Tenderness Revolution: Macao Int’l Queer Film Fest 2025
Set for May 30 to June 21, 2025, at Emperor Cinemas (Lisboeta Macau), the 3rd Macao International Queer Film Festival (MIQFF) will explore queer identities through the theme “Tenderness·Revolution.” Organized by Associação de Arte e Cultura – Visão Queer Ilimitado with support from LUSH, Goethe-Institut Hongkong, and international consulates, this Macao film festival continues its mission to amplify diverse LGBTQ+ stories cinematically.
The festival is set to open with the Macau premiere of “Bel Ami”, directed by the celebrated Geng Jun. This film recently garnered significant attention by winning four major Golden Horse Awards, including both Best Leading Actor for Zhang Zhiyong and Best Cinematography. Both director Geng Jun and the award-winning actor Zhang Zhiyong are confirmed to attend the screening, participating in a post-film discussion. “Bel Ami” is known for its sensitive portrayal of interwoven narratives concerning queer love, family bonds, and identity struggles, presented with Geng’s characteristic deadpan humor.
Poster or still image from the film Bel Ami, the opening feature at MIQFF 2025
This year’s Centerpiece section at the Macao International Queer Film Festival promises a rich tapestry of cinematic expressions, spanning various genres from vibrant animation to compelling arthouse dramas. Highlights include “Lesbian Space Princess,“ which received the Teddy Award for Best Feature at the 2025 Berlinale, celebrated for its whimsical and daring queer adult animation. Also featured is “Dreams (Sex Love),” a Norwegian production honored with the GOLDEN BEAR, FIRPRESCI Prize, and Prize of the Guild of German Arthouse at the 2025 Berlinale. The section also presents a remake of “The Wedding Banquet“ starring acclaimed talents like Lily Gladstone, Youn Yuh-jung, and Joan Chen, alongside “Queer,” the latest work from Luca Guadagnino, the director behind the renowned “Call Me By Your Name.”
In its signature themed programming, the MIQFF delves deep into the festival’s core narrative: the intersection and tension between Tenderness and Revolution. This curatorial approach presents ten carefully selected films that explore the dynamic relationship between human emotional restraint and powerful eruptions of feeling.
The Tenderness section showcases poignant films such as Austria’s “If You Are Afraid You Put Your Heart into Your Mouth and Smile,” recognized with the Teddy Jury Award at the 2025 Berlinale, and “Viet and Nam,” which earned selection for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival‘s Un Certain Regard section. Complementing this, the Revolution section brings forward films like the German documentary “Sirens Call,” which premiered at the 2025 Berlinate, and “Baby,” a film that propelled new actor João Pedro Mariano to win Best Actor at the Festival do Rio.
Still image from the film Viet and Nam, part of the Tenderness section at MIQFF 2025
A special highlight of the Macao International Queer Film Festival is the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Ang Lee‘s landmark film “Brokeback Mountain“ with a dedicated screening. The festival also pays homage to beloved cult classics, including the iconic Australian film “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Dessert“ and the critically acclaimed Canadian movie “I Killed My Mother.”
Promotional image for the film Brokeback Mountain, celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special screening at MIQFF 2025
In addition to feature films, Malaysian choreographer, dancer, and costume designer Ix Wong will present a series of four dance films. These visual works reflect and explore themes of queer resilience and aesthetics through the expressive mediums of movement and art, offering a unique perspective within the festival’s lineup.
Further enriching the festival program, a significant panel discussion titled “Tenderness · Revolution: Shall We Talk?” is scheduled. Organized in partnership with the Macau Association for Gender-Diverse Community, this panel will feature insightful contributions from social workers and long-standing allies of the queer community, sharing perspectives on fostering and maintaining inclusive environments for gender-diverse individuals in Macao.
Tickets for the festival can be purchased via the official website and the box office at Emperor Cinemas (Lisboeta Macau). For further details on the Macao International Queer Film Festival (MIQFF), visit their official website or follow their Instagram.
