Opening night film That's Not Us.
The Andrews Labor government has for the first time pledged support to the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, which kicks off tonight and runs until April 11.
The Victorian government is contributing a $20,000 grant to the festival assigned to "organisations that use screen content to promote equality and diversity to Victorian audiences".
Now in its 26th year, the festival will screen more than 120 international films, shorts and documentaries that showcase the best in queer cinema, and will also include an industry day for networking.
Screenings will be held at ACMI, while highlights will also be shown at the Bendigo Queer Film Festival, which runs April 8-24.
“The Melbourne Queer Film Festival is a chance to enjoy a diversity of LGBTI voices, stories and faces on the big screen", Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said. "It helps contribute to a thriving screen culture and progressive society”.
“We are lucky to live in a community where we can celebrate our diversity. This is a great opportunity for film lovers in Melbourne and Bendigo to experience for themselves the best of everything this great event offers.”
Film Victoria chief executive Jenni Tosi said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Melbourne Queer Film Festival in 2016 and I encourage Victorian audiences to attend the terrific program of film and events.”