Golden films at the end of the rainbow

COMING up in September, the debut Golden Rainbows Film Fest will feature LGBTIQIA+ film favourites suitable for all ages.

Cult classics and contemporary films are on the program, while the event will also feature an opportunity for local artists to showcase their creativity.

The festival is being presented by the Golden Plains Youth Council, formerly known as the Youth Activation Committee, and will be a fully supervised event featuring four free film screenings throughout September.

Set to launch the free featured screenings on Friday 5 September is Love, Simon, which will screen at the Y in Bannockburn from 4pm to 8pm.

Then on Friday 12 September, the Linton Bowls Club will host The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert from 4pm to 8pm. Next up is Kinky Boots that’s screening at The Well in Smythesdale from 4pm to 8pm on Friday 19 September.

The Bannockburn Cultural Centre is the venue for the screening of A Nice Indian Boy on Tuesday 23 September from 1pm to 5pm.

As part of the film fest, the Golden Plains Shire Council is taking the opportunity to showcase talent across the municipality by displaying a touring exhibition of artwork and written pieces by LGBTQIA+ young people and their allies.

A community barbecue will be on-site for the first three events and Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Owen Sharkey encouraged local residents to attend.

“This exciting initiative is brought to you by our fantastic Youth Council who are always providing opportunities for social connection and fun,” Cr Sharkey said.

“These events are a safe space to amplify the voices of LGBTQIA+ young people and their allies, fostering inclusion within the community by bringing people together.”

The Golden Rainbows Film Fest is supported by the Victorian Government under its Youth Fest 2025 funding initiative, which recognises the contributions and achievements of young people in their communities.

“While there are currently no plans for it to become an annual event, it’s future depends on the success and interest shown this year, and the availability of future funding,” a Golden Plains Shire Council spokesperson said.

Registrations are through goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events and Eventbrite, with more information available from the council’s Youth Development team.