Opening Night – Private Desert (Open Captions)

Melbourne Premiere

A tale in two parts – lovers who’ve not met, separated by miles of desert – a journey of transcendence, of knowing one's true desires.

Burned-out cop, Daniel, throws caution to the wind and sets out to find his online crush Sara who ghosted him suddenly. Travelling 2,000 miles across regional Brazil in search of her, Daniel finds himself in a game of cat and mouse. But when Daniel finally finds Sara, she’s not quite what he expected.

Set against a backdrop of provincial conservatism in contemporary Brazil, Private Desert is a journey of the heart that will change Sara and Daniel forever. In the tradition of A Fantastic Woman and Strawberry and Chocolate, the film is a swoony, sun-baked romance and a triumphant affirmation of queer love.

CONTENT ADVICE: English language is not subtitled

Red Carpet at 6pm with the screening at 6.30pm followed by the official MQFF32 Opening Night Party

Screens with short film

Graveyard Shift (2022)

Directed by Morgan Flint | Australia | 7 mins

When Brian rises from the dead, he finds an unexpected companion in Jesse, a convenience store clerk. Excited to explore the world, they embark on a late-night adventure - but Brian soon realises that a second chance at life comes with gruesome side-effects.