The Mardi Gras Film Festival will launch the full 2014 program of queer films in a special screening of Alan Cumming’s poignant drama ANY DAY NOW at 6:45pm on Wednesday 15 January 2014, Event Cinemas George Street.

Set in 1970s Los Angeles and inspired by a true story, ANY DAY NOW, follows the story of aspiring singer Rudy (Alan Cumming) and his closeted district attorney partner Paul (Garret Dillahunt) who take in an abandoned teenager with Down Syndrome, becoming the family he’s never had. But once the unconventional living arrangement is discovered by authorities, the men must fight the legal system to adopt the child.

On the night new Festival Director, Paul Struthers, will reveal the extensive program of films in the 2014 festival ahead of the screening.

“Over the last 12 months there has been an huge amount of incredible queer cinema from around the globe. Stories of love, loss, politics and pride will all take centre stage in February and I’m excited to be a part of bringing these films to Australian audiences.” says Mardi Gras Film Festival Director, Paul Struthers.

Running from Thursday February 13 to Sunday February 23 2014 at Event Cinemas George Street, and presented by Queer Screen, the Festival will offer up an eclectic selection of classic and contemporary LGBTIQ films from across Australia and around the world – showcasing multiple world and Australian premieres, critically-acclaimed international titles and some of the most groundbreaking queer flicks of all time.

A selection of 10 films has already been announced and are on sale including the hilarious gay teen comedy G.B.F, award-winning documentary CAMP BEAVERTON: MEET THE BEAVERS, and the critically-acclaimed feature CONCUSSION.  The Festival will kick off on opening night with the Australian premiere of REACHING FOR THE MOON, starring Miranda Otto in what Struthers calls “a career best performance”.

Tickets cost just $19 and can be purchased from the Queerscreen website: www.queerscreen.org.au

ABOUT MARDI GRAS FILM FESTIVAL

The Mardi Gras Film Festival has grown considerably since 1993. It is now one of Australia’s largest film festivals of any kind, and one of the top queer film festivals in the world. It is highly regarded by filmmakers all over the world, and is the most important avenue for promoting gay and lesbian titles to distributors and exhibitors in this territory. Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board are the major partner for Mardi Gras Film Festival 2014, and Event Cinemas George Street are their exclusive venue partner.