Macao International Queer Film Festival Returns for Third Edition in 2025

The 3rd Macao International Queer Film Festival (MIQFF) is set to run from May 30 to June 21, 2025, at Emperor Cinemas (Lisboeta Macau), offering a powerful exploration of queer identities under the theme “Tenderness·Revolution.” Organized by Associação de Arte e Cultura – Visão Queer Ilimitado with the support of LUSH, Goethe-Institut Hongkong, and ten international consulates, the Festival continues its mission to amplify diverse LGBTQ+ stories through film.
The festival kicks off with the Macau premiere of “Bel Ami” by acclaimed director Geng Jun, fresh from sweeping four major Golden Horse Awards including Best Leading Actor and Best Cinematography. Both Geng Jun and award-winning actor Zhang Zhiyong will attend the screening and a post-film talk. The film delicately portrays intersecting stories of queer love, familial ties, and identity crises with Geng’s signature deadpan humor.

While this year's Centerpiece section features a diverse range of genres, from animation to arthouse drama, including "Lesbian Space Princess," the winner of the 2025 Berlinale's Teddy Award for Best Feature, a whimsical and wild queer adult animation; "Dreams (Sex Love)," a Norwegian film that took the GOLDEN BEAR, FIRPRESCI Prize, and Prize of the Guild of German Arthouse at the 2025 Berlinale; a remake of "The Wedding Banquet" featuring award-winning Lily Gladstone, Youn Yuh-jung, and Joan Chen; and last but not least, "Queer," by Luca Guadagnino who also directed "Call Me By Your Name."

In its signature themed sections, the festival delves into the nuanced narrative of Tenderness and Revolution, curating ten films that explores the tension between the human restraint and emotional eruption.
The Tenderness section will feature films like Austria's "If You Are Afraid You Put Your Heart into Your Mouth and Smile," winner of the Teddy Jury Award at the 2025 Berlinale and "Viet and Nam," which was chosen for Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard, while the Revolution section will highlight German film "Sirens Call," a documentary that premiered at the 2025 Berlinate and "Baby," the film that pushed new actor João Pedro Mariano to Best Actor at the Festival do Rio.

The Festival is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of Ang Lee's iconic "Brokeback Mountain" with a special screening, alongside cult favorites like Australian classic "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Dessert" and Canadian film "I Killed My Mother."
Malaysian choreographer, dancer, and costume designer Ix Wong, is also presenting four of his dance films that reflect queer resilience and aesthetics through movement and art.

In partnership with the Macau Association for Gender-Diverse Community, the festival will be hosting a panel, "Tenderness · Revolution: Shall We Talk?," featuring social workers and longtime queer allies sharing insights on building inclusive spaces for gender-diverse communities.
Tickets are available via the official website and box office of Emperor Cinemas (Lisboeta Macau). To learn more about Macao International Queer Film Festival (MIQFF), please visit their website or follow their Instagram.
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