On Thursday 26th of June, Queerness on Film made its powerful debut in a vibrant evening of bold queer cinema, performance, and community hosted by Lemonade Reps in collaboration with creative agency Hijinks. The event was a proud and unapologetic celebration of LGBTQIA+ stories and artistry, bringing together filmmakers, performers, and creatives in a festive Pride Month gathering.
Held at All is Joy Studios, the night opened with a curated program of short films directed by LGBTQIA+ filmmakers, exploring identity, love, resilience, and joy through an unapologetically queer lens. The screening was hosted by the electrifying drag king Loose Willis, whose wit and charisma guided the audience through an unforgettable journey of cinematic storytelling.
Featured films included:
🎥 The History of the Carabiner - Dir. Gianna Mazzeo
🎥 THE UNLIMITED: Belinda - Dir. Kyla Philander
🎥 If This Were Purgatory - Dir. Honey Birch
🎥 Room Service - Dirs. Sasha Denny & Daisy Allen
🎥 I Don’t Know If I’ll Have to Say Everything Again - Dirs. Vitória Fallavena & Thassilo Weber
🎥 Ticker - Dir. Thom Petty
🎥 Daniel Really Suits You - Dir. Karimah Zakia Issa
🎥 KINGDOM - Dir. Poppy Bullard
Attendees also experienced a captivating live performance by Duane Nasis and were invited to express themselves at a DIY pride placard-making station. The celebration continued late into the night with a high-energy DJ set from Misterchaa.
Alongside the screenings and performances, guests were invited to explore a striking gallery exhibition featuring a diverse range of visual works. The work of photographer Jade Smith showcased a series of vivid, emotionally charged images from Pride events across the UK. Smith’s collection captured the rich tapestry of queer expression, protest, and celebration. You can find more work from Jade on their website here. Surreal paper sculpture headpieces by Matt Timmiss added a sculptural dimension to the space, while photographs by Rebecca Zypher Thomas offered intimate and evocative perspectives on queer identity. Together, the exhibition added a powerful visual narrative to the evening, grounding the event in the lived realities and joy of British LGBTQIA+ communities.
Corin West, Lemonade MD said this:
“Queerness on Film was born out of a desire to platform queer voices in a space that felt authentic, expressive and celebratory. It’s not just about the films, it’s about the community, the conversations, and the creativity that happens when people come together. We’re proud to have created a night that felt as bold and beautiful as the stories being told on screen. We’re already planning next year's event! ”
Paddy Paddison, Senior Creative at Hijinks said this:
“The energy in the room was incredible. Inspiring films, talented people (from the industry and beyond), and a real sense of queer joy and connection. We’ve seen the power of bringing people together to celebrate queer talent and community, and we want to encourage others to do the same - outside of just pride month too. It pays off, and it matters now more than ever.”
Presented with thanks to our generous partners and sponsors:
In partnership with: Hijinks
Supporting Sponsors: LS Productions, NERD, Covert, Ralph, Bubble TV, NaF+, All is Joy Studios, Outvertising & The Visionaries
Want the high-res photos? Just email us at enquiries@lemonadereps.com and we’ll send them your way.