grows up, it’s a poignant portrait of love in the face of grief. Expect warmth and humour, but also one or two tears. Or more.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2020)
We’re bringing the 2020 masterpiece back to the big screen to relive the torrid love story of Marianne and Héloïse all over again. Set in France in 1760, Marianne is secretly commissioned to paint Héloïse’s wedding portrait, and an intense intimacy develops between them. A mesmerising modern classic from Céline Sciamma - the atmosphere in the cinema will be nothing short of electric.
Madfabulous
A riotous new British comedy about the “David Bowie” of 19th Century Wales: the fifth Marquess of Anglesey. When Henry inherits the Marquess-dom and the fortune that goes with it, he spends extravagantly, dresses flamboyantly, throws wild parties and inspires a lot of gossip in the buttoned-up local area... They don’t call him the Dancing Marquess for nothing. Based on the real life of Henry Paget, Madfabulous is at Vue from June 1.
The Birdcage (30th Anniversary)
A fabulous 30th anniversary screening that is simply not to be missed this Pride month: we’ll be showing The Birdcage from June 5th, with Robin Williams and Nathan Lane as the gay couple posing as heterosexuals to appease their son’s fiancée’s conservative parents. With a supporting cast of legends (Gene Hackman, Calista Flockhart, Christine Baranski) and feather boas coming out the wazoo, this boundary-busting gay comedy deserves to be celebrated.
Lesbian Space Princess
Did you ever think we’d see the day when a lesbian could be the day-saving hero of an animated feature film set in space? This whip-smart Aussie comedy follows introverted space princess Saira who is dumped by her hot girlfriend and then has to set out on a rescue mission across gay space to save her when she’s kidnapped. The baddies are the Straight White Maliens in this goofy cartoon: silliness, soppiness and sexiness collide on the intergalactic journey to win her back or get over her, whichever comes first. Catch Lesbian Space Princess at Vue from 19 June.
Girlfriends (Cantonese)
If you’re in the mood for something more contemplative, Girlfriends is a gorgeous, tender Cantonese coming-of-age romance and reflection on queer identity. It follows Lok, a 34-year-old filmmaker mid-existential life crisis that prompts her to revisit moments from her past. The film has been a huge hit in Hong Kong, and the trailer alone is a beautiful meditation on the pressures of life and the moments that make us. If you're feeling a little lost, Girlfriends is the kind of the film that will help you find you. Catch Girlfriends at Vue from 19 June.
